CENTRE, Ala.– The Cherokee County Board of Education held its regular board meeting Monday afternoon at the Central Office in Centre.

Board members reviewed and accepted the November 2025 financial report and approved an agreement with the SREB Crisis Recovery Network. The board also accepted a bid for lawn care services at Centre Elementary School.

Several student-related items were approved, including overnight travel for health science students and professional development activities for staff. The board also approved multiple personnel action items.

During the meeting, Superintendent Mike Welsh recognized longtime bus driver Denise Slayton on her retirement after more than 21 years of service to the school system.

The board also congratulated several teachers who recently achieved National Board Certification, including educators from Centre Elementary, Cedar Bluff School, Cherokee County High School, and Spring Garden. Officials noted at least ten additional teachers are currently working toward certification.

January was recognized as School Board Appreciation Month, with district leaders thanking board members for their leadership and service. Board members were individually recognized for their years of service, including President Randall Davis, Vice President Nathan Ely, Lisa Chandler, and past president Corey Colbert.

The next Cherokee County Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 9th at four o’clock in the afternoon at the Central Office.

Here’s a look at the original text:

Regular Board Meeting
01/12/2026 – 04:00 PM

Cherokee County Board of Education
Central Office
200 Armory Road
Centre, Alabama 35960

AGENDA

1. Call to Order

2. Opening Prayer

3. Pledge of Allegiance

4. Welcome

5. Public Comments

6. Roll Call – Establishment of a Quorum

7. Proper Procedures for Board Meeting Notification

8. Adopt Agenda

9. Approve December 8, 2025 Minutes

10. Approve December 15, 2025 Minutes

11. Receive October 2025 Financial Report

Receive the October 2025 Bank Reconciliation, Cash Balance, and Financial Report.

The financial data and cash balance presented in these reports were based on the reconciled bank statements to the general ledger as of October 31, 2025.

12. Receive November 2025 Financial Report

Receive the November 2025 Bank Reconciliation, Cash Balance, and Financial Report.

The financial data and cash balance presented in these reports were based on the reconciled bank statements to the general ledger as of November 30, 2025.

13. Approve SREB Crisis Recovery Network Agreement

The SREB Crisis Recovery Network supports local school and districts during catastrophic crises, providing best practice recommendations for response and recovery. Network Counselors operate under the supervision and direction of the host district, ensuring alignment with local needs and policies.

14. Accept Bid

15. Jacob Green – G3 Property, Lowest Responsible Bidder — ITB #26-03 Lawn Care Service for Centre Elementary School

16. Approve Travel

17. Sidney Ashley and Health Science Students to participate in a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) at The Renaissance Montgomery Hotel on February 25–27, 2026 — Funded by HOSA – Trip 4844

18. Approve Personnel Action

A. Retirement

1. Denise Slayton, Bus Driver for Centre Schools — 21.5 Years of CCBOE Service — Effective: February 1, 2026 (Pending TRS Approval)

B. Resignation

1. Cristie Motes, Special Education Teacher at Centre Middle School — Effective: December 19, 2025

C. Amend Effective Dates

1. Amend resignation effective date for Jacob Kelley, Head Football Coach and Physical Education Teacher at Cherokee County High School from June 5, 2026 to January 9, 2026

2. Amend placement effective date for James Bayley Blanchard, Teacher and Head Football Coach (193569) at Cherokee County High School from the 2026–2027 School Year to January 13, 2026

D. Certified Placements

1. Abbey Steward Young, Elementary Teacher (196690) at Cedar Bluff School — Effective: January 5, 2026 — Pending Certification

2. Andrew Dudley, Special Education Teacher (196747) at Centre Middle School — Effective: January 13, 2025 — Pending Certification

E. Classified Placements

1. Jonathan Hurlburt, Custodian (194782) at Cedar Bluff School — Effective: January 13, 2026

2. Jeremy Brandon Byrum, Custodian (195645) at Centre Middle School — Effective: January 5, 2026 — Pending Background Clearance

3. Keon Rucker, Bus Driver (197847) at Centre Middle School — Effective: February 1, 2026

F. Contract Employment

1. Julie Graves, AIM Certified Educator — Temporary/Part-Time Position (195554) at Cedar Bluff School — Effective: January 13, 2026

2. Mary Hastings, Psychometry Services — Effective: January 20, 2026

G. Supplement

1. Mitzi Gidley, Vocational Bus Driver — $4,250 (Second Semester of the 2025–2026 School Year)

H. Leaves of Absence

1. Jonathan Prater, Special Education Teacher at Centre Middle School

2. Deanne McFry, School Psychometrist (Pending Documentation)

3. Terry Stephens, History Teacher at Cherokee County High School

I. 2025–2026 New Substitutes

1. Cassie Lindsey (Pending Background Check and Substitute Orientation)

2. Alicia Benson (Pending Substitute Orientation)

3. Approve Professional Development

4. Review Current Job Postings

5. Superintendent’s Update

Superintendent Welsh will present school system updates and recognitions.

20. Other

21. The next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. and will be held at the Central Office, located at 200 Armory Road, Centre, AL 35960.

22. Adjourn

You can listen to the entire meeting right here: