Board Meeting - Special Meeting

Get attorney power.

Good afternoon. The board meeting for July 30th, 2026 has been called to order. We have established that there is a quorum. I need a motion to approve the agenda as printed.

Madam Chair, I move that we approve the agenda as printed.

I second it. It has been motioned and seconded to approve the agenda as printed. Any discussion on that item? Hearing or seeing no discussion, may I see a show of hands of all of those in favor? It is unanimous. Thank you, ladies. At this time, we are headed to executive session. Attorney Powell?

Thank you, Madam President. Just as a reminder, you'll still need to take a motion. However, I will certify that I am attorney Erica Powell. I'm a licensed attorney to practice law in the state of Alabama and general counsel for the Montgomery County Board of Education. I certify that the executive session proposed by the board involves potential litigation. The purpose of this session is to discuss the litigation with me along with attorney Alicia Bennett.

Thank you so much. We will now need a motion to go into executive session for the business of potential litigation. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that we go into executive session. I second.

It has been moved and seconded to go into executive session to discuss potential litigation. During the executive session, no votes will be taken. The executive session time will be approximately 30 minutes. We have concluded executive session where no votes were taken. We will now convene the special call board meeting. Our next item of business is receive this information. Dalrata Elementary School name change to Dalrata Steam Magnet Academy.

Dr. Williams. Thank you. All right, let's try this again.

Good afternoon, Madam President, Dr. Bird, and board members. Thank you for having me today. I will be giving you information on the Dalreda Elementary School proposed name change. For the recommendation for approval of the official name change from Dalreda Elementary School to Dalreda STEAM Magnet Academy, effective for the 26-27 school year. Here on the left hand side is the current logo and the proposed logo that has been Montgomery Public School brand approved is on the right hand side. Why the name change? The proposed name reflects the school's transition to a full magnet program with a specialized focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The new name better represents the school's instructional model and supports Montgomery Public Schools' strategic vision to expand innovative learning opportunities for students. Thank you so much. Any questions?

Thank you, Dr. Williams. Any questions? No, I know we were anticipating it coming, and we're excited that those families will meet the new school year with the name change.

Thank you.

Our next item of business will be Yonder Education Program Quote. Dr. King?

Yes, good evening, Madam President. Dr. Bird, board members, and I'm presenting this on behalf of Dr. Powell. So the quote you have in front of you, I am asking that not only for presenting, but I also ask that it be placed on a consent agenda. Over a year ago, as you all know, the Alabama FOCUS Act became law where students could not be on their cell phones. at all during instruction. It was both a relief to the teachers, but it also allows us to stay focused. And part of our discussion then when we adopted it for the, I mean, part of our implementation plan at the time was to offer a transition plan to make sure students and parents are not, or actually students are not penalized and it gives parents the transition. So we're asking that this, the young approaches be extended for one year that would allow us to also make sure the communication is there. We will spend less time disciplining students as we use all the cell phones that allow them to spend more time in classroom and it won't contribute to our absenteeism rate. So I'm just asking for consideration to not only consider the quote, but actually approve it. Our goal is to expedite the shipping so that the yonder projects could be in the building as early as next, I believe, I think it's August 10th if we get it approved. So that's what I'm asking.

Thank you, Dr. King. Is there any question or comment? Ms. Clout?

Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. The goal is actually to be full compliant with the law, which we're required to do. So we just, yeah, this is the last year that we hope to present it. Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am.

Thank you. And Dr. King, I assume we're getting this now. This actually should have been done earlier. We're expediting it to get ready for school.

Yes, ma'am.

Because I think the understanding is that they would be in place.

Is that correct? That is correct. Very good. I do apologize for that.

No, no problem. Thank you so much.

Yes.

Are these pouches inventoried like any other piece of equipment? Would the inventory or number?

Yeah, well, they should be inventory, but yes, because if a student loses one, they will have to replace it. So, but we would make sure that that is in place. We will be, as a part of our rollout plan, to make sure that's the case.

Thank you. Okay, but now I have a question with that. When you say inventory, you're going to keep these pouches that these children have had all year? and reissue them to someone else? How will we clean them?

No, these are new. These are new. Right.

I know these are new, but she said, are they inventoryable?

Right. Well, this would be like when we get the, they will be delivered to the logistics. Right. So based on the logistics, we are assigned beyond the purchase to the specific school.

Right.

But the goal is not to have them after this year. So we will not have to reissue on that. But if students lose it, then they would. And they get a new one.

