Marcus Ezell

The key discussions during the meeting included the approval of the 2026-2027 Calendar Committee appointments and the Auxiliary Teacher Job Description. The Board considered a recommendation to approve the HVAC replacement bid but it died for a lack of a vote. Several out-of-state field trips were approved for Southern Choctaw Elementary School, Choctaw County High School, and Southern Choctaw High School for student rewards, a fundraiser, and a baseball game, respectively. Personnel actions included approving a family medical leave for a teacher, and employment approvals for a teacher, a bus driver, an instructional aide, and assistant softball coaches, as well as an after-school tutor and a volunteer baseball coach. Superintendent Updates noted the successful self-repair of a major bus issue by transportation staff and recognized the JAG program for receiving several district honors, qualifying students for state competition.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. The primary discussion focused on prioritizing maintenance issues across all schools and identifying available funds or grants to cover the associated costs.

Key discussions included the approval of the agenda and personnel recommendations spanning retirements, resignations, and family medical leaves for various staff members, along with retroactive approvals for a trainer position. The Board also approved volunteer basketball coaches for Choctaw County High School. Several out-of-state field trips were approved: one for the CCHS softball team to Clarkdale and Quitman, MS, and another for CCES to Meridian, MS, for academic recognition. Updates highlighted achievements such as a teacher winning the Capit National Reading Challenge, Southern Choctaw Elementary School's significant report card grade improvement, and the school system ranking first in Alabama for FAFSA completion by seniors. Furthermore, both high schools received $25,000 each from a College-and-Career Ready Grant. Board members received recognition gifts from various schools.

The meeting commenced with an amendment to the agenda to add a brief executive session to discuss a litigation settlement, which was subsequently moved into. Key approvals included the agenda for the current meeting and the financial statements, cash report, and bank reconciliations for October 2025. Discussions included the 2025 Accountability Report Card presentation. The Board approved a confidential settlement concerning case #CV2023-9000004. Personnel actions included approving the retirement of a Bus Driver, and employment for a substitute, a teacher, another Bus Driver, a fresh fruit and vegetable worker, and an assistant girls' basketball coach. Superintendent updates noted that Southern Choctaw High School was named an Alabama Semiquincentennial school and a teacher received a Future Teachers of Alabama Grant. A significant discussion concerned vacant buildings (Oscar Gray Concession, CBOE Maintenance Office, and the Old Headstart Building) where insurance coverage was deemed inadequate; the Board ultimately approved the demolition of these three buildings pending a bid process.

This document details the process for developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating Continuous Improvement Plans (ACIPs) for schools, adhering to ESSA and Alabama State Department of Education requirements. Key components include comprehensive needs assessments, broad stakeholder involvement, regular plan reviews and evaluations, and the strategic allocation of federal funds. The overarching aim is to ensure students achieve challenging academic standards and to facilitate data-driven adjustments for continuous improvement.