By Donna
Williamson
Opelika Observer
At Tuesday’s meeting, which was held in the new first grade wing at Carver Primary School, the Opelika City Board of Education gave approval for Dr. Mark Neighbors, superintendent, to enter into a contract with Payne Design Group for construction projects at Morris Avenue Intermediate School (casework), Opelika Learning Center (window replacements) and Opelika High School (new track building).
According to Neighbors, Payne Design Group Architects would propose a design cost based on hourly rates with a “not to exceed” total cost of $72,000 for all three projects.
Board members also gave authorization for Neighbors to enter into a contract with Borden Morris Garner Consulting Engineers to replace the heating and air at Morris Avenue Intermediate School and with Krebs Engineering, Inc. for construction of the Opelika High School track. The track project will include the removal of the existing six lane track and replacing it with a new synthetic surface eight lane track.
The Board recognized OHS student Kevin Lazenby for being named a National Merit Semi-Finalist. “We are so proud of Kevin and his work ethic and we are proud to have him represent our community and our school,” Neighbors said.
Tiffany Yelder, Career Tech Department Head at OHS, gave a brief demonstration of the new Clear View Board, which is being piloted in Carver’s first grade classes this year. The business education classes at OHS are already using this new technology. Neighbors described the Clear View Board as a “tablet placed on a wall.” “Everything can be assessed by touch. Students love it and it is more durable than a Smart Board,” Neighbors explained.
The board approved a field trip request for the OHS Women’s Choir and A cappella Choir to perform in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. on April 22-23.
Board members received a copy of the revised attendance policy for consideration. A copy will be sent to the Alabama Education Association for their review and input before a final vote.
Kyle Pinckard, Secondary Education Coordinator, and Tiffany Yelder, Career Tech Department Head at OHS, presented the revised Curriculum Handbook.
The next board meeting is Dec. 8 and will be a combination November and December meeting.