That's what I meant. I wanted them to keep up with them as they go. This one belongs to whoever.

Very good. Don't mess it up, Chad.

No, I was involved early on with the yonder pouches and the program, the way it worked was Like, each year you're required to do so many, so you would get new pouches each year with that contract. But, again, like Dr. King was saying, at the end of this year, the goal is to be through with yonder pouches and have the procedures in place to take care of that.

I like that. Thank you. Teamwork.

Yes, ma'am.

Teamwork. All right. Thank you so much, Dr. King. Next... ATTORNEY POWELL WILL GO OVER THE SUPERINTENDENT'S EVALUATION. YOU, BOARD MEMBERS, YOU SHOULD HAVE A COPY. SHE WILL ALSO HAVE A PRESENTATION

Good afternoon, Madam President, Madam Vice President, Dr. Byrd, board members. As you all are aware, the board has completed the one-year evaluation of the Montgomery Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Byrd. This evaluation covers the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. The evaluation committee led by Ms. Cloud crafted this instrument that was used. The completed evaluations were turned into my office and sealed until my office calculated, verified, and shared the results with the board president and the superintendent. The board members have been given the presentation. and we will now go over this information for you. You will see the indicators on each slide, and those indicators beside them will have an average number in parentheses, and that is the average score for each indicator that was listed on your evaluation. Board members were provided space to leave comments, which have been labeled as glows and grows. You will also notice on some indicators that there were no grow comments. Now bear with me as I try to fight with the slide. Section one of your evaluation, I'll say that this slide is going to follow the evaluation instrument that you guys had that was labeled the same way. Section one was the vision and strategic leadership. The indicators that were considered under this section were communicates a clear mission, vision, and core values. It had an average score of 4.71, and this is from a scale of one to five. It also included the 100-day plan benchmarks with long-term district goals, which average score was 4.43. Establishes and reports quarterly progress to the board. Average score was 4.64. Implement Superintendent's Tracker, Dashboard, and Advisory Council's average score was 4.25. And under this section, the GLOS were equity audits, behavior support, strategic plan, communications, and public awareness are strong. The superintendent has achieved this indicator by planning and reporting documented outcomes and expectations of his 100-day plan. And the grows that were listed is the board recognizes that the consistent use of data to measure progress promotes accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement. There should be more inclusion of the state of the charter school's progress. Section 2 included teaching and learning. The indicators that were considered were ensures curriculum alignment, pacing guides, and instructional rigor. The average was 4.43. Launches literacy and math acceleration plans. Average was 4.29. Implements curriculum board goals. Average was 4.21. Provides targeted professional development. And the average for that was 4.1. I'm sorry, 4.0. And I won't go through the acronyms. You guys are all familiar with that. Expands access to AP, IB, CCE, and dual enrollment. The average was 4.43. Implements early literacy and numeracy interventions. And the average for that indicator was 4.21. The glows in this section was overall the district data indicated student outcomes are improving and trending positively. The superintendent expanded support for diverse learners through the implementation of district-wide multi-tiered system of support, MTSS, standardized daily instructional and grade recovery programs. to better support students requiring intervention, including fed, English learners, and gifted. The goals for this section were improvements are evident. However, areas noted for improvement are family engagement, culture, and climate, and accelerated math. And EL and BIPs and gifted dashboards are not as prominent. All should be celebrated. All right, section three was equity and student success. The indicators that were considered Conducts equity audits, average was 4.36%. Expands services for EL, SPED, including gifted and BIP students, average was 4.0%. Monitors and improves student attendance and chronic absenteeism, average was 4.07%. Implements and expands PBIS, MTSS, and restorative practices, average was 3.79%. and reports outcomes on closing achievement gaps. The average was 4.29. The glows for this section, the district added four language units to address the influx of students entering the district with ASD or ASD-like behaviors. The units were added to four elementary schools. A grant was secured to support these schools with sensory equipment. The district has moved beyond pilot efforts to the implementation of expanded services with clear evidence of infrastructure and access and support across multiple schools and programs. Middle school's focus is strong. And there were no grows noted. All right, section four, operations and finance. The indicators that were considered, overviews and links, curriculum needs, and funding sources, which includes budget, staffing, and facilities. The average score for this indicator was 4.71. Ensures fiscal transparency, the average score was 4.71. Launches customer service initiative, average was 4.57. Improves transportation, safety, and nutrition operations. The average was 4.29. Aligns budget with strategic priorities. Average 4.71. Ensures technology integration and digital equity. The average for this indicator was 4.57. The GLOS noted Dr. Burr and the communication team do a good job informing the board and the district. Impressive safety and nutrition programs and realizing the vision has helped to change the climate and