001welcome you to the November meeting of the trustful board of education. If you would please stand and join me in a moment of prayer followed by followed by the pledge. Dearly father, we thank you for our many blessings. We thank you for the opportunity to gather this evening. We ask that you guide us in making our decisions for our young people as we enter a season of thanksgiving. We ask that you continue to bless and protect our first responders, our military, and all of our educators. We ask this in Christ's name. Amen. >> Amen. >> Attention, salute, pledge. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. >> Miss Vernon,
002would you please call the role? >> Sure. >> Uh Steve Ward >> here. >> Sher Tober, >> present. Jason Daniel >> here. >> Kim Dezo >> here. >> Kathy Brown >> here. >> Okay. Thank you. Want to welcome all of our visitors and would also like to welcome Jamie Anderson, our liaison from the city council. Good to have you with us. You applaud if you'd like. At this time, I'll ask the board members if you've had an opportunity to look at the agenda. And if so, may I have a motion to adopt the agenda? >> Have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Hearing? None. We ad we adopt the agenda. Dr. Martin, I think we have some recognitions. >> Thank you. >> Good evening everyone.
003>> Big crowd here for our board of education meeting. Um, the first group that we would like to recognize actually an individual LJ Gunter is LJ here. Come on up here, LJ. Can we give LJ a round of applause? Stand right here next to me. LJ. All right. So, LJ is being recognized tonight. He is part of our gifted program and uh he was the winner of the Alabama Association for Gifted Students, the video award for sixth through 8th grade and his video was titled Navigating Through My Gifted Program and I think we have a copy of the video. Correct? All right. Could we show that now to where you can see on the screen? Hello, I'm LJ. I'm here to tell you something about navigating through gifted. Navigating through my gifted journey has directed
004me to my engineering talent which includes me being able to code through hands-on building and find the right way to solve and fix things. People think gifted life is easy that you're always ahead, always winning. But the truth being gifted means pressure. It means here you have much potential. Being a gifted student can also have plenty of challenges along the way. Also many opportunities. A challenge that could be faced through your journey is making your ideas different or unique from others. The opportunities that you may face throughout the way can make you great, even successful. But for this to happen, you have to start like now. [Music] >> All right, let's give LJ a round of applause. So LJ, and I'm going to move this down for you. I wanted to ask you two questions.
005The first question is, what is your favorite part of going to the gifted classes as a student? >> Um, I think, no, I know it's marketplace. I like doing marketplace when I go to gifted. Um, I like thinking a lot when it comes to gifted. Um, it's just a lot of stuff that I could say about Gate that I like. Um, what else? We do a lot of hands-on things. Um, Lego robot things. Computer, Chromebooks, and other stuff. >> Okay. All right. And then I saw you doing a couple things in the video. So, you're reading. There were some push-ups. I saw a medicine ball. A lot of different activities. So, taking all of this right now as a student, what would you like to do when you get older? >> Um, I would like
006to become a chef, a baker, a football player, and an engineer. >> All right. All right. Good deal. Good deal. I was going to say I'm going to ask one more question. Miss Morrison, what does she mean to you as a student? How does she inspire you each and every day? Um, I never really had Miss Morrison, but from other people, I heard that she was a really nice teacher. Um, I'm actually doing gay just to get to experience her next year. Um, but I heard she's good at like engineering. She sets a marketplace for us and other things like that. >> Okay. And I don't know if you knew this, but part of Miss Morrison's job at the middle school is to follow LJ around to all of his classes, holding his trophy and
007this package. Correct. Anything that you would like to say as well about LJ? Uh LJ has been a fantastic addition to our program. He brings a lot of creativity to light and we're so excited that he's going to be part of our program next year in class. >> LJ Gunter, let's give him a round of applause. Can we get the two of you to take a picture right there? [Applause] >> Absolutely. >> All right, LJ, great job. I'm going to have you go right there with M and take a picture. >> All right. Thank you both for being here. [Applause] All right. The next group that we have the uh the privilege of honoring here this evening as part of our recognitions is our Huitt Trustful Volleyball team. So, if all of you would come
008up here and make a row so we can see all of you and coach Freeman, if you would come join me over here, please. I I want to read a a couple of things here that uh that Coach Walker gave me. Um and then we want to hear from uh from you, Coach Freeman. But overall record of 30 and 12, area record of 6-0. Record at home was 15-0. Won the area championship since the first time since 2010. Who here was not born. 2000 I knew it. All right. All right. Advanced to the Elite 8 for the first time since 1989. Do I dare ask Coach Freeman, were you born prior to 1989? >> I was very small. >> Okay. All right. Good. And then advanced to the Final Four for the first time in
009school history. So, our volleyball team for the 2526 school year. Coach Freeman, would you tell us a little bit about the team? >> I'm Coach Reedman. >> Would you just because we have people online at home? >> Yeah, absolutely. Um, I'm Coach Reedman. Thank you so much for having us here tonight uh and honoring this very special group of young ladies. Um I think they wanted to introduce themselves if that's okay. Um we'll just let them go down go down the line and say your name uh your position and your uh your grade. >> I'm Lauren. I'm a middle hitter and I'm a >> I'm a right and I'm a I'm a senior. >> I'm John. I'm Julia Stalls. I'm a right side. >> Hi. >> And the coaches as well that are here tonight.
