The Covington County Board of Education has named its new vice-president and president. It also ratified four personnel matters during a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday November. 7.

Dr. James Barton was unanimously selected as the next board president. Jimmy Rodgers was unanimously selected as the new vice president. Barton along with Rodgers will be in office on for two consecutive years, in new positions beginning in December. 1.

“I believe it’s essential to build on the achievements we’ve had during the time the president, Mr. Bailey has been president. In the words of Ms. Bailey stated tonight, one of the biggest issues that remains unsolved going ahead is SSUT. This issue will need to be addressed with co-workers on the Covington County Commission. We’re hoping to agree with the Covington County Commission soon to resolve this issue,” Barton said.

Rodgers believes it’s an honor to sit on the board and is looking ahead to his time as the vice president in the near future.

“I believe the trust my group members feel in me as an asset that is very strong. We are a great board and we work together. I am very honored to be elected as our vice-president and I will be working together with Dr. Barton and other members closely on a variety of issues to ensure that we continue to enjoy the success that we have seen within our school system.” Rodgers said.

Covington County Schools has seen numerous accomplishments over the past two years. Its arts department has grown with two full-time instructors paid for by the 16th section fund A new auditorium is in the process of being completed at Straughn and there have been numerous improvements to buildings and/or construction on every campus of the school.

A program for mental health counselors was designed and the mental health professional was hired. Schools are now open and recovering from the negative effects of the COVID-19 shutdown. An out-of-district enrollment rule was instituted. There has been an increase in enrollment across the entire system, and salaries have increased for support staff. Security enhancements, like upgrades to cameras and intercoms have been added in each school.

A deal was reached with the Sheriff Blake Turman and the Covington County Commission to assign two resource officers who were newly hired in schools. The board also achieved the ability to successfully complete the state monitoring.

The president who is leaving Jeff Bailey referred to the last two years as being a busy time for the board.

“My most regret is that over the past two years, the board has not been able come to any resolution regarding Alabama’s simple sellers’ use tax (SSUT). In the last 24 months the commission has received just under 2 million dollars and averaged around $93,000 a month in tax collections. I have spoken to the commission chairman, Mr. (Greg) White as well as several commissioners to attempt to convince the commission to share this tax the way they would every other type of sales tax. But, I’ve failed in this attempt. We hope that the next president of the board Dr. Barton will be more successful. As we come to the end of the final meeting of my time as chairman, I’d like to say thanks to every board member as well as Dr. Driver, and all of the staff for their assistance and encouragement. I’m happy with where we’re going as a board and a school system. This is thanks to everyone of you, not just me. The school’s support comes from the communities that are supportive of our schools,” Bailey said.

CCS Director Shannon Driver thanked Bailey for his service as board president.

“I am grateful for the work you’ve put into it and the leadership and support that you’ve provided to the board. It’s been a pleasure to work with you over the past two years as this position. I’ve called you on things in the past and we’ve discussed issues out. Communication with your board members is exactly as it is supposed to be and I’m grateful for that,” Driver said.

At the meeting, the board of directors approved the following personnel issues:


Resignation

  • Tammy Martin as bus driver at Red Level School effective Nov. 17


Employment

  • Shane Thompson as bus driver Shane Thompson as bus driver at Fleeta Junior High School effective immediately, subject to verification the background check.
  • Charles David Bobo Jr. as a bus mechanic in the central office from immediately, subject to the verification of any current or new background checks
  • Randall Coxwell as special needs bus driver at RLS starting immediately, pending confirmation of any new or existing background checks

The board didn’t set an agenda for the next meeting.

The article The CCBOE votes unanimously to approve Barton as president in the coming year, Rodgers for vice presidency was first published in The Andalusia Star-News.