Board hears updates on Chromebook costs, coaching evaluations
BY JOHN BRICE
FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — The Opelika School Board discussed costs associated with replacing and repairing Chromebooks during its meeting on Tuesday, July 21.
Technology Director Brad Henderson presented the results of a recent inventory of educational devices provided and maintained by the district.
Henderson reported ongoing challenges with Chromebook management, particularly the loss of chargers and the return of devices. As part of a districtwide inventory process, the high school completed its student inventory and identified a significant number of unreturned chargers and Chromebooks. He also noted that many devices across the district have required repairs, with additional devices still awaiting service.
According to Henderson, managing and maintaining the district’s technology resources is costly, and replacement chargers alone represent a substantial expense that continues to grow as inventory and repair efforts move forward. More information regarding the costs associated with Chromebook repair and management will be communicated prior to the beginning of the school year.
Athletic Director Craig Montel followed with a presentation on the coaching evaluation process.
Montel said the evaluation process focuses on how coaches manage students, finances and facilities rather than solely on a team’s record.
“You are not going to see on this evaluation sheet how many wins and losses you have,” he said. “Yes, we have to win games. Yes, we have to compete. Yes, we want to get better. We can’t hire and fire coaches off of whether or not we are going to win a state championship.”
He added that coaches who consistently fulfill their responsibilities are still making a positive impact, regardless of the outcome on the field.
“If we are taking care of kids, taking care of money, taking care of facilities, we are doing what we are supposed to be doing every single day then the wins will come. Even if they don’t, we are still making progress with young people and doing what we are supposed to do.”
In other business, the board:
Received a presentation by CFO Chris Harrison for a banking request proposal.
Heard a school safety update from Superintendent Kevin Davis and Deputy Superintendent Russ Hardwick.
Approved personnel recommendations and TEAMS contracts.
Approved the revised 2026-27 code of student conduct.
Approved out-of-state field trip requests.
Approved a bid for bread and produce for the Child Nutrition Program.
Approved an increase in the state per mile travel reimbursement rate.
Approved the 2026-27 membership renewal for the Alabama Association of School Boards.
Approved assistant administrative contracts for OHS assistant principal Allison Gregory and Fox Run School assistant principal Jonathan Fischer.
Reviewed the Financial Report for June 2026 and received an update on current Capital Projects from Lamar Zuiderhoek with Scout Program Management. The report included updates on the renovations at Jeter Primary School and Morris Avenue Intermediate School, installation of the new greenhouses at Opelika High School, the Fox Run addition and renovation and the new Opelika Middle School project.
The next regular board meeting will be Aug. 18, 2026.