010I'm an assistant in our office. >> Let's give a round of applause for these ladies. Uh this team is just as special um on paper as off paper. Um of course they did some amazing things and I think what's really important to note is that it didn't come easy. Um we started off the first round of playoffs down by 11 points and came back um at home in our gym uh to win 3 0 and then to go on and win the area championship for the first time. And the level of excitement from the community, from the administration, from the parents um was just so special to be a part of. So we really want to thank Dr. Martin um for all of his support this season. A few times I looked up in the
011stands and saw Dr. Martin um just there for a regular season match. So, um, we appreciate that. We want to thank Mr. Walker, um, and Mr. King. Mr. King actually made a video of a step by step on what you needed to do to get out of school to come watch the girls play. Um, and it was just such an amazing experience. I think, um, you know, we we have such a unique group. Um, many of these girls, too, um, are going to be returning next year to come and play. Um, and there's just so much buzz and excitement around this volleyball program. So, um we're really really excited um to win the area championship, win the regional championship, um which is such a huge feat. Um you know, coming back from a deficit and
012beating Hoover to advance was such a cool and electric environment. And I heard some of the girls say, "I've never played in front of this many people before." And so, just the level of community support was truly unmatched. It was such a special and unique experience for me, for the girls. Um, and we're just so thankful and blessed to be a part of this community. So again, thank you for recognizing us here tonight. Um, and we hope that the best is yet to come for this group. >> Thank you, coach. Thank you. >> Lance, Mr. King, would you get in for a picture, please? >> Or maybe make a couple rows. Yeah. [Applause] Thank you. Thank you. Okay. C can I tell you as superintendent of schools, he is he is as cool as the
013other side of the pillow. But seeing Mr. King get upset with officials is probably one of my favorite things. And he does it very quietly, but I stood next to him in that match against Thompson and the number of times he said, "Oh, come on." under his breath. I love it. I love it. And if you uh if you like that, you'll love seeing them do push-ups. I'm waiting for our football team to score 270 points so I can watch you do 270 push-ups one of these days. So, let's go. Um, our next group that we have to honor here are our teachers of the year. So, if you are a teacher of the year, if you would please come forward. >> I'm going to have you stand right there. Yep. I'll have you stand
014right there. Yes. Thank you. Thank you. All right. We are going to watch a video that our own Chad Summers has put together and I'm going to tell you teachers of the year. It is probably the most uncomfortable experience for you because you have to sit there and watch us all gawk at how wonderful you are. Okay? And you get to watch yourself speak as well. But it's a terrific video and we're proud of all of you for all that you've done. So, with that said, Miss Chamberlain, if you please play the video. [Music] >> I'm Sabrina Johnson. I teach at Kahaba Elementary, currently in third grade. Teaching has been a calling for me. I have always wanted to work with children. It's always been a part of my life for as long as I
015can remember, whether it was siblings or cousins or family gatherings or working at a daycare while I went to college. And then once I got in the classroom, it was just it was like a breath of fresh air. Like I loved every single minute of where I was. I have been granted the opportunity here in the last couple of years to loop with my classes from second to third. And it just it's a blessing to be able to build on those relationships not only with the kids but with the families and then it trinkles out into the community. and being able to see those aha moments for the kids and being able to witness them just kind of grow and change as not just, you know, academic learners, but also just as little amazing human
016people that you want to put out into the world. Um, I think class environment is one of my greatest things that I really try to work on because I don't think it's all about the academics. They've got to learn how to be better people. I hope they always know that no matter, you know, whether they're in high school or down the hall or at the middle school, that that I was somebody that they could say helped to make me a better person, that helped to make me want to be a lifelong learner, that Miss Johnson loved me and provided somewhere that I felt safe and confident and got to know, you know, who they could be as they continue to grow and learn. Every child deserves to feel safe and loved and welcomed, no matter
017whether they're the most brilliant child you've ever seen in your life or the shiest or the most anxious. Um, I just want every child to know when they walk in that door, that everyone in here is here to welcome them and love them. Um, and sometimes the most challenging kiddos are the ones who leave the biggest impact on your lives. And I would not change it for the world. [Music] My name is Lauren Blake. I am the school counselor at Magnolia Elementary School. I started out and taught fourth grade for 10 years. And when I came to Trustful when we um formed our school system, um there was a school counselor there that I really liked and I I worked alongside of her and I had two small children at home at that time. Um,
018and so I went back to school and got my school counseling degree so that I could be a school counselor. So, a lot of people don't understand what an elementary school counselor does because I know when I was in school, we didn't have an elementary school counselor. And so, in high school, you're doing a lot of schedule changes, a lot of um, especially high school, you're doing the college, the road to college transcripts, uh, recommendation letters, things like that. And they do a lot of what I do, too, but I don't, of course, do any of that. um I teach lessons. So we have a proactive approach to um helping our children um be good good people and good good humans. And so um we have a um curriculum that is evidence-based, researchbased um to
019help students with those skills that they need to be a productive citizen and a just a good kid. So I teach three classes a day typically. I either have kindergarten, first and second grade or I'll have third, fourth, and fifth grade. And we do things like um being a good friend, how to be a good friend, how to solve conflicts, how to solve problems. Um we've talked about this year our um go-to people, who we can go to if we have a problem um at school and at home. And so helping them identify people that in their life that they can trust um that they can go to when they have a need. Part of being an elementary counselor, we know that our students um a lot of them don't sit down at home around
