Calhoun County, AL The Calhoun County Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting Thursday evening, addressing several key agenda items including major athletic facility improvements, personnel changes, and recognizing distinguished guests.
Alumni Recognition
The meeting opened with recognition of Ohatchee High School alumnus James Nichols, who recently completed the Journey of Hope, a cross-country bicycle ride from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. Nichols, a culinary student at Jacksonville State University and member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, biked over 4,000 miles in 63 days as part of a fundraising effort that raised nearly $500,000 for children with disabilities. The journey included daily rides of 60-130 miles and stops at churches, hotels, and “friendship visits” with people with disabilities.
Legislative Representatives Address Board
Six state representatives attended the meeting to address the board and discuss education initiatives:
Rep. Mark Gidley presented a $20,000 check to be distributed among schools in his district and praised the implementation of the statewide cell phone ban in schools. He noted positive feedback from his daughter, a high school teacher at Southside High School, who reported students were actually talking to each other in hallways rather than being absorbed in their phones. Gidley also discussed his continued work on assistant principal legislation, with a goal of having assistant principals in every school statewide.
Rep. Chad Robertson (District 40) emphasized his willingness to help any part of Calhoun County, even areas outside his direct district, and praised the cell phone legislation’s positive impact on student focus.
Rep. Steve Hurst shared his long-standing support for education and commitment to helping schools, noting his background as an educator with 45 years and six months of teaching experience. He emphasized his focus on supporting both elderly and young people, particularly through education initiatives.
Rep. Dr. Barbara Boyd, speaking as an educator-turned-legislator, discussed her 45 years and six months in education, with her longest tenure at Weaver High School during challenging times including double sessions. She emphasized her dual role as an educator and legislator, noting that colleagues in Montgomery recognize this background. Dr. Boyd represents four areas in House District 32 and announced her intention to serve one more term before retiring after 32 years in the legislature.
Rep. Randy Wood spoke following Dr. Boyd, discussing the legislative budget process and Alabama’s improved fiscal management. Wood explained that legislators have two mandatory duties in Montgomery: passing the general fund and educational trust fund budgets. He highlighted that Alabama hasn’t been on probation since 2010, contrasting this with previous administrations when probation occurred regularly and cost teachers their jobs. Wood noted the state now maintains savings in both budget funds and expressed support for the cell phone legislation, sharing that a Tuscaloosa teacher reported students were “acting better, doing better, making better grades” since implementation.
All representatives praised the cell phone legislation’s implementation, noting that students have adapted well to the statewide ban with minimal disciplinary issues.
Financial Report
CFO Godwin presented the financial report for June 2025, highlighting:
- Cash and cash equivalents totaling $71.7 million
- Investments and related receivables of $16.2 million (cost basis)
- Year-to-date investment income of $450,000
- Money market fund income of $1.3 million for the year
- General fund revenues at 78.27% for the 9th month
- General fund ending balance of $53 million, equating to 6.7 months reserve
- The $8 million advancement in technology funds received in June, with expenditures expected throughout the next fiscal year
Major Action Items Approved
Athletic Field Improvements: The board approved a significant bid award to Game Day Athletic Services of Rainbow City for installing artificial turf on 12 baseball and softball fields across the district. This project covers every high school baseball and softball field except Pleasant Valley, whose project will be addressed in September due to additional construction needs.
Welborn High School Football Field Naming: In a particularly emotional moment, the board approved naming the Welborn High School football field after longtime coach Jeff Smith, who served 17 years as head coach. The recommendation came after numerous letters from former coaches, alumni, players, teachers, and community members. The announcement was planned to be made at that evening’s jamboree, with Smith reportedly unaware of the honor.
CareerTech Agreement: The board renewed its annual instructional agreement with the Anniston City Fire Department, allowing high school students to receive firefighter credentials while using the department’s training facilities.
Personnel Actions: The board approved several personnel items including:
- New hire contracts and team contracts
- Coaching supplements funded by Welburn High School football boosters
- Various service contracts for resource support, homebound instruction, and math intervention at Weaver Elementary
- Contract services with Cheaha Counseling
- Five resignations and multiple new employment offerings
Executive Session
The meeting concluded with the board entering executive session to discuss personnel matters related to “general reputation, character, physical condition, professional competence, mental health, or job performance of certain board employees.” The board adjourned following the executive session without returning to public session.
