The Chilton County Board of Education approved at its July 17 meeting to open bids for demolishing the old Jemison Middle School gym as soon as possible.

Superintendent Dave Hayden said work on the gym is scheduled to start after July 26.

“We hope to have it done by the time school starts,” Hayden said.

Renovation plans for the old JMS building are still uncertain.

The board also approved for Tommy Glasscock to implement an Advanced Science Program at LeCroy Career/Tech Center, which will require an additional teacher unit.

Chief Financial Officer Steve Yeargan presented June’s financial report, noting that, as in previous months, the board has maintained its monthly reserve for emergency expenses.

“We’re still going along in good shape at this time,” Yeargan said.

The board approved the final amendment to the fiscal year 2012 budget, as well as a budget meeting Sept. 6 at 4 p.m. and a final budget meeting at the regular board meeting on Sept. 18.

In other business, the board:

•Approved paying the Alabama Association of School Boards Service Fees of $11,500 and Legal Assistance Fund of $250.

•Approved the following requests: Chilton County High School – permission for the Baseball Booster Club to pay varsity coach Josie Shannon a supplement of $1,800, and permission for Debra Sosa to travel with DECA students to New York City as chaperone for the DECA Conference to be held Nov. 27–Dec. 2; Maplesville – permission for varsity cheerleaders to begin fundraising efforts and travel to New York City, Nov. 17–23, to attend and perform in Macy’s 2012 Thanksgiving Day Parade; Verbena – permission for Verbena Youth Football League to use the football field and practice fields from Aug. 1 until Nov. 30.

The board approved to hold a meeting before its regular board meeting Aug. 21 to prepare for the 2012–2013 school year.