The Madison County School Board gathered for their first monthly meeting of June on Tuesday, June 7 at 6 p.m.
Ruth Ann Latner, sponsor of the cheerleading squad of Madison County High School, took to the podium during public input to touch base with the board on the issue regarding two cheerleaders who came to the board during the May 17 meeting. These two cheerleaders are attending a mission trip the same week of the FCA camp. The board ultimately decided to allow the two cheerleaders to attend the mission trip so long as accommodations are made to attend another FCA camp. JMPHS Principal Scot Bunch agreed to pay for a personal trainer to come out and train the whole team on another date for a whole day.
However, Latner was unsatisfied with the decision. “In order for FCA camp to be successful, all of the girls need to be there,” said Latner. Latner stated that she offered the two cheerleaders who would be absent four other camp dates but had to reach a consensus with the other cheerleaders. Karen Pickles told Latner she contacted someone with FCA, who informed her that cheerleading should be treated as any other camp and that the camp could not be mandatory for cheerleaders to be a part of the team.
Latner asked the board to provide her with some information in order to figure out how she should proceed; she stated many parents would be upset to know that their money is going to fund the previously scheduled camp when Bunch already agreed to cover the costs of another camp. Latner wanted to know whether or not she needed to cancel the previously scheduled camp date. Superintendent Doug Brown agreed to contact Bunch and let Latner know the major details of the situation.
Madison County High School Principal Ben Killingsworth addressed the cheerleading camp issue, stating the following: “We are not trying to block the girls from[ going on the mission trip.] This is about safety and unity.”
In items for individual consideration, the board approved three non-general fund staff trips but excluded the fourth trip. The board also voted to approve general fund staff trips for Jada Williams and Ida Walker to attend a PACE leadership; based on employment, the two will be attending, but if not, only one will attend.
The board also approved six out-of-county student trips and two student district transfers regarding two students who live in Madison but attend school in Taylor County.
Superintendent Brown presented administration recommendations for the 2016-2017 school year. The board voted to approve these positions and also approved extra hours for the ESE program.
There were no screened school volunteers up for vote, so Willie Williams presented the board with four personnel changes and asked for permission to advertise one non-instructional position at the Madison County Central School. Both requests were approved.
Superintendent Brown informed the board that auction day for the portables at the Madison County High School was held. Eight portables were sold to Madison Academy and seven were sold to others. There is still one portable that is up for sale.
A workshop was scheduled for Monday, June 13 to discuss the cheerleading camp issue and cover the definition of a principal position. The workshop will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the district office.
The next school board meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 21 at 6 p.m. at the district office, located at 210 NE Duval Ave.