The Thomasville City School District has received state funding from Alabama Lt. Governor’s Will Ainsworth’s K-12 Capital Grant Program.
In applying for the grant funding, the school system had asked for $1.1 million for Thomasville High School with a $177,000 local match, said Vickie Morris, Thomasville City Schools Superintendent. The funds were to be used to (1) renovate and add on the Special Education building; (2) security upgrades in the lobby and entrance area, and all doors; and (3) another awning to connect from the front building to the back building, and to replace other awnings.
Approximately $869,000 was sought for Thomasville Middle School with a $130,000 local match, Morris said.
Priorities for TMS were (1) a secure lobby; (2) renovate the awning directly in front of the cafeteria portion of the building; and (3) a new gym floor.
Approximately $783,000 was sought for Thomasville Elementary School with a $117,000 local match. Priorities for TES were (1) keyless entry system and a secure lobby for Pre-K; (2) replace floors in the hallway, the cafeteria and office areas; and (3) small awning in the front of the school.
The City of Thomasville was in support of the local matches.
However, the school district only received $250,000 for THS; $100,000 for TMS; and $250,000 for TES.
“I can’t make any rhyme or reason how you got what,” Morris said. “There was no explanation given.” The school district is waiting on word when the funds will be distributed. Meetings will begin next week with administration officials and Thomasville Mayor Mayor Sheldon Day on how to best use the funding.
In addition, Thomasville city workers are assisting in a painting project at Thomasville High School.
In other action from the Nov. 28 meeting, the board voted to extend the contract for the school Superintendent and the Chief School Financial Officer for another calendar year.
• Anjelica Gibson, Chief School Financial Officer, gave the financial reports for September and October 2023.
Payroll totaled $934,266.99 for September, and Accounts Payable totaled $775,840.05. Payroll totaled $939,784.26 for October, and Accounts Payable totaled $356,237.93.
• The board approved revisions to the 2023-2024 Salary Schedule (including the Pre-K Auxiliary Teacher salary schedule).
• The following personnel actions were approved:
(resignations)
Ashley Biggs, Child Nutrition Program Assistant at THS;
Mya Horton, Child Nutrition Program Assistant at TMS;
Ruby Shirley, Child Nutrition Program Assistant at TES;
Shakeria Clarke, Child Nutrition Program Assistant at TES;
(leave requests)
Allison Barrineau, Speech Pathologist at TES, Catastrophic Sick Leave.
• The next school board meeting will be held at 5 p.m. on Dec. 12 in the THS Library. The public is invited.