culture in this district. We are an educational service agency that helps children, families, and communities. This vision is fully implemented into our district. The grow in this section is, including the board members and the development of the budget would allow the board to have a full understanding of the whys and hows of educational funding. Section 5, the indicators considered in this section, which was governance and board relations, Establishes regular meetings and communication with the board. Average is 4.43. Keeps the board informed on policies, compliance, and district initiatives. The average was 4.36. Provides timely reports and dashboards to support decision making. The average was 4.29. Demonstrates alignment with board priorities and accountability structures. The average was 4.43. The glows noted in this section consisted of the superintendent has fully implemented meetings and communication with the board members. The success of our board slash superintendent relationship continues to grow and become stronger. The superintendent prioritized maintaining strong communication, accessibility, and transparency with the NPS Board of Education through consistent meetings, routine updates, and ongoing availability to address questions, concerns, and district matters. There were no grows given in this section. Section 6. stakeholder engagement and community trust, the indicators that were considered, execute listening sessions, town halls, and family engagement workshops, the average score was 4.43. Implement surveys and feedback portals, the average score was 4.43. Launches public information portal and improves NPS school websites, the average was 4.43. presents 100-day report and communicates direction. The average was 4.71. Builds and sustains community partnership to expand student opportunities. The average was 4.43. The GLOS in Section 6 consisted of The superintendent has connected with partners who have committed to work with the district to proactively expand opportunities for students and families. Improvement seen as relationships build. Our websites are more efficient than they were in the past. Excellent job expanding opportunities for students and families. The growth in this section. Most upgrades are implemented on the public information portal, but it would be great to see either a weekly noon podcast or other methods to reach parents and students. The next section considered was Section 7, Organizational Management and Talent Development. The indicators that were considered include Builds leadership team aligned to district priorities. The average was 4.14. Launches employee incentive plan and teacher support. The average was 4.14. Develops leadership pipelines. The average was 4.5. Strengthens organizational support structures. The average was 4.36. Measures retention and morale through surveys and data systems, the average was 4.21. The glows in this section, the superintendent recognized and implemented a plan for sustainable district improvement, which requires leadership alignment at every level of the organization. ongoing relationship meetings, assisted cabinet members, principals, and district leaders, and clearly understanding the district's vision, goals, and priorities through regular meetings, strategic planning sessions, transition team work, school visits, and ongoing communication. The growth in this section, the assistant principal academy is a good start, a deeper dive and longer period of engagement, and the academy could prove to be more effective. Section 8, which I believe is the final section, it considered evaluation and accountability. The indicators that were considered Implements quarterly progress monitoring. The average for this section was four, I'm sorry, the average for this indicator was 4.43. Presents 100-day report with measurable outcomes. The average was 4.71. Establishes accountability for both academics and operations. The average was 4.36. Demonstrates measurable growth achievement which includes achievement graduation CCR readiness and equity the average was 4.07 ensures transparency of reporting the average was 4.71 the growth in this section stronger district-wide assessment and progress monitoring and I'm sorry, stronger district-wide assessment and progress monitoring structures to ensure schools are consistently analyzing students' performance, data, and a response that supports targeted instruction. During the 2025-2026 school year, it was demonstrated that a strong commitment, that a strong commitment, I'm sorry, y'all, the words start running together after staring at the computer, at the screen for so long. During the 2025-2026 school year, it was demonstrated that a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement through the development, implementation, and public presentation of the superintendent's 100-day plan. And that was actually the glow section. There were no grows provided under these sections. I think I may be missing a slide, but the evaluation contained 40 detailed indicators across the eight sections, each with a 1 through 5 Likert scale, a rating line, and space for comments and evidence to be provided by the board members as well as the superintendent. Overall, the indicator average for each indicator in all of the sections was 4.38 out of 5, and the overall percentage is 87.5%.

Madam President, just say one thing.

Thank you.

Let me say thank you so much, board members, for the opportunity to participate in this evaluation. Let me say that I am both humbled and honored of your trust in me. And I'm so thankful that you all believe that we're headed in the right direction. I would like to say that no superintendent can be successful alone. This evaluation is a reflection of the hard work that is taking place across this district. This evaluation is a reflection of our hardworking employees, our wonderful students and fantastic families. So again, I just want to thank you all so much for the opportunity. Thank you all so much for your trust and just know we're just getting started.

