Board Meeting - Regular Meeting

It's important that every student goes to school every single day. That's right. Every single school day. Because face it, if we don't come to school, how will we prepare ourselves for our futures? I want to be prepared for the future. So, I'm making sure I go to school every day. Parents, did you know that if a student misses at least 2 days of school a month, they miss at least 20% of classroom instruction? And missing that much of school without a valid reason causes students to fall behind academically. Let's work together to ensure students are present in the classroom.

Together, we can do this. Because it's our future. It's our future and our future impacts our communities. Let's be present together. MPS, [Music] welcome to MPS Now, your source for the latest news from Montgomery public schools. Today, we'll spotlight the serve initiative. Meet Carver, standout Piccolo player. Celebrate the new Richard Walker studio at BTW and take you inside a day in the life of our students. This is MPS Now. [Music] [Music] Hello MPS family. I'm Rosanna Smith, director of communications. Montgomery Public Schools is proud to announce a new district-wide initiative focused on one of the most important elements of a great school system, exceptional customer service. It's called Serve, and it's about making sure that every student, family, employee, and community member feels supported, respected, and heard in every interaction with NPS. When I began my journey as superintendent of Montgomery public schools, I made a commitment to you to listen, to lead with integrity, and to act. One of the key pillars of my 100 day plan is improving customer service. Because how we treat people, it matters. It matters a great deal. Whether you're a parent calling a school, a student seeking support, or a staff member walking to work each morning, you deserve to be valued,

heard, and treated with respect. Today, I'm proud to introduce our official MPS customer service model called serve. This isn't just a slogan. It's a district-wide commitment that will shape the way we interact, the way we respond, and the way we care for every individual who walks through our doors or calls on us for support. SER stands for support every stakeholder, engage respectfully, respond promptly, value every voice, and exceed expectations. Through this initiative, NPS is not only raising the bar for service, it's reinforcing a culture of excellence that supports student success and strong community partnerships. We invite families, staff, and partners to share their experiences and help us continue to grow. Because at NPS, when we serve together, everyone benefits. It's time now for NPS Now student profiles highlighting the incredible talent across our schools. Today, meet Carver, standout Piccolo player whose viral performance has everyone talking. [Music]

I've been playing piccolo for about 2 to 3 years. Besides piccolo, I play flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, oto set, and tennis saxophone. This really started around my eighth grade year when I met Miss Phillips and my ninth grade year. During that time, I played all the whining instruments and I just got it. I always like to be different. Like I didn't want to play football. Sports really really wasn't my thing. Like I just wanted to be different. I was very shocked. I was I did not expect none of that to go viral. I didn't even know I was being recorded cuz I found out right after the game my banner came and told me that I had went viral. I didn't know what what he was talking about. So I get on the bus, check my phone. I got like a hundred texts. Everybody blowing me up. And I seen the video. I was like, "Oh my god, that's me." It made me go way harder cuz I used to doubt myself playing Piccolo, but with the more recognition I get every time I perform, I get more confident every time. I don't got a number one college, but I'm really looking at like schools like Southern, Jackson State. That's really my main two. My only hobby is playing my instrument.

Yes, I love playing my instrument. Be present, be prepared, be productive.

When you walk into Booker T. Washington Magnet High School. You can feel the pride surrounding its broadcast program. Much of that pride comes from one teacher whose influence reached far beyond the classroom. Now his name lives on in a very special way. Students and staff at Booker T. Washington Magnet High School dedicated the Richard Walker studio. For decades, Walker inspired and guided students through the broadcast media magnet, building a program that shaped storytellers, leaders, and media professionals. His tireless dedication left an unforgettable mark on generations of scholars. One of them, Joseph Sims, a 2021 graduate who is now an anchor at WDHN News in Dothan.

It means the world to me. Uh, Mr. Walker was the best teacher I've ever had. And I know that might sound cliche because a lot of students say that about their teachers, but when I walked in his classroom in ninth grade, I had a dream, but I had about 15 different puzzle pieces that I didn't know how to connect. And Mr. Walker was the one that glued every single one of those pieces for me, made my dream into reality. Another former student, Alicia Fonka, graduated in 2014. Today, she produces live sports broadcasts for Auburn Athletics and the SEC Network.

Having Mr. Walker as my teacher honestly set the tone and the foundation for everything that has happened since. I tell people all the time, I'm like, I learned how to edit a video because of Mr. Walker and broadcast.

Fonka says the new studio is more than a room. It's a tribute that ensures Walker's legacy lasts for generations. Everybody already knows the impact and the magnitude of broadcast not just in this school but within this school system and I think people already knew mentally about who Mr. Walker was but I think the dedication shows like whether he's here and after it's like oh no your impact is is solid. It's not going anywhere. is just going to continue to get better and grow even more. And so I I think the dedication is just honestly it's just a great honor to a great wonderful man. Every school day counts. That's why the be present, be prepared, be productive campaign is more than just a slogan. It's a way of life. From start to finish, student badges help make each day smoother, safer, and more successful. Let's take a look at what that really means for our students. Every Montgomery Public School student wears their badge all day for safety, access, and success. [Music] From the bus to the classroom, badges keep students moving and productive. [Music] Badges make lunchtime and learning easy, helping students be prepared for the day.

Badges keep our students safe and accounted for. Every day counts. [Music] badges give students access to everything, including school spirit and athletics. At MPS, students badges help us

be resident, be prepared, be productive, every day counts. That wraps up this edition of MPS Now, your inside look at the latest news across Montgomery public schools. Remember to be present, be prepared, and be productive. We'll see you again October 15th. Until then, watch, share, and stay connected with MPS now. [Music] [Music]

[Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] The Montgomery County Board of Education meeting is now being called to order. Today is October 21st, 2025 and the time is now 5:'lock. We will have invocation by Pastor Richard Williams. He's the lead lead pastor at Metropolitan United Methodist Church. Thank you, Dr. Mr. Richardson. I'm reminded of the words of Howard Thurman where it declares, "Don't ask what the world needs, ask what makes you come alive and go and do it because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Let us look to our source in prayer. Eternal and loving God, we come before you this evening with grateful hearts and humble spirits. We recognize that the decisions made in this room ripple far beyond these walls, shaping classrooms, communities, and lives of every child entrusted to our care. As this body deliberates plan, grant them wisdom to see beyond our differences, the courage to act with justice, and the compassion to serve with love. May every policy and every conversation reflect our shared commitment to nurturing the full potential of each student. Remind us, oh God, that true education is not only about learning facts, but also awakening the spirit that is within each of us. Help each child come alive as Howard Thurman reminds us to the gifts

you have placed within them. Bless our teachers, our parents, our leaders, and most of all our students. Let peace, patience, and purpose guide our work this evening and every day for forward. In your holy name we do pray. Amen. Thank you, Pastor Williams. At this time, we'll ask the audience to stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the stands. nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you. The Montgomery County Board has a quorum. Uh at this time, I'll take a motion to approve the agenda as written. Madame President, I move that we approve the agenda as written. Is there a second?

