By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The Chilton County Board of Education approved contracts with the local police departments and the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office for school security and resource officers during the Sept. 18 meeting.

“This is one of the best things that we have done since I have been here,” Board member Curtis Smith said.

The city of Clanton will continue to fund its SRO, but the school system is reimbursing the other departments to cover the school security officers’ salaries.

The BOE previously approved $287,000 to cover the positions.

The school system will also be moving forward with security lobbies for the schools after accepting a bid of $211,000.

“It came in well below what was anticipated, so we have enough funds left over to do exactly what we wanted,” Chilton County Schools Superintendent Jason Griffin said.

This covers all but two of the schools. The remaining school projects will be completed by the school maintenance staff.

The Child Nutrition Department is gearing up for its first audit since Tasha Hayes was named director this summer.

The board unanimously approved hiring FIT Kid Solutions as a consultant for up to two days at $750 per day.

Hayes said the consultant would have the department prepare for its state audit.

“Just because I’m new, and it’s in October,” Hayes said.

Hayes said the consultant has 30 years of experience and could help ensure a good audit.

Board member Pam Price said there were employees at the central office that have worked in the CNP office in the past that could help with the audit.

Hayes said there were aspects with the computer programs that these employees would not have experience with.

Chief School Finance officer LaVerne Williams said there were a number of changes from the State Legislature that were effective for the first time this year. She said having the consultant would help the department get in compliance with all of the changes.

Also during the meeting, the board approved:

• Hiring two teachers, two bus drivers, two paraprofessionals and a Child Nutrition assistant. Numerous substitute teachers were also approved. Price had initially asked to table the vote because certificates were not provided to the board members for the candidates and she had concerns that one of the substitutes as being paid more than half of a teacher’s salary. The motion to table the vote failed, and the motion to approve the new hires passed 6 to 1. Board President Lori Patterson, Board Vice President Joe Mims and board members Linda Hand, Keith Moore, Jim Shannon and Smith voted in favor. These also voted in favor of the substitute list. Price voted against both motions. Moore recused himself from the vote on the list of substitute teachers
• Naming the new multipurpose building at Isabella High School for long-time board member Curtis Smith who is serving in his last term.
• A procedure for reconsideration of library books/instructional materials. Under this policy, concerns about a specific book in the library or being used as a supplemental material would be taken to the principal first. The principal decision could then be appealed to a committee. The last tier is coming to the board for a decision.
• Posting for a full-time custodian for Maplesville High School.
• Posting for a social worker/ counselor position to serve kindergarten through fifth grade county-wide as needed.

“I think it will be a good thing,” Griffin said. “It is something that has been needed from the K-5 perspective for a while.”

The position would be funded from Title 4 funds.

• Purchasing 31 buses and two special needs buses.
• Griffin attending the School Superintendents of Alabama fall conference for professional development.

The need for substitute bus drivers was also discussed. Those interested in details on becoming a substitute bus driver can call (205) 280-2950.