By Hannah Curran, Editor
TRUSSVILLE — The Hewitt-Trussville Middle School 7th grade football team was recognized during the Trussville City Schools (TCS) Board of Education (BOE) meeting on Monday, Oct. 18, for being Metro South Champions.
Athletic Director Lance Walker explained that this year the middle school football program had 140 plus students participating.
“The first thing I think about is how many people that play sports their entire lives are never part of a championship team, much less undefeated season,” Walker said. “So for these guys to do that in their first year; it’s really exciting. I want to thank them. They’ve been working hard in spring, summer, and early mornings preparing for this, so I want to thank them for their hard work.”
Walker also thanked the parents who made it possible for the athletes to be at every practice and game.
“Obviously, none of these guys can drive,” Walker said. “Getting up for early morning workouts, picking up after practice. We recognize it’s a lot we really do, and I want to thank you for the part that you played in this exciting season.”
Coach Terry Gillespie was also congratulated for being named 7th grade Metro Coach of the Year.
“Our coaches did an outstanding job of organizing and leading, and we’re really thankful for them,” Walker said.
Gillespie explained it’s not an easy feat to get from one place to another, especially with away games and how much they traveled this year.
“We really appreciate the parents’ support, and we have great administration that supports us, our program, our coaches, and student-athletes,” Gillespie said.
Gillespie also thanked Walker for “being the backbone” of supporting the programs in athletics.
Hewitt-Trussville Middle School (HTMS) Principal Jennifer Abney also congratulated the team for their accomplishments and for representing HTMS well.
“I appreciate all the hard work that you all have put in and practice but also as a student as well,” Abney said. “I want to say a special thank you to our coaches and a special congratulations to coach Gillespie, so just really proud of you. Thank you for representing yourselves, your parents, and HTMS in the best way possible.”
During public comment, several members of the community spoke to the board about concerns with the school system.
Mike Kidd, whose daughter is a type 1 diabetic, asked acting superintendent Dr. Frank Costanzo what his plan is for addressing the concerns and complaints of children with disabilities in the school system.
Costanzo said that every child in the school system and every school system everywhere deserves the right to free and appropriate public education.
“I believe that every child can learn, they can grow, and they can succeed,” Costanzo said. “My role is to do that and help support our teachers, administrators, staff, this board in whatever capacity that I can bring.”
Costanzo said the school system’s job is to find out what needs a student has and how the schools can help them.
“Through the IEP team of leaders, teachers, staff, support [from the board], to provide an educational program and support that program and follow that program to do everything we can to help them be successful,” Costanzo said. “They have a right to learn just like any other child, so there’s no difference in children to me. They’re all our students, regardless.”
Costanzo explained that his brother-in-law had cerebral palsy and passed away at 52-year-old.
“We fed him, we carried him, we did everything for him,” Costanzo said. “I’m very sensitive and very understanding to any child that has any disability regardless because it’s our role; they rely on us as parents and as a school system.”
In other news, the board approved:
- Approve Work Session Record and Board Minutes for September 21, 2022;
- Approve the following field trips:
- HTMS Band to Gatlinburg, TN;
- HTH Girls Basketball to Freeport High School (FL);
- HTHS Competition Cheer to Orlando, FL;
- HTHS Girls Basketball to Jackson Southside HS (TN);
- HTH Environmental Science to Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont;
- HTMS Art Classes to Hunter Museum;
- Approve the following Facility Usage Agreements:
- Hewitt-Trussville Basketball Husky Hoops for October 25, 2022 -February 23, 2023;
- Approve Engagement Letter with Carr, Riggs, and Ingram, LLC;
- Approve Hewitt-Trussville High School Wind Ensemble Festival Agreement with Music for All;
- Approve Turnitin Site License for Hewitt-Trussville High School and Hewitt-Trussville Middle School;
- Approve Turnitin Site License quote to add Infinite Calculus to the Hewitt-Trussville High School site license;
- Approve the following renewals/agreements for Technology:
- VEEAM Renewal;
- PowerSchool;
- Barracuda;
- Approve EDF 10-17-22-01 Amendment to SMART Learning Suite Software Period of Performance – Start-End dates are: October 31, 2022 through October 30, 2023;
- NEW BUSINESS
- As Acting Superintendent of Trussville City Schools, I recommend placing the amended Job Description for Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) on the Table; and
- PERSONNEL
- As Acting Superintendent of Trussville City Schools, I recommend approval of superintendent’s recommendations regarding changes in personnel, including contracts, extra services and supplements.
The November Monthly Board Meeting will be held Thursday, November 10, 2022, in the Boardroom of the Central Office at 4:00 p.m. There will be a Work Session from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. before the Board Meeting. Both the Work Session and The Board Meeting will be live-streamed. The link to the Livestream will be posted on the TCS website at 2:45 pm November 10, 2022