I second it. It has been moved and properly second. All those in favor do so by showing of hands. It is unanimous. At this time, we will have the board member president remarks and I'll keep them brief. Good evening board members, our community members, our parents and teachers and even the students who've joined us this year and and the little babies. I heard I want to say it is a it is great to be a servant of the MPS community as a whole. We have had several things to take place that had afforded our children many opportunities. Carver Traditional Magnus School is now Carver Magnet School. We have a communications department that is like no other. They have been getting the good news of what is happening in MPS out to the larger community. There are several highlights that include our students giving their testimony of the great things happening in their classroom. We have band students going viral and little artists from Forest Avenue whose art is featured in now the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. We have students taking advantage of the math ACT prep that we will hear about in more details and in and in addition to that our merit scholars. Currently, we are and continue to be fiscally sound and responsible. We have a trip AA rating from S&P. We have projects in the way to help enhance the work that we do for the children that we serve. We have state-of-the-art football training rooms that rival most college football training spaces. We will continue to update our athletic facilities, band programs, theater, photography rooms,

medical rooms, and many, many, many more things. We are putting our m our money on students, and that is a fantastic thing. We have many more things to do and cover, but we could not do it without working together. And we could not do it without the support of the community. As you have been driving around from billboards to signage on the fences and around the city, you have seen our our very own MPS students sharing with you their aspirations and dreams. We are MPS thriving. Our students are pres are present and prepared to walk into their purpose. All thanks to the community who believes in them. We all do it for them. Thank you, Dr. Bird. We'll now start with the superintendent remark.

Good evening, Madam President, members of the board, and to our MPS family and community. Over the past several weeks, our focus has continued to center around academic excellence, operational accountability, and cultural transformation. All in alignment with our 100-day entry plan and the broader MPS vision of MPS transform our schools, our communities, and our future. As it relates to academic and student success, our schools have made significant progress in strengthening instructional practices and supporting student achievement. We've continued classroom walkthroughs, data reviews, ensuring alignment with our instructional framework, and our pacing guides. I'm proud of the increased emphasis our schools are placing on daily bale-to-bell instruction, interventions, and enrichment. We're also finalizing plans for expanded dual enrollment and career pathway opportunities through partnerships with Treno State, ASU, AUM, and Huntington College. These collaborations will provide students with greater access to credentials, certification, and early college credit as it relates to cultural and climate. Our principles and teachers are doing a great job reinforcing expectations for student behavior, attendance, and engagement. We've also expanded our customer service initiative serve to include front office and support staff support all across the district. This initiative emphasizes our commitment to providing every student, parent, and staff member with a positive and professional MPS experience. Partnerships and community engagement. Our partnerships continue to grow. We've deepened our relationship with Max with Maxwell Air Force Base, with the

Montgomery Chamber, and local business leaders to expand student learning experience and workforce pathways. Our communications team has also been hard at work increasing engagement through the MPS podcast, Stronger Together, and our MPS newscast, highlighting the amazing work that's happening all across our schools. As we move into the next phase of this school year, our priorities, they remain clear. strengthening teaching and learning, ensuring safe and orderly schools, maintaining operational excellence, and continuing to rebuild community trust through transparency and results. I want to thank our board, our principles, our teachers, and our support staff for the continued dedication and teamwork. Together we are moving MPS forward one step, one student, and one success at a time. Thank you all so much.

Thank you, Dr. Bird. Our next uh we'll have board recognitions for from excuse me, from Rosanna Smith Brutin. Good evening, everyone.

Good evening. Good evening, Madame President, Dr. Bird, and board members. It is truly an honor to be joining you this evening, and we have a number of recognitions tonight. I would first like to mention that we had some exciting news for our third graders. Just a couple of weeks ago, more than 400 from 26 elementary schools were awarded free fair tickets for their perfect attendance. And this was all made possible by one of our school attendance ambassadors, DA Oliver. [Applause] So October 2nd was National Custodian Day and we are proud to spotlight one in particular, Miss Johnny Hall from Percy Julian High School. At this time, I'd like to welcome her up and I would like to welcome the board members for a photo opportunity. And as they make their way to the front, I'd like to mention that Miss Hall began her journey with NPS in 1973. And [Applause] that's 52 years if you do your calculations right. [Applause] She has dedicated herself to making sure that our schools are clean, safe, and welcoming. I would also like to point out that she is 81 years young. [Applause]

Thank you, Miss Hall, for your incredible dedication. [Applause] and board members. I would love for you all to stay through the recognitions. That way we can make sure that everyone has an opportunity to take a photo with you. [Applause] All right. Van Reading Fund Awards. We are excited to announce that three NPS schools have been selected by the Central Alabama Community Foundation. And at this time, I'd like to welcome Burton Krenshaw. She is the president of the foundation to provide us some more details. So, I am really thrilled to be here because today I'm going to award almost $15,000 to three schools. So the Mary L and Eugene Van Reading Fund was established by their son Roy Van. It was a vision of Mr. Van to honor his parents by providing resources to strengthen reading programs in schools

serving Montgomery students. So our first recipient is Dala Elementary School. [Applause] They are receiving $5,000 to implement sensorybased hands-on literacy instruction to benefit students with the most significant speech, language, and literacy needs while also indirectly supporting teachers and pair professionals through training and coaching. Right. [Applause] [Applause] Okay, the next one. And this kind of shows we do award almost exactly what you asked for because it's $4,99545. to TS Morris Elementary School. This is to provide computerized accelerated reader programs to 365 students across 17 classrooms. [Applause] [Applause] All right. And the next one is for Martin Luther King Elementary School here. Yep. And it's for $5,000 to increase. And now here's my reading skills coming into question.

Phenemic. Thank you. Maybe I need to take this program. phenemic phological awareness. Got awareness. I got you. I got that one. Among K3 students by implementing fun. Thank you. Wow. Okay. I need to go back to school. A power play a comprehensive schoolwide initiative. [Applause] So, this is an annual process that we do each year. So, I'm I'm glad we were able to present it here at the schoolboard meeting so that you know that we, the community, are right there with you giving back to our students. So, thank y'all. At this time, we would like to recognize our National Merit Semifinalist. We had a total of 12 and this exemplifies some of the nation's top academic talent. Booker T. Washington magnet Junhan Sun, if he would please come forward [Applause] while they are taking those photos. Lamp

High School had 11. Daniel Kim, Pearson Kohley, Joshua Duskski, Evan Zho, Jaden Bana, Jerry Chin, Leila Smith, Ariel Shen, Rayma Jiren, Carson Washington, and Ava Ellis. If they are present, if you would please come forward, we would greatly appreciate it. And then if we can also get one by one photos of these amazing scholars.

Congratulations once again to these amazing scholars on their dedication and excellence. At this time, we would like to recognize and congratulate Raa Gupta, a talented fourth grader at Forest Avenue Arts Magnet. Raya's beautiful painting is not only on display at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, but it was also purchased by the museum to come become part of its permanent collection. [Applause] What an incredible honor and way to go. Her story was recently featured on our MPS Now newscast. So, if you hadn't have not had an opportunity to check out our newscast, please do. [Applause] We have several Percy Jillian High School achievements. Some big wins for the school. Dr. John Smith earned $1,000 in grants from Guardian Credit Union for the bowling team. [Applause]

Want to say thank you to Guardian Credit Union for their wonderful generosity. Wonderful. [Applause] Percy. [Laughter] Thank you.

