School Board approves multiple employment contracts including Michael Barkley and Valerie Hopper

The Morgan County School District Board made significant strides in staffing during their meeting on April 7, 2025, approving multiple employment contracts for the upcoming school year. The board unanimously voted to approve contracts for several educators, ensuring continuity and support for students in the district.

Among the key approvals was the employment contract for Michael Barkley, a physical education teacher at Columbine, which received full support from board members. The board also approved contracts for Valerie Hopper, a kindergarten teacher at Sherman, and Sally Templeton, an instructional coach at Columbine. These decisions reflect the district's commitment to maintaining a strong educational workforce.

Notably, several board members abstained from voting on contracts due to conflicts of interest, including Nancy Hopper and Mindy Smith, who recused themselves from voting on contracts for their family members. This practice underscores the board's adherence to ethical standards in governance.

The meeting concluded with a clear focus on enhancing educational quality through stable staffing, which is expected to positively impact student learning experiences in the coming school year. As the district prepares for the 2025-2026 academic year, these decisions highlight the board's proactive approach to ensuring that qualified educators are in place to support the community's educational needs.