020the dinner table anymore like we used to do when we were growing up. Um and so um having time to talk and you know sit in a circle or in a group and talk about those values. We have a different value every month that we work on. Um and so just having those conversations with them is huge to try to build those values so that they can be good people as they get older. [Music] My name is Cheryl Enick. I teach at Payne Elementary School and I am teaching math and science second grade. I knew I wanted to be a teacher from the time I was very young. I have a grandmother who was a teacher. She taught kindergarten and fifth grade and she passed away when I was 13, but when I was a
021young child, I would go to her house in the summertimes and on weekends. and she loved to cook. She loved to sing. She loved all the things that I thought were so engaging as a child. And she inspired me to be a teacher. I knew I knew I wanted to be an elementary school teacher. So, I've known that ever since I was a young kid. I just have a passion. I have this drive in me to see kids achieve and to to to learn because knowledge is power. And um I just want them to have that power. I I tell them all the time, I want you to be the best second graders that you can possibly be. I want you to to, you know, learn and work hard. It's definitely a calling to be
022a teacher. Just teaching good character skills. You know, we implemented something a few years back in the schools. Maybe it was after CO hit, but where we have morning meetings and um you know, I don't care who you are, where you come from, what you look like, all people need to be treated fair and equal and need to be shown respect. And so we talk a lot about that. When you see them, it's that aha of, oh, I get it now. You know, when they say that, it's like, ah, yeah. You know, it just makes it worth it all. [Applause] My name is Heather Kaggel and I teach seventh grade at Huitt Trust Middle School. This year I'm teaching civics and geography. I grew up and my mom was a teacher. She taught first grade
023over in Jefferson County and I think she retired at 42 years. Like she just recently retired. So she taught my whole life. I had great educators as I was growing up and then um even in college, but when I first started teaching, I had I was put with a great group of teachers and they like had a lasting impact on who I am as far as the teacher goes. I had a great curriculum supervisor. So, it's like even working here at Trustful, there are great teachers all around me. So, I just kind of take advantage of that and learn as much as I can from them. So, I want the kids to understand kind of how the government works when they are going to vote and things like that. Um, I also want them to
024have as many opportunities in here because it's kind of a safe space. So, if they want to ask a question, we've just finished up political parties not too long ago and that can be something that's really difficult to teach kids, but they can ask the questions in here and kind of a safe space and they can get the information so that they can go on to make better decisions, I guess, if that makes sense. Um, I actually have several of my students that I have like had the opportunity to work with, which is kind of cool. like um when I switched over to English, my my first year student um he is working over at high school now, but he took my position there. So, I thought that that was kind of cool. And then
025I worked with another student, but they was both both my first year teaching. And I thought it was really interesting that they became middle school teachers. And they they did tell me not to my own horn by any means, but they were like, I really enjoyed your class. And I guess that's why I continue to do this and try to make those experiences for kids because they'll remember, hey, yeah, I was that judge in your mock court that time. Hey, do you remember that lesson you did? And I'm like, gosh, y'all are like 27. Like, I can remember this random lesson from seventh grade, which obviously like I don't even really remember it, but I feel like that's really cool that I had an impact on them and now they've gone on to have impacts
026on tons of other students at this point. [Music] My name's uh George Logan. I'm the electrical instructor at Hu Trussville High School. I was approached by someone at a football uh party and they were asking me would I be interested in teaching the electrical and I wasn't at that time and you know I went home and I prayed about it and I was like you know what it's time to step out of my comfort zone do something different. I've always wanted to teach my trade. The biggest thing that I that I my I'm so passionate about is when I run into a former student and coach, I just passed my master's electrician's test and I'm going to own my own company. That to me is my end goal as being a teacher is to provide
027a way whether it's male or female if they want to do this uh provide them a way to be a great husband, great wife, um great father, great mother. And to be able to see those kids come back and tell me what they're doing as far as electrical is just it's wonderful. That's why I do what I do. I mean, that is bottom line. Um, but to see how it started and to where it has grown is mindblowing. And I think the best way I can really tell you about it is I was one of the students that I'm teaching. Mr. Frederick Keith, like I said, my instructor, he put into me what I'm trying to put into these students. I didn't get to go I didn't go to college. Uh, couldn't afford to go
028to college. So, I knew I had to work with my hands. And some of the kids in my class, they know they're not going to college. So, what better way for me to uh instill in them is what he put into me. And I think I can relate to my students cuz I was one of my students, if that makes sense. It uh it's just a blessing. It really is. All right. Here's what I would like to do. I would like to have each one of our principles come forward. So, Mr. King, I'm going to start with you, tell us what George Logan means to Huitt Trustful High School. And when you're done, George, if you and Mr. King and our uh board of education president, uh, Dr. Steve Ward would take a picture and
029then Mr. King, you can have a seat and we'll we'll move through the list there. So, Mr. King, if you tell us a little bit about Mr. Logan. >> I'm honored to recognize George Logan as our teacher of the year at the high school. Coach Logan is the kind of educator every school hopes for. He's deeply knowledgeable, fiercely dedicated, and tirelessly practical. His electrical program gives students hands-on real world skills that prepare them for careers straight out of high school. He connects students with employers, helps them find jobs, and opens doors to opportunities many thought were out of their reach. Beyond technical education, Coach Logan builds strong personal relationships. Students describe him as welcoming, kind, and trustworthy. Someone who pushes them to grow, supports them through challenges, and helps anxious or unsure students find confidence
