Demopolis BOE appointee Moore ‘here to work and serve’

Carolyn Moore will serve on the Demopolis Board of Education following her appointment by the Demopolis City Council Thursday evening.

She will replace Laura Foster, who was not eligible for re-appointment at the end of her term.

“This is such an honor,” said Moore, a U.S. Jones graduate who retired as counselor at USJ in 2011. “I will do my best to serve the people of Demopolis.”

Moore said she believes the faculty is the school system’s greatest asset. “We have people in our school system who work hard and want to produce quality citizens,” she said.

The new BOE member said she has no particular areas of focus in mind upon joining the board. “I just want to get with the other board members, the superintendent and the principals and see what is needed,” she said. “I’m just here to work and serve.”

Moore received four votes, from council members Nathan Hardy, Bill Meador, Harris Nelson and Mayor Mike Grayson.

Councilman Cleveland Cole voted for Johnnie Scott, whom he nominated, and council member Charles Jones Jr., a school system employee, abstained.

Other names mentioned by the council Thursday, but not formally nominated, were Lucy Chu and Marcia Pugh.

The council also appointed Lucinda Mason as an alternate member of the Board of Adjustments. She was the only nominee.

The council made two special presentations to open the meeting. Grayson presented a proclamation to the family of the late Aubrey Randall, long-time Demopolis Fire Chief.

“He was a much respected and much beloved individual,” Grayson said, adding that Friday, June 6 will be declared  Aubrey Randall Day in Demopolis.

Grayson also recognized Demopolis Middle School special education teacher Lisa McHugh, who was recently named Alabama’s Golden Apple Teacher of the Year by Montgomery television station WAKA.

“Not only has Lisa brought acclaim to Demopolis, but this award also reflects the quality of education in our city,” Grayson said.

Monday, June 9 has been proclaimed Lisa McHugh Day in Demopolis.

Jason Pendergrass updated the council on various projects at the airport. He indicated there have been some reductions in grant funding from the state, but he feels the shortfall can be covered from his budget.

The council heard a request from Kayte Melton of the Marengo County History and Archives Museum for $20,000 in annual support. She said the $20,000 was part of a lease agreement that MCHAM has with the city.

She noted numerous organizations that the museum has partnered with and other grants the organization has sought. She said the city’s funds are still badly needed, however.

Grayson noted that the lease agreement pledges the $20,000 only if there is a clear need for renovation or improvement. The mayor noted that the city has spent over $7,000 on the building this year, and that a few other projects are currently underway.

The council took no formal action on Melton’s request.

Grayson said Demopolis received much discussion at a recent Warrior-Tombigbee Conference he attended. He said the Lock and Dam and the port project we the main topics of conversation. “It was very positive,” he said.