By Donna
Williamson
Opelika Observer
Members of the Opelika City Board of Education recognized the teachers of the year and presented each one with a silver platter at the January board meeting.
The honorees included: Teresa Manley (media specialist)-Carver Primary, Melissa Lancaster (first grade teacher) – Jeter Primary, Lekishia Richardson (second grade teacher)-Southview Primary, Laura Dunlap (lead teacher and fourth grade)-Northside Intermediate, Lindy Tapley (third grade teacher)- West Forest Intermediate, and Patricia Skelton (history and language arts teacher)-Opelika Middle School.
Valerie Lawler, enrichment teacher at Morris Avenue Intermediate, was chosen as the Elementary Teacher of the Year and Kate Madzar, physics and chemistry teacher at Opelika High School, was chosen as the Secondary Teacher of the Year. These two will advance to the next level of competition.
Board members presented a resolution to Opelika High School student Conner Pruitt for achieving the title of AHSAA State Diving Champion. Pruitt has earned this award three years in a row.
The Opelika High Theatre Society received a resolution from the board for being named Best in Show at the State Trumbauer Competition. This theatre group will travel to Lexington, Ky., in March to compete in the Southeast Theatre Competition.
Board members also recognized the Opelika High School football team and coaches for making it to the championship game in the 2016 state playoffs. The team had a record setting 13-win season.
In other business the board:
-approved a decrease in the mileage rate reimbursement from .54 cents per mile to 53.5 cents per mile
-approved the revised Opelika City Schools’ gifted education plan
-approved numerous out-of-state field trips
-renewed the contract of Dr. Pam Fourtenbary, principal of West Forest Intermediate, through June 30, 2020
– heard an update from Jeanie Miller, assistant superintendent of curriculum, on instructional planning and advanced education
-received monthly financial reports from Chris Harrison, chief financial adviser, for November and December 2016
– approved personnel recommendations.