BCBOE elects new president
The Butler County Board of Education held their regular Board meeting for November November this past Thursday evening in the library at McKenzie School. The meeting began with the election of the Board of Education President and Vice President. The Board elected Mrs. Lois Robinson as President and Ms. Linda Hamilton as Vice President.
“I greatly appreciate the work of Mr. Sellers this past year as Board President and look forward to working with Mrs. Robinson for the coming year,” said Superintendent Strycker. Leadership is a priority in every organization, but especially during this time of transition in our school system.”
Dr. Strycker then presented to the Board his monthly update. During his update, he again emphasized the importance of focusing on clear communications and the significance of the upcoming Ad Valorem proposal in light of the projected budget predicament.
“Ms. Mosley will present our anticipated budget forecast this evening. In short, our current debt liability compounded with our lack of revenue will force us to make additional budget cuts if the Ad Valorem increase does not pass. You will see from her report, that this is not a threat, but reality,” said Strycker.
“Let me also remind the Board that we have reduced our Central Office from 9 staff members to 5.5 along with other cuts throughout the system. The next level of cuts will negatively impact our students and there is no way to sugar coat that fact,” he concluded.
The Board was then presented a curriculum update by Curriculum and Instruction Director, Donna Ash. Ms. Ash reported on the progress being made in the school system with a very specific focus on using data to monitor student achievement. “We are analyzing data to address individual needs of students,” she said.
The Board then received a monthly financial update from CFO Brandi Mosley. Ms. Mosley presented the current financial status of the school system and the trends moving forward. “We are now at the minimal Fund Balance required by the State of Alabama. We must balance our budget,” she said.
The Board then approved the monthly financial report, Continuous Improvement Plans, and the Personnel Report.
Board recognition for the month was teacher and Coach Tony Norris for his outstanding dedication to the McKenzie school.
“Coach Norris is as good as it gets. He puts in endless hours…not because he has to, but because he loves these kids and this community,” said Strycker of Coach Norris.
