Hope School Board

The Hope School Board met at the Administrative Building on Monday evening (6-26). Starting with approval of the minutes and expenditures the meeting moved on to the superintendent’s report in which Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Crossley mentioned the school millage election, the implementation of the magnet program, expansion to Pre-K and the energy bus.

During the school board election Mr. Alvis Hamilton was elected President, Mr. Jimmy Courtney Vice President, Mrs. Kathryn Dickinson Secretary and Mrs. Viney Johnson Fiscal Representative.

The unfinished business included the CCIS Application for UVL – Universal Learning for all kids with better planning. There was a motion to accept which passed unanimously.

The volunteer policy for coaching was discussed. Dr. Crossley stated it was simply a backup as coaches would be hired to fill positions. Volunteer coaches would go through background checks. Mr. Courtney made a motion to accept, which was seconded and passed

Dr. Crossley brought the school improvement plan to the Boards’ attention simply to make the members aware as there was no action required. The improvement plan includes math and literacy.

The Certified Transfer Policy Change will make it easier for current HPS employees to transfer to other positions within the district as they would no longer be treated as new employees. Bubba Powers made a motion to accept which was seconded and passed.

Policy updates could have been voted on individually. Powers made a motion to accept as a batch which was seconded and passed. The SWAEC Resolution had a motion to accept by Mr. Courtney, which was seconded and passed.

For the Annual School Health Services Report again Dr. Crossley simply wanted to bring some thing to the Board members’ attention as it was a non-action item. He talked about the presence of

 ADD and ADHD and was asked if the schools were still using CABIN. Health Services were more used during COVID but are still well-used and Dr. Crossley has been reassured that the schools health centers are well-staffed.

The school handbook and added transportation handbook had a motion to accept by Mrs. Haynes, which was seconded and passed.

For Public Comment Dr. Crossley talked about the Theta Upsilon Chapter and Omega Psi Phi letters he had received. Both organizations have requested permission to connect with the Yerger Administration to connect with students who need extra help. Each group wants to connect with 8-10 male students. Theta Upsilon talked about engaging minds for future career paths.

Omega Psi Phi, whose motto is “Friendship is essential”, was the first black fraternity on campus. They would like the students selected to be supplied with purple polo shirts. Most of the volunteer men are ready to go. These include pilots, doctors insurance agents among other professions. Again this wasn’t an action issue but one of which Dr. Crossley wanted to make the board aware.

There would be meeting twice a month at Yerger Middle School. The time line is after Labor Day. As there was a concern about clearance Dr. Crossley stated the volunteers would go through background checks and work with the administrators. The program would be year to year staring with just 8th grade for the moment.

There were only two personnel items as there was a Board Meeting specifically for personnel two weeks ago. There was a motion to accept which was seconded and passed

The meeting then adjourned.