Thursday evening, November 10, the Madison County Board of Education held its monthly meeting. The meeting opened with a student showcase with the Silver Creek Elementary choir performing This Land in honor of Veteran’s Day. In addition, Eliza and Abigail Isaac of Foley Middle School were recognized for their fire hydrant paintings in participation with the Berea Fire Department toy drive fundraiser. The twin sisters were both declared winners in the contest.
The board also recognized the 2022 Stillwell Meritorious Service Award recipients for Ben Burnett, Randy Neely, and 70 other technology staff members. This was in appreciation for implementing technology in education during the COVID-19 pandemic; a complete list of recipients is listed on the district website.
All consent agenda items were approved. This included approving leaves of absence, shortened school day applications, and out-of-state field trips for Madison Central and Madison Southern athletic and AFJROTC programs.
During the instruction report, district math coaches Tiffany Brock, and Peggy Blankenship stated that nine schools are implementing the district’s Math Design Curriculum. Furthermore, Tony Thomas of Clotfelter-Samokar Architects provided construction updates; AtClark Moores Middle School, students can access every building area except concession stand locker rooms. The board discussed having an open house for parents to view the finished remodeled project. At Ignite Academy North, the gymnasium now has an occupancy permit and can be used. The code official has not given a permit for occupancy at Ignite Academy South. Both Ignite Academies can be utilized as storm shelters. The cooling tower replacement at Madison Kindergarten Academy is in progress. The baseball and softball dugout projects are not finished.
The action agenda began with Chief Financial Officer Mark Woods presenting. Mr. Woods provided the monthly financial report. As of October 31, the board’s reconciled balance was $55,752,005.47. This number is considerably down from last year due to construction projects. The district does have investments in place, including certificates of deposit with a two percent rate and treasury bonds at a 1.6% rate.
Tammy Patrick of Patrick & Associates stated that the district was given a clean audit and is in a good financial position.
The district approved funds for teacher stipends of $30 for when a teacher provides additional services, specifically when covering classes during their planning time.
Two emergency certification teachers were hired. One is a math teacher at Madison Southern High School, and the other is a K-5 teacher at Kingston Elementary.
During the Superintendent’s report, Dr. David Gilliam announced Jeremy Phillips as the new principal at Madison Southern. Dr. Gilliam also stated that schoolwide attendance is improving above 90 percent. The superintendent acknowledged the Madison Central band for winning the 5A championship. Finally, 64 participants attended the district’s aspiring leaders meeting.
The next scheduled school board meeting is December 8.
