Jefferson County Board of Education unanimously approves settlement, personnel actions and multiple school contracts

The Jefferson County Board of Education met May 7, 2026, in the boardroom at its central office and unanimously approved a settlement in Kendrick v. Jefferson County Board of Education, multiple personnel actions and a slate of contracts and agreements for district schools.

Superintendent Dr. Walter B. Gonsoulin opened the public-dialogue portion by reading the applicable state statute, stating, "The county board of education shall hold a meeting for the purpose of giving the public an opportunity of presenting to the board matters relating to the allotment of public school funds, or any other matters relating to the administration of the public schools of the county (Alabama Code, 16-8-3)." John Huddleston, the district communications director, informed Board President Ronnie Dixon that "no member of the public requested to address the board." The board then proceeded with the published agenda.

The most consequential vote was approval of a settlement agreement resolving claims in Kendrick v. Jefferson County Board of Education. The board voted unanimously to approve the settlement on a motion by Board Member Walter Curry, seconded by Board Member Glenn Durough.

Board members also approved personnel actions submitted for May 7, 2026, including Addendum B and salary supplements. Those personnel approvals passed unanimously on motion of Curry and second by Durough.

The board approved a hotel agreement with Microtel by Wyndham to provide lodging for the Gardendale High School softball team so it can participate in the regional tournament in Albertville on May 10–12, 2026. Dr. Laura Ware presented the support-services recommendation; the motion carried unanimously.

Under committee reports, the Teaching and Learning Committee presented several contract approvals the board adopted by assent. The board approved two production contracts with Music Theatre International (MTI) granting performance rights for Hueytown High School: "Disney’s Descendants" (scheduled March 12–13, 2027) and "How to Train Your Dragon, Jr." (scheduled Oct. 15–18, 2026). The board also approved a Garden Center use agreement with the Birmingham Botanical Gardens for a Secondary Curriculum & Instruction retreat on May 14, 2026; a contracted services agreement with Curriculum Associates, LLC, to provide math professional development at Erwin Intermediate School on May 20 and June 15–17, 2026; and the renewal of Book Systems' Atriuum integrated library system to support district cataloging, barcode checkout and roster syncing with PowerSchool. The Flourish Alabama was approved to provide a two-week artist residency for the 2026 SOAR program (dates TBD), and a rental agreement with Faith Chapel to use Tuscany Lanes for a Curriculum and Instruction retreat on May 13, 2026.

The Operations Committee's items were also approved without dissent. The board authorized an agreement with Baker's Sports, Inc. to provide athletic apparel and equipment to McAdory High School under a three-year term beginning June 1, 2026 and ending May 31, 2029. It approved a Use of Facility Agreement for Mount Olive Elementary PTA for a student reunion on May 2, 2026; a contract with The Bridge Event Venue to host Minor High School’s athletic banquet on May 13, 2026; participation in a BSN Sports Rewards Program for Minor High School for a three-year term beginning June 1, 2026; a contracted services agreement with Affordable Jump to supply inflatables for Lipscomb Elementary Fun Day on May 8, 2026; and a Use of Facility Agreement allowing Youth Basketball of America to use Fultondale High School's gymnasium for a tournament on May 16–17, 2026.

All recorded motions were adopted unanimously by the three voting members present: President Ronnie Dixon, Walter Curry and Glenn Durough. Vice President Stephanie Floyd and member Carita Venable were absent.

The board agreed to hold a special called meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. to consider additional personnel approvals. With no further business, President Dixon adjourned the meeting at 10:15 a.m.

Votes at a glance: agenda approval (unanimous); April 23 minutes approval (unanimous); settlement in Kendrick v. Jefferson County Board of Education (unanimous); personnel actions/Addendum B/salary supplements (unanimous); Microtel hotel agreement for Gardendale softball (unanimous); MTI production contracts for Hueytown High School (two approvals, unanimous); Garden Center use agreement with Birmingham Botanical Gardens (unanimous); Curriculum Associates PD contract for Erwin Intermediate (unanimous); Book Systems/Atriuum renewal (unanimous); The Flourish Alabama arts residency (unanimous); Faith Chapel/Tuscany Lanes rental (unanimous); Baker's Sports agreement for McAdory HS (unanimous); Mount Olive PTA facility use (unanimous); The Bridge Event Venue contract for Minor HS (unanimous); BSN Rewards Program for Minor HS (unanimous); Affordable Jump for Lipscomb Elementary (unanimous); Youth Basketball of America facility use at Fultondale HS (unanimous).

The board did not receive public comments during the meeting. The district posted a public‑comment deadline of May 6, 2026, at 5 p.m., in accordance with state law.