001Uh, Miss Watson is going to offer our prayer tonight and then we'll do our pledge. Miss Watson, bow our heads, please. Father God, we give thanks for this day. We give thanks for the blessings of Jacksonville. We give thanks for the Jacksonville City Schools, the teachers, the staff, and the students. We also praise you and give thanks for the parents and the students and their support and love they have for their children, encouragement for them to succeed. We pray for discernment for us as a board that we might make decisions for the betterment of the children of Jacksonville City Schools. In your name we pray. Amen. Amen. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic which stands one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I call
002this meeting to order. Roll call, please. Miss Pearl. Mr. Here. Here. Mr. Candy pres here. Miss Watson here. Everybody's here. Let's go. Uh, we need to approve tonight's agenda. So move. Second. Motion has a second. All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion carries. We are to recognitions already. Is it the bottom? Dr. Barb, this is normally where they come out and start. Okay. All right. Had one of the students come up and show you what Yes. Exactly. Exactly. I'm filling in tonight for Dr. Weights. He is unfortunately sick tonight and so he sends his regrets to not be able to be here and introduce our soaring eagles. Um I'm going to start with Kerwin Allen Jr. If you will make your way up. All right. 11th grader Kerwin Allen Jr. is such
003a pleasant, polite, and helpful student. His positive attitude is contagious as he is always involved in class. Kerwin is helpful to others and teachers alike. He allows students who are absent to copy his notes and continues his positivity as he volunteers his personal time to helping students at both the high school and elementary school hone their tuba skills. Carwyn is a member of the peer helpers club, key club, and the JHS marching band, symphonic and jazz bands. He is an academic honors award recipient and a finalist in several categories for who's who. Cerwyn is also an active member and leader in his church's youth group. Without fail, Cerwin displays honesty, integrity, and leadership. And I know I can count on him. And this is from Lorie Elum, his adisement and history teacher. Make sure I'm
004giving you the right one. All right, there you go. Right. Next is Aaliyah Dupri. Aliyah Dupri is an eighth grader who is genuinely sweet. Her kindness and generosity refreshes the people around her. She is always helpful to teachers and other students and always lends a helping hand to her classmates. If she has it and there is a need, she gives it. She is an encourager who uplifts others and does not tear others down. She takes initiative and getting things done and actively tries to solve any problem she sees, as is evident when she volunteers to serve the needy at various churches each month. Aaliyah takes honors and accelerated classes and works very hard to make the best grade she can. She is a member of JHS choir, theater, and the art club. I am proud
005to nominate Aaliyah Dupri for Soaring Eagle. She is a fine representative of what we believe a soaring eagle is. And this is from Tracy Garrett, her adisement teacher. And we would love to get a picture um of our students along with our board. And so um Miss Wilson, do you have your phone with you? So, [Laughter] That's fine. I always say this after we do our our student recognitions. Um you are more than welcome to say we don't have a very long meeting. We have a a great presentation about uh STEM learning center, our ecosystem uh called create. We'd love for you to stay for that. But the other part of it is if you stay um you can find out who the next head football coach is going to be if that's important to
006you. Um that's a small thing. I mean I I know you would rather I mean this is more just play. So I'm just telling you we are doing that tonight as well. So um it seems to to be something important. I'm just playing. Um it is but it's all important. Hang out. It's just a whole I mean you know where else are you going to go where you find that out. So um but anyway we do um board have Miss Sharita Hayes with us from create STEM ecosystem and uh I'll let her introduce as well or I'll just um Miss Wilson not to put you on the spot. Is there anything that you want to to as far as um introducing anyone tonight? Um I jumped ahead of you. So um I think they intro
007can introduce themselves but uh we were contacted by the JSU in service center um Miss Curtis there and uh wanted to just share with all of partners about what's going on and exciting things. Thank you Dr. Barbara for the opportunity and board members. U my name is Sharita Hayes. Um I am the director of STEM research and innovation at Oxford City Schools and I am tasked as the STEM ecosystem lead and I want to share with you all what the STEM ecosystem is and the exciting things that we have going on um and also um recruiting um more participation from within um Jacksonville City Schools um on the the slideshow and you all have a copy of this presentation um to follow along with is a QR code if anyone in the audience would like
