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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Bids for projects at Verbena High School and Clanton Middle School were approved for construction at the June 25 meeting of the Chilton County Board of Education.

The board voted 4 to 1 to approve a bid by MJ Brooks Construction to construct multipurpose buildings at each school. Board President Brian Jackson, Vice President Jacqueline Sullivan and board members Angie Sanderson and Chris Smith voted in favor. Board member Pam Price voted against. Board members Lori Patterson and Keith Moore were absent.

The two identical metal structures and concrete pads are expected to cost a combined total of $359,000.

Interior work will be completed by Chilton County Schools maintenance department. This is the same way Isabella High School’s multipurpose building was constructed.

The projects had been delayed at a meeting a few months ago to explore less costly options. The board and Superintendent Jason Griffin expect to save some money by having the maintenance department do the interior work as opposed to having an outside company do the whole thing.

Griffin said the constructed building will be inspected by the state before employees begin interior work.

Both schools have collected and raised funds to contribute to the cost of the project.

VHS has been hoping and working toward this goal for several years.

Another piece of good news was announced at the board meeting. Chilton County Schools will be receiving approximately $2 million from the state as a part of the technology and assistance program. These funds are from the state receiving more revenue than anticipated.

“I am very excited,” Griffin said.

Although the funds cannot be used for new construction, there is a long list of what would qualify.

Maintenance, safety and technology are the major categories.

The BOE will have a work session on July 9 at 4 p.m. to discuss potential uses for the funds.

Work sessions are open meetings that the public can attend.

Also during the meeting, the Board:

• Discussed a number of additional supplements. Each was tabled, and the board requested that Griffin look at the countywide supplement chart to make recommendations.
• Approved a contract with SchoolMessenger.
• Approved an agreement with the 19th Circuit District Attorney Office to continue the Helping Families Initiative, the program helps connect families and children with services as an intervention for students headed for trouble.
• Approved the construction of a band tower at Chilton County High School to be paid for by the band booster club.
• Approved hiring three teachers for Clanton Elementary School to fill existing positions, hiring an elementary teacher for a new position at Isabella, a preschool teacher for Isabella, a band teacher for Jemison Middle School, a social science teacher for JMS and a physical education teacher for Jemison High School.