The Percy Jillian theater department received a $2,000 Friends of the scholarship to support their upcoming production. [Applause] Their principal is going to stand in for this photo. Yes. [Applause] Servant Leadership in Action. A heartfelt thank you to officers Willie Webster and Tashana Bristo for their quick and compassionate response when assisting a community member in need at one of our schools. Their calm professionalism and genuine care exemplify true servant leadership. We'd like to welcome them up now. [Applause] We would also like to recognize officers Jason Goodson and Melis Hall for their life-saving response during a football game at Lamp. Their swift action Their [Applause] swift action ensured a student received

immediate medical attention and privacy during a critical moment. A true example of teamwork and vigilance. [Applause] We have a special recognition at this time. I'd like to welcome athletic director Ruffen. Good evening everyone. Uh this award is presented to a female wrestler at Goodwin Middle School. Uh last year she participated and right around after the seventh uh match we found out that the AHSA had came up with a thing where we weren't supposed to be wrestling girls with boys, but when she stopped she was seven and0 seven and0 against the boys. So, so, uh, we we want to bring up, uh, wonderful scholar athlete, uh, Jaden Dawson. And this year, the girls will be wrestling in their own division. But we're going to give to her the district athletic director's award for going 7-0 against the boys competition. Let's go to her.

[Applause] And today is her birthday. [Applause] And please forgive me on my part. I want to quickly go back to officers Jason Goodson and Melis Hall because there was an assistant principal Deborah Johnson from Crup Elementary who actually assisted them when proceeding with those life-saving measures. I'd like to bring her up along with those two officers again. [Applause] At this time, we'd like to give a huge congratulation to our child nutrition department for their creativity and commitment. They received the USDA Healthy Mills incentives recognition award, a testament to their excellence and dedication to nourishing our students every day. I would like to welcome Director Beard along with her team. [Applause]

And I know we have several CMPs who are here. Thank you for all that you do. [Applause] And they do have a child nutrition program job fair tomorrow, Wednesday, from 9:00 a.m. to 100 p.m. over at Grove Street. Spread the word. All right. At this time, we have three members of the Booker T. Washington Magnet High School family who were named Alabama State University's 50 under 50. For this year, we have Dr. Courtney Ruffin, principal, Porsche Red, English language arts instructor, and Dr. Kelvin Jones, mathematics instructor. We are proud of their leadership and continued impact. [Applause] [Applause] Thank you very much.

All right. At this time, our next agenda item is scheduled public comments. Requests must be made in advance and writing to the superintendent's office by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday preceding the meeting date. Requests must have specified the nature of the business. I'm sorry. Thank you, Miss B. Okay. Requests must have been specified uh must specify the nature of the business to be taken up with the board and the name of the person who will address the board to be added to the agenda. Communications must be respectful. Discussing specific student or employee matters would not be allowed. Individuals who have concerns that are inappropriate to that are inappropriate to be solved in this venue are welcome to speak to seek a problem-solving meeting with the superintendent. Immediate feedback by the board may not be provided. However, you may be contacted for followup by the superintendent or his designate. Public comments may not exceed three minutes. The board chair has full authority to terminate the remarks of any persons whose comments contain personal texts, exceed the time limit, or are otherwise inappropriate. A speaker may be considered disruptive who continues to speak when their allotted time has ended. When asked to stop speaking by the board chair or is otherwise inappropriate, if a person fails to comply when asked to terminate comments, he or she will be escorted to their seat out of the auditorium and or off of MPS property depending on the level of disruption. At this time, we have Miss Fedra Carson Foster. October is National PTA family and school safety month. What it means for Montgomery. Miss Foster.

Good evening. October is National PTA Family and School Safety Month. This week, October 19th through 25th, is Safe Schools Week, and tomorrow is National SAVE Day, Students Against Violence Everywhere. These observances remind us that firearm injury is now the leading cause of death for children under 19. Every year, three million children in America witness gun violence, and it impacts their ability to learn and thrive. PTA has long advocated for evidence-based strategies to keep students safe, but real progress requires strong family school partnerships. I want to thank all seven of the sitting schoolboard members for their participation in the PTA. Collectively, you have attended council and unit meetings, participated in trainings, helped reorganize dormant units, and you were among the first LEAs in the United States of America to adopt the National PTA's new six standards for family school partnerships. Last year, the current board president and vice president participated in our October town meeting. This event took place on the same day that the National PTA released its blueprint for parent leaders to take action on gun violence prevention. We were fortunate to have national PTA pres former National PTA president OA Thornon, the first African-American male president of the National PTA present for this event and the sitting probate judge provided an introduction. I am sure that this board and our current superintendent, Dr. bird recognizes the importance of that representation in this community. However, that town hall meeting which focused on family engagement and violence prevention received no promotion from MPS. Fast forward a year later, Montgomery recently made national news for gun

violence and we all saw who was being blamed along with the alleged perpetrators before the alleged perpetrators were even named. parents. Now more than ever, our district must honor its commitment to the family school partnerships policy. I appreciate Dr. Bird's leaders fresh leadership. Under his tenure, the Montgomery County Council has returned to holding meetings in this auditorium. However, comma, we are still dealing with some of the same impediments and shenanigans that prevent us from organizing and addressing the issues most affecting families in our community. So tonight, Miss Portoris, I am respectfully requesting a meeting with Dr. Bird and the head of student support services to clear up the confusion and misinformation that are slowing progress. Next month is family engagement month, and I hope to stand here again, not to talk about shenanigans, but to celebrate the real accomplishments in our partnership. Thank you. At this time, we have no citizens comment. So, Miss Pamela Watkins with our August 2025 financial statement. Madame President Smith, Vice President Portoris, Superintendent Bird, board members, good evening. You should have before you the financials for the month of August. August represents the second month of the last fiscal year, last quarter of the fiscal year. So, we're rounding up the fiscal year. In your package you will have um your explanation of financial data um a statement from the CSFO snapshot

analysis which provides a high-level overview of the district's position as of August. Um you also have your general fund balance recap and we will review the snapshot analysis as well as the general fund recap. You also have the monthly percentages um the monthly and annual comparative statement of revenues and expenditures. You have your statement of cash flows which represents the expenditures, the inflows and the outflows for the month of August comparative to the prior months. And then you also have the F reports which is a representation of the data that is uploaded to the state department. I'm going to focus on the snapshot analysis which is representative of the month of August one or I went too far ahead. Okay. So, as you see, we have a comparative of our actual general fund um revenues and expenditures comparative to the budgeted. You will see that we're right at about 97% of expenditures. We have one month left. Um, we are currently closing out the month of September. You'll also see the total payroll expenditures for August of 2025 compared to August of 2024. Um, there is a significant variance. However, there are um supplements that were paid in the month of September last year compared to us paying them in August this year. Um, additionally there are um some athletic supplements and then there was also um a change in coding to a specific funding source. You also have a comparison of your local revenues from fiscal year 2024 to fiscal year 2025. And then you will also see that our August fund

balance is approximately $5.8 million more than it was last year. If we jump ahead to our general fund balance recap, although our general fund balance is 105928, you will see that the grand majority of those funds are obligated to various fund sources, transportation is at 7.7 million. That's the grand majority of it. We have some other fund sources, our state and summer reading programs, ARRI, OMI, and our teams allocations as well as our foundation funds. Um th that means that those funds can only be expended in the fund sources that they are assigned to. So our discretionary basically local revenues general fund is at $81.9 million. Again, we have one month left that we're closing out. Um, I anticipate that the remaining fund balance would be pretty much what we anticipated and budgeted. Those are our financials for the month of August. Are there any questions? Are there any questions? All right. Thank you, Miss Watkins. Our next agenda item is the charter school renewal. Dr. Gregory Keane.

Good evening, Madam President, uh, fellow board members, and Superintendent Bird. Uh the charter school contracts for Life Academy and Davis Elementary are up for renewal. Uh after application review, I'm requesting the board uh approved the resol resolution for Dr. Bird to enter into renewal contract negotiation for Life Academy and Davis Elementary School. Are there any questions? All right. Thank you, Dr. King. McGra Hill contract, Mr. Curtis Rice.

