Johnson County School Board approves five-year strategic plan; first reading adds nasal-spray option to medication policy

The Johnson County School Board on April 9 approved a five-year strategic plan for 2025–2030, adopted recommended textbooks for PE, health and selected CTE courses, and approved new graduation cords for student honors. Board members also held a first reading to add a nasal-spray formulation of diazepam to school nursing protocols and introduced Dr. Wayne Eberly as the district’s incoming special education supervisor.

The board voted unanimously to approve the strategic plan after trustees thanked staff who led the retreat and design process. Chair Kevin Long said the plan had been refined at a recent retreat and would be posted to the district website once finalized. The motion passed on a roll call recorded as Yes from Ms. Brown, Mr. Graeber/GREER, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Walker and Mr. Long.

Student board member Julia gave an extended report on student activities, including FFA honors and state qualifiers, HOSA competition results and upcoming events such as prom on April 18 and graduation on May 15. "I am super excited to say that I can finally use the AC in my car," Julia said, and she listed several student achievements and calendar dates the board will publicize.

Under new business trustees conducted a first reading of school board policy 6.4051 to add a nasal-spray option (Valtoco) for diazepam to match updated nursing protocols. Staff said the change is a wording update to align the policy with current nursing practice and training requirements. "It's just changing wording and adding the component," a staff member said, noting that training and volunteer protocols remain in place.

Administrators recommended textbook adoptions for middle and high school essential health skills and for CTE courses in advanced manufacturing and informational technology. The board approved the recommended adoptions, noting that larger adoption years (such as social studies next year) draw broader parent review and committee participation.

The board also approved new graduation cords recognizing state robotics participants and Niswonger Foundation career-connect program completers; staff reported cords have already been distributed to qualifying students and the board approved retroactive recognition.

Tina, who presented the monthly financial report, told trustees the district remains in generally healthy fiscal position for March. She reported the general purpose school fund was 77.10% of projected revenue received and 66.39% of appropriations expended, while federal projects showed 42.87% of revenue received and 50.96% expended. "The fund never goes in the red because we have the cash flow here," Tina said, describing a holding account used to smooth federal drawdowns that sometimes arrive in large, uneven chunks.

On facilities and personnel matters the board noted upgrades such as added handicap parking at the William C. Moshier Memorial Building and installation of smoke detectors in the cosmetology unit. Superintendent Dr. Simcox introduced Dr. Wayne Eberly, the district’s incoming special education supervisor from Autauga County. Dr. Eberly said he looked forward to supporting students and staff and thanked the board for the opportunity.

A Johnson County Youth League representative, Misty Fillipi, requested continued use of district facilities for youth football and cheer practices and games beginning in July; trustees voiced general support. A representative of the Johnson County Parents Coalition read a letter praising middle school vice principal Mr. Flener for encouragement provided to a student.

The meeting opened with a voluntary invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, proceeded through routine roll calls and consent items, and adjourned after brief closing remarks encouraging students ahead of state testing. No public commenters addressed the board during the public comment period.

Votes at a glance - Approve agenda: Passed (roll call Yes: Ms. Brown; Mr. Graeber/GREER; Mr. Robinson; Mr. Walker; Mr. Long) - Approve consent agenda: Passed (same roll call Yes recorded) - Approve five-year strategic plan (2025–2030): Passed (roll call Yes recorded) - Approve textbook adoptions (PE, health, select CTE): Passed (roll call Yes recorded) - Approve new graduation cords (state robotics; Niswonger Foundation): Passed (roll call Yes recorded)

What’s next: Policy 6.4051 will return for a second reading before any change to medication policy is adopted; the strategic plan will be posted to the district website and social media and administrative staff will continue to implement adopted measures.