1. The 2007-2008 Accountability Reports for Haleyville City Schools contain data in the following categories: financial, student achievement, school safety and discipline. You may view this information by visiting the Alabama State Department of Education web site at www.alsde.edu, click on the section labeled 2008 Accountability Reporting and then on our system. They are also available for review at the Boyce S. Albright Administrative Building located at 2011 Twentieth Street and on our local web site.

2. It’s always great to recognize a local business that supports Haleyville City Schools. One such business is DOLLAR GENERAL STORE. Mr. Mark Nichols, Area Manager, presented checks totaling $3000 to Haleyville for use in 3 libraries. The grant is part of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and will be used wisely to purchase new books, including books on different career options available to our students. Thank you DOLLAR GENERAL for being a community-school partner.

3. We like to highlight a school club or organization, especially at this special time of the year. The DECA Club’s Christmas project is the collection of non-perishable goods, toiletry items, socks, t-shirts, etc. and donating them to the “Old Fire House’ in Birmingham. The shelter cares for about 400 men each day. Also, DECA Club members helped prepare and serve lunch at the Safe Haven Home to the youth of the shelter on December 13, 2008. This is another example of our students “giving back” to those less fortunate in a very positive way. Mrs. Middleton is the sponsor. This was a great service oriented life lesson for our students.

4. Yesterday, Governor Bob Riley reported that the State Education Budget revenues are not sufficient to meet the amounts budgeted by the Legislature during last session; therefore, he declared the ETF to be in proration of 12 ½%. Thanks to the passage of the Rainy Day Amendment last month, 217 million dollars from this fund will be used to offset the shortfall amount making the actual proration amount 9%. We have expected this announcement and have already put in place certain cutback measures. In order to absorb this decrease in funds, Haleyville City Schools will continue to make cutbacks wherever and whenever possible. What we will not do is cut essential programs or classes. Over 85% of our budget cannot be prorated. Employee wages cannot be prorated. This equates into a greater percentage amount of the small portion of the budget that can be prorated. Local revenues are the same as the state revenues; they are not as great as anticipated. Our local economy is not as strong as we would like, and we realize that the slowdown is affecting a large number of our parents, other citizens, businesses, and industries. With this thought in mind, the Board has decided to limit Field Trips to within a 100 mile radius of Haleyville and inside of Alabama. Exceptions, not inclusive, will be the annual Senior Educational Tour and any state association mandated competition. We will also limit fundraising. This decision is simply a reflection of the community’s present condition and in no way is prejudice to any single group, team, club, or organization. We must remember we are a community school with tremendous community support, and being such, we must respond to the community in a reflective manner. Adjusting to changing conditions is, and always has been and will be, being a responsible Board. When better times return, and they will, we will revisit the areas of cutbacks for reconsideration.
   

5. The Middle School building is virtually complete; however, the weather is not cooperating so that the grounds, drives, and parking areas can be completed. We will not be moving in immediately after the holidays, but hopefully sometime in late January. Mr. Slater will give a more detailed report on this project. Work has begun on the new roof at the high school in the first phase of the renovation. Please note the money for both of these projects are earmarked for construction and cannot be used for other needs.

6. School will dismiss for the Christmas Break this Friday, December 19 and will reconvene for students on Tuesday, January 6 with teachers and staff returning on Monday, January 5.

7. This Board held a Work Session last night at the Albright Administrative Building. All members were present. We discussed the construction projects, personnel needs, and other short and long term objectives of our school system. Mrs. Petty, Mr. O’Rear, and Mr. Satcher also presented personnel and local school/department updates. No official business was transacted during the Work Session.

8. The next Regular Session of the Haleyville City Board of Education is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 7:00 pm, here in the Choral Music Room of the high school with a Work Session before.

With that, and a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All, is my report for the month!