Good evening, madam uh president, distinguished board members, and uh Superintendent Dr. Bird. Um before I go over talking about renewing, Alex, I just want to thank you for all that you do because it's important. some of the things we don't see you doing in the background mean a lot and then some of the things I'm able to do because of you guys. Um now when we want to renew Alice, Alex is our university screener and we want to continue improving students um enhancing the math but when we think about Alex there's two things we're looking at. One direct instruction or tier one instruction how well did we do tier one instruction or direct instruction? Number two, the knowledge check is the part that identify learning gaps. But when we talk about the learning gaps, it also give each student a personalized pathway. But it's not just for the struggling students, but also a pathway for our overachievers cuz sometime we only think about the underachievers or the ones that struggling, but we also need to maintain students that are exceeding, you know. So it it's great for the pathways and and um having unique pathways for each student. And then the benefits is you can see real time progress. Uh you can differentiate. For example, if you had a group of students and one student had a 504 plan, you can give that student back the assessment and they can retry the problems and give them more time. And then it can also bridge the gap between um practice and then the stu the um the assessment within the class. And I need to slow down cuz I'm I'm I just been thinking about doing this all day and I need to I'm sitting here like I'm over there like mumbling some like hold up you know y'all great people. I'm sitting here looking like what's going on? All right. So let me All right. So uh the

next part about uh Alex is that uh teachers can integrate the lessons. Um Alex evaluates students mastery of these standards and then it also show strength and readiness or weaknesses so that we can do intervention in MTSS. So it's important that we have tools that can identify the strength and weakness of our students so we can be better assess and support them. Um and then the knowledge check. Now the knowledge check is the part where it can that's the piece where we can find out missing misunderstanding misconceptions and also the part where we can build students up and show up. All right so the last piece is I'm hoping that we'll get to a point where we can share our data. So for example when you see the AAP AAP is the big umbrella. Then under that umbrella you have ACT work keys. Then you got ACT with writing. And then you go down you may 10th grade preacct. Then you get down to elementary middle school the A cap summitive. But we need for like another program we have to share our data that make sure that they're showing how this knowledge checks is benefiting kids. Are we really preparing kids to be prepared for college and career? So, I'm hoping that we'll be able to share our data so then they can they can show us some um how this knowledge check is really helping. So, we asking for a one-year um renewal so we can do some research and study because we want to make sure we have the best product for our kids because it's important. Are there any questions?

Uh Miss Cloud, how is this dovetailing with schools PL? All right, say that one more time. I want to make sure I How is Alex dovetailing with school's PLP?

Well, right now, um the PLP, they're not connected right now. PL school PL and Alice. It's not really connecting because um when we do the usage, the uh school PL, those kids are using that program is not using Alex. So, it's not really we what we have to do is we're gonna have to do a um get them to start using some of our data so then we can see different entry points and see will that help our kids. But right now it's like kind of separate right now.

Thank you, Miss Cordis. I think one of the questions we had that I I didn't get an answer to so far. We're renewing this so we this is not new. Correct. Yes, ma'am. It's not. Do we know how well this has served us already? Well, only No, no. I mean numbers, Mr. Right.

Yeah, I know. So, right now we have a total of geometry 36% is using it. Um, algebra 1 we have 29%, algebra 2 48%, uh, pre-cal 43%. But the problem is that we never did use Alex like we did the other program. See, when you you uh make sure it's connected to our state standards or it's connected to the ACT with using our preAC data, then you get more buy in. Right now, we just never have done that. If we could do that, we can go cuz what they want to do is they want to talk about strategies. No, I want you to connect how your program is benefiting our kids to be college and career ready. And that's the piece that I'm hoping that we'll be able to do so we can get more buying. We can get more stakehold because I can say let's do um Alex, let's do Alex. But when you have more stakeholders, you have uh interventionist, principal, more people involved like they do in Alex, I mean uh this other program we have, I ain't want to say the name, they doing that kind of things. They're not doing that with Alex. So then that may give us more buy in so we can have more um success.

So then my question to you would be in your expert opinion, when we spend this money on this contract,

we're going to get a return on our investment. So this 36% that you talked about in geometry won't be just using the program. There will be some meat in that percentage to say we had children at this tier and because of this program not schools PP not anything but because of ALEC it enhanced at least gave the child an understanding. We know math proficiency comes later, but at least we would and we're going to keep data on this from day one.

Once we uh get that approval so they can use some of our data, then we'll be able to keep our data. That's what I'm hoping for cuz um that will help because then we'll get more buy in and then even when students doing the knowledge check, I need them to be able to see how this going to benefit them later on. It's going to benefit them on work keys, will it benefit them on ACT? because some kids may already go into the workforce. So, um but that's what I'm looking for. Now, I don't need them to just come talk about strategies. I need some um correlation. All right, Dr. Coleman,

thank you. Uh I was a little bit concerned because you use the um term hope um and we are looking at a contract renewal. So, have these discussions been had? Are these um is this feature available already or is it something they might have to build in in order to accommodate our needs?

Now, that's the piece where we had a meeting with them about our expectation and what we're looking for. And so, um Dr. King should be working with something where he's bringing a proposal to you guys. And so then it won't be in hope. This is our expectation for them to make sure they correlate our data. Miss Cloud, thank you.

So we're going to sign a contract and our expect without getting clear understanding that they are going to be doing that. You said the word hope again. It hasn't been developed yet. Plus, how long have we had Alex? And why haven't they done it before now? And what grades again? And could you give us those percentages? I know I keep Yes, ma'am. But you went so fast.

Yes, I I'm not trying to go too fast. And I appreciate y'all. That's why y'all so great. Um, but the problem is we have had a lot of different type different leaders that come and go. Now, some of this stuff is something that should have been thought of before, but then I came and they want everybody want to talk about strategies, but I want to connect the dots because we want to have tools where teachers get data and information so they can better their instruction. So, again, we don't have the usage like this other program we have where we have more people involved. So, what I'm saying is this. um they supposed to be able to share our data. When they share our data, that's why we want to do a one year. And if they don't do the things that we need, then we going to have to then we going to have to move on to something. But I don't want us to cut not provide a program that teachers already started the school year with because I don't think that's best practice. But, you know, I don't get to make that decision. But again, the the geometry is 36%. And then we also got to know school PL is taking some of the students away also because um what I'm saying is that they're not using the Alex as our uh the knowledge or they own school PL and nothing to do nothing wrong with school PL but the fact is they're not using Alex for that if they have no teacher and they're using school PL.

Go back to those numbers. All right. So geometry is 36%. Algebra 1 is 29%. Algebra 2 is 48%. And then uh pre-cal is 43%. And what other program you said you didn't want to mention, but I'm going to ask you to mention it. Okay. I'm talking about I already see they come in with they they we sharing our data with them. So they come with a different perspective and then they're connecting these dots for the schools. So we we need the same thing for the Alex so they can connect how well this program is working. So our kids can do what you know. And what grades?

And we looking at secondary, but mainly we need to make sure we focus on 9 through 12, but we're looking at uh six through uh 12. Okay. And that was my question. I was wondering if we were using it in our lower grades and how was it used because I noticed you mentioned the upper level maths only. Yes, ma'am. Sometimes for like Bowwin, they have kids that's taking geometry and so then and then there are some kids that may test out of I Ready and so you need something else for the students as well. So this this uh will help them with the upper level math.

