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By: Tiffany Albritton-Hickman

The Butler County Board of Education held its regularly scheduled meeting on May 23. 

Before business as usual, Board member and Superintendent Joseph Eiland welcomed special guests to the meeting, Greenville High School head coach Josh Beverly and baseball standout Christian Hill, who were recognized for the team’s accomplishments this year. 

Beverly stated that after covid, he had to build the school’s football team from scratch. In the process, he said he discovered and developed some amazing talent. 

“This year’s team performed well under pressure, played with poise, and showed great sportsmanship, and even made it to the playoffs,” Beverly said. “Hill, a 2023 graduate, has committed to furthering his baseball career at Alabama State University. We are looking forward to the upcoming year, and we have a great group of kids coming back.” Beverly also thanked the community, especially the school’s families, for their support.

Federal Program Director Lisa Adair presented information on use of Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief (ESSER) program related funds throughout Butler County Schools. 

The ESSER program, part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, consists of three relief packages from the federal government to directly support schools from K-12 after the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds were directed towards comprehensive after school programs, interventions, extended day programs, technology services, summer and enrichment services, professional development, facility improvements, transportation and more. 

According to Adair, some expenditures will expire in September 2023, and another in the 2024 school year. That means all of those funds have to be spent appropriately by those deadlines. 

Board member Michael Nimmer, expressed his gratitude for Adair’s accuracy and hard work. 

“There have been no findings or recommendations by the state about the appropriate use of the money, and we’re proud of that,” he said. 

In other business, the school board

• Considered a question posed by board member Carolyn Crenshaw, who asked about the use of funds for safety measures for students and staff in the in school suspension program (ISSP) and alternative school setting. Adair stated that she would research that answer; 
• Decided to hold off on accepting a bid for the central office gym floor replacement, in hopes of receiving a better deal; 
• Voted unanimously to approve the contracts of W.O. Parmer Principal, Jacqueline Thornton, and School Financial Officer, Martha Lewis.

The board welcomes feedback on plans and budgets and invites interested parties to visit its website at www.butlercok12.al.us.