Members of the Escambia County (Ala.) Board of Education were recognized last Thursday during the 26th annual School Board Member Recognition Month in Alabama.
Escambia County School Superintendent John Knott presented each school board member with a certificate of recognition for their commitment as board members and thanked all of the school principals and administration staff and teachers present for all their hard work.
The board members recognized are Kevin Hoomes, District 1; Danny Benjamin, District 2; Mike Edwards, District 3; Cindy Jackson, District 4; Willie J. Grissett, District 5; and David Nolin, District 6.
“We could not have a more dedicated, hard-working bunch than what we have in our schools,” said Knott. “I appreciate the hard work that nobody sees that goes on behind the scene. Without thanks, you do it, because it comes from your heart. They work hard. Some days, they don't feel appreciated, but they are. They do because it is something they are driven to do. These folks do it for the right reasons. I think we have a really great school system. I promise you, nobody here is taken for granted. We don't express that appreciation as often as we need to.”
Principals from all public schools in Escambia County were present and brought board members nice gifts to show their school's, students' and staffs' appreciation for their service to the school system.
Knott said he wanted to remind everyone that the board recognized Flomaton High School at last month's board meeting congratulating them on the 3-A National Football Championship and mentioned the team and all of the supporting staff again, which prompted a standing ovation.
Knott told the board that on Friday, Jan. 18, State Rep. Alan Baker presented Flomaton High School Principal Scott Hammond and Coach Doug Vickery two certificates of recognition. One was from the Alabama House of Representatives and one was from Governor Kay Ivey, for the school's first ever football state championship.
New school buses
Parked outside Flomaton High School were four new buses, with two more arriving soon. Knott said the new buses are a part of the fleet renewal program, which allows schools to replace buses 10 years or older at a lower cost.
“We initiated a policy of trying to stay 100 percent compliant in our fleet renewal, that means that every year we have a certain number of buses that go off the renewal list, which means they are older than 10 years old,” said Knott. “The plan we developed a couple of years ago when we purchased a large number of buses. We're able to keep that plan in place. We're able to purchase six new buses this year. Four of the buses came in, and they are outside, and a great addition to our fleet and that keeps us 100 percent compliant. That means ours are coming in for the maximum amount for the transportation. All costs are down. It has been a really good benefit for us to have those buses.”
In other business, the school board approved:
- to grant a right of way to the city of East Brewton for the purpose of the construction of a sidewalk for students to walk safely to and from the school (W. S. Neal Elementary and W. S. Neal Middle School) to sidewalks adjoining Williamson Street.
According to the meeting agenda, this sidewalk will provide a great improvement to the property and add value to the property. The board has determined and agrees that granting a right of way, for the schools sidewalk grant, to the city of East Brewton would be in the best interest of the children of the East Brewton community and the citizens therein.
The grant application was prompted by the death of W.S. Neal Middle School student Devon Spence, who was killed when he was struck by a vehicle walking home from school, Knott said.
In a motion made by board member Mike Edwards and seconded by board member Danny Benjamin, the motion carried.
The next school board meeting will be at 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 21, at Escambia County High School in Atmore.
