By Brandon Park
Staff Writer

The Morgan County Board of Education kicked off its 2009 calendar year Monday with the introduction and welcome of its newest member Keith Howard.

Howard replaces Jimmy Paxon, who spent eight years as a board member.

Following the election of Nelson Hale as the chairman and Minnie Peek as the vice-chairman, Beth Bradley, the event chair for the Morgan County Relay for Life, presented a plate to the board from the American Cancer Society and the National Relay for Life recognizing their outstanding leadership and contributions.

Last year, Morgan County raised over $60,000 during its annual Relay for Life. Of that, $11,109 came from efforts put forth by all four schools in the system.

"We are one of the few counties to have all the schools in our district participate," Bradley said. "That is a tremendous accomplishment."

"This is just another indication of how our schools have been active in the endeavors of the community," Superintendent Stan DeJarnett said.

The 2009 Relay for Life will take place at Heritage Park on April 24 -25.

In other news, DeJarnett reported that the school system's discipline hearings have dropped considerably. This time last year, DeJarnett said, 40 hearings were conducted. To date, only 21 hearings have taken place thus far.

"The teachers have met...and classroom discipline and handling was a concern," DeJarnett said. "We feel good about this program and it has reduced the number of infractions."

Action taken by the board included the unanimous approval of the designation of Lambert, Reitman and Abney and Harben, Hartley and Hawkins, LLP as the board's attorneys for 2009.

Also, the board unanimously approved the designation of Sarah Burbach as Coordinator for Title IX, Federal and Sate Special Education Grants, Sports Equity and Section 504.

Finally, the board unanimously approved a recommendation submitted by Kathleen Bryant for a an out-of-state trip for the Morgan County Middle School Thespian Troupe to attend the Junior Thespian Festival in Tupelo, Mississippi February 6-8.

PHOTO BY B. PARK
RELAYING A CONGRATULATIONS Morgan County Relay for Life Chairperson Beth Bradley, center, presented a special plate to the Morgan County Board of Education for their outstanding participation in the 2008 Relay for Life event. Pictured, l-r, are board member Bob Prior, Vice-Chairman Minnie Peek, Superintendent Stan DeJarnett, Chairman Nelson Hale, newly elected board member Keith Howard and board member Dave Belton.

Published in the January 15 edition.