Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
The Autauga County Board of Education had a standing room only meeting where the board honored over 50 students for their achievements and dedication across the district. From music to leadership to robotics, students across all grade levels were recognized Monday night.
To see which students were recognized, see our previous article from From music to robotics.
“We have numerous and wonderful achievements happening across our district and I’m very proud to see our students and programs grow,” Superintendent of Autauga County Schools Lyman Woodfin said.
The Board approved a slew of line items on a consent agenda, which included the disposal of various old equipment that is beyond repair throughout the district, as well as passed all item on the consent agenda.
The board approved the adjusting of job duties for the director of curriculum and instruction services position, formerly held by Libby Frankel. The new position will be the director of curriculum and instruction for k-6 and elementary supervisor.
This would essentially split the position in two and create a new position, a director of curriculum and instruction for grades 7-12, as a secondary supervisor, Woodfin confirmed.
“These positions are needed because our principals need to have a direct supervisor based on the grade levels of the schools. These positions will enable us to help on the day-to-day operations for each school and principal. These positions will provide a layer of accountability at a school level which has been needed,” Woodfin said.
A policy regarding in-district transfers was adjusted, and the board voted unanimously. Previously a student with one major disciplinary infraction was not eligible for in district transfers. This policy changes that slightly while still maintaining discipline for the special action.
“After conferring with other principals and others in the centralized registration department, we feel as though it’s best to adjust the policy to state more than one major infraction. This allows some grace for a one-time mistake while still holding students accountable,” Woodfin said.
The board also approved a new camera system to be installed for Prattville High School and Marbury High School. These funds are coming from the advanced technology fund, Woodfin confirmed. This would convert the two largest high schools within the district from analog to digital camera, which would increase the level of security at both locations, Woodfin stated.
The property that the ACBOE owns near and including Pine Level Elementary was voted for approval of a petition to start the process of annexation into the town of Pine Level.
The Board also heard from the principal of the Autauga County Technology Center or ACTC, Brock Dunn. He gave a presentation regarding how to expand student participation rates at ACTC. Dunn confirmed they are looking to expand their reach to all students within the district.
Dunn is looking for approval for able students to drive from their home campuses to ACTC as many dual enrollment opportunities are housed at ACTC for students.
“This would allow students the opportunity for them to move to and from our campus throughout the day as their home for base school can fit it in their schedule. They would be able to drive to our campus for dual enrollment classes that we offer after lunch to the end of the day. This is very much like what we already offer in the district that already attends dual enrollment classes,” Dunn said.
Policies for students to drive are already in place for clinical sites. This policy requires a permission form signed by parents for specific permission.
Many ACBOE members questioned transportation opportunities and if they would still be in place, as not all students have the luxury of being able to drive. Dunn confirmed Transportation will still be offered as it stands already if students do not have the means to drive to ACTC or other dual enrollment sites, stating this just opens up further opportunities. The board passed the approval unanimously.
