By Vallean Jackson, For The Tribune
JEFFERSON COUNTY — Jefferson County Board of Education, held a required public board meeting on Thursday, May 5, to award scholarship recipients, announced new school principals, and approved recommendations listed by the superintendent and other board members.
To present the SSA Superintendent of the Year scholarships was Kelley-Ann Parson, a representative of Curriculum Associates, which sponsored the scholarships for the regional superintendents of the year. The program is geared towards paying it forward to those on the path of education. Anthonique Booker from Irondale Middle School won the administrative scholarship totaling $1,000, and Jaden Prewett from Corner High School won the student scholarship totaling $1,000 towards their academic journeys to the University of Montevallo as well as their pursuit as future educators.
“As a graduate of Montevallo, I truly wanted to say Congratulations,” President Carita Venable said.
Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin expressed joy as he disclosed that almost a hundred students participated in teacher’s appreciation week to recognize their teachers’ hard work and dedication. In continuation of the good things that have happened, the career tech students for the district, which is a combination of all the high schools. Set a record high with 89 students qualifying for the national competition. They will compete across the country in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, or Sacramento, and 11 of 13 schools have student-athletes that are competing in a track meet.
The board announced four new principals that are set to serve for the upcoming school year. The mix of men and women to replace those that are retiring includes:
- Aisha Bryant will replace Donna King at Brighton School effective June 1;
- Dr. Loni Hodge will be the principal at Grantswood Community School, replacing Bryant effective June 1;
- Michael Bissell will be principal of Chalkville Elementary, replacing Rod Johnson, effective July 1; and
- Brandi Wilson will be the principal for Kermit Johnson Elementary replacing Dr. Hodge, effective July 1.
In other matters, JEFCOED approved the following:
- Bid for lawn care at Brighton;
- The cafeteria uniform bid;
- The price for parent-teacher communication folders;
- The bid for Concord’s lawn care; and
- The bid for Oak Grove Elementary’s lawn care.
“Out of about 35,000 students, we want the best for all our students,” Gonsoulin said. “Sometimes there can be a target on our back, but the goal of keeping students and their education is always at the forefront.”
The next special call board meeting will be Tuesday, May 10, and the next regular board meeting will be Thursday, May 26 at 10 a.m.