By Haley Mitchell Godwin

The Crenshaw County Board of Education (CCBOE) recognized three of its outgoing members, addressed attendance and truancy concerns and made decisions on leadership roles and compensation during its regular meeting Nov. 4. 

The board also approved a personnel change and accepted a proposal for needed repairs at Luverne School.

The board honored outgoing members Steve Jackson (District 1), Steve Hermeling (District 3) and Annie Zeigler (District 5) for their service. Board Chairperson Sherri Claybrook commended their dedication to Crenshaw County’s students and highlighted their commitment to serving all schools without bias.

“I want to thank you all for your service,” Claybrook said. “It has been a pleasure working with you all and serving with you. I appreciate the service that you’ve given to the students in this county and all you have done.”

Zeigler reflected on her time with the board, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve and noting the historical significance of her role.

“It has been a pleasure for me to work on the board,” Ziegler said. “I don’t know if many people know, but back in 1965 my uncle, who raised me and my brother, filed a suit against Crenshaw County for discrimination. Seeing how well things function now and knowing how hard we all work for the children of this county has been an honor and it has really been a pleasure to work with [the board].”

In other business, Director of Operations Doug Bailey and Education Specialist Kris Odom presented reports on attendance and truancy. Bailey shared data reflecting a countywide enrollment decrease of 9.32% over the last four years, with a slight increase in enrollment at Brantley School. 

He provided graphs and color-coded data to illustrate enrollment shifts across schools and grade levels, noting that these numbers play a role in state funding and resource allocation. Odom highlighted the effectiveness of a new truancy policy implemented by District Judge Jon M. Folmar in August.

“Truancy is a statewide epidemic,” Odom said. “We are being proactive, and the numbers show that our efforts are making a difference. We hope to see further improvements in the second semester.”

Odom thanked Judge Folmar for his active involvement and encouraged parents to use PowerSchool for real-time updates on students’ attendance and grades.

The board reelected Claybrook as chairperson and elected Sterling Sasser as vice-chairperson. Also approved was Interim Superintendent Gregory Faught’s personnel recommendation to promote current third grade teacher Erin Knighten to reading coach at Brantley School, along with her replacement Kelsey Booker, currently a fourth-grade intern.

The board unanimously approved an estimate and proposal from Ray Land and Lawn to repair a retaining wall at Luverne School, and also approved a pay increase for its members in accordance with Legislative Act No. 2024-331, which raised the maximum monthly payment for board members from $600 to $900. 

Sherri Claybrook suggested an increase to $700 monthly but after discussion, a motion was made to increase board member pay to $900 monthly. The motion passed and board member pay will increase beginning in December.

Board attorney Mike Jones remarked that board member compensation had not increased in over two decades, making this adjustment essential for future recruitment of quality candidates. Jones said he thought most county boards would be increasing compensation to the maximum.

The CCBOE’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 16, at 5:30 p.m.