008a a copy of this presentation. So, um what is the create STEM learning ecosystem? Um the graphic that you will see on the second page of the handout and on the screen is a great representation of what we mean an ecosystem is. Um the STEM learning ecosystem is a network of K12 schools, higher education institutes, public libraries, public museums, businesses, industry and city organizations who are coming together to increase the awareness of STEM and the connection between STEM and career opportunities. This is a huge emphasis around the career opportunities. Um the name create STEM learning ecosystem stems from Oxer City Schools create workforce development center um that many of you might be aware of. I have Mr. uh Marty Livingston here our career tech director and some more information about create. Um it's an opportunity
009for us to all come together, share our ideas, our expertise, our resources so that we can show students what opportunities are available and we can help educate teachers in the classroom so that they can make those connections in the classroom. So with our STEM ecosystem, we've had people come together beginning last fall in September and in October, um we had some participation from Jacksonville City School staff. Um Miss Jill Harper has been instrumental in some things that we're doing. We also had Whitney Robinson who is a career coach and also Mr. Jeff Moon um participated. Our ecosystem represents both our regional inservice center and our workforce development region 2. So there is an overlap. Um, as Miss Wilson mentioned, um, we are working very closely with the JSU, uh, regional inservice center and Valerie Curtis
010has a passion and a heart for STEM career awareness and tying it to all of the state initiatives that are run through the inservice center. So, what are some things that that we have been doing? we've come together um and we have developed our goals and we have a project that is stemming from the Alabama STEM Council um who has helped organize many other ecosystems across the state um to provide opportunities and one opportunity that's coming up this summer is a spark STEM discovery day and this is where we are targeting 270 students across the region Um, we would love for participation from Kitty Stone Elementary School. Um, because we want equitable participation, we have to allocate a certain number. And for Kittystone, there's 12 students. And so, this is going to be in an
011event held on July 21st at the Create Technology Center in Oxford. um where they will have an opportunity to work with businesses like Honda, Newf Flyer, Tyler Union and M&HV VA um police department coming in and showing how drones are used in law enforcement and and many more. Um this will be a full day event. We are also inviting parents to come out um so parents can learn um how to engage students. So the target audience for this is rising sixth graders. So current fifth graders and the re reason we're starting with that age group is so that they can have an understanding that a STEM career is something that I can do. Many times we hear STEM it's like oh we can't do that but they can and so many of the jobs that
012we have available in our region require those skills. So this will give them a really um extended time so that they can work with business industry, have exciting engagement. Um the date gives them enough time so they can enjoy their summer and hopefully get them excited for when it's time to come back to school um in a few weeks. And so um there will be some information sent directly to the Kitty Stone Elementary School principal. um we would love for you to promote that and encourage um students to be able to participate in that event. Um outside of the um event for rising sixth graders, we are also surveying our businesses and our educators in the region just to understand like what does STEM look like in individual schools. Um this is not an evaluative
013type of survey. is just to give us feedback. So when we work together across the entire region, what are things that we can promote? Um Jacksonville City Schools, Kittystone Elementary, I have heard praises about all the things that are taking place. They've actually been featured several times in a newsletter that we send out monthly. And so we can learn from the teachers in this school district and get ideas from others. And so, um, this is something that has been sent out to principles in an email blast. And again, we would love to encourage, um, the administrators, um, to complete that survey so it can help us as we move forward in the future. And so, JSU Regional Inservice Center is going to be or is the hub for professional learning. And so if Valerie was
