Haleyville City Schools Superintendent’s Report To the Public

Professional Development is very important to all who serve the children of our community, state, and nation in any educational role. We have had many members of our faculty attending various workshops, conferences, and other professional development activities this summer. Haleyville City Schools are very blessed to have a dedicated faculty that continually strives to improve on an individual and collective basis. The same is true for the women and men that serve as School Board members. Professional Development through the Alabama Association of School Boards is an ongoing process that all of our members participate in to become “Leaders for Learning.” These women and men give countless hours behind the scenes to insure our children have the very best educational opportunities possible. Tonight, I have the honor of recognizing three of our members for achieving advanced levels of the AASB School Board Member Academy of Professional Development.  Mrs. Sandra Manasco previously earned the highest level of the Academy, that of Master School Board Member status, and has maintained this level during 2009. I present her with an embossed year label to be attached to her plaque.
Mr. Larry Burleson has completed the requirements to be recognized as a Board Member of Level III status for 2008-2009 and receives a special “Certificate of Achievement” for his participation.
Mr. Steve Stott, one of our newer Board members, is awarded a “Certificate of Achievement” for his attendance and participation in Academy activities earning him Level I status for this school year.
All of our School Board members have other responsibilities away from Board duties / functions and it is often impossible for them to attend the AASB Academy; but our community can rest assured that these women and men are dedicated to the success of Haleyville City Schools and give much of their time to that goal. I applaud the three recognized tonight and all of our Board members for their outstanding service.

A team of teachers and administrators have just returned from Orlando where they attended the Jostens’ Renaissance National Summer Conference. Haleyville High School and Haleyville Elementary School have been leaders in this motivational program to encourage students to do their best in all school areas: academics, extra-curricular, attendance, etc. At the conference, our own principal, Mr. Russ O’Rear, was recognized and named Jostens’ Renaissance National Coordinator of the Year. We are very proud of Mr. O’Rear and he is equally proud of the faculty of Haleyville Elementary who he gives credit for this award. I too salute the entire school for it is a team award, but Mr. O’Rear is very deserving of this national award because it takes a leader to initiate and direct a program of this type. Yes, congratulations to the entire school, the students and the faculty, but especially to Mr. O’Rear for his leadership.

School bells will be ringing before we know it for the 2009-2010 school year! Teachers Institute Day is scheduled for Wednesday, August 5 and the first student day will be Monday, August 10. Announcements have been made by the principals as to dates and times to pick up schedules, rent lockers, buy parking decals, etc. As in years past, we ask for cooperation from all parents the first days of school.

The next Regular Session of the Haleyville City Board of Education is scheduled for Tuesday night, August 25, 2009 at 7:00 in the library of the Middle School with a Work Session before. A called session of the Board may be necessary and if so, proper notice will be given.