Lengthy BOE agenda covers purchases, personnel
Playground equipment, software, 3-D headsets, lights for the tennis courts, demolition, and time clocks received approval from the Demopolis City Schools Bard of Education Monday.
In its first meeting since the start of school, the board covered a lengthy agenda that also included contract approvals, supplemental pay, and job descriptions.
Westside and U.S. Jones Elementary schools each will have playground equipment designed for special needs students but suitable for all children to use. The purchases from Gametime include $63,659.44 for USJ and $65,279.44 for WES. Funding comes from monies left from special education allotments.
Qualtrics Data Analytics was approved for the purchase of software that will enable teachers to use demographic data more efficiently in helping students perform better in class. The $20,700 cost is for one year and includes the training to use the system.
Engineering fees to determine the specifications for new lighting at the Demopolis High tennis courts received an okay at a cost of $14,000. All meets now must be away since the courts have no lights.
The board authorized the purchase of 30 3-D headsets, charging cart, resources, and tools from BLUUM of Texas, LLC for DMS at a cost of $19,297. The funding comes from ESTER money.
Dugouts at the DHS baseball field have a large crack and are “one storm away from collapsing,” said Supt. Tony Willis. The board approved demolition of the dugouts in the amount of $9,500.
New digital time clocks will be installed at all four campuses from the approval of a contract with Harris School Solutions for $17,640. The current system is 20 years old, and the company no longer offers support.
In other action, the board approved:
- The extension of the contract with J.B. Warren for technical assistance through Oct. 7.
- New job descriptions for Child Nutrition Program manager, assistant program manager and program worker in the cafeterias.
- Corrected salary matrix.
- The contract for USJ principal Alphus Shipman.
- Adjusted supplement schedule for football coaches after one of the coaches resigned.
- Inventory disposition of four items.
The board approved travel for the DHS cross-country teams to Collinsville, Miss., Aug. 27, Sept. 20 and 22, and Oct. 1 and 6. If the teams qualify, they also were given the okay to attend the state meeting at Jesse Owens Park in Danville Nov. 4-5. The Two Rivers Arts Council was given permission to use the DHS Auditorium Nov. 30.
The personnel report included:
- Resignation of Andrew Luker, DHS history teacher, effective Sept. 2.
- Hiring Dianne McNeill as elementary education teacher.
- Louise Warren with a sub license.
- Jessica White as a long-term sub for third grade vacancy.
- Keesha Jamison to receive $1,200 for softball supplement.
- Marlana Mitchell as co-auxiliary sponsor for a supplement of $1,000.
- The next scheduled meeting will be Sept. 19 at 5:15 p.m.