Kerry Jo Bedsole

The board meeting agenda includes a presentation by Centegix and personnel approvals. Financial items include approval of May 2025 financial statements and August bond payments. Administrative actions involve updating the medication administration procedure, adopting an environmental science textbook, and approving the FY 2025 technology budget. Special education items feature contract approvals for ASL interpreters and an itinerant teacher for visually impaired students. Technology and curriculum items include software renewals and the purchase of various textbooks. Career technical initiatives include the purchase of Chromebooks, authorization for the sale of a tractor, and field trip approvals. The board also planned to discuss and confirm dates for upcoming budget hearings.

This document outlines the Houston County Schools' Comprehensive English Learner District Plan for 2024-2025, aimed at improving the education of English learners (ELs) by assisting them in learning English and meeting challenging state academic standards. The plan details the educational theory and goals, emphasizing equal opportunity and non-discrimination. It includes comprehensive procedures for the identification, placement, and assessment of EL students, leveraging an EL Advisory Committee, Home Language Surveys, and WIDA assessments. The plan also describes the EL program's curriculum, methodologies, and exit requirements, focusing on integrating WIDA ELP standards with Alabama State Content Standards to ensure ELs achieve English proficiency and academic success through evidence-based practices and ongoing program evaluation.

The Houston County Schools Foster Care Plan outlines the district's commitment to ensuring educational stability and minimizing disruptions for children in foster care, in compliance with Title I of ESSA. Recognizing the academic risks faced by foster children, the plan details provisions for maintaining students in their school of origin or facilitating immediate enrollment, and includes school district assurances. Key components involve the assignment of a Foster Care Child Liaison, a committee for appropriate placement determination, and specific procedures for the enrollment of students with disabilities (IDEA) and English learners (EL). Additionally, the plan establishes protocols for transportation, student records, and multi-level dispute resolution processes involving the Local Educational Agency (LEA), State Educational Agency (SEA), and child welfare agencies.

The board agenda included recognitions for National Random Acts of Kindness Week participants, a 20 Under 40 honoree, and the Administrator of the Year. Key items included a review of student scores, personnel approvals, and various consent agenda items such as payroll, bond payments, and financial statements. Specific administrative actions covered auxiliary teacher pay, an explicit images policy, and software assessments. The board addressed federal programs including foster care, homeless education, and consolidated plans. Additional business covered special education service contracts, child nutrition equipment bids, maintenance contract changes, curriculum programs for middle school students, transportation drug testing, and miscellaneous equipment sales and playground purchases.

This plan outlines the strategic direction for Houston County Schools on the path to recovery, focusing on the 2024-2025 school year. It is guided by five principles: transparency, equity, active listening, prioritizing safety, and decisive action. Key areas addressed include student and staff wellness, health protocols, visitor procedures, technology integration, instructional strategies for learning loss recovery, and operational guidelines for traditional and virtual learning options. The plan also details support for exceptional students and English language learners, along with safe practices for athletics and extracurricular activities, aiming to provide a secure and effective educational environment.