Saks, AL – On Thursday, April 17, 2025, the Calhoun County Board of Education convened at 4:00 PM at the Calhoun County Board of Education Office for its regularly scheduled meeting. The session began with a heartfelt prayer led by Mr. Almaroad, followed by a moment of silence in honor of Taylor Howard, a deeply valued community member whose sudden passing earlier that day left a profound impact. Howard’s dedication to the Ohatchee community, especially through youth sports, was warmly remembered.
A quorum was confirmed through roll call, and the agenda was promptly approved.
Misti Beam from the Examiners of Public Accounts presented the audit findings for the fiscal year spanning October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024. The audit resulted in an unmodified opinion, indicating that the Board’s financial records met state standards. However, two findings were noted:
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Finding 2024-001: The Board made payments exceeding $100,000 for a public works project without adhering to the required bidding procedures outlined in the Code of Alabama.
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Finding 2024-002: An insufficient number of proposals were obtained for services funded by federal grants.
Board members thanked staff for their cooperation and pledged to take immediate corrective actions.
The Board celebrated several achievements during the meeting:
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Haley Eichstedt, a senior at Ohatchee High School, was named TCI Student of the Month. Barry Russell praised her academic dedication and career goals in cosmetology. Monthly student recognitions will be supported with scholarships going forward.
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Mini-Grant Awards: Jamie Davis of the Elgin County Education Association announced six $250 mini-grants awarded to educators for innovative projects:
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April Berry (Apache Elementary): “Discipline with Desk Pets”
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Holly Hudson (Wilburn Elementary): “Hatching Chicks”
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Monique Greer (Lock Plains Middle School): “Unlocking the Past”
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Brittany Brewster (Ohatchee Elementary): Math manipulatives
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Lindy Mange (Ohatchee High School): “STEM Media Room”
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Erica Turner (Saks High School): “Podcasting with English Language Learners”
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Discussion Items
Board members highlighted recent events, such as the Chamber of Youth Leadership program for eleventh graders. Mr. Whaley was applauded for his work as the county tournament director, with suggestions made to schedule daytime games to boost student attendance.
Financial Report
Mr. Godwin presented the February 2025 financials:
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Cash and Cash Equivalents: Approximately $59.8 million, reconciled with bank records.
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Investments: $16 million total, indicating a healthy investment portfolio.
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Year-to-Date Income: Mutual fund program income reached $734,000.
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Revenue Trends: Overall revenues rose by 1.09%, with property tax collections up 1.10%.
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Expenditures: General fund spending stood at 39.13%, with future costs anticipated for roofing and summer projects.
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Ending Balance: The general fund had approximately $43 million, equating to five months of reserves.
Action Items
The Board addressed several key items:
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Teacher Appreciation Week: May 5–9, 2025, was officially declared Teacher Appreciation Week.
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Outstanding Student Recognition: Top students from each high school and the Career Tech Center will be honored at graduation for academic and extracurricular excellence.
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Memoranda of Understanding:
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Approved flu vaccination services through H&H Immunizations.
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Renewed partnership with the YMCA for after-school programs.
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Roofing and Repairs Bid: Advanced Roofing Solutions was awarded the bid for Saks Elementary repairs at $1,265,000, despite the bid being slightly over budget.
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Personnel Changes: The Board approved various staffing changes including resignations, new hires, and contract renewals to support ongoing recruitment and retention.
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Coaching Supplement: Approved for Welborn High Athletic Association to encourage athletic engagement.
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Salary Schedule Update: Approved revisions to maintenance and custodian pay scales to ensure competitive compensation.
Executive Session
The Board entered an executive session to discuss confidential personnel matters, reinforcing their commitment to thoughtful and private deliberation on sensitive issues.
