[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6609726,"mediaKeyId","2906696-8c42d094921033365b8561183c7ffc20","parentId",2906696,"title","Board reviews February financial snapshot showing higher general fund balance and capital transfers","audioSeconds",100,"startMs",2720000,"endMs",2820000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2906696-8c42d094921033365b8561183c7ffc20&start=2720&end=2820","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2906696-8c42d094921033365b8561183c7ffc20/thumbnail_2720000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6609726/Alabama/Board-reviews-February-financial-snapshot-showing-higher-general-fund-balance-and-capital-transfers","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609726-da5fa4dd6818e502d960f0f637c4a88e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770724924&Signature=SCh8IRdal-fIgKwDsuJnkn05rt7kO9qZK6H-0iPXRRS9RK~-r9WBNntFX4soZNxmYb9BDMpP0S8Y-Vfa3lo9rZSRF5jw0oHzf6SjsdKuA~5HyDRqzp1Ou5y26aRA9Ft46uKzPldsFIMQstEVZBun91OdHniEhFVxTpHbxJJ0LfIygrL3ULC7Df2cuCXMHXWQbe37oyJh1ON9FFUU2USpZ4elddtEPH-V4--pktdH1tNvY4qaNW7dz5LqaRYduR1yoW3wZUdgiWhLTepzcNgfPlVHVL8eduOZQyiKRwEzUq~N-PwwachjSfRJd93thEEBXTc~O0TqPJ5eftT5JakkHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Montgomery County Public Schools, Alabama","date","2025-04-09T01:57:25.75Z","article","Chief Financial Officer Pamela Watkins presented the district’s February 2025 financial report, highlighting revenues, transfers and expenditures through the fifth month of the fiscal year.

Watkins told the board the general fund balance stood at approximately $131 million, an increase from about $118 million the previous year. She explained the reporting difference partly reflects reserve accounts created in the prior year. For the month of February the district collected $38.7 million in general fund revenue; district policy and state reporting require a transfer to the capital fund of about $17 million annually, and Watkins said $13 million of that transfer occurred in February with the remainder scheduled in the subsequent months.

Year-to-date revenue totaled roughly $156 million and year-to-date expenditures were about $117 million at the five-month mark, with expenditures at approximately 41% of budget — near the expected 41.67% benchmark for this point in the fiscal year. Watkins noted local revenue timing differences compared with the prior year, and the general fund balance breakout showed specific earmarks: about $6.9 million restricted for transportation, $3.4 million in the foundation, and $2.2 million for charter allocations.

Watkins also reviewed cash-flow statements, comparative monthly and annual revenue/expenditure reports and state reporting exhibits. She reminded the board that certain funding sources are restricted and may only be spent for designated purposes per state reporting rules.

Board members asked questions about timing of the remaining capital transfer and the composition of restricted fund balances. The financial presentation was accepted as part of the regular business for the meeting.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","MPS Board Meeting | 4-8-2025","oneSentenceSummary","The district reported February financials showing an increased general fund balance compared with the prior year, a required transfer to capital of approximately $17 million (with $13 million moved in February), and expenditures near budgeted levels at roughly 41% of the year-to-date budget.","taxTitle","Montgomery County Public Schools, School Districts, Alabama","taxId",13592,"location","Alabama","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6609730,"Board hears update on new \"Option B\" graduation pathway that boosts CTE requirements",176,2431000,2607000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2906696-8c42d094921033365b8561183c7ffc20&start=2431&end=2607","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2906696-8c42d094921033365b8561183c7ffc20/thumbnail_2431000.jpg","/articles/6609730/Alabama/Board-hears-update-on-new-Option-B-graduation-pathway-that-boosts-CTE-requirements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609730-540f6e65d55ebc402fc359c805005028/orig.mp4?Expires=1770724924&Signature=O7LQbMjpTDztgYYAS87AIFArnM~E38b4bZB-Dd2aLE4kswvhHcFig05K1mNh3w-LfOkGnvDiJACAJVlgTl8TgW-zLLUSF6aNiTMBFfrMSkehYGRgmpvaSMhSDwbR6sK8JlJUQdhvKNP3pdUaxKGEd9sE3G0ZRXQ6ReskxYR-FZoPqRvt0Ixv-QmctXEuLOZGhpGOscNbay-gqudC0cBxJTudWViBNqVkVh0gfsUFxIjAkXYbLFDL3T7x5VoyqB4ZrPrbGEvezzRiDlkR1wKFpCYjQYawCSPfTm67DEYjqWiFhHlf8fVba-tCeq6y1-uaYV2W8roGJG6yxIWhhHKPLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff presented an update on a new state graduation pathway, called Option B, which the Alabama State Department of Education now allows districts to adopt.