Okay. I just wanted to say, you know, the nerd in me went through this because we just got it. And I looked at all the 4.71s out of 5, which is the highest. And I did take little notes where I said, when you look at his 100-day plan, in all my 12 years, we've never had a score that high. We've never had a B. I don't think we've always been average. And for that score to be so close to the top, we got it right. We all got it right. When you look at, each of us did this randomly, and you look at that 100-day plan in color code form, where it said, this is your response, this is this group's responsibility, this is the date it should be done, this is where we are now, this is where we're going, and then you look at his 4.71s, I just want you to see the pattern of how it all matched up. It started with the communicates clear vision, and that's through the 100-day plan. He communicates direction. He aligns the budget. I came from when we were 11 million in the hole. We're like 121 million in the green. It's under this man. It's under this board. It's under this central office. I will tell you, when I came here 12 years ago, I was all about Ed Richardson saying it was overstocked, overpowered, over everything. And I'm here, if I'm only here until November, I'm It's the best it's ever been, and it's been under this board and this superintendent, and I just wanted people to understand what you have, what direction we're going in, and I hope we stay in it. And I do, I want to thank, like what he said, I want to reiterate, he couldn't have done this by himself. If he didn't have that central office behind him, You know, if he didn't, some of the things that are growing with us are charter schools. I'm seeing our charter school people out there, and it's just nice to see MPS headed in the right direction. Thank you.

This instrument was a work of care for this district. I wanted it to really show It was an honor for me to be able to put things together so that the true showing of who we are, where we're going, what Dr. Byrd, as the leader, has been doing, and I wanted it, he has every right to go na-na-na-boo-boo. Because it was a rigorous, a rigorous evaluation. It wasn't just a few pages. Thank you.

Well, Dr. Burge, you know, I had to say something.

This is what intention looks like. When you and Dr. Lashley, I can't even imagine the hours y'all stay here together, coming up with plans and strategies and adjusting things and getting people in the right seats and having the backlash, but still seeing the overall vision, which is the children, what's best for children. And your evaluation proves that you are child-centered. It's not, you don't do this for accolades. I know it's hard for you to sit over there because you're a very humble man. But you do this for the very right reasons. The reasons we all should be sitting up here with you, pushing you forward. I know it's hard because we do call. Because it's always a question and just wanting to clarify things and then leave the conversation excited because you probably overshare. And it's like, okay, I got to hold this until he lets it out. But I'm so pleased to know that God sent the right person for our children in this district. And you are literally planting seeds. of trees whose branches we won't sit on, but MPS will get that. We're back in the glory days of MPS. And that is all because of your staff out here. God bless y'all. I pray for y'all all the time. And Ms. Dr. Lashley, thank you for coming on board. And Dr. Bird, thank you. And board members, you know, thank you all. This is a joyous day. It really is.

Last but not least, Ms. Cloud is right. We thank Ms. Cloud tremendously for putting this together. I don't think we saw how powerful it was until we individually did it. It was very fair, very thoughtful. It wasn't built for Dr. Byrd. It was built for a leader. And she put it together, asked our input, and we were able to put together a strong document. It's one of the best I've seen. So kudos to that for you. You know, I'm the mama of the bunch. I get everybody. And while I was doing this, working on this, one of my grandbabies asked me, Grandma, what does all that mean? And I was explaining to her about evaluation. And I know he's meek and mild and all that, and I know he all the other, because I remind him, you're graded for their mess up. If they get it wrong, we grade you for it. So love them, but hold them tight. And have them, I have been in this district a long time to see people do a lot of different things. It's been a long time. Shadee's shaking her. It's been a long time since we all been walking in the same direction. And it's wonderful. We're not being trampled over. We're not being run over. And I know sometimes you even sit in church with people that have different motives. But after a while, the good outweighs the bad. It's a promise. And these children get an opportunity. I was telling somebody, every teacher that we don't see on our reports is one teacher to us before a child. That's a whole year of learning. It's different. And we're finally beginning to see the whole picture because we have a leader that's visionary. And I thank you. You're not getting no presents, but I thank you. All right.

