BY ETHAN STAMPER
FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA —
The Opelika City Schools (OCS) Board of Education met for its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, June 27, and approved a 2% pay raise as passed by the Alabama Legislature to be effective at the beginning of each employee’s payroll contract term.
The Legislature has passed similar raises in previous years, in hopes of fostering more teacher appreciation as well as create a drive for younger people to pursue a career in education.
Another item on the agenda was the passing of a new OCS Athletic Handbook. The handbook in its current form is outdated, and the new version was created by Jamie Williams, OCS Athletic Director, in hopes of streamlining rules and guidelines by making everything clearer to students, parents and teachers.
“I like that it is a handbook for athletes, parents and coaches.” Dr. J. Kevin Royal, OCS chairman, said. “In other words, it sets that expectation for everybody, not just the kids.”
The previous handbook was 5 years old, and Williams gathered the athletic conduct books of nine different schools in order to research how other systems were approaching the subject. Using that research and the existing handbook, he was able to put something together that was far more cohesive and modern.
“There are so many new people that don’t know the Opelika way,” WIlliams said. “ So, this was just an attempt to put it all on paper so we all can be on the same page.”
IN OTHER BUSINESS
– The board approved the minutes from previous the May 23 meeting.
– The board approved personnel recommendations.
– The board approved an out of state field trip request.
– The board approved authorization for the superintendent to invest funds up to $15 million.
– The board approved a certificate of affirmation for the reappointment of board member Patsy Boyd Parker, in accordance with the local school board governance rule.
– The board heard the monthly financial report for May 2023.
– The board heard the monthly child nutrition report for May 2023.
The next Opelika City Schools Board of Education meeting will be July 25, at 4:30 p.m. at 300 Simmons St. in Opelika.