014here, um, she would do a much better job of talking about all the things that are available through the JSU regional inservice center. Um, but that is a link where you're able to get to their professional learning catalog. Um, as we're working in the ecosystems, we have different groups who are working for different initiatives. For example, the spark STEM discovery day. And also something that came out of the working group is an event that will allow teachers and business industries to work with one another. And so the name of that event is classroom to career summit. This is hosted at the JSU regional inservice center June 24th through the 2th. Um this is where business and industries can work together with teachers. Um teachers will have an opportunity to tour an industry to get an
015idea of what work looks like in this region. Um there will be lunch provided and so they'll be well fed. Um also on the second day an opportunity for a teacher to experience a lesson that embeds the career activities and embeds STEM. And so the advantage of that, they get to experience it and when they leave, they have a lesson that they can take directly into their classroom. Um, another advantage of this for administrators, assistant principles, um, they're able to receive credit for the 2526 school year toward the AP. Um, yes. Yes. And so they were able to earn professional um, development credit for that. And so again, we are recruiting participation from teachers and students from across the region. And the JSU inservice center also has a newsletter that is sent out monthly and
016the QR code there um will give you access to sign up so that you can receive information. And so again, what I wanted to promote, number one, I would love participation from um administrators and teachers and Jacksonville City Schools. We want to continue to promote the great things that are happening in this district. Um the Spark STEM Discovery Day, we would love for students to participate from Kitty Stone Elementary School. Um also the survey and being aware of the classroom to careers. If you have any questions, I can answer those questions um related to the ecosystem. And I brought along Mr. Livingston here. If you have any questions related directly to the create center, let me just say so many exciting things uh going on in region two uh with the workforce development worlds of
017work um or wow last week was just beyond imagination. About the time that you think that it can't get any better, uh they just step it up and it it's amazing. Um, Miss Harper again doing a wonderful job just uh making that connection uh keeping uh those careers in front of the kids. Um so important right now and the create academy. Mr. Livingston was uh so gracious to take us on a tour over there and uh the things that are going on and the partnerships in this district. It's exciting. I mean it's exciting the opportunities that are coming forward for our kids and we do appreciate that and you're exactly right. I learn something from the Kittystone kids every time I'm over there. But we have so many kids that are just gifted, gifted, gifted.
018Um, of course, the Science Olympiad uh, they show off and show out all the time. But thank you, Miss uh, for just bringing this opportunity to us. And Dr. Stanley over in Oxford, everyone that's involved with this, they've just been gracious in allowing us to be a part of it. So, thank you for the opportunity. Thank you. Thank you. Very exciting. Mr. Livingston, thank you as well. Appreciate you so much. Okay. Uh we need to approve the minutes of the February 20th, 2025 Jacksonville City School Board meeting. So move. Second. Have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion carries. Public comments on agenda items. No one. Fantastic. I like this. Um, not to say we don't Anybody can comment. Just got to sign up. Uh, financial
019report. All right. So, I'm filling in for Miss Blunt tonight. And uh if you have any major questions, I'll be sure to write those down and get you answers for those. Uh but anyway, your monthly financial statements, exhibits F1A through F3C um February 28, 2025 uh are before you. than the combined bank reconciliation at February 28, 2025 with a combined reconciled balance of 7,919,97344. And then the accounts payable check register accountability report for February 28th, 2025. The total there is $521,871.15. Um again, all of that is uh before you uh along with uh all the check uh activity. Um as one board member said, this would be a good night to vote on a jumbotron. I did not get that on the agenda. Um yes, Miss Blunt would probably at that point in time not
