Pickens County school officials pay back ‘excessive’ travel costs
The Department of Examiners of Public Accounts released a special report citing the Pickens County school superintendent, assistant superintendent and former chief school financial officer for being reimbursed for excessive travel costs between Oct. 1, 2022, and May 31, 2024.
When the report findings were brought to the school leaders’ attention, they repaid the Board of Education the following amounts:
- Superintendent Jamie Chapman – $3,694.78,
- Assistant Superintendent Vanessa Anthony- $7,179.41 and
- Former Chief School Financial Officer Jennifer Shirley – $428.40.
From the report:
“The superintendent, assistant superintendent, and former chief school financial officer (CSFO) were reimbursed for travel expenses for alternative accommodations that cost in excess of the hotel conference rates at conferences they attended. The superintendent and assistant superintendent were also reimbursed for mileage between the alternative accommodation locations and the conference.
“Additionally, the assistant superintendent was reimbursed for unallowable expenses related to an out-of-state conference including excessive mileage due to taking a scenic route to the conference and lodging and meals that were unrelated to conferences.”
Chapman did not immediately return a request for comment. He was first elected as superintendent in 2012, but did not seek reelection this year. Republican Shawn McDaniel defeated Democrat Melinda Little-Robinson in last week’s election.
The special report is separate from the regular annual audit released earlier this year. It found a few problems with the board’s internal controls over financial reporting and compliance with federal assistance programs.
Alabama can and should double-down on its commitment to improve student achievement, report says
The Governor’s Commission on Teaching and Learning issued a new 36-page report, “Alabama can improve student achievement and prepare a future workforce: Here’s how – Part 2” documenting what is working and urging lawmakers, educators and workforce development organizations to continue to fund and expand actions that are already showing success.
The report is the second in a series from the 13-member commission. Authors offer a hopeful but urgent stance, calling this report an update of the initial roadmap to improve K-12 education published last year.
Among other examples of success, authors point out the increase in the percentage of third graders reaching proficiency on the English language arts portion of the state’s annual standardized test, called the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program, or ACAP. And that students from economically disadvantaged households are closing the achievement gap, making more progress than other groups of students.
Throughout the report, the authors carefully document actions already taken – including money that has been spent – and how those actions have impacted schools and students. It also reminds lawmakers, policymakers and educators to continually evaluate and improve on what is being done.
The report focuses on four key areas:
- Fully fund academic initiatives that are showing success,
- Attract and retain teachers, which includes continuing to raise starting teachers’ salaries and offer financial incentives in hard-to-staff positions and locations,
- Improve the learning environment,
- Support students from early childhood into the workforce
The commission names dozens of initiatives, including the Alabama Reading Initiative, the Alabama Numeracy Act, First Class Pre-K, Jobs for Alabama Graduates and Computer Science for Alabama, and what’s been done since their December 2023 report.
Authors address progress toward adding key personnel to schools, including assistant principals, mental health coordinators, certified middle and high school science and math teachers in hard-to-staff schools and career coaches.
“This report proves that the right amount of funding spent on the right initiatives propels Alabama’s schools and future workforce forward at the speed necessary to keep Alabama’s economic engine running soundly, said former State Superintendent Joe Morton, now the chairman and president of the Business Education Alliance.
Mobile’s Barton Academy receives national award for preservation
The National Trust for Historic Preservation honored the Barton Academy Foundation in Mobile with its top recognition late last month.
Built in 1836, Barton Academy was Alabama’s first public school. After serving as the Mobile County Public Schools central office for decades, it was vacated in 2007. The school district’s board invested $4 million in exterior renovations, while the Barton Academy Foundation raised $14 million to restore the interior.
“Restoring Barton Academy and reopening it as a successful magnet school has been a monumental accomplishment for MCPSS and our partners,” said Mobile County Public Schools Superintendent Chresal Threadgill. “This remarkable building is not just an architectural treasure; it’s a part of Alabama’s educational legacy, and it now stands as a beacon of opportunity and innovation for our students.”
Reopened in 2021, Barton Academy offers project-based learning in global studies, world languages, entrepreneurship, fine arts. and science, technology, engineering and math. With 300 students in sixth through ninth grades, it has already earned state and national recognition for its academics and programs.
“I am thrilled beyond measure to receive the (award) on behalf of the hundreds, if not thousands, of people who made the Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies happen,” said Elizabeth Stevens, past president of the Barton Academy Foundation.
“Being recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation for what we did to renovate Barton Academy into a world-class public school is a great honor for the Mobile community. Every donor, construction worker, craftsman, professional, academician, student, parent, and so many more should know that this is their award too.”
Alabama students improved reading and math skills during summer learning
Students that participated in summer learning programs through the Summer Adventures in Learning initiative made significant academic gains this past summer, according to a news release from the organization.
Gains averaged 2.5 months of progress in math and one month in reading. The vast majority – 97% – of students were eligible for free or reduced price lunch, an indication of family poverty. Among the 2,300 students who participated, 80% completed the entire summer program.
The initiative supports nonprofits, faith-based groups and community organizations in creating high-quality summer learning programs through assessments, peer learning, and funding. These programs help Alabama students avoid the typical summer learning loss.
“Our focus has always been on empowering local communities to provide high-quality summer learning experiences for their students,” Jim Wooten, SAIL board president said. “The consistent gains in reading and math achieved by SAIL’s partners are a testament to their efforts to create lasting student growth while keeping the summer fun and enjoyable. We’re proud to stand alongside these partners, providing the resources and support they need to help Alabama’s students thrive.”
The initiative’s philanthropic partners provided $901,000 in funding to 38 programs in 68 locations across 20 counties.
Stillman College receives $125K donation from Alabama Power Foundation
The Alabama Power Foundation presented a $125,000 donation to Stillman College on Nov. 6 as part of an event highlighting the college and its contributions to west Alabama.
“We are deeply grateful for the generosity and support from the Alabama Power Foundation and all our partners,” said Stillman College President Yolanda Page. “They regularly provide guidance, volunteers, and opportunities to engage our students. Their comprehensive support is vital in helping us continue our mission to educate and empower the next generation of leaders.”
Google, Wells Fargo, Charles and Susan Stillman (descendants of Stillman College founder Charles Allen Stillman), and the Stillman College Board of Trustees collectively contributed $3.3 million to support education and community enrichment.
Meetings of note
- The joint legislative committee studying whether to modernize the state’s K-12 funding formula meets at 11 a.m. today – Livestream here
- The Alabama Community College System board of trustees meets at 10 a.m. Wednesday – Livestream here
- Alabama’s K-12 Board of Education meets 10 a.m. Thursday- Livestream here.
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