And I just want to say again, again, thank you all so much for this incredible opportunity. And again, I cannot tell you all enough about our wonderful central office staff and of course, all of the wonderful employees that we have across this district. Again, this evaluation is a reflection of them. And I thank them so much for the hard work every single day. We have some of the best employees across this district. And because of them, we're moving in the right direction. So I thank you all again for this opportunity.

He gets us too. We've gotten it too. Ms. Mitchell.

Well, I'll be very short. When I ran for the board, my slogan was, our children cannot wait while we debate. And it's so important that we have to come together and work as a team. Because teamwork makes the dream work. And our dream is coming forth. Thank you.

Thank you, Ms. Mitchell. All right, our next item on the agenda is our consent agenda. Dr. Byrd. Thank you, Attorney Powell.

Thank you, Madam President, board members. Superintendent requests your approval of consent agenda items 6A through 6D.

The superintendent has made a recommendation to consider for approval items 6A through 6D. May I hear a motion?

Madam Chair, I move to accept the superintendent's recommendation and approve The consent agenda items 6A, B, C, and D. I second it.

Was it second? I'm sorry, I didn't hear. Thank you. It has been moved and seconded. Any discussion on these items? Hearing or seeing no discussion, may I see a show of hands of all of those in favor? It is unanimous. Thank you. Dr. Burns.

Thank you so much. Superintendent requests your approval under Consider for Approval, Action Item 7A, Charter School Funding Agreement.

Madam President, I move that we consider for approval or approve Charter School Funding Agreement.

I second it. It has been moved and seconded to accept the superintendent's recommendation for Item 7A. Any discussion on this item? Hearing or seeing no discussion, may I see a show of hands of all of those in favor? It is unanimous.

Thank you. I would like to request your approval of Action Item 7B, Personnel Report, Certified Personnel.

Madam President, I move that we approve item 7B, personnel report, certified personnel.

I second it. It has been moved and seconded to proceed to accept the superintendent's recommendation for item 7B, personnel report, certified personnel. Any discussion on this item? Hearing or seeing no discussion, may I see a show of hands of all of those in favor? The vote is unanimous.

Thank you. Superintendent requests your approval of action item 7C, Personnel Report Certified Addendum.

Madam Chair, I move that we approve the Superintendent's recommendation for a C, Personnel Report Certified Addendum. I second it.

It has been moved and seconded to accept the Superintendent's recommendation for Item 7C, Personnel Report, Certified Addendum. Any questions or comments on this item? Hearing or seeing none. No discussion. May I see a show of hands of all of those in favor? It is unanimous.

Thank you. Superintendent requests your approval of Action Item 7D, Personnel Report, Classified Personnel.

Madam President, I move that we accept item D, personnel report classified personnel.

I second. It has been moved and seconded to accept the superintendent's recommendation for item 7D, personnel report classified personnel. Any discussion on this item? Hearing or seeing no discussion, may I see a show of hands of all of those in favor? It is unanimous.

Thank you. Superintendent requests your approval of action item 7E, personnel report classified addendum.

Madam Chair, I move that we accept the superintendent's recommendation for item E, personnel report classified addendum.

It has been moved and seconded to accept the superintendent's recommendation for item 7E, personnel report classified addendum. Any discussions on this item? Hearing or seeing no discussion, may I see a show of hands of all of those in favor? It is unanimous.

Thank you. Superintendent requests your approval of action item 7F, supplemental personnel minutes.

Madam President, I move that we accept the superintendent's recommendation for item F, supplemental personnel minutes. I second it.

Thank you. It has been moved and seconded to accept the superintendent's recommendation for item 7F, Supplemental Personnel Minute. Any discussions on that item? Hearing or seeing no discussions. May I see a show of hands of all of those in favor? It is unanimous.

Thank you. We would tend to request your approval of Action Item 7G, Personnel Report, Teams.

Madam President, I move that we accept or approve Item G, Personnel Report, Teams.

I second it. It has been moved and seconded to accept the superintendent's recommendation for item 7G, personnel report team. Any discussion on this item? Hearing or seeing no discussion, may I see a show of hands of all of those in favor? It is unanimous.

Madam President, can I get clarification on something?

Yes, you may.

On the consent agenda, was that a unanimous vote? Because I didn't remember voting for that. And that is supposed to be, I mean, I voted for it, but I don't remember raising my hand on it. I just wanted to make sure. You did, yeah.

Very good. Very good question. All right. This concludes our business for today. Our next business meeting will be Tuesday, August the 11th, same place, same time, 5 o'clock, regular board meeting. Immediately following board meeting will be our work session. Have a great day.