020be very gracious to me. But uh if you tell me to make that recommendation, I will do it. So you would never miss another meeting. But anyway, um she needs to be ready for it. She does. She does. So, um but I would like to make a recommendation to approve the Jacksonville City Schools accounts payable and payroll for February 2025 and accept the February 2025 uh financial statements. So move. A recommendation has been made. Do I have a motion? So moved. Second. The motion has a second. Any discussion? Yes. Just a few things. First, first of all, I will never complain of a power bill when I saw that we paid $59,000 for one month of power. When you think of that, that is a lot of money for power. I never complain about Anyway,
021that's just a comment threw out there. But I did build our own power plant. Yeah. Or something. There we go. There it is. Yeah. 50s don't take much power. They they really don't. Um I did talk to Miss Blunt and you may have noticed on the um print out of the information that we received about the 1% county sales tax. There was a discrepancy. Well, not a discrepancy. There was just a question I had with December when we had only received $1,000. $1,189. January was 300 359,000. And Miss Blunt did mention that that 1,000 was the taxes from tags. And the reason the number was so high in January was because of vacations and we had just received those funds for um January from like December. December. Just want to throw that out there because
022I had talked with her about those those questions I had. It was all okay. Anything else? All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion carries. We are to superintendent report and new business. Yes. I'd like to make a recommendation to approve the construction of a new uh band practice field observation tower um at Jacksonville High School. So move. Second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? I'll say this. It's been needed for a long time. I was going to say the same thing. It's been passed due. So it's going to be fabulous. M okay. All those in favor say I. I. Any oppose? Motion carries. Get up there. Mr. Swing. Speaking to um that little bit of uh um or that item, we will have a construction or precon meeting on
023that tomorrow morning. Uh the partnership with those who are helping with that. And so it's kind of a three-way split on that. and um excited and and yes, there are steps, no ladders and all that stuff. Moving on to the next um recommendation to approve surplus property at Jacksonville High School and remove uh that surplus property from inventory. So move second. Any discussion? All those in favor all those in favor say I. I opposed. Motion carries. Next item, business recommend uh recommend to approve the Jacksonville City Schools 2025 2026 supplement uh salary schedule. Have a recommendation. Do I have a motion? So move. Second. Motion and a second. Any discussion? Just one quick thing. Uh Dr. Barber, I would like for well and fellow board members for us to consider. I know that this can
024be amended at time and it it will be as we move forward. But just for us to consider something um we have science olympied. We have other groups uh at the elementary school that teachers devote their time um after school on weekends for these children to participate in competitions. I would like for us to think about and consider uh adding them to this supplement list because they do devote their time for that and that is beyond teaching hours but I think it would be good to um to to give them some kind of compensation for that. Right. Another thing I just had a question and my ignorance I don't know but do we still do the cheerleaders at the high school still compete? Do we still have a competitive cheer team. Yes, they came in
025second this year. Well, and and then my question is, is that under the um Alabama High School Athletic Association sport and would that be included in these like extended season bonuses or Let me just back up just for a second just for us to think talk about and that. Let me check. Yeah, I should know that. It's not. It's not a HSA. No, it's not. Wow. No, they compete under and that's why I wanted to tap the brakes there. But they do have competitions and they do they do. Yes. And they came in second this year, but that it's not under age. Well, and I I didn't see and I may have missed that um cheer as far as the being one of those extracurricular or sub that maybe could be on the supplemental schedule.
026I think it had been in the past. Maybe it had been. Did I miss that? Did I miss seeing that? I don't know. I didn't see it either. Okay. But anyway, there's some things to be modified and think about. So, let me give you a little bit of history before you vote. The reason we're doing this tonight is that we needed to adjust a few of the supplements so that we could um move forward in uh the area to to build a staff where we're going tonight uh with another hire. And so, we'll talk a little bit about that as we go forward. But, um this will need to be amended. And you'll notice that this is not the the time of year that we normally bring this forward. And so we knew going in.
