Board approves personnel recommendations; members raise concerns about special‑education staffing and terminology

The Tuscaloosa City Schools board on Feb. 17 approved the superintendent’s personnel recommendations and a supplemental list that together included multiple resignations, new hires and seasonal positions.

Dr. Cameron presented the recommendations, noting the main list included six resignations, one new certified hire, one new classified hire, one transfer to certified personnel, five part‑time extended tutors, an athletic supplement and one contracted coach; the supplemental list added a resignation, a new certified hire, district team leads, contracted coaches, part‑time tutors and summer learning academy positions contingent on enrollment.

During discussion board members flagged retention and recruitment pressures in special education. Dr. Cameron said HR is coordinating with teaching and learning and special‑education teams on a retention plan and expected to present that plan to executive staff the following week. "HR is working with teaching and learning and with special ed to come up with a plan on how we can retain and recruit teachers for special education," Dr. Cameron said.

Several board members also raised concerns about the phrase "special education," asking whether updated or less stigmatizing terminology should be explored; members said the coding comes from state classification and that any change would require broader review.

The board moved, seconded and approved the personnel items by voice vote. No roll‑call breakdown was provided in the transcript.

Next steps: HR and district leadership to finalize and present a teacher retention and recruitment plan for special education to executive staff.