Yes ma'am. And it can help them with but see you want to make sure you focus on not so many things. So for example, middle school the main focus is using I already but as we get to high school it become more challenging to find quality programs because a lot of the elementary and middle school are similar programs throughout the nation but when you start diving into high school it become a little bit more challenging.

Um I see Dr. King also getting up so I'mma let her uh Dr. Coleman ask her question as you're on your way. Since you mentioned the one-year, what you're asking us to approve is a one-year option. And hopefully when you get ready to negotiate, if they are able to do what you're hoping they'll be able to do if we want the second and the third year options, hopefully we wouldn't start back at that first number. And I see, you know, if you take the two-year, if you take the three year, the price

drops a little bit. Okay? And so hopefully if we are successful in getting those expectations met, uh we will make certain that we're negotiating those prices so that we don't run into a price increase. That's just a little aside. Thank you. Okay. Go ahead, Miss Clap. And what's the fund source for this? Uh general funds. General funds.

Yes. And and let me just u clarify a few things. Alex is is a supplemental uh a supplemental resource uh that is designed for students to take a diagnostic to see where they are in terms of their math mathematical understanding. And so uh with that the the system allows students to do I mean they assign certain uh practices in order for them to strengthen those skills that show up in the diagnostic. So this is complimentary to our math reveal our our reveal adopted uh math source. This came along with that adopted uh secondary mathematics uh uh textbook that we adopted. So the other thing that uh uh Dr. I mean, uh, Curtis is referring to is that we had to have a DSA agreement, a data sharing agreement for them to actually look at our data. And so, similarly, I already has a signed data sharing agreement where they could see uh what our students are doing and then they correlate that to how our students are performing on AAP. We didn't have an agreement uh with uh Alex to actually do that. So, we have and it it will be presented for us to sign that agreement. So they can then take the data and then give us the data back. And so we will be able to see in real time how well this program is correlated not only with usage but also how well our students are doing on ACT and work keys again. And most importantly the reason uh we only want it one year is because a number of our teachers are using it and so we want to make sure that there is a a transition offramp and so this does give us the the opportunity. not uh it will give us opportunity to actually further evaluate the program and this is not only the program we'll be evaluating because there are several programs that we've already started evaluation in terms of the online learning that we're using this is just one of them

already is already doing what you're wanting them to do only for grade yeah because they had a sign agreement yes they have they have a sign agreement a data sharing agreement and that's from grades uh grades two through eight well the closest one to being 50% as algebra 2 and it's at 48. Yes, ma'am. I'm that makes me It's not like something that jumps out and said, "Oh my goodness, let's No, I understand that. We certainly understand."

But I Well, to uh Mr. Rice's point, apparently there were other programs in place that kind of reduced the usage of it. So, the teacher, I mean, is going to use whatever they feel like will be best for the student in the classroom. So, they're going to pick and choose. I did want to ask how long have we had Alex? I know it's been a minute. The um I want to say uh since 2009.

Now some years it when I looked at some of the years it was more uses but as we progress and move then it becoming less because of the fact of how this connecting to my reality, how it's connecting to my assessment. So like now you see that the most was the juniors because the juniors they take the ACT. You got a little bit more in that area because if I'mma have a vacancy I'm I better not have a vacancy for my my juniors because I need them to do well on. So that may be some of the reason why that

and since 2019 you're saying we did not have um all of the components and I it was I can't remember what you name to write it down real quick but all of the components to connect the dot and this is something we're just starting to implement in 2025. That's a long time. Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. A lot of money.

All right. My other question was um I did recognize that it was a diagnostic screener. So we just did our beginning of the year screener August 14th through 2020 I'm sorry August 14th through August 25th. Is the was the usage low or high in that particular area? Did teachers opt to use something else or were they required to use alley? It was asked to you but at the same time when you don't have all the stakeholders involved.

Thank you. See all right when you don't have all the stakeholders involved then you don't have enough meat or enough teeth in it to make everybody do what they need to do on that. So then we get to a leadership promp issue. Yes. Yes. I mean we just going to call it like it is. If this if MPS said this is what we want to use, the board has approved this. The last time I checked, once it's approved here, then it flushes out and it becomes implemented.

So what then um in the failure to implement it? What what are you doing to encourage um that the building leaders understand how serious this is for our children because it is providing data. so that teachers can see where our children are because when I looked at the high school uh math, you know, old data, I can see that we need a lot of help here. So, we don't have time to be playing around. I thought about this conversation all day. I almost didn't write my super my board president speech because the main thing is going to be the main thing when it leaves this boardroom and the superintendent brings it to us and we approve it, we expect implementation.

Yes, ma'am. That's right. And I think it's just time for us to stop catfooting around the issue and just call it what it is. Um, and Dr. Bird, I'm sure that you will, and I know that you will address that for us.

And I want to thank Dr. uh King for um when I brought that up to him, he was all for that, you know, and some of the things that I just, you know, you don't know until you have certain people and you bring something to the table, will they listen or they not? So, I really appreciate he bring that because I think that'll bring the reality of what we need to work towards and even with a plan, they can really we can focus on trying to dive into the data. So in their ASIP plan is I I just have to ask this because you brought up is it not mentioned in that plan that they will use that particular uh diagnostic uh supplemental program? Well, it may not because the reason why it wasn't connecting to the ACT, it's not uh connecting to the assessment. And that's what we got to work towards. And and I may not be smooth enough to be like, "Let me stop talking," you know, but uh and and I want to be um I want to make sure I'm real clear on everything because I don't I I'm an honest person and I want to make sure we understand the scope of what we're doing. And I'm not as polished as some people may be, but uh I'm I am looking at your expression, but my goal is that we impact students and kids. And that's I mean students and teachers and I want to do whatever we have to do. I don't mind studying and working hard and getting a group of teachers and getting together and making sure we got the best quality u resources that we have. But I am excited that we have Dr. Keen and Chenise and um because they work hard. I just wanted to say that. Well, six years is a long time to have this. And now

we're looking at one more year. One more year. And as board members, we're being very diligent in what what our what we use and what is we're getting our bang for our buck. And not only that, but our children are getting what they deserve and need. You're absolutely correct on that. And we stand with that. And we do understand the question and accountability that comes with that. And uh so the we take that uhh seriously and our response we have to respond to that. And my last question is I know obviously there's a lot of accountability that needs to be in place.

Um I know that at the central office you all have um your feeder patterns but that's something l seriously to look at. Yes. If this is what we're doing and we're wanting the outcomes that we want and it's not being done. Yes, ma'am. I hope you're bringing it to Dr. Bird's attention and who will then bring it to our attention. It's a lot of money and we really um spend the money on what the needs are. But if they say it's not a need anymore, then perhaps we don't need to continue to fund it. Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. Exactly my point. Because out of six years, if they're not using it, maybe we don't need it. Yes, ma'am. What is the draw to it that would make me put a child on it? Mhm.

So part of leadership is listening. So are we hearing what they're saying? I'd hate to spend this money and it's a 70 year.

Well, our adoption year is not to u 2030. So that could be, you know, we don't get we're not up for adoption for a new assessment. So we still have to do some research on finding something that's going to be impacted for the kids, you know. But um Miss Porters, I'm I'm serious about making sure we do our best to make sure this thing it'll be up to par like it's supposed to be. But I think the main thing is this. If they share our data and we study we it should be something that's going to be beneficial. If it don't, then we'll move on to something else. But it should. It's not that I don't tr you know I trust you, but you you won.

