Terry Dawson

The strategic plan for Bessemer City Schools is a roadmap to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment that meets the needs of the whole child. It focuses on four key strategic goals: Governance and Leadership Effectiveness, Effective Teaching and Learning, Stakeholder Engagement and Communication, and Resource Fulfillment. The plan aims to prepare all students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be successful in their unique endeavors, serving as a model of excellence.

The meeting included a financial report, presentations on Magic Touch cleaning services, and legal updates. Director reports covered technology services, the 21st Century Grant application, and maintenance updates. Discussion items included maintenance reports, goal-setting meetings, and updates on computer collections and a parent survey. The superintendent's recommendations included personnel actions, work session and board meeting dates, and contract approvals for summer services and testing. Several items were tabled. An executive session was held to discuss legal matters.

The meeting's agenda includes several key items: approval of security services for the Flex Program, approval of out-of-state field trips for Jonesboro Elementary and transportation contracts for Hard Elementary and Greenwood Elementary, approval of the 2025-2026 school calendar draft, approval of personnel actions, and approval of a revised salary schedule for central office secretaries. A regular board meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2025.

The work session includes bid openings for commercial roll-up doors, HVAC duct cleaning, and an HVAC system. Commendations and recognitions will be given. Financial reports will be reviewed. Community input will be heard. Reports from the Director of Facilities and Maintenance and Technology Coordinator will be reviewed. Discussions will cover a Lean Frog presentation, dates for curriculum and superintendent evaluation meetings, a capital planning meeting, the district calendar, attorney follow-up, and bid openings for roofing projects. New business includes personnel actions, contracting with Education Elements for strategic plan support, contracting with Peter Gorman Leadership Associates for leadership development, expanding services with Concentric Educational Solutions for attendance improvement, contracting with Education Unlimited Solutions for ARP ESSER III support, approval of the 2024 Summer Food Service Program, approval for Southern Natural Gas pipeline replacement, contracting with Instruction Partners for elementary school support, approval of probationary and principal contracts, approval of instructional training and coaching services from Suttle Freeman, and approval of several donations. The superintendent will give a report, and an executive session will be held to discuss student matters. Finally, student matter recommendations will be reviewed.

The meeting will include a financial report, attorney's report, superintendent evaluation discussion, bid openings for roofing projects, and various information and discussion items. Key agenda items include personnel actions, contract amendments for several employees, and approvals for various contracts with external organizations for services such as strategic plan support, executive coaching, attendance improvement initiatives, ARP ESSER III completion support, summer operations, right-of-way acquisition, instructional support, and principal contracts. The agenda also includes approval of donations, a superintendent's report, and consideration of student matters. Finally, the meeting will cover the approval of a revised district calendar and several lowest responsible bidders for various projects.