BY WIL CREWS
SPORTSCREWS@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
OPELIKA —
The Opelika City Schools Board of Education recognized its 2022-23 Teachers of the Year at its Tuesday night meeting.
“Congratulations to all of our participants,” said Opelika City Schools Superintendent Farrell Seymore. “Teachers are the lifeblood of our schools and we appreciate all you do in making the difference that you do.”
The following teachers were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the school system:
– Madeline Langley (Carver)
– Katie Burns (Southview)
– Vivian Mozeikas (Northside)
– Madison Zimmer (Morris Avenue)
– Bethany Barnes (West Forrest)
– Emily Sanders (Opelika Middle School)
– Ecameron Dowdell (Jeter) and
– Brenda Howell (Opelika High School).
Additionally, Dowdell was recognized separately as Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Howell as Secondary Teacher of the Year.
“She is such a wonderful teacher,” said Jeter Primary School Principal David Carpenter on Dowdell. “She has served on our instructional leadership team; she has served in multiple roles that we need at our school desperately and we just appreciate her efforts. She is always looking to grow professionally; she has a very pleasant smile, which is a big part in any work environment; but most importantly she is committed to students.”
“I would just like to thank Opelika City Schools and Jeter Primary for everything they do for me, and especially Mr. Carpenter for his leadership,” Dowdell said. “It is truly an honor and blessing to be your teacher of the year for Jeter and the elementary schools.”
“She is our engineering teacher and has grown that program tremendously,” Opelika High School Principal Kelly Fischer said of Howell. “She will be up at the school later than everybody with our robotics team. She truly pours every ounce of her being into those students. She makes a huge difference in our students’ lives and has overcome a lot of adversity over the years and we just see her continue to pour into our students and are really thankful.”
Each teacher who was recognized received a silver platter plaque from an administrative member from the school they work at.
IN OTHER BUSINESS THE COUNCIL:
⁃ approved minutes from the December meeting.
⁃ approved personnel recommendations
⁃ approved consideration for out-of-state field trips
⁃ approved the consideration of a new hybrid meeting policy to account for illness
⁃ approved consideration of an increase in the state’s per mile travel reimbursement rate for use of personal cars
⁃ approved a consideration for a new calendar for Opelika City Schools for the year 2023-24
⁃ approved consideration for the superintendent to enter into an agreement with Leanfrog Consulting Services for strategic planning.
The Opelika City Schools Board of Education meets regularly on the third Tuesday of each month at 600 Simmons St. in Opelika. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 28.