New principal, new raises approved at board meeting

(CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – At its June 18 meeting, Madison Board of Education approved Dr. Georgina Nelson as principal at Heritage Elementary School. She has worked as assistant principal at Madison Elementary School.

In other personnel matters, David Langston is the new baseball coach at Bob Jones High School.

The board approved both the two-percent, state-mandated employee pay raises, plus step increases, which will take affect with teachers’ contract dates. The district’s 2014 payroll will be $66 million, compared to $63 million in 2013, chief school finance officer Mike Weaver projects.

April 2013 financial statements and budget amendment also were okayed.

At Columbia Elementary School, two soccer fields will be built. A ceiling of $100,000 from the general fund will apply for the project, a partnership with the City of Madison and land developer and former school board member Don Spencer Jr. for fill dirt.

“I’m happy to seeing (the school district) work in collaboration with the city and private individuals,” board member Dr. Terry Johnston said.

Elementary instruction coordinator Judy Warmath discussed elementary field trips, which emphasize grade-level curriculum, enhancing learning and safety. Students took 179 trips, including 113 grade-level visit and 66 other trips for topics like math or chess.

Rainbow Elementary School implemented ‘on-site field trips’ from organizations like Sci-Quest Hands-on Science Center, while teachers pursued professional development meetings, Principal Dorinda White said. Rainbow PTA, substitute teachers and volunteers helped with the venture.

Bob Jones will receive advanced-placement Spanish textbooks from Vista Higher Learning.

The board will pay $64,486 to Birmingham Restaurant Supply Inc. for a serving line at Horizon Elementary School. Used serving equipment, about 25 years old, was moved for cafeteria use when Horizon was built.

At Madison Elementary School, playground improvements have involved re-stationed equipment, covered fall zones with mulch beds and removal of tree roots, director of operations Patrick Conner said. District employees and Madison Elementary PTA assisted with the work.

An opening was announced for an elementary assistant principal, supporting alternative school and students with developmental delays.