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By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

Several Chilton County Schools employees had their retirement and resignation decisions accepted by the Board of Education during a meeting on April 19.

Those leaving the system included Thorsby teacher Stacey Easterling, bookkeeper Gail Moore, Jemison Elementary teacher assistant Taylor Brown, bus driver Virginia Patterson, Jemison Intermediate Child Nutrition employee Margaret Smith, Thorsby Child Nutrition employee Frances Allison, Clanton Intermediate custodian Kacy Brown, Clanton Elementary teachers Ginger Ricks and Tanya Cleckler, CIS teacher Phyllis Diane Cleckler, Clanton Elementary custodian Josh Moses, Technology Coordinator Kim Arrington, CIS teacher assistant Kaylee Jones, Chilton County High School teacher Phillip Morrison and Maplesville teacher assistant DeNe Carter.

Rishard Davis has transferred to Maplesville High as a teacher.

Three teachers were hired for Jemison Middle. Two teachers were hired for Clanton Elementary. One teacher was hired for Jemison High School.

A pay increase for transportation employees was tabled until another meeting in light of recent state approved increases on the pay scale for teachers. Board President Pam Price said she felt the school system needed to look at increasing the pay for all support staff, not just bus drivers.

Another concern discussed at the meeting was that principals, since they are not on the teacher pay scale, could wind up making less than veteran teachers. Superintendent Jason Griffin said he and the Chief School Financial Officer Alisa Benson were looking at possibilities and were open to suggestions.

Software to help track the school bus mileage was approved for purchase. The software will be purchased with Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds, and the purchase was already included in the budget. Board member Chris Smith asked if training would be provided and when it would be implemented. A specific timeline could not be given, but Benson said training would be provided.

During the meeting, Wendy Dale of Blast From the Past, thanked the board for allowing the nonprofit to use the CCHS auditorium. The shows this year were a success with near capacity crowds. Dale also announced plans to award $500 scholarships to one senior student participant from the schools represented. This year, there was not a senior from each participating school, so four will be awarded. A formal selection process is being developed for next year. A $500 donation is also being made to Clanton Middle School for its chorale program. The shows this year have been estimated to raise $15,000. These funds are planned to be used to improve the sound system at CCHS, where the performances are held.

The board also approved:

• A CCHS coaching supplement, which will be paid for by the booster club.
• Employees to wash the school busses this summer.
• Paying for students to attend the city of Clanton’s career day.
• Workers for the summer learning camp. Board members Lori Patterson and Smith recused themselves from the vote.