The Haleyville Board of Education met Tuesday, March 25 , all members present except Boo Haughton. After approving the agenda and the minutes of the regular session of February 19, the board considered and approved the following items:

1. Board expenditures for January, 2008 in the amount of $1,548,412.44.
2. Field trip for junior varsity and varsity cheerleader to attend
cheerleader camp June 8, through June 6, 2008.
3. Field trip for FFA student to attend state FFA convention June 2 through June 6, 2008.
4. Field trip for drafting student to attend Alabama Skills USA contest in Birmingham, AL April 29-30, 2008.
5. Calendar for the 2008-2009 school year with the first student day being August 6, 2008 and graduation set for May 22, 2009.
6. Substitute teacher list.

Under Personnel the board approved retirement requests from Martha Bryant, Betty Barnett and Ruth Ann Burleson effective June 1.

Other Business included approving the following fundraisers:
a. Varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders to sell flags April 1 through April 15, 2008.
b. Varsity and Junior varsity cheerleaders to sell Pizza Hut Fundraiser cards April 22 through May 6, 2008.
c. HHS band boosters and band to sell community birthday and anniversary calendars now through May, 2008.
d. Relay for Life sponge throw April 11, 2008 and change (penny) drive beginning March 20 through March 26, 2008.

The next regular meeting of the Haleyville Board of Education will be April 29, 7 PM in the choral music room of HHS.

Superintendent’s Report
To the Public
BOE Meeting
3/25/08

1. The SACS team paid a visit to Haleyville High School this month for their review process. SACS, or Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, is the regional agency that accredits colleges and schools based on defined criteria. Haleyville Schools are very proud of this distinction and being SACS accredited is another measure of going above and beyond what is required by the Alabama State Department of Education. Haleyville Schools were first accredited by SACS in 1962. This year’s visiting team was very complimentary about all areas of our school. No violations were found, only two recommendations, and seven commendations were given. Mr. Satcher will expound on the committee’s findings during his report. Congratulations to Mr. Satcher, Mrs. Brenda Tucker, HHS SACS Chairperson, and all faculty, staff, and students for a job well done. This is further proof that Haleyville High School is a leader school and one that continually strives to improve in this swiftly changing and challenging 21st Century.

2. Our Automotive Technology Department also had a visit from NATEF (National Automotive Technician Education Federation) for re-certification. This is a certification that only a handful of high school programs and even fewer community colleges in Alabama have obtained. The gentlemen who reviewed our department were impressed with our equipment and facilities, but what stood out the most was the quality and knowledge of our students. This is another hallmark certification for our high school and Tech Center. Congratulations to teacher Mike Batchelor and all of the Automotive Technology students for continuing NATEF certification.

3. This month’s community service project spotlight goes to Mrs. Banks’ Fashion and Interior Design class. These young ladies worked very hard designing, building, and furnishing “doll” houses as an assignment. Now that they have completed the project, they are going to donate the doll houses to the YWCA in downtown Birmingham. This YWCA cares for homeless families and offers day care for 70 homeless children daily. They operate on very limited funds. Our girls also have made crib and bed sheets for the center. This is another great example of Haleyville students rendering a helping hand to those in need. The girls and Mrs. Banks will be delivering the doll houses and sheets to Birmingham next week. This is truly an eye-opening, real life learning experience. Thank you Mrs. Banks and all of these outstanding students, your generosity will be greatly appreciated.

4. Our award winning concert band continues its winning ways under the new direction of Director Mike Muncher. During District Competition, the band graded “1’s” in all categories. This is as good as it gets! Congratulations on continuing the “Tradition of Excellence” to Mr. Muncher and all of our band members.

5. An area of concern that I would like to bring to the attention of all is the use of cell phones while driving on campus. It is well documented that accidents occur frequently when the driver is using a cell phone. Recently, an accident at the main intersection on campus was barely avoided when an adult driver crossed over into the opposite lane, swerved back to correct, finally looked up and stopped with our crossing guard having to jump onto the hood of the car. The driver then sped off without a word or signal of apology. Mr. Richard Cutting, our crossing guard, is very concerned because of the inattention to his directions by some drivers. He reports that the majority of violations occur when drivers are using cell phones. I would like to ask all drivers, students and adults, to refrain from using cell phones when approaching and leaving campus. By laying down the cell phone and giving your full attention to directions being given, an unintended tragedy can be prevented.

6. Next week begins our SAT 10/ARMT testing window. It is very important for all students to do their very best on these standardized tests as the results are printed in statewide publications and have a direct impact on whether our schools make Adequate Yearly Progress under the No Child Left Behind federal legislation requirements. I encourage all to get a good night’s sleep and eat a nutritious breakfast during the two week test window from next Monday, March 31 through Friday April 11. Spring Break will be the following the week, April 14th through the 18th.

7. This Board held a Work Session this afternoon at the Albright Administrative Building with all members present except Mr. Haughton, who is out of state on business. We discussed the construction of our new middle school, personnel needs, along with other short and long range objectives of our school system. We also heard parent concerns of our schools. No official business was transacted.

8. Due to Spring Break, the next regular session of the Haleyville City Board of Education is scheduled for April 29 at 7:00 pm here in the Choral Music Room of HHS with a Work Session to proceed.