Yes. One car. Okay. Go ahead. Is this just to present this or are we supposed to be deciding on it? There's more. There's I guess I'll ask from of the board before we get to that. Is this something you want to move forward with or something you want to take? I just asked that because I heard a lot of questions. I would like to have more information

and that's it. Yeah, but we can still Oh, okay. Thanks. All right. Um, we will you can do a you can you can do a suspend rules. Yeah, it's it's t it's it's done like that before, but I'm going to listen. Yes, I we can suspend the rules. You can suspend the rules. Am I right, Attorney Pal? If you want something, okay, she shared with me that if you want to come up and explain it,

you may suspend the rules. However, it is on the consent agenda and so once you get there, you could um have a motion to pull that item from the consent agenda and then move forward voting with the consent agenda on the remaining items. Thank you, Attorney P. Appreciate it. I ask a qu. Did we have this on the work agenda last time? No.

All right. Thank you, gentlemen. Our next agenda item is number 12, job descriptions, director of career tech and workforce development guidance specialist ed specialist for college and career readiness and executive director K through 12, Dr. Bird.

Yes, ma'am. Thank you, Madam President. about a couple of weeks ago, I provided you all with updated job descriptions uh to include uh KPIs uh for those positions that you just listed. Uh Madam President, and so tonight, I'm just simply asking for your approval of the updated job descriptions. Are there any questions?

All right. Uh, Miss Les, need your help for a second. AASB delegation delegate selection. This is for our AASB the December meeting. Um, AASB usually has um a certain number of delegates. I think it's five. Am I correct, Miss Leslie? Five delegates. We have to submit the name. So, at this time, if there's anyone interested in being a delegate, that's not me. I just say that I've done it for quite a while. Five. There's five and an alternate. All right. Miss Brown will be the al alternate. All right. Thank you, Miss Claudia. So much fun. All right, Miss Claudia will be a delegate. Anybody else? Miss Cloud will be a delegate. Sorry.

Dr. She is volunt telling you. I'm asking you. Yes, Lisa. Dr. Keith will be one. Madam President. Yes, ma'am. I will happily serve, but I do feel that um part of our leadership should be a delegate. Oh, man. Let me see how you put it, Miss Smith. All right. And as she said, that's I would happily serve.

And Dr. Coleman. All right. Thanks, Dr. Coleman. I couldn't slip through that crack. I tried. All right, that is it for that. And we have um an alternate will be Miss Cassandra Brown. Miss Claudia Mitchell will be one of our delegates. The second delegate will be Miss Cloud. The third delegate will be Dr. Key. The fourth delegate will be Miss Watkins Smith. And the fifth delegate will be Dr. Coleman. All right, our next order of business, we will we have two nominations for the AASB district 4 um directors. We have Miss Gail Holly from Lynette and Dr. Shante Ruffin from Alexander City. Um at this time and it's in your assembly by the way to see um all the documentation. So at this time I'll call out the name. Do we I think we was The question was, do we vote on it tonight? To my understanding, yes, because this is the only time we will be

meeting for these delegates. All right. So, I will just uh unprofessionally but professionally pass you a sheet of paper with your delegate name on it. for the director. I'm sorry. for the director for the district 4. What's your name?

Mhm. Once you have it, just pass it back. We make lemons out of lemonade here. Take lemons and make lemonade here. All right. It is unanimous for Dr. Shante Ruffin of the Alexander City School City School District. So, we will submit that information to AASB and we'll send it back to them professionally. Um, so thank you all board members for this and for just adapting to me and being flexible. At this time we'll have consent agenda. Dr. Bird

Okay. All right. We're at consent to agenda and there was one question about the McGraill contract. So again, we're here if we need to. um suspend the rules to make it make an adjustment to vote on it separately under consider for approval then we can do that.

All right, Dr. Bird will move it make the recommendation and move it to consider for approval.

All right, thank you all so much board members. At this time, superintendent recommends your approval of 15A, the MPS principal evaluation. Uh 15C, job updates or job descriptions updates for the director of career technical education, workforce development, guidance specialist, educational specialist for college and career readiness and executive director of K12. Superintendent recommen superintendent ask for your approval of action items 15D August 2025 financial statement 15e district director for AASB district 4 and 15F September 9th 2025 special call budget hearing minutes September 9th 2025 regular uh revised regular board meeting minutes September 9th work session minutes September 11th special call budget hearing two budget meeting minutes.

All right, we've heard the superintendent recommendations. Is there a motion? Madam President. Madam President, I move to accept the superintendent's recommendations for items 15 A, B, C, D, E, and F. You said B. You said B. Didn't say B. Oh, did you? I thought I heard it. I apologize. Items 15 A, C, D, E, and F. Is there a second?

I second. All right. It has been moved and properly second. Is there any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor do so by showing of hands. It is unanimous. Thank you. 16. 16. consider for approval. Thank you, Madam President. Superintendent recommends your approval of 16A per personnel report certified personnel. Madam President, I Oh, I'm sorry. The superintendent's made a recommendation. Is there a motion? Madame President, I move that we uh consider for approval item A on the on item 16. I second.

All right. It has been moved and properly second. All those in favor? I'm sorry. Is there any discussion before I any discussion? All those in favor do so by showing of hands. It is unanimous. All right. Thank you. Superintendent recommends your approval of 16B personnel report certified addendum. The superintendent has made a recommendation. Is there a motion? Madame President, I move that we accept the superintendent's recommendation for personnel report certified addendum.

Is that a second? It has been moved in property second. Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor? It is unanimous. Is it uni? It is unanimous. Thank you. The next agenda item. Thank you. Superintendent recommends your approval of action item 16C, personnel report, classified personnel. The superintendent made a recommendation. Is there a motion? I make the motion to accept the superintendent's recommendation for C personnel personnel report classified personnel. All right, you moved for that and then is there a second?

It has been moved and properly second. All those in favor do so by showing a hand. All right, it's unanimous. Dr. Bird, thank you. Superintendent recommends your approval of action item 16D, personnel report classified addendum. The superintendent has made a recommendation. Is there a motion? Madame President, I move to accept the superintendent's recommendation for item 16D, personnel report, classified agenda. Is there a second? I second it. Has been moved and properly second. All those in favor do so by showing of hands. It is unanimous. All right, Dr. Bird.

Thank you. Superintendent requests your approval of action item 16E, personnel report teams. The superintendent has made a recommendation. Is there any discussion? Is there a motion? Madame President, I move that we accept the superintendent's recommendation for personnel report teams. I second it. Has been moved and properly second. All those in favor do so by showing of hands. All right. Thank you. It's unanimous. Um Dr. Bird. Thank you. Superintendent request your approval of action item 16F 2025 AASB delegate selection. Delegate selection.

The superintendent has made a recommendation. Although is there a motion? Madam President, I move to accept the superintendent's recommendation of item 16F. I second it. Has been moved and properly second. Any discussion? All those in favor do so by showing the hands. And it's unanimous. All right. Dr. Bird. Thank you. Superintendent request your approval of action item 16G, charter school renewal resolution. The superintendent has made a recommendation. Is there a motion?

Madame President, I move that we uh approve item 16G, charter school renewal resolution. I second. It has been moved and properly second. Is there any discussion hearing? None. All those in favor do so by showing of hands. All right, Dr. Burr, it is unanimous. Uh yes, we have moved we um

item B, the superintendent 15B, the superintendent has um asked that we move it down under consider for approval under as item H. Is there a m a motion to suspend the rule for that? Madame President, I move that we suspend the rules to move 15B to 16H. Is there second? Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor do so by showing of hands. All right. Is it Wait, I misunderstood. Oh, we're we're voting to accept the um the move.

