Shown at the Sept. 15 Marion County Board of Education meeting are ELL students who were recognized. Front row, from left, are Edalys Cintron Vega, Jose Cintron Vega, Evelin Rivera-Fernandez, Pedro Torres, Alejandro Tellez, David Sanchez-Ramirez, Kimberly Rivera, Jose Perez Hilario and Michael Lian; second row, same order, EL specialists Reba Hill, Ana Colburn, Vickie Johnson and Charlotte Howell; third row, same order, BOE members Mark Dearen, Dr. Alex Smith, Tim Bryant, Daryl Weatherly, Joyce Fowler and superintendent Dr. Patrick Sutton.
HAMILTON — Among the agenda items for the Marion County Board of Education at their Sept. 15 meeting, was the recognition of several students.
“Of particular note today was the recognition of ‘English Language Learners’ or ELL students who earned a score of 4.8 or higher on the WIDA ACCESS Assessment, successfully fulfilling all requirements to exit the ELL program,” said MCBOE School Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sutton in correspondence to his staff.
“We are very proud of these students and grateful for the dedication of our ELL instructors who work with them each day. Their success is a great example of what can happen when students are given the support, encouragement and opportunities they need to succeed.”
Sutton also said he hopes the staff has been able to enjoy the first few weeks of school.
“As we continue into the school year, I encourage you to keep setting the standard of excellence for our students,” he said. “Our students are capable of doing great things! They have the capacity to achieve at the same level as their peers anywhere. It is our job to provide them with the opportunities, encouragement and support they need to fulfill their dreams and reach their full potential.
“Thank you for all you do for the greatest resource we have…our kids!”
In other business matters, the MCBOE also:
• Approved its FY27 budget, with $32,798,134 alloted for all the programs, services and salaries needed to run the county school system and its five high schools, five elementary schools and one middle school;
• Approved its FY27 salary schedule. Sutton noted school personnel statewide received a two percent raise in salary this year.
• Approved its FY27 capital plan, with Sutton noting some of the system’s larger plans include the Phillips Elementary School gym (soon to be bid), the Marion County Career Academy, an expansion for the Guin Elementary School gym, enclosing two wings at Hamilton Elementary School and completing the lighting projects at Hamilton and Hackleburg football stadiums, which include new LED lights. There are other numerous smaller projects as well, including redoing some school bathrooms.
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