Jefferson County Board of Education unanimously approves contracts, trip charters and Narcan agreement; superintendent spotlights student accomplishments

President Ronnie Dixon called the Jefferson County Board of Education to order on April 23, 2026, and the board promptly approved its agenda and minutes by unanimous vote.

Superintendent Dr. Walter B. Gonsoulin, Jr. used his report to highlight district achievements. He said more than 160 seniors participated in an Industry Connection Day with 31 local businesses; he announced Bryant-Jordan student-athlete scholarship recipients from Clay-Chalkville and Oak Grove high schools; he described an inclusive Exceptional Prom; noted two district staff were present when Governor Kay Ivey proclaimed March Arts Education Month; reported eight communications awards from the Alabama School Public Relations Association for the district communications team; and recognized multiple national youth hockey champions associated with Jefferson County Virtual Academy of Learning (JCVAL).

On the consent and action calendar the board approved a series of routine recommendations unanimously. Those votes included revising the May 21 board meeting start time to 11:00 a.m.; a Contracted Services Agreement with Barbee Media Group, Inc., for graduation video production not to exceed $2,000 per graduation; Personnel Actions and salary supplements submitted for April 23; and a Memorandum of Agreement with the Jefferson County Board of Health to provide over-the-counter Narcan for distribution, effective upon approval and continuing until either party terminates with 30 days' notice.

The board also approved several charter transportation agreements and out-of-state/overnight field trips: Thrasher Brothers Trailways to transport McAdory Elementary students to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center on May 12, Camelot Charters and Tours for Pleasant Grove High seniors to attend Six Flags Education Day on May 7, and Cline Tours for U.W. Clemon Elementary on April 27, among others.

Finance staff presented the March 2026 Financial Statement and bank reconciliations. The board approved bills and payroll for March 2026 totaling $38,367,328.76 (Accounts Payable $8,306,598.88; March payroll $30,060,729.88) and confirmed that bank reconciliations were completed as of April 15, 2026.

Procurement actions included awarding Bid #06-26 for hood exhaust system inspections and cleaning to Southeastern Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning, LLC (unit price $360 for 56 cafeterias; extended cost $20,160) and awarding Bid #16-26 for parapet and roof repair at Center Point High School to Standard Roofing of Montgomery, Inc., at a total project cost of $114,513. The board rejected Bid #17-26 for floor equipment and service because proposals did not meet specifications; the item will be re-bid.

Committee reports from the Board Advisory Committee for Teaching and Learning and the Board Advisory Committee for Operations yielded a series of contract and program approvals, including yearbook and photography service agreements, software subscription renewals for elementary curriculum (Forefront Education), lodging contracts for CTE teachers attending a conference in Mobile, and a memorandum with the Alabama State Department of Education appointing named staff as Alabama Reading Initiative regional staff for July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, with the local education agency serving as fiscal agent for salary and benefits.

Among operations items, the board approved additional liability insurance for the Hueytown High School site with an annual premium of $38,752.82 and multiple facility-use agreements and vendor contracts supporting extracurricular events and athletics programs. All motions recorded in the minutes were approved unanimously.

With no further business, President Ronnie Dixon adjourned the meeting at 10:13 a.m.