030and purpose. Parents and colleagues praises professionalism, leadership, and the positive family-like classroom environment he creates. He also goes above and beyond for our school community. He coaches baseball, assists with safety and morning duties, representing the high school and various community events. But perhaps most importantly, he makes the coffee in the teacher break room each morning. His commitment to student success, character, and workforce readiness makes a lasting impact on young people's lives. I am proud to congratulate Coach George Logan, a remarkable teacher, mentor, leader, and friend who truly deserves this recognition. Thank you, George. [Applause] Wonderful. Thank you, Mr. King. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you, George. All right. All right. Next, uh, Mr. Me, if you would come up and tell us about Heather Kaggel and what she means to you at Trustful
031Middle School. Guys, I'm going to start off by just kind of saying I think uh our parents and our staff really hear me say all the time, middle school is one of those rare times where our kids are just all trying to figure it out. They're all there's just just a lot of mess and a lot of stuff going on uh for three years with us. And um the most that I can really brag on this one is that she is always willing to do anything that I ask her to do. Uh she said this a little bit earlier, but she's taught English in our building. Uh I approached her and not a lot of people know this, but when we bumped Aaron Maguire up, she was the first one that I approached and said,
032"Hey, I really need a strong option to slide into seventh grade social studies." and didn't check up, did exactly what I needed her to do. Um, she is our head dance coach. Uh, and and I go back to what she does for kids. Uh, to me is is unmatched in our building as far as she is always that teacher that our kids know they can go to. She is a trusted adult, which again I go back to middle school is really hard for them to to identify that trusted adult, right? So, it's always very valuable when we have a staff that is mission field- minded and this is one that I would say is very much that way and really cares about good humans at the end of the day because if we're doing that,
033everything else really takes care of itself. So, not only is she a phenomenal classroom teacher, but she is always willing to do I mean, we threw LT at her this year. We there is all kinds of things that I know that I can go to this one for. Um, so I really can't brag on her enough for not only what she does for our kids, but just what she means to our culture and kind of how we are as a school and our building. So very, very proud of her, very thankful for her and what she does for for our kids and our staff at HMS. Yep. [Applause] Thank you, Mr. Means. Thank you, Heather. All right. If I could have Joy Tiner come up and talk with us about Sabrina from Kahaba Elementary School.
034So, um it's my honor to introduce Miss Sabrina Johnson, our 2025 teacher of the year. Um she's a 24year educator and a steady leader. Her impact reaches far beyond her classroom. Her students adore her. Her colleagues depend on her and her families trust her deeply. So when parents call her a blessing to our community and when students say she's the best teacher I've ever had and co-workers describe her as loving, caring, enthusiastic, and the teammate that everyone wants, you begin to understand that Sabrina just isn't a strong teacher. She's a lifecher. So let me tell you just a little bit more. Um there once was a teacher named Johnson whose resume you could easily brag on. 24 in the field with results well revered. She's the one any school would bet big on. She opened
035Kahaba in 2016, shaping learning spaces both structured and serene. She taught first, second, and third where strong growth always occurred with instruction both focused and keen. She's AMSI trained, math and science aligned, letter certified with a letter literacy mind. A mindset coach too with the skill to renew confidence in every child she finds. She's looped with her classes not once but twice because families insisted she is so nice. She mentored staff with care, guiding practices everywhere, sharing wisdom and always playing nice. She tutors past hours through winter and fall. leads pacing collaborations curriculum and all her work in our land lifts our whole teaching band and her impact is felt through our halls. She loves Auburn football and her heart says War Eagle and the lake is her happy place, calm and peaceful with a
036laugh warm and sweet and kindness complete. Her presence makes every hall feel more cheerful. And beyond all the titles and skills that she has earned, it's the life she has shaped and the trust she has earned. She takes those who need more, open confidencees door, and leaves every child stronger and affirmed. So, it's no surprise that students remember her, parents rely on her, and her colleagues admire her. Miss Johnson makes learning joyful, relationships meaningful, and our school immeasurably better. [Applause] All right. Thank you, Miss Tiner. All right. Dr. Hamilton, would you come up and talk with us a little bit about Lauren there at Magnolia? >> I honestly I don't know where to start um about Lauren Blake. She she is phenomenal. She's a great friend. Um, she has been as a first year principal,
037she has been my right hand. She has been there and helped every every step of the way. Anything that I' I've needed for her to help and and intercede and support, she's been there. Um, sorry. Not only is Lauren just a phenomenal person on an 8-day rotation, she sees every single one of our students. So, not only is she impacting our students in the classroom, she's supporting them, she has, you know, one-on-one meetings, she has small group with our students. So, she is engaging with all 421 students, 21 of our students. She's also engaging with all 60 of our faculty and staff members every single day. So, not only when she is supporting me at Magnolia um and supporting our students and supporting our teachers out for morning duty, dressing up for every single dress
038up day. Um you will also find her in the concession stands at the stadium um serving our community and helping to support the band. Um she also collaborates with our district office to support all of our students across the district who are in need um especially during the holidays. So we're we're thankful we're thankful to have you. So when we when we discuss teacher of the year, one thing that I told staff, I'm not going to vote because I think that it is critical that your colleagues that every your colleagues support and your colleagues vote. Um and so just a couple things. So her colleague stated Lauren Blake, she is the glue that holds Magnolia together. She wears every type of hat to ensure success of the teachers and students. Lauren Blake is the heart
039of our school. She jumps in whenever she is needed. She she will join a committee. She will be there for every school event. She never says no. She always has a smile on her face. She creates she created a schoolwide resource to make sure that our morning meetings were impactful and that she is helping us develop just good people. Lauren gives her all to our school. Over the past 5 years working with Mrs. Blake, I've seen amazing determination and excellence. She not only wears all of these hats in our school, but she's also the PST coordinator and also our testing coordinator. This one teacher says, "She wants me. She makes me want to be a better mom. She makes me want to be a better teacher. She makes me want to be a better friend."
