BOE approves personnel, policies, bids

By Christa Jennings

Senior Staff Writer 

 

During its June meeting, the Coosa County Board of Education approved numerous personnel matters, as well as policies, product bids and more to prepare for the new school year.

While personnel matters were approved in June, names of those involved were not released until the Board approved those minutes at its July meeting.

Regarding resignations, with all Board members present, the Board unanimously approved acceptance of a letter of resignation from high school history teacher Vernon Harmon and unanimously approved rescinding the non-renewal of special education teacher Nelson Garrett as notification of resignation had been received.

The Board also approved certified and non-certified voluntary transfers.

In certified voluntary transfers, the Board unanimously approved the transfer of Jordan Bryant from elementary special education teacher to high school special education teacher for the 2025-2026 school year, pending meeting all requirements along with obtaining an emergency certification, and the transfer of Breezy Johnson from high school English language arts teacher to high school special education teacher for the 2025-2026 school year.

In other voluntary transfers, the Board approved the transfer of Andrew Padgett from special education paraprofessional to the position of special education teacher at Central Elementary School for the 2025-2026 school year, with Board Member Jenny Kimbrell recusing herself and the four remaining Board members approving the transfer.

The Board also unanimously approved the transfer of Deborah Abrams from Child Nutrition Program lunchroom manager to CNP director for the 2025-2026 school year, pending completion of certification or certificate eligible within three years, with that being effective July 31.

In other personnel matters, the Board unanimously approved three new certified hires and four non-certified hires for the 2025-2026 school year.

The Board approved hiring Melody Rathel as an English language arts teacher, pending meeting all requirements and obtaining an emergency certification; Jovin Hunter as a history teacher and football offensive coordinator, pending meeting all requirements and obtaining his Teaching Certificate; and Clay Shearer as a history teacher, varsity head baseball coach and junior varsity volleyball coach, pending meeting all requirements.

In non-certified recommendations, the Board approved hiring April Honeycutt as elementary school secretary; Kimberly Simmons as a bus driver, pending completion of all requirements; Monique Harrell as an 8-hour lunchroom manager, pending completion of all requirements; and Tamiya Williams as a paraprofessional in the multi-needs classroom, pending meeting all requirements, with this being a grant-funded position for the current school year that may not be renewed in October.

The Board also unanimously approved an extra-hour contract for paraprofessionals for this school year and approved numerous substitute contracts for lunchroom workers, teachers/aides, nurses, and bus drivers.

In other business, the Board unanimously approved an agreement with a special education parent, including that the district will pay attorney fees within 10 days of the execution of the agreement; an update to Board Policy #6.23; adoption of Policy #5.11.12 complying with Act 2025-81 regarding an emergency rule to provide guidance to employees relating to paid parental leave for teachers and other eligible employees; Katelyn Martin as band auxiliary (color guard) sponsor for the school year; and contracting with First Response Pest Control for its services for the facilities from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

Regarding bids received, the Board unanimously approved low bids from Allen Oil Co. of Sylacauga Inc. for gasoline, bus diesel fuel and heating diesel fuel; the low bid from Blossman Gas for propane; low bid from W.H. Thomas Oil for motor oil; and the low bid from Byrd Contractors Inc. for the waste water plant in the amount of $681,855.

Following its July 24 meeting, the next regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Board of Education will be held at 4 p.m. August 28.