Board of Education hears construction update

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Construction is progressing on the new school campuses added to the Vestavia school system.

Dr. Patrick Martin, assistant superintendent for Vestavia City Schools, updated the Vestavia Board of Education with a facility assessment and capital plan for the new campuses at the July 30 board meeting.

Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights will have a final inspection of the new classroom portion, an access drive, improved parking and improved playground equipment on July 31. This inspection will not include the media center which is set to be finalized no later than early to mid September.

According to Martin, renovations on Pizitz Middle School, which will be moving to the old Berry High School campus, should be completed by June 14, 2019. New construction including the addition of a new kitchen, cafeteria, band hall and chorus hall will be completed by July 16, 2019.

Work continues on Vestavia Hills Elementary Dolly Ridge, the old Gresham Elementary campus, with an anticipated completion date of July 29, 2019. Crews are currently working to remove the existing metal building, and have installed construction fencing.

Two Vestavia employees were recognized at the meeting for their outstanding service to the district. Julie Corley, school nurse for VHECH, was honored as Alabama School Nurse of the Year. She has been working as a Vestavia school nurse for 11 years.

Coach Buddy Anderson was also recognized for his induction into the National High School Hall of Fame. Anderson has been the head coach of the Vestavia football team for 40 years. In that time he has had 329 wins, two state championships and is the winningest coach in Alabama high school history.

Rusty Weaver, city council member, said that despite Anderson’s many victories as a coach, the way he influences his players off the field is what sets him apart.

“The wins and the championships are not his greatest achievements as a coach,” Weaver said. “His greatest achievement as a football coach is helping young boys become men. He teaches them to be men of great faith. He teaches them how to be great husbands and great fathers. He teaches them to be great community leaders, but perhaps most importantly, he teaches them how to live with character and a humble spirit.”

In other news, the board:

  • Approved the 2018-2019 Salary Schedules and Supplements.
  • Approved the Financial Statement for June 2018.
  • Approved the Superintendent salary increase based on the 2.5 percent state increase.
  • Approved Freeman’s recommendation that the board agree with the State of Alabama that [the school board] is due no ad valorem taxes from Gold's Gym, which now belongs to the City of Vestavia.
  • Approved Mike Donaldson as Sick Bank Committee Representative.
  • Approved the employee reimbursement rate.
  • Approved the IT Systems Specialist job description.
  • Approved the Citizen Science course description.
  • Heard from Lauren Dressback, the assistant principal for Vestavia Hills High School, about the recent AP results from the 2017-2018 school year. Seventy-five percent of students who took AP tests scored a 3 or higher. Forty-three percent of students statewide had similar scores.

The board also approved multiple student transfers and out of state/overnight trips including:

  • Liberty Park Middle School Cheer Competition in Talladega from Aug. 24-25. Estimated cost of $78 per student.
  • National Cheer Competition in Orlando, Florida from Feb. 7-12, 2019 for the LPMS Cheer team. Estimated cost of $930 per student. Fundraisers will be held.
  • Liberty Park Elementary 5th grade trip to Camp McDowell from Oct. 15-17. Estimated cost of $25,000, with students and chaperones paying $200 each.
  • Pizitz: Beginning Band camp in Nashville, Tennessee on March 15. Estimated cost of $130 per student.
  • VHHS: Rebelette Dance Team Competition in Nashville, Tennessee on Nov. 17. Estimated cost of $65 per student.
  • VHHS: Dance Nationals in Orlando, Florida from Feb. 21-26. Estimated cost of $800 per student.
  • VHHS: Football Program at Judson College from Aug. 5-8. Estimated cost of $10,000, with a $150 cost per student.