BY TATUM NORTHINGTON
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
The Elmore County Board of Education held a special called meeting on August 11, 2022. The Superintendent and five of seven board members were present, with Joey Holley and Leisa Finley being absent. Attendance was small with only a couple of community members present. The meeting was streamed live on Facebook for those who wanted to watch but the video was only available for live viewing.
Superintendent Richard Dennis addressed the board regarding just a few items and the meeting lasted approximately 15 minutes. Dennis addressed audit findings and also enrollment numbers, which is approximately 11,231 total students across the 16 schools in the district. Newly opened Redland Middle School was addressed and their enrollment is at 546 currently.
Mr. Dennis discussed the main reason for this special called meeting was to address personnel action, and explained that approximately five certified positions are open in the district. He said he believes those will all filled in the coming weeks.
The area of concern is the need for utility workers, child nutrition workers, as well as special education aides across the county. Dennis asked for the board to consider the action item, and Board Chairman Michael Morgan asked the board members if there were any set asides. With none being addressed, the motion to approve the personnel action was approved unanimously. You can find the board approved personnel report HERE.
Dennis then discussed upcoming events. He foresees another special meeting being needed to take action on personnel, but was not sure of a date yet due to job posting numbers.
The regular scheduled meeting for August is next Tuesday, August 16 at 5 pm at Redland Middle School where there will be an official ribbon cutting ceremony and open house for those to tour the new school – the public is encouraged to attend.
Chairman Morgan gave praise to the Superintendent, Central Office Staff, Redland Middle School Administration and Staff, and specifically Mike Czpeck for “Redland opening on time and what a great campus it is going to be.”
With no other items on the agenda, the meeting was adjourned at 12:15 p.m..
