By Donna Williamson
Opelika Observer
Members of the Opelika City School Board recognized the Teachers of the Year at the school board meeting on Tuesday afternoon.
The honorees included: Angie Walters – Jeter Primary, Shellie Flenniken – Carver Primary, Amanda Boswell – Morris Avenue Intermediate, Mende Hunter – Northside Intermediate, Grace Harris – West Forest Intermediate, and Ann Johnson – Opelika Middle School.
Lauren Mask, who teaches at Southview Primary, was selected as the Opelika City Schools’ Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Don Shirley, who teaches at Opelika High School, was selected as the Opelika City Schools’ Secondary Teacher of the Year. These two will advance to the next level of competition.
Dr. Mark Neighbors, superintendent, told the teachers that they should be proud because they were selected by their peers. He added, “You are in a profession that matters. We thank you for the care and concern you give our students.”
Neighbors also gave special recognition to OHS freshman Conner Pruitt, AHSAA State Diving Champion. “We are proud of Conner for representing our school,” Neighbors said.
The board approved a bid of $38,100.00 from Technical Training Aids for a 3D Printer/Educational Package for Career Tech at Opelika High School. According to Neighbors, the printer will be used in the Robotics and Engineering classes.
The board approved the 2015-2016 school calendar, which includes a week off for Thanksgiving.
In other business the board:
-Approved personnel recommendations
-Approved the new increase in the mileage rate reimbursement, which is set by the State Comptroller’s Office
-Approved a 6th grade incentive trip to Little White House in Warm Springs, GA on March 18, 2015
-Approved a trip to Atlanta, GA for OMS Choral students to participate in the Trills & Thrills Music Festival on May 8-9, 2015
-Approved a request from Revel Gholston, OHS drama teacher, for OHS theatre students to perform at the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Chattanooga, TN on March 6-8, 2015
-Approved a trip to Orlando, FL for the OMS Band to compete in the Orlando Fest Competition on April 30-May 3, 2015
-Approved an agreement between Opelika City Schools and Borden Morris Garner Consulting Engineers for the boiler replacement at West Forest Intermediate School
-Approved Budget Amendment Number One
-Approved a four year contract renewal with increase in pay for Chris Harrison, Chief School Finance Officer
-Received information on Philanthropy 101, a three week summer program beginning in June 2015 and offered to rising OHS seniors
-Received the ACT Report from Dr. Brenda Rickett, assistant superintendent.