040Miss Blake cares deeply for our students. Whether she is leading small groups, meeting one-on-one with a child who needs extra support or checking in on students in the hallways. She has the gift of making every child feel seen, feel safe, feel valued, and feel loved. She will step up in countless times to help anyone who is in need. If anyone in Magnolia was more deserving, no one could be more deserving than Lauren Blake. >> Wonderful. Thank you. [Music] Good job, Lauren. Thank you, Dr. All right. And um Miss Gian Groso was not able to be here tonight. I think she had some obligations with one of the committees that she is on, but she sends Dr. Hall in her place. Dr. Hall, if you would come up and talk with us a little bit about
041how important Cheryl is to Payne Elementary. >> Good evening. Again, my name is Corey Hall and I'm here to share the sentiments of our principal, Miss Jamie Gian Grosa. She writes, "First, I apologize for not being in attendance. Tonight, we have the privilege of honoring someone whose impact on Payne Elementary stretches far beyond the walls of her classroom. It has been my honor to know and teach along alongside Cheryl Enoch for almost 20 years. When she came to Payne, she immediately became the embodiment of dedication, compassion, and true excellence in education. I took the responses from our survey and condensed them, adding some of my own opinions to show why she was an obvious choice for our school. Cheryl is the kind of teacher who can take any situation and find the good in it.
042Her positive spirit is contagious and her deep knowledge combined with her willingness to share it has shaped students, teachers, and the culture of our school for years. She works tirelessly to ensure that her students not only learn but also feel capable, valued, and seen. What sets Cheryl apart is her extraordinary ability to reach every child. Whether supporting those who struggle or challenging those who are ready to soar, she finds a way to connect, inspire, and bring out the very best in each student. Her former students still speak with admiration, remembering not only what she taught, but how she made them feel. All who are in our school are guided by her wisdom, encouragement, and example. Cheryl is a tremendous colleague. She continuously lifts others up, shares resources freely, and quietly leads with humility and grace.
043She studies, refineses, and reimagines instruction year after year, always striving for excellence, not only for her own class, but for her entire grade level. Her passion, kindness, calm leadership, and unwavering commitment to children are felt by everyone who has the privilege of working with her. She has shaped minds, built confidence, and created joyful classrooms for countless students across her remarkable career. Payne Elementary is a better place because of Cheryl Enoch. [Applause] How about one more round of applause for all of our teachers of the year? And then our our final recognition for this evening, we just recently received some really good news from the state department of education. And I can tell you to a person when I would talk with our building principles about how exciting this news was, to a person, they always
044push the acknowledgement back to their staff. This is a team accomplishment. Our students work so hard. But what I'm excited about tonight is we are actually we are going to honor you principles. We know you're servant leaders, but we're excited for the great work that you're doing. So, I'm going to ask each one of you to come up. I've asked a teacher from your building, if you would, to please give us six to eight sentences on why your principal is so important to your building. Uh, and then if you would just come up, stay, we'll take one picture. One picture. So, you only have to duck one time. Um, and then uh and then we'll move on with the agenda. So, first, Miss Joy Tiner, if you'd please come forward. Let's give Miss Tiner a
045round of applause. >> I'm going to have you stand right over there. >> Nope. Nope. Nope. I'm going to have you stand right there with Dr. Ward. Thank you. Okay. Joy Tiner is a leader that strives for excellence and joy. No pun intended. When she has a vision, she is dedicated and determined to see it through, which is exactly what she has done at Kahaba Elementary. We are a school dedicated to its students, driven to make a difference, and always striving for excellence. As our principal, her focus is always on the children and celebrating their successes. She is extremely taskoriented and can often be found checking off a to-do list or three if not making a second one. Uh Joy wants the best for those at Kahaba and the community it serves. She has implemented
046several traditions that we all enjoy. The Veterans Day parade, our Christmas singalong, and our teacher tunnels to celebrate quarterly accomplishments. and of course the Friday prize patrol to celebrate individual students just to name a few. Miss Tiner has made our school not only a school but a family that supports and respects one another. Kahaba Elementary School principal Joy Tiner. Dr. Hamilton, if you would come forward, please. Dr. Hamilton leads with her heart and keeps students at the center of every decision that she makes. She cares deeply about student learning and well-being, creating a school where every child feels seen, valued, and supported. She empowers teachers to learn, lead, and grow. Always believing in our strengths and trusting us to do what is in the best interest of our students. Dr. Hamilton recognizes the importance of
047balance and is mindful of our time and our lives beyond the school day. Her leadership is grounded in kindness, respect, and a genuine desire to make school a place where both students and teachers thrive. I am truly grateful for her steady support, her trust, and the way she inspires us to give our best each day for our students and each other. I am blessed to serve Trustful City Schools each day with Dr. Hamilton as my principal. Magnolia Elementary School principal, Dr. Tiffany Hamilton. I'm going to go ahead and and read this. I know that uh Miss Gian Groso is not able to be here this evening, but one of her teachers stated, "I often say that Miss Gian Groso is a breath of fresh air. She is approachable, personable, and displays genuine care in her
048leadership. She is always willing to lend an ear, ensuring that everyone feels supported and valued. Her leadership is characterized by fairness and integrity, treating all with equal equal respect and consideration. Miss Gian Groso works hard to create a positive and encouraging work environment for staff as well as nurturing atmosphere for students. Her dedication is evident. She's among the first to arrive and one of the last to leave every day. She leads with humility, grace, and a positive spirit that inspires us all to do our best and be our best. I am truly grateful for the profound impact she has made in her first year as principal. We are blessed to have her leading our school community. Payne Elementary School principal Jamie Gian Groso. All right, Mr. Mess. Jared Me leads with the heart and a
