By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
The Monday, November 4, meeting of the Escambia County Board of Education marked a changing of the guard, in more ways than one.
BOE members selected, by a 4-3 vote, District 7’s Coleman Wallace as the board’s new president, then gave unanimous approval to the selection of District 1’s Kevin Hoomes as vice president.
Wallace replaces District 5’s Loumeek White, who presided over BOE meetings for the past year; Hoomes takes over the position held for the past year by District 4’s Cindy Jackson.
When the floor was opened for nominations, District 2’s Danny Benjamin nominated Wallace, and District 6’s Sherry Digmon nominated White for another term.
A roll-call vote resulted in Hoomes, Benjamin, District 3’s Mike Edwards and Wallace voting for Wallace’s presidency. Jackson, White and Digmon voted for White. Hoomes was nominated by Jackson and was the only nomination for the number two slot. The appointment received unanimous approval.
The meeting was the last one for Edwards, who was defeated by Jerry Wilson in the March Republican Primary. Both Benjamin and Wallace praised the District 3 rep’s contribution to the BOE.
“I want to say thank you to a brother and a friend,” said Benjamin, who has been a member of the school board for 36 years. “For the past 12 years he has given his all. He brought his expertise in architecture to the board.”
Wallace echoed those sentiments, saying, “Ditto to what Mr. Benjamin said.”
Edwards said his two BOE terms have taught him a lot, especially with regard to property owned by the board.
“It’s been a learning experience,” he said. “I hope you guys can continue to develop those properties.”
The meeting was also designed to give the public an opportunity to present any concerns they might have about the way county schools are run. Nobody in the audience of about 10 had any comments, and that portion of the session was closed.
In other business, BOE members:
*Voted by a 6-1 margin to increase the pay of board members from $800 per month, to $900. Digmon was the only dissenting vote.
*Approved unanimously the final draft of the amended 2024 budget, which Chief Schools Financial Officer Avery Ford said has received state approval.
*Reminded the public that a special meeting will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, November 15.
Personnel
The following personnel recommendations by Superintendent Dr. Michele Collier were approved by the Board.
The following abbreviations are used:
Rachel Patterson Elementary School – RPES
Escambia County High School – ECHS
Flomaton High School – FHS
Pollard McCall Junior High School – PMJHS
W.S. Neal Elementary School – WSNES
W.S. Neal High School – WSNHS
Resignation
1. Jason Blackwell, building construction teacher, ECHS, effective Oct. 31, 2024
2. Nakiedra Brown, ELA teacher, ECHS, effective Oct. 31, 2024
3. Angela Thomas, special education aide WSNES, effective Oct. 15, 2024
Employment
1. Erin Wasden, elementary teacher, PMJHS, effective Nov. 5, 2024, replacing April Graham
2. Lee Smith, assistant principal, RPES, effective Nov. 12, 2024, replacing Shawaungela DeLoach
3. Rheanna Thomas, special education aide, WSNES, effective Nov. 5, 2024, replacing Angela Thomas
Transfer
1. Brandy Lambeth, special education aide, from PMJHS, effective Nov. 5, 2024. to FHS
After school employment
1. Alison Britt, teacher, after school program, FHS, effective Nov. 5, 2024
2. Wanda McKissack, teacher, after school program, FHS, effective Nov. 5, 2024
3. Lauren Kirn, teacher, after school program, WSNHS, effective Nov. 11, 2024
4. Anna Nelson, teacher, after school program, WSNHS, effective Nov. 11, 2024