Morgan County Schools highlights career-tech reach, proposes esports and flags transportation funding gap
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Summary
Superintendent and staff told the board that about 80% of students in grades 7–12 take career-technical classes, described RDP programming and career coaches, and proposed starting an AHSAA-sanctioned esports program; the superintendent urged advocacy for state funding for after-school and summer transportation.
Doctor Childers told the board that district data sent to the state show about 80% of students in grades 7–12 are enrolled in career-technical classes, and he urged continued investment in those programs. "When we say that we've got to put our money where our mouth is, our kids are taking career tech classes," Childers said, adding that many students win state competitions and that the Rural Development Park (RDP) offers hands-on exposure and scholarships.
Childers described program highlights — robotics teams that have competed nationally, precision machining, HVAC, auto body and EMT instruction — and recounted a robotics troubleshooting example where students collaborated with peers from overseas. He said the district will introduce career coaches on each campus and will bring a proposal to the board next month to compensate those coaches for additional days worked beyond current contract pay: "...they're only getting paid 9 [months]. So they're having to work 15 days without getting paid," Childers said.
On extracurriculars, Childers proposed pursuing esports as a sanctioned activity: "It is a sanction with AHSAA, and it is considered a sport," he said, recommending the district start by acquiring equipment and forming teams through the Alabama High School Athletic Association, calling out Rocket League as a high-interest option. Board members expressed support for investigating esports as a low-cost addition that can engage students who might not otherwise participate in traditional athletics.
Childers also asked board members to advocate with state legislators for full funding tied to the state's numeracy and literacy mandates, saying the district currently covers transportation and related costs from general funds. He noted summer HVAC projects slated at Danville and Brewer High Schools and said the district will present summer-reading and -math program plans in upcoming meetings.
Board members praised career-tech outcomes and the Tech Park's workforce connections. The superintendent and members signaled next steps: staff will return with a career-coach compensation proposal and cost estimates for esports equipment and team registration if the board directs further study.
The work session then closed and the board prepared to enter the formal business meeting.
