Two groups address Demopolis BOE in Monday meeting
In a standing-room-only meeting of the Demopolis City Schools Board of Education Monday, two contingents of citizens and parents brought concerns to board members.
Heather Wilson spoke for parents of boys on the Demopolis Middle School basketball team asking the board reconsider reinstating Jesse Bell as the team coach.
Bell had been charged with several crimes, but all charges were dismissed in August. He remains a teacher at DMS, but he was suspended as a coach.
The second group represented graduates of the formerly all-black U.S. Jones High School. Dr. Milton Young, speaking for the former students, said they were attending the meeting to “get understanding and clarification” of the proposal to convert USJ to a tech-prep center. The group was concerned the name of the school would be changed and that it would be boarded up.
Supt. Kyle Kallhoff assured them that he would never consider changing the name of the school, a stand seconded by board member Carolyn Moore, herself a graduate of the school.
Kallhoff will work with the group to set up a date for a community meeting in January to answer all questions and concerns.
The board approved a contract to hire Andy Turberville as an adjunct instructor. She will begin the groundwork for the Education and Training Career Tech program to start in the fall of 2017.
This is the latest in new career tech offerings, with a heating and air conditioning curriculum in conjunction with Shelton State Community College opening in January and one in forestry planned to begin at the start of the next school year.
Kallhoff thanked local benefactors for $10,000 in donations and more than $20,000 in equipment given for the HVAC program.
The board approved the first reading of the High School Diploma Requirements and Endorsements that will go into effect next year for entering freshmen.
A public hearing on the proposal will be held Wednesday, Dec. 1, at 4:30 p.m. Kallhoff said teachers already have had an input. Now it is time to hear from parents and students.
The proposal will provide for four endorsements for students who wish to complete more than the minimum requirements for an Alabama High School Diploma. They are Advanced Placement, Advanced, Advanced Career Tech and Career Tech.
In other action the board approved:
- Substitute licensed for Louise Warren, Norma Ethridge, Edna Richardson, Ronnie Abrams, Leroy L. Harris and Rodney Rowser.
- Retirement of Julie Lee, Special Education teacher at Westside Elementary, effective Dec. 31.
- Meagan Gurley as head Tennis Coach with a supplement
- Paula Price, CNP worker, a leave of absence.
- Maternity leave for Janie Basinger beginning Feb. 24, 2017.
- Travel for Kallhoff to the Alabama Association of School Boards meeting in Birmingham Dec. 8-10.
- Overnight field trip to Birmingham for the DMS BETA Club Feb. 22-24, 2017.
In keeping with the tradition Kallhoff started last year, the board recognized students and teachers of the month from two schools. From WES were first grader JeKiyah Ball and second grade teacher Dee Roark. LA’Cher Gray, a 6th grader, and receptionist Freddie James were honored from DMS.
The next board meeting will be Monday, Dec. 12.