Jeremy Childers

Key agenda items included the adoption of the agenda and special recognition for Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year and Classified Staff Member of the Year. The consent agenda addressed approvals for previous meeting minutes (excluding the current one), several out-of-state field trip requests for junior high students, various facility usage requests across multiple high schools for basketball-related activities, new Memorandums of Agreement with the Gene Haas Foundation/Haas Automation, Inc. and Robinson Counseling. Financial reports for January 2026 and a February check register were presented for approval, along with bids for the Child Nutrition Program (supplemental groceries and milk). Further actions included declaring a mower at Priceville High School as surplus equipment. The Board approved a contract proposal for summer employment for Career Coaches, the renewal of the Grounds Services Bid, the revised 2026-2027 School Calendar, software updates from Harris School Solutions, gymnasium floor reconditioning at Cotaco School, and field improvements at West Morgan High School. Curriculum material (mathematics) approval was sought, as was the 2026-2027 Student Code of Conduct. Bids were approved for HVAC upgrades at Brewer High School and HVAC improvements at Danville High School, and paving at Eva School and Lacey's Spring School. Numerous personnel actions were recommended, including new employment, stipends, resignations, retirements, reassignments of career coaches, and granting medical unpaid leave for staff members.

The meeting included a work session prior to the main session. The agenda was adopted after adding several recommendations from the Superintendent, including Action Items 11A, 11B, 11C, and Personnel Items 22 through 40. The Board approved a Consent Agenda which included various out-of-state field trip requests for robotics and STEM events, contract approvals, facility use agreements, and a Memorandum of Agreement with the Alabama State Department of Education for a Regional Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment Convener. Specific approvals were made for proposals from Stivers Ford Lincoln for two trucks, a quote from McSweeney Auto for another truck, the 2026 Summer Reading and Math Programs, and a quote from GameTime for a special needs playground addition at Priceville Elementary School. The financial statements for December 2025 and the January 2026 Check Register Accountability Report were approved, along with bus bids from Southland and Transportation South. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to approving personnel actions, including accepting retirements and resignations, approving supplements, and authorizing the employment and transfer of numerous staff members across various roles and schools, effective on dates in January and February 2026.

The meeting commenced with a prayer focusing on gratitude for the county, the school system, and the children, followed by the pledge of allegiance. The agenda was adopted unanimously after additions were made, including recommendations from the superintendent (Action Item 10A and Personnel Items 8 through 18). Key business items approved included a change order proposal for exterior drainage improvements at the West Morgan Middle School gym and the joint cooperative agreement for the North Central Alabama New Child Nutrition Program for the 2026-2027 term. Financial items approved included the Morgan County Board of Education November 2025 financial statements and the December 2025 check register accountability report. Personnel items 1 through 18 were also approved. The meeting concluded with an adjournment motion that passed unanimously.

The work session provided updates on numerous new construction projects including Gide Hill classrooms, Pros Junior High, Pros High School baseball/softball fields, Danville High School football field, and Brewer High School athletic fields. Key discussion points focused on financial performance for completed projects, noting significant savings under budget for Union Hill School (approximately $649,000 saved) and Prosper Junior High ($1.4 million saved). Several projects, including Union Hill and Prosper Junior High, are awaiting final closeout documents and warranties before final retention payments are released. Updates were also provided on ongoing construction for Danville High School football facilities, Prosper High School softball/baseball fields (aiming for completion by mid-February), Brewer High School athletic facility upgrades (including new home bleachers, concession stand, and locker room remodeling), and a major drainage pipe installation near Brewer High School. Additionally, enrollment data was reviewed, showing a net decrease of 88 students across the district, with significant growth in the Prosville and West Morgan areas and declines in Danville, Brewer, and Union Hill areas. It was noted that Lacy Springs Elementary received a $99,000 grant for playground equipment. Finally, plans for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house related to a rural development grant project with Calhoun Community College were discussed.

The meeting included a work session prior to the main session. Key actions involved the adoption of the agenda, which included added action and personnel items recommended by the Superintendent. The Board approved the Consent Agenda items, specifically excluding the approval of previous minutes but including financial statements for November 2025. Major approvals included Change Order Proposal No. 1 for exterior drainage improvements at West Morgan Middle School Gym and the North Central Alabama Child Nutrition Program Joint Cooperative Agreement for 2026-2027. A substantial portion of the meeting was dedicated to personnel actions, involving the approval of supplement schedules for the 2025-2026 year, acceptance of resignations/retirements, and the employment/substitute appointments for various teaching, aide, nursing, and bus driver positions, along with approving Special Education Teacher and Speech Pathologist Supplements.