ANNISTON, AL – The Calhoun County Board of Education convened Thursday morning at 9:00 AM for their final meeting before the start of the 2025-26 school year, approving several key measures including salary increases for support staff and budget amendments.
Salary Adjustments Approved The board unanimously approved a 2% salary increase for support staff categories that had not previously received raises under recent state legislation. The increase affects CFP managers, secretaries, bookkeepers, maintenance workers, technology staff, and transportation personnel. According to Finance Director Mr. Godwin, these employees were caught in the middle after recent state legislation provided minimum wage increases for lower-tier employees and teacher salary schedule adjustments for higher-tier staff.
Budget Amendment Passes The board approved Budget Amendment Number Two for fiscal year 2025, which includes a $12.5 million revenue increase to the general fund. Approximately $9 million of this increase comes from advancement in technology funds, with the remainder from local revenue adjustments. Finance Director Godwin noted that revenues were budgeted conservatively and these adjustments reflect actual receipts.
Bid Awards and Contracts Several routine business items were approved, including:
- Garbage service bid award
- Chemical supply bid to Adewale Chemical
- Band instrument purchase from Gadsden Music Company using College Career Readiness Indicator grant funds
- Copier lease agreement for Alexandria Elementary School
- Membership renewal for the Alabama Association of School Boards
Personnel Actions The board approved routine personnel matters including resignations, new hires, and contract approvals for the upcoming school year.
Meeting Attendance
Present at the meeting were Chairman Mr. Webb, board members Mr. Burt, Mr. Mange, Mr. George, and Mr. Almaroad, along with Superintendent Tony Willis. Mr. Tittle and Mr. Lathers were noted as absent. Mr. Almaroad provided the opening invocation.
The board discussed their upcoming Institute Day scheduled for August 4th at Hillcrest, featuring speaker Liz Huntley, a Birmingham attorney who serves on the Board of Trustees for Alabama and Auburn universities. Huntley will speak about how education transformed her life from growing up in challenging circumstances to becoming an accomplished attorney.
Finance Director Godwin noted that the district’s May financial report showed cash and cash equivalents totaling $61.3 million, with a general fund ending balance of $45 million, representing a 5.25-month reserve.
The next scheduled meeting is Thursday, August 21st, though a special meeting may be called before school starts for final personnel approvals.