027So if you have questions about that, my apologies on the uh the cheer, but we do compete, but it is not with through that uh high school athletic association. We will take a look um because I'm sure that there again I don't want to be sure, but I I know that there's a supplement attached to that. Um well, just for later, you know. Yeah. But as we go forward, we'll there will be adjustments as we go forward with needs to be included on there. I just thought about the science olympiad and different events that um we do a supplement our children compete with, right? We do a supplement for the science olympiad, but you're right that there are other people that are involved in that and so we can we'll definitely look at that as
028well. That was just something absolutely good observation. Mhm. All right. Finish discussing. All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion carries. We are to personnel. Yes. I would like to recommend uh personnel items uh as listed. Uh and that's 11 A through G. The recommendation has been made. Do I have a motion? So move second. Motion has a second. All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed. Motion carries. Now if I could just stop for a second. Go right ahead. And share a little bit of information of uh one of those personnel items tonight. Um we do have our new head football coach that you just approved. Um, in that uh group of personnel items, the new head football coach for uh Jacksonville City Schools on Golden Eagles is uh Mr. Jeremy
029Sullivan. And right now uh Coach Sullivan has been coaching up in Boaz. And uh I wanted to read his letter to you that uh his initial letter to us. That name may sound familiar. He was a four-year starter at JSU, was an all-American um at JSU and has strong ties back here and um wants to be at Jacksonville um because uh he has such a connection here and bond here and uh that's exciting to me. Um this letter is uh what coach Sullivan wrote to us initially. Uh, I am writing to express my keen interest in the head football and coach uh, position at Jacksonville High School. With over 22 years of coaching experience at both high school and collegiate levels, I am eager to bring my expertise, passion for football, and a proven track
030record uh, to your esteemed program. During my tenure at Boaz High School, I have successfully led the team to the playoffs seven consecutive seasons, setting every offensive school record in the process. My strategies have not only focused on athletic performance, but also on fostering a team culture centered around discipline, teamwork, and academic success. These accomplishments are a testament to my ability to develop and lead a competitive team. Previously, as a defensive coordinator at Jackson High School, I had the honor of contributing uh to winning the 4A state championship in 2011. This experience was pivotal in shaping my coaching philosophy, emphasizing strategic development and player mentorship, elements I believe are crucial for the success of Jacksonville High School's football program. My multifaceted roles, including offensive coordinator at Pelum High School and head coach and athletic director
031at Citronale High School, have equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of program management from strategic game planning to community engagement and player recruitment. at Jacksonville High School, I'm sorry, at Jacksonville State University, uh honed my skills in both offensive and defensive coaching, which I believe will be invaluable in crafting a balanced and dynamic team at Jacksonville High School. I'm particularly drawn to this opportunity because it allows me to return to a community where I have deep roots and a personal connection. Having graduated from Jacksonville State University, I'm committed to not only continuing the tradition of excellence at Jacksonville High School, um but also to innovating and elevating the program to new heights. I'm excited about the possibility of uh being there and of course board tonight, you made that possible. We are just uh again
032very very excited to uh I think and I'll say this to bring Coach Sullivan home and uh again he is one of the all-Americans here. uh tomorrow morning he will be um at Jacksonville High School uh starting the day with us working on his staff. Uh yes, we we're hoping you are going to and and I appreciate you all very much and I've got that down as well making this possible so that we can get started um so that coach Sullivan can meet the team tomorrow. was very important for us to try to make this uh happen before we left for spring break. And so he will be meeting uh with the team in the morning. Again, if you are available, uh I know Mr. Candy has been part of this process kind of as
033your representative working along with me on this. Um but if you would like to be uh there in the morning, uh we would love that. No, you can't. I understand with work, but it's always an invitation. this guy though. I mean, he works local, so we'll we'll grab him. Um, but again, uh, and then he will, uh, be here and and so we're so excited. I'm excited about the ones that he is talking about with his staff as well. Um, this is just an exciting time for us. And I just want to say, too, we appreciate uh all of the the coaches that have coached before, Coach Sullivan. They've done a wonderful job. um they've uh helped place Jacksonville on the map with football and so we want to honor that and as we go
