USJ alumni asking for historic marker to mark centennial
Camilla Ratliff Eatmon, a member of the last graduating class from U.S. Jones High School in 1970, asked the Demopolis City School Board Tuesday to support the campaign for a historical marker at the school.
USJ is named for Ulysses Simpson Jones who founded the City Public School for Negroes of Demopolis in 1920. Eatmon said graduates of the school will be gathering for a reunion May 29-31 to mark USJ’s centennial. More than 100 former students already are registered, she said.
Since the class doesn’t own the school property, its members are asking the school board to approve the marker and encourage the City of Demopolis to pay the $2,600 fee.
“We need one for U.S. Jones,” she said.
The board approved changes to three adjunct employee contracts, two for ROTC officers and one extending hours for a special education teacher at the high school. The ROTC instructors now are working on a substitute teacher salary.
Several teachers in the system are voluntarily becoming certified in other fields. To receive the certification, they must take a Praxis Test at a cost of $120.
Supt. Kyle Kallhoff asked the board to approve reimbursing employees who take the test. It would “remove a barrier” to having teachers qualified in math, science and special education, fields that are very difficult to fill.
Board member Carolyn Moore questioned whether a teacher who received reimbursement would be required to stay with the system, and Kallhoff said such a stipulation would be added.
In other action the board voted:
- To take out an insurance policy with AirMedCare for athletes whose injuries require transportation to a medical facility.
- Approval for the first budget amendment for FY2020.
- To dispose of inventory no longer needed or beyond repair.
- For the use of the USJ Gym Feb. 22 by the Anita Rembert family.
- To increase bus driver hourly rate by $2 to $12.
- For the spring sport schedules for Demopolis Middle and Demopolis High softball, golf and track.
- For out-of-state and/overnight travel for the DHS golf teams in April and May to Mobile and Montgomery.
- Approval for curriculum changes at DMS and DHS for 2020-2021.
Students, support staff and teachers of the month from USJ and DHS were recognized during the meeting.
From USJ were fourth grader Abigail Sanders; support staff Jennifer McCray and teacher Margie Jackson.
Recognized from DHS were senior Timothy Grayson, support staff Patrick Allen and teacher Rebecca Pipkins.
The board also approved the retirement of Peter Jones, special education aide at DMS effective June 1, and leaves of absence for Roger Locke, maintenance supervisor, and Constance Cleveland, Westside Elementary teacher.
During his comments, Kallhoff spoke on two issues affecting education in Alabama. The first is proposed legislation that would shorten the school year by 18 days but still require the equivalent of 180 days of instruction.
“I don’t see where it’s good for us. I don’t see where it’s good for Demopolis,” said Kallhoff.
The second is the Amendment 1 proposal on the March 3 ballot that would make the state school board appointed instead of elected. If passed, he said, there would be less local control and primarily benefit the “Big 4” cities of Mobile, Montgomery, Birmingham and Huntsville.
Kallhoff also reviewed the protocol to be followed when students have unexcused absences, including the possibility of arrest and fines for parents.