Dr. King (title given in the meeting as the presenter) explained that both Option A (the district's current plan) and Option B require 24 credits to graduate, but Option B shifts the distribution of those credits. \"Instead of four credits for science and four credits for math,\" Dr. King said, \"for Option B students will have two credits of science, two credits of math, then the increase would be in the CTE, which is preferably a completer, which is 3 credits.\" She added that electives would increase under Option B from 2.5 credits to 6.5 credits and stressed that counselors will need to monitor students' course selections to ensure students take CTE pathways that confer employability skills.

Dr. King told the board the Alabama State Department of Education requires districts to produce a plan within 120 days to implement Option B if they choose to adopt it. She emphasized the district's intention to ensure the pathway does not lower standards for students and said the district will focus on counselors and course selection so graduates are prepared for the workforce or postsecondary options.

Board members asked clarifying questions about the relative emphasis on college-preparatory coursework versus career and technical education and expressed concern about students who might select Option B and later wish to switch to college-focused pathways. Dr. King said counselors will play a key role in advising students about implications for community college admission and other postsecondary options.

The presentation was informational; the board did not take a final vote on adopting Option B during the meeting.

","District staff briefed the board on a state option (Option B) for high-school graduation that keeps the 24-credit requirement but reduces math/science credits and raises career and technical education (CTE) and elective credits; the board was told it has 120 days to adopt an implementation plan.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6609734,"Votes at a glance: April 8 board meeting — consent agenda, personnel reports, bids and executive session approved; superintendent chosen",2139,9927000,12066000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2906696-8c42d094921033365b8561183c7ffc20&start=9927&end=12066","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2906696-8c42d094921033365b8561183c7ffc20/thumbnail_9927000.jpg","/articles/6609734/Alabama/Votes-at-a-glance-April-8-board-meeting-consent-agenda-personnel-reports-bids-and-executive-session-approved-superintendent-chosen","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609734-e12c070ecff3ddaa00a9547be573e8cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770724924&Signature=mSLH3LlvYB207ZM-Wc9FSKITVLYSE73kCBdUG57OuAtGp8frVr10bkyRNnL1sNPup8ZhNLSGTIOdMcp~u8UktoZI4O0rOlzbZqQGC1~EakgyhDvd2RGo0FZJ8dRAqjdPp9a4v8HhmcduVKktgqAVDPNtf7VuYASOUk8uHpbve3r46yHfcmu9JKyTZataTt0COJK-qfBIKQpAebBQtRIpTJZn2LdI74CT3e1Qnez~w-o27HQjfEFQPPHVTesUWzVWfawv6AagXxLyuTO1U01IBOwZAgfcBBvKoTWqwt9~9hRpJ89IEpk95qcbL7XNLXoamvs19kDEGJmt73fD7LLHAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its April 8 meeting the Montgomery County Board of Education took several formal actions by show-of-hands votes, including approving the consent agenda, adopting personnel reports, accepting facility bid awards and convening an executive session. The meeting concluded with the board voting to appoint Dr. Zakiya Byrd as superintendent.

Consent agenda: The board approved the superintendent’s recommendation to accept consent agenda items a through j. The interim superintendent presented the recommendation and a board member moved and seconded the motion; the chair called for a show-of-hands vote and the motion passed unanimously as recorded in the public proceedings.

Personnel: The board approved certified and classified personnel reports after motions and seconds from board members. Board members voiced concern during discussion about teacher retention and special education staffing; the superintendent and staff said they were working on recruitment and support strategies.

Facility bids and contracts: The board was presented with bid tabulations for multiple construction and maintenance projects. Staff reported an architect and program-management recommendation to award the new Percy Julian High School contract to Doster Construction; the board packet included Doster’s recommendation and the district signaled intent to begin executing the design-construction-manager contract pending approval. The board also authorized the Carver High School turf and track replacement award after tabulation identified Warner as the next-lowest responsive bidder following one nonresponsive submission. Park Crossing High School athletic field-house work and other capital projects were discussed in updates.

Executive session: Board members voted unanimously to go into executive session to discuss candidate character and slate matters; the chair stated no votes would be taken in executive session. The public record shows the board reconvened afterward.

Final actions: Following deliberations and the executive-session interval, the board considered motions to appoint superintendent finalists: a motion to appoint Dr. Harold Wright failed on a show-of-hands vote; a later motion to appoint Dr. Zakiya Byrd passed by show-of-hands and the chair announced Dr. Byrd as the selected superintendent.

All votes described above were conducted by a public show-of-hands; the transcript records the motions, seconds and chair announcements but does not include an itemized roll-call tally for each board member in the public transcript. Where board members raised procedural or staffing concerns during discussion these were recorded in the minutes and acknowledged by district staff for follow up.

