News Staff Report
Debbie Bolden, who previously served as principal of Escambia County Middle School, is returning to the school on a part-time temporary basis. She was rehired by the Escambia County Board of Education during their regular meeting Thursday, December 16.
In the absence of ECMS principal Takecia Barlow, Assistant Superintendent Sandra Reid has served as interim principal. Bolden will be a parttime administrator, not principal. Her employment begins January 3, 2022 and ends May 31, 2022. Reid and Bolden will work together as Superintendent Michele McClung and the board look ahead to hiring a principal next year.
Loumeek White was the only board member to vote no on Bolden’s rehire.
Prior to getting down to business, the board and guests enjoyed a time of entertainment and celebration.
To begin the meeting, everyone enjoyed Christmas songs by a combined Escambia County Middle School and High School. This was fitting as the meeting was held at the middle school.
Members of the choir are ECMS: Aliyonne Williams, Donyuana Montgomery, Jordan Knight, Alexis Bright, Kadence Worth*, Shemecca Brown, Derreanna Lyons, Angel Crenshaw, Katie Salter, Briana Milton, Jamora Hunter, Ny’Asia Seright, Christian Bradley, Jeremiah Brown; ECHS: Jalecia River, Roshaundra Banks, Shamirica Rankins*, Darron Nichols*, Hayla Weaver, Shameshia America, Tenya Brown, Zakiyah Fullerton, Jaylen Young. (* indicates 2022 All-State Choral Festival participants.) The chorus is under the direction of Schwayne Bradley.
In Superintendent McClung’s Spotlight for Success, she celebrated the inaugural Superintendent’s Christmas Card Contest. (See related article on page 9B.) The following winners were introduced:
Elementary – Rilee Benton, 4th grade, W.S. Neal Elementary School
Middle – Harmony Riley, 6th grade, Escambia County Middle School
High – Emma Grace Harris, 12th grade, W.S. Neal High School
Superintendent’s Choice Award – Harlee Wilson, 11th grade, W.S. Neal High School
The superintendent gave an update on CCRI credentialing for all seniors districtwide.
In other business,
* the board renewed the appointment of board attorney Broox Garrett, for January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022, with a $1,000 retainer fee
* heard a review of monthly financial statement for November 30, 2021 from Chief School Financial Officer Julie Madden
* approved a virtual learning day for students on January 4, 2022, in order for instructional staff to attend professional development provided by the district. Students were scheduled to return to school on the 4th but will return on the 5th.
* voted to purchase a broadcasting / tv studio for each school from StreamVu Ed in the amount of $124,449.00. (TIPS Contract #210301 –Title I Funding)
* voted to purchase a crisis management alert system from Centegix in the amount of $541,700.00 (5-year contract – countywide – ATF Funding)
* heard a report from Deputy of Operations Shaun Goolsby on districtwide projects in the works.
The board approved the following personnel recommendations by Superintendent McClung.
Resignation
1. Maria Franks, 6-hour lunchroom worker, Escambia County Middle School, effective November 5, 2021
2. Kenneth Ford, assistant band director, Escambia County Middle School, effective December 31, 2021
3. Tamara Banks, special education teacher, Rachel Patterson Elementary School, effective January 4, 2022
4. James Hayles, 7-hour custodian, Rachel Patterson Elementary School, effective January 1, 2022
5. Thomas Lambeth, general maintenance worker, Brewton Maintenance Department, effective December 31, 2021
Employment
1. Stephanie Taylor, teacher, Academic Recovery Response Plan After School Program, Escambia County High School, effective January 4, 2022
2. Winter Sims, teacher, Academic Recovery Response Plan After School Program, Escambia County High School, effective January 3, 2022
3. Felicia Bishop, office aide, Escambia County High School, effective January 3, 2022 (replacing Wendy Stokes)
4. Quentin Riley, teacher aide, Escambia County Middle School, effective January 3, 2022
5. Madelynn Holt, elementary teacher, Escambia County Middle School, effective January 3, 2022 (replacing Amanda Hybart)
6. Traci Ward, Teacher, Academic Recovery Response After School Program, Pollard McCall Junior High School, effective January 3, 2022
7. David Sorokowski, art teacher, W.S. Neal High and Middle School, effective January 3, 2022
Employment change
1. Vanessa Mealer, 6-hour lunchroom worker, W.S. Neal High School, to 7-hour lunchroom worker, WS Neal High School, effective January 3, 2022 (replacing Brenda Samuel)
Rehires
1. Angelia McMullen, bus driver, Atmore bus shop, effective December 3, 2021 (replacing Angelia McMullen)
Temporary employment
1. Debbie Bolden, part-time interim administrator, Escambia County Middle School, effective January 3, 2022 through May 31, 2022