Shown with the MCBOE are, from left, Brilliant School representatives Crystal Nelson (teacher), Levi Norris (student), Richard Ross (student) and Dr. Kim Davis (principal), who showed appreciation to the BOE on April 25 for approving their recent trip to Italy, and presented a trip summary with photos. Photo by Marion County Schools Parent Community Liaison Angela Wilds.
HAMILTON — During the Marion County Board of Education’s Friday, April 25, meeting, MCBOE Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sutton noted the school system is losing “some outstanding, experienced people” due to retirements.
He added, “I know we will find some outstanding teachers to come into our system, but these people have contributed greatly to our organization.
“Many of them have filled important roles as sponsors, coaches and other key duties and assignments.
“They have brought immeasurable value to our schools, and they have blessed multitudes of students.”
Speaking directly to those on the list, he noted, “I hope each of you know you are important and your service is appreciated.”
Retirees & other
staff leaving
Resignations for retirements, as well as other resignations, included:
• Hamilton High School Head Girls’ Volleyball Coach Debbie Grubbs;
• HHS Head Girls’ Basketball Coach Karin Holliday;
• HHS Agriscience Teacher Allyson Taylor Evans;
• HHS Teacher Patsy Fikes;
• HHS Teacher Amy Sutton;
• Hamilton Middle School Teacher Dana Fleming;
• HMS Speech/Language Pathologist Lisa Stidham;
• HMS Nurse Linda Stowe;
• Hamilton Elementary School Teacher Sandra Loden;
• HES Teacher Lisa Wiginton;
• Marion County High School Nurse Rene Watson;
• MCHS Part-time Teacher Scott Veal;
• Guin Elementary School Teacher Jane Emerson;
• GES Reading Specialist Angela Jeffreys;
• Phillips Elementary School Teacher Deb Cook;
• PES Teacher Kimberly Clement;
and
• Marion County School System Community Liaison Angela Wilds.
Leaves of absence
Noted during the board meeting as taking a leave of absence were the following:
• HES Teacher Matilyn Kerr Smith for maternity leave;
• Phillips CNP Worker Sandra Hood due to sick leave; and
• Hackleburg Elementary School Teacher Amanda Albright due to sick leave.
Job postings
Positions posted for the 2025-2026 school year included:
• Instructional coach for grades 7-12 to serve all high schools and Hamilton Middle school;
• Head varsity girls basketball coach, Hackleburg High School;
• Head varsity girls basketball coach, Hamilton High School;
• Head volleyball coach, Hamilton High School;
• Secondary full-time teacher, Hackleburg High School;
• Secondary part-time teacher, Hackleburg High School;
• Elementary math coach, Brilliant Elementary School;
• Secondary English teacher, Hamilton High School;
• Agriscience teacher, Hamilton High School;
• Reading coach, Guin Elementary School; and
• Elementary teacher, Marion County schools.
MCHS basketball court named after Veal, other business
In other business, the board:
• Recognized Marion County High School Girls’ Basketball Coach Scott Veal and granted permission to name the basketball court at MCHS in his honor. Veal led the Lady Raiders to the state championship in the 2021-2022 season, with a 29-7 record. During his coaching years at MCHS, the girls’ basketball team also won the area championship each year, finished in the Elite 8 once, and in the Final Four three times (ahsfhs.org statistics).
• Heard a report from Brilliant High School representatives about their trip with students to Italy during spring break. More on this trip is scheduled to be published in a future edition of the Journal-Record.
• Set the work hours for all lunchroom assistant managers at 7.5 hours per day;
• Received permission from the board to seek bids for the expansion and renovation of the Guin Elementary Gym; and
• Received permission to seek bids for a new gym at Phillips Elementary School.
See complete story in the Journal Record.
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