","The Montgomery County Board of Education approved its consent agenda and personnel reports, accepted multiple facility bids, voted to enter executive session, and ultimately appointed Dr. Zakiya Byrd as superintendent after a subsequent vote.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6609739,"Montgomery board selects Dr. Zakiya Byrd as superintendent after heated debate and public appeals to pause search",8508,3502000,12010000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2906696-8c42d094921033365b8561183c7ffc20&start=3502&end=12010","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2906696-8c42d094921033365b8561183c7ffc20/thumbnail_3502000.jpg","/articles/6609739/Alabama/Montgomery-board-selects-Dr-Zakiya-Byrd-as-superintendent-after-heated-debate-and-public-appeals-to-pause-search","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609739-abbbb2c07e37f29288cbd4d20af94c56/orig.mp4?Expires=1770724924&Signature=KyvfQy591xoz9CC6qaCU0n2ixiLlPuK70Z32V3WaU6H1n5FNTP5GyJwKRHMgOBPw0IrbAZuriAsKMngabijCM9qRKbBrvPY478Z5qxgs8qXYti4RvM9DSTVirDc3FcYD1cVsOED7F1qklT4NYKMYvp5VYBl92AfShtkGN2oVH~nidNvakM1D06i8BkSA-rKwzZxLbrU2RyhE8YJCldIUQ1atYO7HvyXZYCETnptLc4VSlma0s3Y~OgPfZdilpNwWlfwJce154INlnQ4D43DMeSotzCegIc7XAhg3WShnJDDGtoSAQ9TSh98EjQLMF03LeSreL0LBv2MgOWTt2T3u~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Montgomery County Board of Education voted on April 8 to hire Dr. Zakiya Byrd as the district's next superintendent following a nationally conducted search and several hours of discussion and public comment.

Board Chair Erica Watkins Smith called the meeting to order and presided as representatives of Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) reviewed the search process and the slate of finalists. Dr. Joseph, senior consultant for HYA, told the board the firm conducted a national search, collected community input through surveys and 17 focus groups, reviewed 46 applications and presented a vetted slate of finalists before the board (Dr. Joseph, Senior Consultant, Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates). \"The process was rigorous. The process was open,\" Dr. Joseph said, adding that background checks of finalists showed no criminal records or substantiated illegal conduct.

The search and the board's deliberations drew repeated public appeals for the board to pause the selection process so the community could regain confidence. Several faith leaders and residents urged restraint and unity; Reverend Ronald Davis of the Montgomery Metro Ministers Union thanked the board for the work on the search and stressed the need to avoid division. In public comment, Terrence Jones, who identified himself as a father and nonprofit leader, urged the board to \"pause\" and consider the broader community impact, citing historical examples of leadership pauses that reduced conflict.

Board members debated procedure and process before votes. An early motion to amend the agenda to pause the superintendent selection was introduced but failed. Later, Board Member Mitchell moved to pause the search; that motion did not pass. During board discussion, members repeatedly emphasized the need to restore public trust and to be deliberate. Dr. Coleman and others said a pause would allow time for further deliberation; other members countered that the board had followed the process agreed with HYA and community stakeholders.

When the board moved to vote on candidates, a motion to select Dr. Harold Wright as superintendent was made and seconded but failed on a show-of-hands vote. A subsequent motion to appoint Dr. Zakiya Byrd was made and seconded and carried by the board; the chair announced, \"Dr. Zakiya Byrd has been selected for the Montgomery County Superintendent.\" The board did not record a roll-call tally in the public portion of the transcript; the action was by a show-of-hands vote.

HYA's presentation detailed the firm’s methods: 17 focus groups, a public survey with nearly 1,000 responses, interviews with board members, and a multi-step vetting process that included DISC behavioral assessments and comprehensive background checks. Dr. Joseph told the board that six candidates had been reduced to three and then two finalists after public presentations and additional performance tasks including 100-day plans and community presentations.

Board members described the finalists as qualified. Several members urged the community and local leaders to support the incoming superintendent and emphasized that success would require cooperation among the board, the superintendent and community partners. Board Chair Erica Watkins Smith thanked HYA and the many community stakeholders who participated in the process.

The meeting moved into an executive session later that night for discussion of candidate character and slate matters; the board announced no votes would be taken during executive session. After the executive-session period the board reconvened and completed its votes.

The appointment is effective as the board finalizes contract details and transition planning. HYA advised that the incoming superintendent would need a clear transition and a focused 100-day plan and that sustained support from the board, district staff and community would be important to the new leader’s success.

Provenance: HYA presentation and community outreach details appear in the HYA presentation (Dr. Joseph) and related blocks; motions and votes on candidates appear in the public meeting transcript where the board made motions and announced the appointment.

","After weeks of a nationally conducted search and public debate, the Montgomery County Board of Education voted to appoint Dr. Zakiya Byrd as superintendent on April 8, 2025, following public comments urging a pause and extended board discussion; an earlier motion to name Dr. Harold Wright failed.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board reviews February financial snapshot showing higher general fund balance and capital transfers

Board hears update on new "Option B" graduation pathway that boosts CTE requirements

Votes at a glance: April 8 board meeting — consent agenda, personnel reports, bids and executive session approved; superintendent chosen

Montgomery board selects Dr. Zakiya Byrd as superintendent after heated debate and public appeals to pause search