Yes. I'm sorry. I got confused. I'm sorry. I got confused. That's unanimous. All right. It is unanimous. We're good. We We All right. Dr. Bird. Okay. At this time, superintendent is requesting your approval to allow uh action item 16H McGroia contract to be tabled. At this time, superintendent has made a recommendation. Is there a motion? I move that we suspend or we accept the recommendation of the superintendent for McGra Hill contract. All right. Is there a second? I'll second it.

It has been moved and properly second. All those Is there any dis Well, all those in favor do so by showing of hands. Well, is there any discussion? I'm sorry. That's what I was trying to get to. Um I just one comment, Madam President. I I want to thank the superintendent because this was just an oversight on our part. We had asked for this item not to come because we knew the questions that were going to be before the board and it was an oversight that it's on here. So, I thank you all for shuffling and uh Dr. Berg for giving us some time to think about this a little bit more. Thank you, Dr. B. And Madame Chair.

Yes, ma'am. I will say that um and I do apologize for not hearing him during that consent agenda conversation, but uh I I think the presentation made for us this evening expressed that we have some concerns and they were only asking for a oneyear renewal so that we could set our baseline. So at this point if we decide well the decision is not being made tonight not to renew but we need to take very seriously the fact that we need something in place as an assessment and the um presenters did express to us the process that they want to go through in the negotiations uh getting the data and using that data in the proper way. And again, my question was to verify that they were only asking for one year. Um, so to to table it, I I'd like to know how long is it being held off.

Uh, Dr. Kle, I think that's a good question. May I ask? I plan to uh bring it back before the board uh next month for consideration. And may I ask something? Yes.

Referencing to what Dr. Coleman said, um, we already have something in place and there's more information specifically that I'd like to hear before we put that kind of fund sourcing behind this after six years. They just came up with this plan. I'm sorry, but we already have something in place. either I want it to be everybody on board or everybody whatever it is let's use it to fidelity so it's showing a true picture of what we're looking at the data because the bottom line is student achievement and data both of you ladies made a great point doc miss Claudia

Madam President uh what I was wondering is if if I if I'm mistaken or not is this program works with the upper level mass

uh so that they can can have uh additional support in those upper level maps and providing uh highlevel support for those students who have the ability to move forward and I wasn't sure that the other program goes to that level. That's why I have uh reprehension about not having something in place until we get something new. So, you know, that's why I'm thinking the one year would give us time to just sort of look at everything under the under the microscope so that we could just come to a good decision.

And if and if I may uh Madame President, Dr. Bur, may I uh speak? Um the the other important thing is that the the subscription ends November 30th. And that was probably the sense of urgency that I uh inquired to just bring it uh before you. So we will like uh bring it back for that discussion on November um I think November 12th November 12th. Um, but I would say the the agreement for the data that we've requested, we did negotiate a contract with them so that we could have that. That does take five months to actually look at our data for that to do. So I I just want to u you know let you know that upfront. That's that's the process.

Miss Borders. And I I that makes me feel good because we do have November because in all fairness, these were questions that were on the table before we ever looked at this. And I know that it's upper level math. But I still think in these schools and in working with the retired teachers and that seeing those classrooms, these teachers are having to juggle in their mind. What do I use for this child? What do I use for this child? What if we're going to buy this and implement it? It has to be a district-wide effort. Yes, ma'am.

Everybody either has to do it and a lot of teachers, seasoned teachers, we've got teachers that have sat in these se in these classes a long time. They're not going to use something new to find data when they have data with what's working. Yes, ma'am. So, we we I think giving us a little breathing room to kind of consider that will help. Yes, ma'am. Well, it has to be a process and a procedure in place that everyone it's got to be a known standard that everyone is going to be using this. So, we're not comparing. They're not picking and choosing what they want to do. Yes, ma'am.

It's not Marson's cafeteria. We've got to make sure that they're using the data and we're seeing what the data is and it's going to take five months for them to get this ready for us to use. That's only giving us another half a year. Yes, ma'am. Understood. All right.

Thank you. We believe you, Miss Porters. We believe you. All right. At this time, if there are no other questions, um if we we have to We made a motion. We've second it, I believe. Thank you. And now, at this time, all those in favor of tableabling um the Mcgra Hill contract do so by a showing of hands. All right. Uh we have 61. Okay. All right. All those opposed so I can have it on the record. All right. Thank you. At this time this meeting, the regular board meeting is now join adjourned. We are now going into the work session. Knew it was going to be a long night. All right, we're ready. The Montgomery County Board of Education work session is now being called to order. Today's date is 10:21 2022 and the time is 6:25. We continue to have a quorum at this time. Is there a motion to approve the agenda?

for the work session. Madame President, I move that we approve the agenda as printed.

Is there a second? It has been moved and properly second. Any discussion? Hear none. All those in favor do so by showing of hands. It is unanimous. All right. At this time, Miss Laura Penn with Vulker um for an update. Thank you. Hello. Good evening, Dr. Bird, President Smith, board members. Uh, thank you for allowing me to be here to bring the CIP project update for the month. Right, we're going to dive straight into uh Percy Julian High School project. We are currently um hitting about 10% overall project complete and still targeted for a December 2027 uh substantial completion date. Uh December. Yes, ma'am. December. Um the biggest thing from last month to this month that we're reporting is we've got our first schedule slab pour in the morning 3:00 a.m. We're going to pour about 20,000 square feet of concrete in the west section of um a a building. And so uh we're glad to see that finally see some concrete flowing out there. Um the contractor is still working on underground uh rough in below slab plumbing and electrical. Uh we've also got the site contractor working on the field areas of F and E as well as fill area of C.

Um my next slide is actually going to be a multivista video. It's an aerial video. So, I think it's going to be really kind of cool just to give you update on where we're at on the site. So, the video starts from the eastern boulevard and kind of heads south and on around the entire property. What you're viewing now is where the u the athletic field for the football field's going to be on that bottom portion. And you a really good idea of how massive the campus is going to be.

There we go. Yeah. And that that aerial was actually um done the 1 of October. And so there's a lot that's actually transpired in a in a span of three weeks. Again, the contractor is getting ready to pour that a portion of the ACE lab. Um, and that's for the the academic side of the building. So, that's our focus going into making sure that we get academics um erected and then swap over to our infield where football field will be. Uh, rolling into South Lawn Middle School. Last month, um, I was here reporting that we were we had a plan of, uh, trying to get substantial completion, our final schedule, um, at the end of September. That did not happen. We had a slippage in schedule from our GC subcontractor, uh, Covington on the gym floor. The gym floor did not start to be installed until the end of September. And so, uh, we are now looking at a November 12th substantial completion day. That's when we've got the inspection scheduled with the DCM inspector, Mr. Pinley. And so, um, that's the plan, uh, moving forward. Uh, we've currently got the floor, gym floor is in. Let's go into some pictures. Um, gym floor is in. It's installed. It's been graphics have been, uh, applied as well as the sealant. And so our next phase of the the flooring is to put the cove base down and get the bleachers installed. Those are the last two big items that we need completed in order to get the building turned over uh to the owner. So from last month, our our landscaping's been placed, the concession equipment is installed, uh plumbing fixtures are installed, we've

