Madison City Schools enrollment at 9,200 (and counting)
Opening day of the 2012-2013 school year saw 9,200 students enrolled in Madison City Schools … and that figure doesn’t include pre-kindergarten students.
Enrollment even increased on Aug. 20 when the Central Office registered 60 new students. “Headcount at the start of school is a moving target,” Dennis James told the Madison Board of Education at its Aug. 21 meeting. James is coordinator of safety, security, communications, and student services.
In 2011, the system had 8,950 students.
The board approved salary adjustments for Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler. Fowler’s salary will now be based on a 12-month contract starting July 1, similar to teachers’ contracts. As of Sept. 1, Fowler’s base annual salary will be $162,817. On Jan. 1, 2013, his salary increases to $167,702 and July 1, 2013, to $170,500.
“I am gratified that our system can provide this stability” for a superintendent, board member Ranae Bartlett said.
“I love my job and I want to be here as long as I can and be effective,” Fowler said. “I thank you for the vote of confidence to add the additional year.” He described his position as “the premier job in the state of Alabama.”
In other business, staff, parents and students commented on the success of this summer’s Extended School Year for students in special education. About 55 students in preschool and elementary programs were enrolled and 13 in secondary study. Interns from Alabama A&M and Athens State universities and the University of Alabama in Huntsville worked at the camps.
Board attorney Woody Sanderson told the board that the 11th District Court of Appeals has ruled that “school systems are no longer in the immigration enforcement business” and are not required to collect data about immigrant students.
The board approved a security services agreement with Securitas for a guard at James Clemens High School.
Chief school finance officer Mike Weaver projects the system’s yearend balance at $7.8 million.
The board approved April financial and bank reconciliation statements. Board and finance committee member Dr. Terry Johnson said employees “are just about finished in re-entering all data that was lost” from server failure in May.
Judy Bollinger was introduced as the new ACCESS coordinator (Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators and Students Statewide).
Transportation specialist Bobby Jackson expects to add another bus route to accommodate 86 students in special education.
