CALHOUN COUNTY, AL – The Calhoun County Board of Education held a special called meeting Thursday morning at 8:00 AM to address several action items before the start of the new school year, with the most significant decision being a change to the graduation schedule.
Board members present included Mr. Burt, Mr. George, Mr. Mange, Mr. Lathers, and board chair Mr. Webb. Mr. Tittle and Mr. Almaroad were absent from the meeting. Superintendent Willis presented the action items to the board.
Graduation Schedule Change
Graduation Date Change: The board approved a significant change to the graduation schedule after Jacksonville State University (JSU) contacted the district about a scheduling conflict. JSU had been selected to host the state baseball playoffs, which would take place at their field and share the same parking lot as the Coliseum where graduation ceremonies are held.
Superintendent Willis explained that JSU officials determined it would be impossible to accommodate both events on the same day due to severe parking constraints. “The parking is bad enough as it is,” Willis noted, referencing JSU’s assessment of the situation.
The district explored multiple alternatives, including moving graduation to the previous week or scheduling it on Saturday, but each option presented conflicts. The only viable solution was to move all graduation ceremonies from their traditional Thursday date to Monday of the same week.
Initially, there was discussion about whether schools that hold graduation on their own fields (rather than at the Coliseum) would also need to change dates. After consultation with principals, Willis recommended that all schools move to Monday to maintain consistency across the district. “I think the board would rather just everybody do it the same day,” Willis stated. “If half the county’s graduating Monday, you’re gonna have a bunch of seniors walking all the way to Thursday.”
The change presents some logistical challenges, including more difficulty scheduling practice ceremonies, which will now need to occur on Friday rather than the day before graduation. However, Willis noted potential benefits, including having four days after graduation to focus on returning students before the school year ends, rather than trying to keep graduating seniors on task during those final days.
Principals across the district were reportedly in agreement with the Monday change, even those whose schools typically hold ceremonies on their own fields. The board ultimately approved the change with the understanding that while the JSU Coliseum date is locked for Monday, individual schools retain some flexibility in their final scheduling decisions.
Key Actions Approved
Speech Language Services Contracts: The board approved two separate contracts for speech language pathology services to fill a gap left by the departure of a certified employee who had previously provided these services.
Custodial Services Contract: A contract for custodial services covering the main building and IT building was renewed at the same rate used for several years. Superintendent Willis noted that outside companies were contacted for price comparisons, but no better rates were found.
Medical Staffing Agreement: The board approved a memorandum of understanding with AMT Medical Staffing for services.
School Resource Officer Contract: A two-year agreement with the Sheriff’s Department for eight School Resource Officers (SROs) was approved for the 2025-27 period. The contract totals $685,000 annually, with the district also covering additional costs for conferences, supplies, and technical needs. Board members noted the importance of having SRO coverage on every campus for student safety.
Staffing Decisions: The board approved a preliminary one-year contract for a new qualifying employee and a part-time math instruction contract for Excel school. The math position will be filled by a retired teacher working four hours daily, five days per week.
Policy Changes
Paid Parental Leave Policy: The board approved adding the state-mandated paid parental leave act to their policy handbook, as required by new state legislation.
Personnel Approvals: Multiple personnel deployments, position assignments, and coaching supplements were approved to ensure adequate staffing before the school year begins, with emphasis on fall sports coaching positions.
Future Considerations
Superintendent Willis presented information regarding a community request to name a field after Coach Jeff Smith in the Wellborn area. The matter will be considered at an upcoming work session scheduled for August 20th at 2:00 PM, along with reviewing bids for field improvements that will be opened August 19th. Board Chair Webb clarified that early feedback indicates community support for naming the field after Coach Smith while preserving the current stadium name, noting that “nobody wants to lose the Hill” referring to the current stadium designation.
The board will hold their next regular meeting on August 21st. The meeting was adjourned after all action items were approved unanimously.
