Leeds Board of Education meets in March
Published 8:00 am Wednesday, March 26, 2014
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At March’s Leeds City Schools board of education meeting the 2014-2014 scholastic calendar was unanimously approved.
This has students starting school Wednesday, August 13th and the last day being Thursday, May 28th.
The full school schedule can be seen on the Leeds City Schools’ Facebook page.
Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Incorporated provided pictures of the look of Leeds Primary School.
Color coordinating throughout the school to make it easy for these Pre-K to second grade students making their way down the hall back to class.
Using the Dr. Seuss classic “One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish” as their inspiration, Leeds Primary School will accommodate its young learners as well as their educators.
Ideas like collapsible walls and mobile desks are being considered.
Leeds City Schools superintendent, John Moore along with several board members toured schools with the similar look and feel Leeds Primary School is moving towards.
Second grade teacher, Michelle Darabaris attended the meeting and said she loves the idea of collapsible walls.
“I love the flexibility,” said Darabaris.
Leeds Elementary School assistant principal Lisa Shaddix added, “The flexibility will work well for team teaching.”
Leeds High School principal Michael Turner’s contract was renewed with questions from board member Tamara Graham’s community.
She voiced their concern of the lack of minority teachers being hired at LHS.
Turner said he has hired several minority teachers and has recruited minority teachers away from other schools.
He said he understands their concerns because they’re his as well and will continue to hire the best qualified teachers.
“I look for the absolute very best candidates who give their best everyday,” Turner said.
Superintendent Moore’s contract was given a salary increase (Moore hasn’t received an increase in the five years he’s been with Leeds City Schools) but with a four to one vote.
Leeds Board of Education member Phillip Hyche voted no.
“It’s nothing to do with performance,” said Hyche. “But for what we’re tying to accomplish here, I’d be fine with a 4.5 percent increase but not 7.5 percent increase. My vote is purely financial. We have the right person at the wheel, and I hope he stays forever.”
Staying on the financial front, over the next three years a tiered structure regarding transfer fees will be implemented.
Starting next year transfer fees will be $750 per child, the next year, $1,000 per child and the year after that $1,500 per child.
Before concluding the meeting the board unanimously voted to sign a resolution supporting Alabama State superintendent Dr. Tommy Bice and the Alabama College and Career Ready Standards.
The next Leeds City Schools board of education meeting is Monday, April 14th at 6 p.m. in the Leeds Middle School library located at 1771 Whitmire Street.