received our test and balance report from the mechanical subcontractor. it's been turned over to the engineer for their review and approval. And then we'll also, we've tentatively got scheduled this Thursday the fire alarm system being tested just in preparation for that November 12th uh final inspection. So again, this these pictures were taken second week of October, first week of October, latter part of first week of October, um with the wood floor going in. Again, a view of the concession equipment being installed. And then we've got our laundry equipment and the athletic shelving installed. Um there's really not a increase currently with our DBE participation. Uh there will be a little a small small adjustment going into next month uh for South Lawn Middle School just because we've been able to secure the furniture. Um and once that gets installed, we can apply that number towards our overall percentage. Uh, a couple of things that I did want to just bring to y'all's attention just on some housekeeping items. The Park Crossing Fieldhouse, we're currently in the project close out of that of that project. Um, I wanted to note because a lot of times come before y'all either with change orders and and Park Crossing, we actually were able to um acquire a credit back from the general contractor on that project. And so it was a savings of um a little over $100,000. That project budget was 116

million. What we're tracking currently for the project total is right at 9.9 million. So that's about a savings under budget 1.6 million that we'll be able to roll back into um the CIP fund budget fund. again, Carver High School, uh, 9th grade academy. We've got the year-end inspection. I'm sorry, the year end for the warranty inspection for the DCM. It's scheduled also for November 12th at 8:30. Again, I wanted to notate that our 2023 project budget for that project was 27.7 million. Um, we anticipate the project total coming in right at 24.3 million. So, that's about a savings of 3.3 that we'll be able to capture and roll back into your CIP um uh budget. Um and then I also wanted to provide an update for the new Capitol Heights Middle School project. We that architect is GMC and um our goal dates is to begin advertising for that project next month in order to receive the GC pre-qualification packets um due f uh I'm sorry December 2025. We want to hold the pre-bid January of 2026, a bid opening in March 2026, and pending uh favorable bid results, we would come before the board for review and approval in April of 2026. Um, and we're looking at a notice to proceed June 2026. And it'll be about a 18month building construction duration. And then we'll have to do an abatement and demolition of the existing Percy Julian High School uh during the summer.

Any questions? That was a lot. Are there any questions? All right. Thank you, Miss Pen. Yes, ma'am.

At this time, we will have Miss Natalie Mcnite with the fine arts tech textbook adoption committee. Good evening, Madame President, Superintendent Bird, and members of the board. The state of Alabama has started the adoption process for new supplemental and comp uh comprehensive fine arts textbooks and instructional resources for grades kindergarten through 12 with implementation to start the 2026 2027 2027 school year. Montgomery public schools principles have identified and recommended teachers and parents to serve on the district fine arts textbook selection committee. With these recommendations, we currently have all fine arts disciplines taught in MPS represented for the committee. At this time, we I am requesting the board to review and approve the recommended committee members before you so that the district may proceed with the next phase of the fine arts textbook selection process that aligns and follows the state adoption timeline. Are there any questions?

Right. Thank you. Thank you. At this time, we'll have Mr. Chad Anderson with facilities update. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Chad. I I skipped the name. I'm sorry. We will have uh Dr. Ronnie Mcdaly and Dr. Landra for K12 Social Studies Textbooks Adoption Committee. My apologies.

Good evening. Good evening, Madam President, Superintendent Bird, and members of the board. I'm Dr. Ronnie Dowy, ELA and social studies specialist for K12, K5, I'm sorry. And joining me is Dr. Landa Harris. She's the educa education specialist for grades 61 12 for social studies. The state of Alabama is currently engaged in the process for new social studies textbooks for grades kindergarten through 12th grade to be implemented during the 26 27 school term. In preparation, McGomery Public Schools principles have identified and recommended teachers and parents to serve on the district's textbook selection committee. At this time, we are requesting the board's review and approval of the recommended committee members so that the district may proceed with the next phase of the textbook selection process in accordance with the state's adoption timeline. As we continue this work, we will ensure that the board remains informed and updated throughout each phase of the process. Are there any questions?

All right, Miss Brown has a question. I noticed that some names you have some um areas that there are no names for your selection list. Yes, ma'am. Um some of our principles did not um participate and choose any teachers or um parents. So, does that mean that you'll come back when the names are provided or you just going to go with what you have? No, ma'am. We actually have enough representation for the entire district. We have enough. Thank you. And one additional question. What's the state timeline? You mentioned that. I was just curious.

Okay. The state timeline um we start with um the textbook caravan in November. Um once we finish with the caravan um we will start um with the committee where we start looking at textbooks and whatnot. Um once we look at the textbooks and um state adopts textbooks um I think around January February we would then I'm sorry November um we would then um begin our selection process um of K through five um textbooks as well as 6 through 12 textbooks in the same month of November or All right. Thank you. Any other questions? Thank you so much. Thank you Mr. Anderson. I do apologize. Facilities update.

Good evening, Dr. Bird, Miss Watkins Smith, Miss Poris, and members of the board. If you'll look at your spreadsheet with me, uh going through the capital project, we've heard from Vulker on their two projects. Uh we are currently um in the capital grant project of Morning View Elementary. We had the new power source um so the new power supply connected over the break the 13th. they were able to make that connection and start up the HVAC units for that. So, all HVAC units uh were running. We had one small minor issue with one of the units. They repaired that, got that going. They're also working on controls and the fire alarms in those areas. We're tracking it 98% on that project and uh look to try to turn that over here in the next few weeks uh to the school with the finishing of the metal work. We'll also follow that up with some uh some of the landscaping out front. We'll try to clean that up just like we did at Goodwin and the other areas to so we can see the frontage, the new frontage for those that school. Davis Elementary, we completed the work on the inside of the courtyard to clear the trees out there. Had to do that to begin our that's where the phasing will begin on Davis is on the inside of the courtyard. um and working in those areas and they've been working with the schools uh administration there to make sure that things are coordinated as far as moving classes around to be able to phase that work in. This is a contractor that's well verssed in it. They completed the Goodwin project and uh they're versed with our school system and and how those things work. The Carver High School turf and track is working on getting back on track with their items. We've seen the stone work completed. They have completed the small stonework and we'll start um installation of the turf that's supposed to be delivered tomorrow and we'll start that installation for there. Once the turf is complete, they'll do the

overlayment over the track when they pulled the old track up. There was a lot more damage underneath there than was expected. So, they're going to be doing that resurfacing of the asphalt on there. That'll take a 30-day cure time before they can put the rubber over the top of that. The Forest Avenue and South Lawn Elementary roof replacements, those have been bumped to a 1028 bid opening and look to bring that to you here in November. The JAG athletic improvements, uh we're waiting DCM comments on that. Everything is looking good for that piece. And again, we're phasing that project in where we'll do the field renovations uh this fiscal term with the ATF funds. And then pending on ATF funds and what we're allotted this next year from the state, we'll look to complete the fieldhouse portion of that. And that will give all of our traditional schools with the larger like football programs, those field houses like they we've seen at Park Crossing and Carver and what'll be coming to Percy Julian as well. And then the Dan Danley Elementary HVAC renovations similar to what we've done at Goodwin Davis, Morning View. Now that's what's currently under design. and we look to have that bid out before uh Christmas barring any kind of recommendations from DCM and their comments to to push that forward.

Are there any questions here? None. Thank you, Mr. Anderson. All right, we're at new business. Miss Brown, did you want to present this or wait till next? Okay. All right. At this time, the Montgomery County work session is now adjourned. Our next board meeting will be Wednesday, November the 12th, 2025, starting at 4:00 p. p.m. with our annual meeting in our annual meeting training room. You all have a good night. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music]