Cherokee County Board of Education Recognizes SROs, Approves Personnel Actions at August Meeting

CENTRE– The Cherokee County Board of Education meeting Monday included special recognition for School Resource Officers from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. The recognition followed the Sheriff’s Office receiving the Model Agency Award from the National Association of School Resource Officers.

The board recognized the officers for their work in Cherokee County schools and their role in the partnership between the school system and Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Jeff Shaver said the officers do much more than provide security.

“Our School Resource Officers do much more than provide security. They build relationships, support students and staff, and work every day to keep our schools safe. This award reflects their dedication and the strong partnership we share with the Cherokee County Board of Education. I am extremely proud of each of them,” Shaver said.

Chief Deputy Josh Summerford also praised the officers.

“We are proud of our SROs and grateful for their continued dedication to Cherokee County’s schools,” Summerford said.

Board Reviews Financial Report and Approves Agreements

In other business, board members approved minutes from the July 27 special called meeting. They also received the June 2026 financial report.

The financial information included the June bank reconciliation and cash balance. The school system based the figures on bank statements reconciled to the general ledger as of June 30.

In addition, the board approved several service agreements. Those included Act Behavior Consulting, LLC; Amy Elmore, OTR/L; Christa Neyman, OTR/L; and The Therapy Junction, LLC.

Board members also approved an agreement addendum with Sign Language Interpreting Services, LLC. The agreement covers Sand Rock School from Aug. 5 through Sept. 30.

Meanwhile, the board approved tree removal, tree trimming, and cleanup at Sand Rock School.

FFA Student Travel Receives Approval

The board also approved three FFA travel requests.

John Kincer and CCH FFA students will attend the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis from Oct. 19-24. CCH FFA will fund the trip.

Likewise, Andrew Miller and SG FFA students will attend the National FFA Convention during the same dates. SG FFA will fund that trip.

The board also approved travel for Miller and SG FFA students to the Alabama FFA State Finals and State Convention. That event will take place in Montgomery from June 7-11, 2027, with SG FFA funding the trip.

Board Approves Personnel Actions

Personnel matters made up another significant portion of Monday’s meeting.

First, the board accepted the resignations of Randa Kiker, a bus driver for Centre schools, and Shelly Elkins, a special education paraprofessional with bus aide responsibilities. Both resignations took effect immediately.

The board then approved three certified placements. Billy Martin will serve as an intervention teacher at Cedar Bluff School, effective Aug. 3.

Charles Tamburo will serve as a special education teacher at Centre Middle School, effective Aug. 11. In addition, Jaliah Summerlin will serve as music teacher and band director at Cherokee County High School, effective Aug. 3, pending certification.

For classified personnel, the board placed Stephen Westbrook as a bus driver for Centre schools, effective Aug. 4.

The board also approved preliminary TEAMS contracts for two science teachers. Amanda Harkins will teach at Centre Middle School, while Dustin Stephens will teach at Sand Rock School.

However, both contracts remain pending verification of qualifications, scheduling requirements, and SDE approval.

In another personnel action, the board approved a contract change for Julie Bobbitt. She moved from an eight-hour special education paraprofessional and bus aide position to a 7.5-hour special education paraprofessional position, effective Aug. 4.

The board also approved Greg Nicholson as a long-term bus driver substitute at Spring Garden School.

Additionally, board members granted leave requests for Heather Goodwin, a bus driver for Centre schools, and Sharlene Pollard, an elementary teacher at Centre Elementary School.

Substitute List Approved for 2026-27

The board approved 17 new substitutes for the 2026-27 school year.

The new substitutes are Myleigh Bobbitt, Jennifer Bomian, Caley Bruce, Crimson Colbert, Alyssa Eubanks, Natalie Fuller, AnnRanea Harris, Audrianna McCord, Kara Miller, Gregory Nicholson, Stacy Payne, Randa Pruitt, Chloe Spears, Charles Tamburo, Austin Bishop, Andrew Dudley, and Shane McMahan.

The agenda identifies Bishop, Dudley, and McMahan as employees.

In addition, board members renewed 20 substitutes. They are Amber Alexander, Jonathan Amison, Tammy Amos, Joshua Bates, Arthur Bice, Donnie Chandler, Jadyn Foster, Kaci Gilham, Lindsey Griggs, Frederick Hackett, Scott Hays, Rachel Johnson, John Kincer, Gail Sharp, Rodney Slayton, Crystal Stimpson, Sara Sullivan, Angela Tillery, Joseph West, and Claire Williams.

Other Board Business

The board also approved professional development and reviewed current job postings.

During his update, Superintendent Welsh presented school system updates and recognitions.

Finally, the board scheduled its next meeting for Monday, Aug. 31, at 4 p.m. The school system will also hold its first budget hearing at that meeting.

The meeting will take place at the Cherokee County Board of Education Central Office, located at 200 Armory Road in Centre.

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