049constant drive to make things better for everyone. He's always looking for ways to improve the school and make the middle school the best it can be. Jared checks in on teachers and staff all the time. Sometimes it's a sit-down chat and other times it's just a quick, "Are you good?" in the hallway. He wants every teacher or faculty member to feel supported and valued. Additionally, he strives to create relationships with students and their families. He is well known for being compassionate and approachable. You'll find him at after-school events cheering on students and if he can't be there, he's still checking in with coaches to see how things went the night before. Jared's the kind leader who jumps in wherever he needed he's needed. Whether that means cleaning up a spill, watching a class, or taking
050out the trash after lunch, he truly leads by example and shows every day what it means to have a servant's heart. HTMS would not be the great school that it is without Jared Maids. He trustful middle school principal Jared Maids. Mr. King, if you'd come forward. I actually could not find a teacher that would write me anything on Mr. King, so I asked one of the officials from the volleyball game against Thompson. So, here's what they had to say. I'm kidding. No, that's right. That's right. No, I had a lot of teachers step up. A lot of his teachers love what Mr. King's doing for the high school. Aaron King leads by example in his daily interactions with students, faculty, and staff at Huitt Trustful High School. He consistently follows through on commitments and expectation
051he sets for the school. Mr. King works to secure the resources that all of us teachers and staff need in order to do our jobs effectively. He supports our innovation and he encourages us to think outside of the box when it comes to our classrooms and our school initiatives. He is regularly presented in classrooms hall I'm sorry he is regularly present in classrooms hallways and school events. Mr. King places a very very strong emphasis on campus security and safety protocols in his decision-making. He keeps students at the center and they guide the direction and priorities for all of us and for our school. Huitt Trustful High School principal, Mr. Aaron King. [Applause] James Dr. Hall, would you come up on All right. All right. At this time, Mr. Kirkland, financial report. >> Thank you, Dr.
052Ward. Um, board members, M, Dr. Martin. Uh we are pleased to present the monthly financial reports for September and October uh in your packets. Uh the information presented is interim data uh and has not been audited. However, the audit has been started. So um just as a reminder that takes a couple of months. So uh after the first of the year we'll be bringing that back. But it has started. Um and September is the uh final month of the fiscal year. Uh so we have started a new fiscal year. Uh all bank accounts have been reconciled to the general ledger. The financial extract has been uploaded to the state department with any necessary edits corrected. Uh total expenditures and transfers out in the the general fund uh as of uh October's month in is 7.2%
0532% of budget compared to 8.14% of the budget this time last year. You know, obviously we're just getting started. Um we ended the the fiscal year uh Avalor revenues about 2% over budget. Um we were watching that real close to see if we would make budget. Um and so it came in uh just slightly 2% over. Uh October receipts are at 3.44% 44% of the budget. Um I'm not really concerned about that right now. October, you know, being the first month of the fiscal year uh in collection uh of taxes is is very sporadic from year to year to year. Um so as we get in deeper in the month, December, January, uh we'll have a better picture of how Avalor revenues are doing. Um all transactions appear to be usual and routine manner and
054within the legal authorization and fiscal management of the policies of the board. And uh as always upon board approval uh the monthly financial report will be made available for public viewing on our website. >> Thank you. >> Very good. Thank you. At this time, hope all of you had an opportunity to look at the consent agenda. Do I have a motion to adopt? >> I'll make a motion. Do >> I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor, please say I. >> I. Any opposed? Hearing? None. Motion carries. Dr. Martin, just just a couple of things on consent agenda. So, uh, first item I'd like to highlight is, uh, a, uh, an agreement to approve, uh, Jeff State to provide dual enrollment classes for our students at the high school. Uh, next item we
055are working on, Mr. Kirkland and myself working on um a way to see savings with current debt service so that we can replace the track. Uh, and with that experience savings uh hopefully using those and you'll see here an OA owner architect agreement with Lean um for some lighting projects. one of those lighting projects there at Huitt Trustful High School and then the other one uh for new LED lights at the uh at the baseball stadium. So hopefully experiencing savings with some debt service just because rates right now are favorable uh for the school system and then using that savings for another projects that that is that is needed. Um one of the other items that we've been working on both with uh Trustful Police as well as with Dr. Puvie is a uh a
056Ballard plan which at each one of our schools would install Ballards at areas so that vehicles would not be able to approach students as they're walking on sidewalks. So uh we have a very favorable bid on that if our budget was 250,000 correct came in at 164. Uh and then that uh uh h 100,000 of that is being paid for with the second round of well uh Ainssworth grant money that we were able to uh to get um using ENT funds looking at the purchase of eight school buses. Uh had an opportunity to speak with some legislators on Friday at a forum in Mountain Brook. Current fleet renewal provides us with $7,500 per bus over the course of 10 years. So we uh recoup about $75,000. Uh I believe each gas with air conditioning runs
057for about 156,000. Is that correct? So that gives you an idea of what we are receiving in fleet renewal versus what the cost of a bus is. But we are able to use our ENT funds uh to pick up the cost of those. So um that that was good information for our legislators to have as they enter session. Uh and then we have as usual uh just one facility use request for this meeting and then you can see several field trips uh that uh that are on the consent agenda list. >> So question um the dual enrollment courses how many courses is that that's being taught? >> That's something with Jeff State. Uh Dr. Mr. King, what would you say? How many dual credit? Because the majority of students are taking advanced placement testing. Correct.
058Um >> we have a number we teach that students are taking off. >> Okay. They're at the building. Okay. Okay. So, other questions, members of board. >> Okay. Next, we'll move to the personnel report. Dr. Martin. >> Yes. Personnel report. As board members can see here, um we have a recommendation for three retirements. A recommendation for an amended employment date. Um, we have four recommendations for leave of absence, employee extra services agreement. Under the supplement section here, board members, you see recommendation for a couple of supplements, but this is also uh where our recommendation to approve a one-time stipen to be paid in full to all full-time and part-time employees. Uh, this would be associated with new software technology programs. a lot of those, Miss Chamberlain, working with staff when it comes to artificial intelligence.
059Uh, but this would be a similar one-time stipen that has been paid out to full-time and part-time staff in the same amount as in the last two years. So, I I want to thank I sent an email on Friday to all staff members. Uh, Mr. Kirkland because of his good stewardship of finances here for the system, we're able to continue to provide this to the staff and we watch very closely the legislature as they set budget parameters to see if this is something that we can continue to recommend to the board of education. >> Very good. >> And then we have one recommendation for schedule change. Congratulations to uh now Dr. Mark Canals, our band director there at the high school. And then one recommendation for employment. And Dr. Ward, that is our personnel report
060for this evening. Very good. Do I have a motion to adopt? >> So moved. >> Have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Hearing. Any opposed? Hearing? None. Motion carries. Administrative reports. >> Yes, we have been engaged over the course of the last two years with the Hope Institute. And so last year we had a principal and board level team uh taking us through hope. And this year we've actually expanded to include a Magnolia Elementary and uh Huitt Trustful Middle School team. And so I've asked uh Mr. Me and Dr. Hamilton if they would be willing to share. And so they're going to share with us a little bit about Hope Institute this evening for our administrative report. Okay. So, when Dr. Martin asked us to come and
061just share a little bit about hope, he also asked that um we bring one of our our teachers or our team members um to to speak about we've only met one time this year, but to speak about that impact they feel um would be at the school level, but then also at the district level as well. So, just a little bit about hope. hope was this idea, this vision that was birthed um from Liz Huntley and um Drayton neighbors on this purpose here. How can we partner with schools to cultivate a culture of character? Um and I think a lot of our our teachers of the year, they were speaking to that today. We over academics, how do we go about just creating good people? Um and that is really what undergurs um the purpose
062of hope. How can we cultivate this positive culture and climate in our schools to make sure that you know what when they leave us we are producing to some great people. So excuse me what is hope institute? So under the umbrella of hope institute there are three facets. The hope leadership academy educational expertise and then professional development. And so when we talk about the Hope Leadership Academy, that is the three-year program that each of our teams will go through. Um, and most of that training is located on Sanford University's campus. Sometimes we're at the Vestavia Civic Center, but I will we'll look at what that three-year program looks like briefly. Um when we talk about educational expertise, so Liz Huntley and Drayton neighbors, they partner with Sanford University um to bring about qualified and experienced
063educational leaders to help support each of our teams as we go through this three-year process of creating our positive culture and climate in our schools. And then finally, the professional development piece. um we have provided a lot of tools in our toolbox um to be able to take back into our schools and really help support us especially during year one um of the hope academy. So I'm not going to read all of this on here but these are the three years of hope. Um what really stands out for years one and two um we will engage in at least four full day sessions of professional development with those educators who have that expertise. We will also engage in site visits where we will visit schools who have already been deemed state and national um schools
064of character. So we'll be able to see what that looks like. Um and then again that year one it is so helpful to have a starter library. Um so we're provided with books and resources to help us kind of uh move forward in that process. So again, year one and year two looks very similar. Year three, the hope is that we've taken all of this information, we've started to embed it um into our schools, still have our 4-day session. Um but then we are able to showcase the great work that's happening inside of our schools. M >> guys, I I'll add on a little bit. So Dr. Hampton and myself were also were part of our district team last year, right? And I think the beauty of that was I think every educator always struggles
065with just one more program. And for me, the biggest thing that I've seen about Hope Institute is it's not just a charactered program, right? It it is kind of a loose it is a wrapping that we make for us, right? It gives us the autonomy to really build it based on our school and our district vision. Um, which I've I've loved being part of it. All right. And I, you know, you'll hear Miss Orman from my staff. All right. And Miss Blake from Dr. Hamilton's staff in just a little bit. It's kind of how they see this impacting. Um, but even going back to last year, I think this is something that I see for us, and I know I can speak for her too. think it is kind of the next step for our
066students because you did hear so much tonight that is about how can we develop better people, better humans, all the other things will really take care of itself if we're doing those things well. Uh so this this is kind of the track for each of the three years and really just kind of highlighting this. Um we're fortunate enough to kind of have our school teams I think I went a little crazy. I have six on my team. She has four. I went a I went a little bit more um on my team. But really, these first two guys, you'll see mission and core values and cultivating a caring adult community. To me, that is year one, right? That is the emphasis of year one for us kind of going forward in our school teams is
