Pastor Joe Webb, long-time employee of the Greene County School System, was named as Transportation Supervisor effective November 28, 2011. He replaces James “Dee” Powell, who retired recently.

The meeting opened with a financial report from CSFO Shane Martin.

According to Martin, the system presently has a cash and cash equivalency of $13 million. Funds earmarked for the construction of the new Greene County High School totaled $9.8 million; total revenue for October was $800,000; total expenditures for October totaled $1.1 million.

Local revenue totalled $54,000, leaving a total in the General Fund of $4 million and a grand total in all  funds of $16.6 million.

The original budget for the year 2012 was approved by the State Board of Education. Fiscal Year 2011 was closed out and the report was sent to the State Department of Education in a timely fashion.

In her report, Interim Superintendent Emma Louie advised the board of the following:

The system was awarded a $4,000 Art Grant from the State of Alabama; schools will close for Thanksgiving and winter break from November 21-25; parents received students’ grade reports on November 14;  After school tutoring at Greene County High School will begin November 28; the Alabama High School Graduation Exam will be administered December 5-9 at Greene County High School; a card of condolence has been sent to the family of Dr. Ethel Hall, former State School Board Member from Birmingham, who died recently.

The Board held elections for Chairman and Vice Chairman. Leo Branch was re-elected as Chairman and Bobbie Morgan as Vice-Chairman.

Board member Lester Brown reported on the public hearing held on November 14 in the Greene County Courthouse regarding redistricting. He said that the County Commission sponsored the hearing after working with West Alabama Regional Planning Commission. Two different plans were submitted by an employee of WARPC. Brown noted that the School Board was not consulted in any of the commission’s processes and to him the proposals were unacceptable. According to Brown, the School Board must be involved since they have the same districts as the Commission. He also advised them that the redistricting will primarily involve District 1 and District 2, with 1 having too many residents and 2 having too few.

In other business, the Board:

*Was advised that there will be a 90 day West Alabama Stockyard Land Sale Agreement Inspection Period from the date the document is signed.

*Approved $5,000 in earnest money be paid on the West Alabama Stockyard land sale.

*Approved to proceed with Geo-Technical Testing by BECC and Survey by Sentell Engineering.

*Delayed the Design Schedule for nine weeks due to no finalized land sale agreement.

*Approved the fee proposal of $12,000 plus reimbursables of $2,000 for mileage and printing costs to TCU for the Peter J. Kirksey assessment and construction. There will be a $4,000 deduction if architectural plans are on file.

*Approved an AREN Consortium Agreement between Alabama Super Computer and the Greene County Board of Education for internet services.

*Approved the LEA plan for Highly Qualified Teachers.

*Approved a Supplemental Education Services Contract between Appleton Learning and the Greene County Board of Education.

*Approved a Supplemental Education Services Contract between Club Z! In-Home Tutoring and the Greene County Board of Education.

*Approved an agreement between GovDeals and the Greene County Board of Education to auction buses that are no longer in use.

*Approved an agreement between Helping Hands Therapy and the Greene County Board of Education for Physical Therapy Services.

*Approved an agreement between Amy Wilson Quit and  Greene County Board of Education for Speech-Language Therapy Services.

*Approved an agreement between Thumbs Up, Inc. and the Greene County Board of Education for Psychological Testing Services.

*Approved an ESL/EL Plan for 2011-2012.

*Approved payment of all bills and claims.

*Approved the financial statement submitted by SCFO Shane Martin.

The following personnel items were approved:

*Retirement of Mary Otieno as Social Studies teacher at Carver Middle School effective November 30, 2011

*The resignation of Doris Powe, long-term sub at Carver Middle School.

*The reinstatement of Carl Hughes from military duty, effective November 28, 2011.

*Employment of Jacqueline Allen and Carrie Cheeseboro for instructional Support Educational Program at Eutaw Primary (effective 12/1/11 to 3/31/12

*Employment of Reola Bizzell, Jacqueline Allen, Nancy Cole, and Sheanell Edwards for the High Hopes tutoring program at Greene County High.

*Employment of Frederick Square as Principal at Paramount Jr. High School with a one year probationary contract.