Shane Barnette

The agenda for the meeting included recognizing the 2024/2025 Board President and presenting Outstanding Literacy Awards. Key personnel actions reviewed included accepting several resignations and multiple requests for Leave of Absences under FMLA/PPL for teachers and staff. The commission considered several voluntary transfers for maintenance and intervention teaching positions, as well as new appointments for roles such as EL/Parent Liaison Specialist, elementary teachers, and a custodian. Approval was sought for new substitute teachers and contract/salary upgrades for personnel obtaining new degrees. The agenda also covered the approval of 2025-2026 Non-Faculty Coaches, requests for supplemental pay for coaching and event duties at various schools, and approval for before- and after-school programs and tutoring personnel. Additionally, two out-of-state field trip requests were presented for approval. Financial matters included the approval of November 2025 Financial Statements, November 2025 Bills and Salaries totaling over $11.4 million, and the bid for stadium lighting replacement at West Point High School. Finally, the commission was scheduled to approve the 2026/2027 School Registration Book and Calendar.

The agenda includes discussion of resignations, leave of absences, voluntary transfers and appointments. It also includes the approval of substitutes, long-term certified teacher substitutes, contract/salary changes and non-faculty coaches. Additional items include requests for payments for additional work, approval of before and after school tutoring programs, approval of the sick leave bank committee, out-of-state field trip requests, approval of financial statements and bills, approval of a change order, acting as general contractor for a lighting project, approval of a maintenance department bid, and approval of a new board policy regarding vape awareness, education, and prevention.

The meeting included recognition of Owen Freeman from West Point Middle School for his achievements. The state examiners presented the audit report for fiscal year 2022, highlighting an unmodified opinion on the board's financial statements and major federal financial assistance programs. There was a finding reported regarding bank reconciliations. The board discussed and approved various items, including personnel matters, school requests, trips, and financial items. A maintenance department item was approved for changes to the front steps, and the transportation department received approval to auction off buses. The board also approved the renewal of contracts, the purchase of English language arts material, and attendance of members at conferences. Nominations for members of the Cullman County Board of Equalization were approved. The superintendent's report included updates on progress reports, kindergarten registration, high school graduation, and upcoming county tournaments.

The meeting addressed several items including personnel changes, school requests, child nutrition department matters, and the nomination of individuals to the sick leave Bank committee. Approval was granted for out-of-state field trips and financial items. Additionally, transportation department items were approved. The board discussed and approved a maintenance item related to the West Point cafeteria, including an addition, roof replacement, and renovations. Delegates for the 2022 Alabama Association of School Boards delegate assembly were selected. The superintendent provided updates on the school calendar, including the end of the first nine weeks, report card distribution, an upcoming e-learning day, and the Veterans Day closure. Community meetings were also announced.

The meeting included awards and recognitions, such as the Child Development Center's donation to Truth in Nature. The Inspires team was recognized for their achievements related to their mission to Europa. New inductees into the national board certified teachers were introduced. The school board member recognition was also part of the meeting. New board members were seated. The board also discussed and approved personnel items, school requests, out-of-state field trips, and financial items. Recognition was given to Ed for his work. The maintenance department items were approved. The 2023-24 school calendar was approved. Saran Stacy visited the schools. Report cards will be sent home, and schools will be closed for Martin Luther King Jr Day. The County basketball tournament is coming up. The East West All-Star game will be brought back.