067basically you take district vision and then you then you dive into a school. Every school's got its own kind of pulse to it. has its own tangible feel to it. And that I think that was the biggest thing that we talked about in year one. I can remember sitting in Mr. King's office and we talked about trustful having this tangible feel when people that are community members and families. There is this tangible feel. There's a lot of pride that comes about trustful, right? There is. And we we talked about that. And this this gives us the ability to really put a stamp on that and define it as a school. All right. And that starts with the adults in our building, right? And I know like we as a team are really diving into this
068in the next couple of weeks as far as our first stack whole staff faculty meeting. I know Dr. Hamilton has already done that with their team. So, but it gives us the ability to really get buy in from the adults. That's the priority in year one. really define with stakeholders, families, all of our students, and I say all of our students. It's not just HTMS has a lot of great things going from a mentorship standpoint. We have our Mush mentors. We have all these things. All of our students, right, are going to be a part of kind of defining these values for what we see kind of embodying good character, right? Good humans for us as a school. And I know she's going to do the same thing. But it starts with kind of clearly
069defining that core value system and it starts with your adults, our staff in the building. And then we kind of over the course of this year and then you'll see year two is really establishing those golden rule practices. So taking those core values and really articulating with students and staff, what does that look like for us as a staff? And then you go into the site visit we went on last year at Pizzazz. Like I will tell y'all it is embedded in everything that they do. You know a student has lunch ISD. They're doing they're doing work with their character ed program and their core values. Everything is embedded into everything that they do. Right. So I think that's kind of a next step and and ultimately you know like Dr. Hamilton said it really
070this isn't end goal or why we're doing it but it does kind of work you towards that state and national school of character right. Um, but to me, like we've already talked about how things that we can do with middle school and Magnolia to really really build that together, right? And so when those students are coming to us from Magnolia, they're diving right into us at HTMS. We're speaking consistent language. Those values may look a little bit different depending on the school, but the same process, right? Um, so I'm going to ask our two staff to just kind of speak to how they see. I'll start with Miss Orman cuz she she only wants to say like two things and then and then step away. >> Oh, great. If y'all were if you were eighth
071graders, it'd be great. But you're but you're not. Okay. I'm Miss Orman. I teach 8th grade at HT Middle. And when I thought about the Hope Institute and I've thought about all day what I would say and I thought about these things. First of all, I think it's very intentional. I think you know you can talk character character, but I think this and kind of putting it before our staff. I know we're going to have a meeting December 4th. I just think it's a very intentional step of kind of touching on the whole character thing. And when we had our meeting um I guess a couple weeks ago at Sanford, it was Drayton Neighbors. He's written a book and he said, it was a great quote that that character is the plate that education is
072built on. And I thought, you know, that's so true cuz, you know, you can be the smartest kid in the class, but if you don't have, you know, strong character, if you don't have respect for yourself, respect for your teacher, you know, a good work ethic, um, you know, kindness, passion, if you don't have those things, you know, then education just kind of stops there. So, I think the fact that we're being very intentional, it's got a lot of value, and I love the opportunity that I get to be on the team and do this. I think it will do great things and I think it will help do what we're here to do is to educate and like what I've heard so many people say tonight grow you good humans good people. So I
073think that's what this will do and thank you. >> I don't know I know everybody's but no I'm not clicking I am not clicking a thing. Um so being a school counselor obviously character is a huge piece of what I do. Um we've had lots of character programs. This is my 15th year to be a school counselor in Trustful City Schools. Um, and we've seen the big culture shift around the nation, just around the world, um, with the way that society has changed tremendously the last 5 10 years especially. And so character is a huge need in our in our families. Um, everywhere, not just in in Trussell. We're in a great school system and sometimes you're like, well, y'all y'all are good. We are good. We are, but we can be great. And so
074I think that's the big thing here is taking our character programs and because this isn't a program, this is a framework that we can build around. And so taking our our current programs that we have and our current things we do and u making sure that they are very in intentional in what we do. Um at our first meeting um Liz Huntley, one of the founders of um Hope Institute, she said um she had a she had a very interesting childhood and she's got a book called what's it called? >> More than a bird. Okay. Okay, I could I know it's a bird, but I can't think of the title. More than a bird. Um, it's a great book. But she said when she was speaking to us that day, she said, "You know, I
075had a lot going on at home and the adults at my school could not fix it." She says, "But they did love me through it." And that's and that's kind of where we are. You know, we all know that we have things at home in every family that we don't want everybody to know about. Um, and so there are things that go on and just giving those kids um, coping skills and those values and um, we can help love them through all the things that they're going through. So, we're excited. I do not believe we have anyone signed up for public participation. So at this time, do we have a motion to adjourn? Have a >> second. All in favor, please stand.