034forward again we are so excited about coach Sullivan being here um speaking with him uh just a wonderful gentleman but uh family man uh he and I we shared our faith you know you get a couple guys together and uh wind up having prayer on the phone for the upcoming season I'm just so impressed with him uh and Again, I want to thank the board for making this possible. I can't brag on our administrative staff, Dr. Weights. Um we're talking Saturday interviews, Sunday interviews, uh just uh so much time. We had 39 applicants. Uh just the screening process of getting those, going through those. Um there was a lot of work involved in this. And again, uh, after screening out the 39, um, looking at all the interest in this school system and it was
035tremendous, um, Coach Sullivan and that was my my prayer is that one person would above all of them, uh, just rise to the top and nothing against our other applicants. We appreciate them very much and they were wonderful. And, uh, again, hopefully we'll get to see more of of some of those applicants. Um, but again, uh, Coach Clark, uh, over at the high school, our athletic director, did a wonderful job, uh, along with Dr. Weights just helping through and getting us through this process, um, working with with candidates. And then, uh, I want to just I know she's not here, but, Miss Blunt, uh, just did a wonderful job just pulling everything together and helping us, uh, with the financial piece as well. So, but board uh it's a great day and again I'm looking
036forward to tomorrow and our football team I know they're looking forward to to meeting coach Sullivan and spending some time with him. We will again I know we have some of the press here uh tonight but we want to offer that opportunity for the press to to be at the high school tomorrow after he speaks with the team. Um, we would love for them if they would like to come and interview uh, Coach Sullivan and he will be there and we will make a spot available there in the library for for that to happen as well. Again, uh, for the the staff at the high school, can't thank them enough for helping out and um, this process has been a a good process. It truly truly has. It's been handled well. Thank you, Lord. Thank
037you. Thank you. Thank you. We're looking forward to it. Okay. Uh moving on. Item 12, confirmation of the next board meeting. If I grab your phone, April 17th. Uh I have a concert that night. That's my spring concert. Oh, not 2028. What the heck happened there? So, what date did we say? Um, what about can we do Tuesday or Tuesday the 15th? The 15th. That's good for me. That's tax day. All right. If y'all don't mind. Well, and one thing that I was going to let you know as well, we may need to um kind of do a quick drive-thru because we want to move forward on some hiring. Yes, we've been able to attend a couple of the career days um over at JSU and we've been out recruiting our people and so we
038know that we have and with your board action tonight, you've opened up some positions for us to to move forward on along with the coaching staff and so I can't tell you that we might not need for you to drive by at least uh enough of you to absolutely I appreciate that. That will help our new coach out greatly. So the 15th, April 15th for our regular release schedule. I work for y'all. Okay. Yeah, that works. Yeah. And then if we have to make more then we'll we'll make ourselves available. Absolutely. 6:00 6:00, April 15th. All right. 13 board member comment. Well, I'd just like to say a special thank you to all the um personnel we're losing, but um they have been such a blessing to this school, these schools, this community, and we
039really appreciate it, and we um wish them the best of luck where they will go next. I'm so excited about our future here at Jacksonville. And I know they're going to shine just like we're going to shine. That's right. So, and I can't wait for this opportunity. Makes me want football season. But we need a summer first. I know. So, thank you to them and everything they've meant to this community and they've poured their heart out for us and we appreciate all of that and wonderful role models um for our students and everything. So, thank you and excited for what's to come. I echo the sentiments of uh Orson and I say enjoy your spring break. Oh yes, enjoy your spring break. Take out time for you. Just just wanted to um wish Miss Green
040is who is retiring. We have one retiree. Wish her the best uh in a wonderful future and thank her for her service. I also want to congratulate Isaiah Garrett. Isaiah was elected vice president. Yes. of the Alabama FCCLA vice president of programs for the state for the state of Alabama. Just want to congratulate Isaiah. He's not here tonight, but I I wanted to congratulate him. That is awesome for that accomplish. We will get him here and recognize him. Isaiah is everywhere. I mean best best guy anywhere around and he is ever he will be running the country. I have good job Isaiah. Thank you. That's all. Just happy that we got this hire process completed. Um very excited about the connection with GSU. uh after and uh the one thing that I told you during
041interview when you told me about the mentorship and the church work that was sold me right there. So I'm looking forward to the seasons and let's get some wins. Great. I want to do an a quick shout out to our band program that got all superior ratings at uh their uh thing and there uh if you can find it out there uh Mr. Sweeney put out a recording of it's a piece called Molly on the Shore and you have no idea how difficult it is and that's probably the best recording I've ever heard of that. I was very much impressed with that. So, Mr. Sweeney and his staff and and the students especially, they've done a lot of marvelous work and I was very very proud to see that. And now he can go climb
042that tower when we get it built and did that. So, they do a fabulous job. They do with that. And we want to thank our guest for staying. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you all our parents. Congratulations. Yeah. And with that, I'll entertain a motion to adjurnn. So move second. Motion has second.