Because of inclement weather conditions, Alabama Governor Bob Riley had to postpone a recent scheduled trip to Centre, but plans to make it again in the near future.

During a recent meeting of the Cherokee County Board of Education, Superintendent Brian Johnson extended his apologies on behalf of Gov. Riley, who was scheduled to visit Centre Middle School Monday, Jan. 23. But he does plan to re-schedule as soon as possible.

The board also heard concerns from a citizen who asked about the possibility of requiring drug tests for all school employees. Currently, Johnson said, the board only requires testing for those who must maintain CDL licenses.

The board met in executive session for two student disciplinary hearings, including one for a student from Cedar Bluff School and another for a student from Sand Rock School.



Following the hearing for the Cedar Bluff student, Johnson recommended placing the student in the Alternative School for nine weeks. Board Members Tommy McDaniel and Lisa McKissick voted for this action and Board Members Lynn Rochester and Don Stowe voted against this action. Since there was a tie, the student returned to school Jan. 25.

The board voted to suspend the Sand Rock student from riding the school bus for the remainder of the year and to place the student on probation for the next school year.

In personnel action, the board:

-Approved Dewayne Gregg as head baseball coach at Cedar Bluff School for the 2005-2006 school year at a supplement of $1,500.

-Approved an additional one-hour per day (from seven hours to eight hours) increase for Pam Flynt, CNP assistant manager at Cedar Bluff School, to be funded by CNP.

-Approved posting a position for Computer/Network Specialist immediately.

-Approved increasing Homebound Teacher pay to $27.50 per hour to equal the rate of other certified tutors.



The board approved out-of-state travel for Bobby Mintz who will attend the National Association of Secondary School Principals March 17-20 at no expense to the board and also for Sid Brown and the Cherokee County High School Band to attend the Smoky Mountain Music Festival in Gatlinburg, Tenn. April 28-30 to compete at no expense to the board.

In other business, the board:

-Met in executive session to discuss the good name and character of an employee but took no action following the session.

-Approved a matching funds budget for Centre Elementary School.

-Approved bidding two food warmer/holding cabinet (Centre Elementary School and Sand Rock School) to be funded by CNP.

-Approved miscellaneous items at Cherokee County Career and Technology Center to be sold by sealed bid.

-Reviewed and approved bills for payment.

The monthly board meetings are now back on schedule. The February meetings are scheduled for Feb. 7 and Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. at the central office