By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

 

Transportation for dual-enrollment students was a debated topic during the Chilton County Board of Education meeting on March 22.

The discussion began when the policy covering the acceptable arrangements for dual- enrollment students getting to Jefferson State Community College Chilton-Clanton Campus was presented for approval.

Under transportation responsibilities, the policy stated, “Transportation is the responsibility of the parent or guardian of the student unless otherwise assumed by the LEA [local education agency].”

The policy was approved 6 to 1. Board member Pam Price voted against the motion.

Price expressed concern at the cost to transport students to the college.

“This is a college level that we are offering them and I feel like we shouldn’t offer transportation,” Price said

Glasscock said transportation would only be provided from the schools that had enough interested students to make it worthwhile.

“We are well aware of the cost. We did a cost analysis,” Glasscock said. “The reason to provide transportation is students in Maplesville getting to Jeff State.”

Glasscock said after surveying principals only those at Maplesville and Isabella high schools were interested in having school bus transportation for their dual-enrollment students. Glasscock said the two schools would be enough to fill a bus, and are on the way to each other.

“Maplesville has pleaded with me not to cut that transportation out,” Glasscock said.

The original school policy was that all students would ride the bus to dual enrollment classes. Later, the policy was changed to allow students to drive themselves.

Price said it was not fair to offer transportation for one school and not another.

“I don’t mind shuttling them back and forth … But I think Jeff State ought to pick up some of this,” Board member Keith Moore said.

The board approved moving four principals from probationary principals to contracted principals. These principals were Todd Davis at Verbena High, Scott Ingram at Jemsion High, DJ Nix at Jemison Intermediate and Dara Norman at LeCroy Career Tech.

Price expressed concern at how Davis would be paid because he receives a supplement for “a school safety position that takes him away from work at Verbena.” The board entered an executive session to discuss the topic.

Renewing contracts for principals Ricky Porter at Isabella High, Dr. Cynthia Stewart at Chilton County High and Rebecca Threlkeld at Clanton Elementary was also approved.

All the principal positions will be for three year terms beginning on July 1. Contracts will be approved at a later date.

Amy Sherer was approved as the assistant chief school financial officer position. Ashlie Harrison was approved as the director of teaching and learning. Harrison will also oversee federal programs. Glasscock said he wants to try it this way to start out. Price voted against the approval.

“I am concerned because federal programs, I would think that was an all-day every day job,” Price said.

Corey Clements and Kendall Jackson were approved for probationary principal.

The board approved 6 to 1 a 15-day suspension for Clanton Elementary teacher Lori Cleckler. Board Member Jim Shannon voted against.

Glasscock requested due to concerns of “lack of classroom discipline and management.”

The termination of Katrina Plyler from the CNP assistant position at Thorsby High School was also approved.