A Good Hope Elementary student was recognized by the Cullman County School Board Thursday for his exceptional service around his school.

Third grader Noah McCurry received the board’s e5 Exceptional Service Award from Cullman County Schools Superintendent Shane Barnette, who read from the award’s nomination form from his teacher, Jocelyn Logan.

Logan wrote that Noah is always willing to lend a hand to his fellow students, whether it’s helping tie their shoes or log in to their Chromebooks, as well as always being the first to volunteer for any tasks around the classroom.

“This is my 20th year in education and Noah may be the kindest student I have taught,” Logan wrote. “Noah is always willing to build a classmate up with positive words and kind actions.”

Several of the board members received a gift from the principals of their schools, and a group of students presented each board member with gift bags to recognize their service to the county’s schools. 

Parkside teachers Tracey Jones and Pamela Weaver were also recognized by Barnette for achieving National Board Certification.

In other business, the board: 

Approved the following contract/salary changes

Natasha Holcombe- upgrade to Master’s.

DeeAnna Key- upgrade to Master’s.

Anita Ballew- upgrade to Master’s.

Wesley Harden- upgrade to Education Specialist.

Logan K. Sellers- upgrade to Master’s.

Whitney Haynes- remove Girls Track Coach, Fairview.

Morgan Watts- add Girls Track Coach, Fairview.

Approved to pay Johnny Wilcox for up to five unused Annual Leave days, as per board policy.

Approved a request from West Point Middle School to pay the following, paid by local school funds: Blake Thompson, $1,000 for athletic director responsibilities; Colton Costa, $500 for coaching seventh grade boys basketball.

Approved a request from the Cullman County Middle School Basketball Association to pay Scotty Cofer a $700 supplement as the 2019-2020 association president, paid by the Cullman County Middle School Basketball Association.

Approved the following out-of-state field trip requests:

West Point High School seniors, traveling to Boston, Massachusetts and New York, New York on March 26.

Cold Springs, Fairview, Holly Pond and Vinemont High School bands, traveling to Orlando, Florida on March 25 to perform at Disney World.

West Point High School Scholar’s Bowl team, traveling to Rosemont, Illinois on April 23 for the Small School National Championship Tournament.

Approved November 2019 financial statements.

Approved November 2019 bills and salaries in the amount of $8,327,131.82.

Approved a request fro Dr. Anita Kilpatrick of Alexis Williams as a replacement for Tyler Mitchell on the 2019-2020 Math Elementary Textbook Committee and the addition of Anna Lee West as a committee member.

Approved a resolution on the countywide sales and use tax- that the superintendent is authorized to implement administrative requirements, procedures and actions deemed necessary or advisable to implement this resolution and achieve the purposes thereof. 

The Cullman County School Board’s next meeting is set for Feb. 13 in the Central Office Board Room with a work session beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting immediately following.