By Kadie Taylor
THE OBSERVER
Opelika — At the Auburn City Schools Feb. 3 Board Meeting, the board recognized an Apple Distinguished Educator, Board Certified Teachers and a state champion athlete.
Auburn City Schools Superintendent Dr. Cristen Herring congratulated Madison Whidden for her success as the 500 Yard Freestyle State Champion Swimmer, and Auburn City Schools Athletic Director James Slaton shared more about her accomplishments.
“This year, she was the state champion in the 500 freestyle,” Slaton said. “She was also the state runner-up in the 200 individual medley, she anchored the 200 medley relay to a sixth-place finish and she led off the 400 free relay off to a fifth-place finish. Along with that, she helped us to a sixth-place state finish as well. In her free time — when she’s not practicing nine times a week for swimming — she’s in HOSA, the Math Honor Society, National Honor Society, a swim meet volunteer, taking AP courses and has nearly a 4.0 [GPA]. So she meets what we talk about all the time in athletics — we look for champions in athletics, in academics and in life.”
Apple Distinguished Educator Laura Jeidy-Brown, of Auburn Junior High School, was recognized for her accomplishment and impact on her students.
“We’re excited to celebrate tonight, an Apple Distinguished Educator,” Herring said. “I have heard so many amazing things about Laura, but most recently, what I want you to know is that she has achieved the recognition of being an Apple Distinguished Educator. The statistics here will just follow your mind. She is one of only 400 educators worldwide and one of 100 in the United States of America to earn the honor this year. Her accomplishment highlights her commitment to excellence, innovation and leadership in education.”
East Alabama Regional Inservice Center Director at Auburn University Laura Crowe, recognized the Auburn City Schools National Board Certified Teachers.
“National Board Certification is often considered the highest professional credential in the field of teaching, recognizing educators who meet rigorous standards of excellence,” she said. “This voluntary certification is achieved through a performance-based peer review process requiring teachers to demonstrate their impact on student learning and mastering content knowledge, instructional practices and professional commitment.”
Teachers who maintained their National Board Certification include:
- Marla Hines
- Betty Weeden
- Kristy Janney
Newly Board Certified Teachers include: - Michelle Hughes
- Melissa Shumate
- Brooke Braswell
- Dr. Leslie Schnars
- Laura Jeidy-Brown
- Carolyn Wilson
- Preston Henry
- Lana Grooms
- Heather Donaldson
In Other Business
- The board voted to approve the minutes for the Jan. 13 meeting and the Financial Statements and Cash Reconciliation.
- The board voted to approve the 2026-2027 Parent and Student Handbook.
- The board voted to approve the fiscal year 2026 Budget Amendment No. 1.
- The board approved a bid extension for lawn maintenance and landscaping services for 2026-2027.
- The board reviewed the bid results on the Early Site Package for Plains Junior High School and accepted the bid from Evergreen Siteworks.
- The board approved the personnel recommendations.
The next Auburn City School Board meeting will be held on March 17, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the Auburn Junior High School Multi-Media Room.
