Rick Patrick, Greene Publishing, Inc.
During the regular meeting of the Madison County School Board on Tuesday, Dec. 6, Superintendent of Schools, Karen Pickles announced that Greenville Elementary School (GES) could be eligible for a federal School Improvement Grant. The grant amount has yet to be determined. These grants are highly competitive. The application process will commence over the coming weeks.
In other business, the board passed items on the consent agenda. This included minutes from previous meetings, the teacher evaluation portal, a career pathways agreement with Taylor Technical School, the annual State Fire Marshall's inspection report for 2016-17, GED requests, and non-general fund staff trips.
The board approved trips for the high school basketball team to travel to Destin and Port St. Joe for basketball games. There was one school zone transfer request for a student to remain at Lee Elementary School. The student's parents have moved elsewhere in the county. This request passed unanimously. The board paved the way for negotiations to move forward on a contract with Leonard Dietzen. School Financial Officer, Ray Griffin informed the board that a new software program is needed for payroll processing. There are three programs that are currently being investigated. The after school tutoring program will be brought back for discussion during the workshop meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 10. A memorandum of understanding with the Madison County Educational Association was passed. Two screened school volunteers were passed. A list of substitute teachers was submitted for approval. District 3 School Board Member VeEtta Hagan made a motion to approve the list and the motion was seconded. District 2 School Board Member Carol Gibson raised a concern about one person on the list. School Board Attorney Tom Reeves informed the board that the motion on the table should be amended to allow for a vote on all the names except the one name Gibson raised concern over. Hagan refused to amend or withdraw her motion. This forced a vote on the motion as it was originally presented. The motion passed.
Ray Griffin then began discussion on the extension of DES contracts for a Finance Assistant and a Food Service supervisor. The board voted to extend the Food Service Supervisor contract for one month. The Finance Assistant contract extension was tabled until the Jan. 10 workshop meeting. The board also discussed holding a retreat for board members later in the year. No date was set for that retreat. There being no other business the board voted to adjourn.
The next regular meeting of the Madison County School Board is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 6 p.m. in the school board meeting room at 210 NE Duval Ave., in Madison.