Alabama Occupational Diploma hours one step closer to being waived
Maria Kilgore, director of elementary instruction for Madison City Schools, got the go-ahead at the Dec. 6 meeting to waive the 270 work hours required to receive the Alabama Occupational Diploma (AOD).
The AOD is for students who can’t obtain a regular diploma, but are close to fulfilling core standards.
“With the economy the way it is, jobs are not easy to come by,” Kilgore said.
She said transportation issues were one of the main factors in the difficulty of completing the hours.
The BJHS swim team was honored for the championship win Dec. 3 and Dec. 4.
“First, it’s seven in a row and I know you get calloused,” said Robby Parker, principal at Bob Jones. “It was only 10 years ago that BJ won a state championship. It was six years ago that we won one. It takes a lot of work–great coaching, great kids. Don’t get calloused because it doesn’t happen everyday.”
Swim team Head Coach Mike Gunner expressed his honor to have his team receive the recognition.
“Diving has become a bigger part of it than we ever thought it could be,” Gunner said.
School superintendant Dee Fowler said he is “very proud” of the team and presented them all with certificates of appreciation.
“We couldn’t be prouder of you guys,” Fowler said. “You represent yourself well, families and obviously Bob Jones and Madison City Schools, and we’re very appreciative of that.”
Jeana Ross gave an update on the new preschool program in Mill Creek Elementary, which opened Oct. 22.
“As we put this program together, we talked about how we would be providing experience that would help them observe their children,” Ross said. “The Pre-K teachers use a scientific researched based curriculum that is developmentally implemented with attention to the different needs, interests, abilities, learning styles and developmental levels of the individual child.”
Ross said she is looking to expand the program into two classrooms.
In other business actions: approved minutes from the Oct. 31 and Dec. 9 meetings; approved change order #2, Madison City School Mass Grading Package; approved an architect agreement for the Liberty Middle School HVAC controls; approved change order #1, Roof Replacement at Heritage, Madison and Rainbow Elementary Schools; Fowler rejected the bid for the Bob Jones High School Wrestling Building and recommended a new one, which the board approved; approved an agreement with iHigh.com; and approved the November 2010 Financial and Bank Reconciliation Statements.
