Concerned citizen Pastor Roger Chambliss of Ashville addressed theSt. Clair  Board of Education Monday saying there is a lack of communication between the Board of Education (BOE) and the people of the community.

With three children attending Ashville Elementary School, Chambliss has a vested interest in their education. Chambliss said there are questions people feel that haven’t been answered. He asked the board how do they get an answer and how does their process work.

BOE President Scott Suttle let Chambliss know that typically questions aren’t addressed in a general meeting. He asked that anyone with questions submit them in writing. They will reply, and if there’s a need for further explanation, a meeting will be set up with St. Clair County Superintendent Jenny Seals or the appropriate person.

Chambliss replied, “We need to do better, when we get the answers, we need to share the answers. Do you think that’s fair?” The board answered, “Yes.”

“Your points are well made and taken,” said Suttle.

Motives questioned

Next, Ashville resident Candy Cato with the Coalition for School Improvement directed a question to board member Angie Cobb regarding a possible violation of board policy regarding her husband Greg Cobb.

“Number VIII of Section 2.11 of board policy states that, ‘the individual must have no direct or indirect financial or contractual interest in St. Clair County Board of Education business matters,” said Cato, regarding Greg Cobb, who currently works for the Instruction and Professional Development department of the St. Clair County School System.

“Who will enforce this because it’s a clear violation of board policy?” asked Cato.

Cobb replied, “I cannot vote on anything regarding anyone directly related to me. A position was not created for my husband. A teacher, an aide or school nurse cannot hold a board seat. Anybody that is paid by this board cannot be on the board. That’s what the policy means.”

Cato asked who made the ruling. Suttle said he would check and get back to her. Board member Marie Manning said the board attorney or the Attorney General would be able to get Cato her answers.

“We will get a satisfactory answer,” said Suttle.

“I have been a certified employee of the St. Clair County BOE for almost eighteen years now. In 2005 I was asked by the state department/Alabama Reading Initiative to come to work for them as a principal coach. For five years, the St. Clair BOE allowed me to be on loan the SDE. This meant that my tenure as an assistant principal was frozen and there were no breaks in service.”

“In 2010, I applied for the Margaret Elementary principal position and did not get the position, but the principals that were on that interview committee asked Mrs. Seals if I could be placed in a position where everyone could benefit from my new learning experiences at the SDE and my experience working with schools needing a boost academically. Because the board had to place me in at least an assistnt principal position, Mrs. Seals felt my current position would best utilize my talents along with help with needs related to professional development and the new Response to Instruction model. I am paid as an assistant principal.

“My wife can be a board member because she is not supplying a service or on contract with the school system. My employment status is not dependent upon her constitutional right to run for public office. She has been a member of the BOE for six years and we have both submitted ethics forms each year. It is odd that this would surface two weeks before a primary election.”

Safety addressed

* Due to the horrific school shooting in Chardon, Ohio Seals was asked (after the meeting) should an incident like this arise in St. Clair County, what do they have in place. “Safety is our number one priority. People on each school site review a safety plan. We conduct mock drills and go over lockdown procedures to detour any activity like that from occurring,” said Seals. “We have SRO Officers and local law enforcement on campus as well. Our safety plan is in place.”

Ragland commended

* During board comments Manning took a moment to congratulate the Ragland High School Lady Purple Devils. “They played a phenomenal game. This is an exciting time,” said Manning.

Improvements

* The board approved projects for reroofing the kitchen/cafeteria area at Springville Elementary School, installing new drainpipe at Springville Elementary as a public works project and replacing the original wooden bleachers at Moody Jr. High School.