DHS sets records for graduates; AU now part of dual enrollment
After the Demopolis City Schools Board of Education took care of routine business at its meeting Monday, Supt. Tony Willis shared good news and goals for better news in the future.
Using graphs to illustrate his points, Willis told the board that the percentages for Demopolis High graduation rate, Career Readiness Indicators and earned college credits hit the highest marks in the school’s history.
DHS had 91.95 percent of its seniors graduate this year, and 88 percent of them had certification of career readiness, showed their readiness for college with AP or ACT scores or had enlisted in the military. The goal to be reached, he said, is to have the graduation and CCRI rates match.
Willis said DHS graduates set another record with $5.8 million in scholarships awarded this year.
With new board president Olen Kerby presiding, the board recognized outgoing board member and past president Conrad Murdoch for his 10 years of service. The board also welcomed its newest member – and former member – Bobby Armstead who was sworn in by CSFO Morgan Nelson.
The board approved two changes to the board policy. The first requires students outside of the school district to pay an annual $100 fee to attend Demopolis schools. The second spells out how students can get credit recovery.
Bob Summerville and Lana Smelley of SUMMCO Construction were given the okay to plan and supervise the renovation to the entrance of U.S. Jones Elementary School. The main entrance is being returned to its original location from its current site next to the gymnasium.
SUMMCO will design, bid out and supervise construction of an awning, access ramp and a secure door from the lobby into the classroom area. Summerville said the work should be completed before the beginning of school in August.
DCS already has dual enrollment agreements with Wallace Community College and the University of West Alabama. Auburn University reached out to the system to allow students to take its classes, and the board approved the agreement.
Also approved was the contract with Fleming Photography, what Willis called a “long-standing relationship.”
Under consent items, the board approved:
- A+ College Ready E3 Training.
- Routine payment schedule.
- Disposal of textbooks for both Westside Elementary and Demopolis High schools.
- Job description for the new position of Special Education Instructional Coach.
- Use of the DHS gymnasium July 9 to hold Walmart’s first Unity of the Community Basketball Tournament to benefit Children’s Hospital of Alabama.
The board approved the following personnel matters:
- Jessica Dial hired as Federal Programs bookkeeper, 10-month part time effective July 19.
- Anna Ezell hired as ELA teacher at Demopolis Middle School, pending documentation.
- Zachary Bigham hired as DHS and DMS band director, pending documentation.
- Andrew Luker hired as DHS history teacher, pending documentation.
- Carrie Dauphin, DHS academic coach, 10-month part time verified start date of July 19.
- Kate Lee reassigned from 10-month lead nurse at DHS to 12-month lead nurse effective July 1.