The Scottsboro City Board of Education opened its regular meeting with recognition and thanks, then moved through a full slate of approvals that included a new state-required vaping policy, two 66-passenger school buses, and several personnel and academic items. Portions of the district’s salary schedule were tabled for further review.
After the Pledge of Allegiance led by Clay Lokey of Scottsboro Junior High and an invocation, Interim Superintendent Jason Hass recognized October as National Principal Appreciation Month, prompting a standing round of applause for campus leaders.
The board celebrated Malinda Sommers, of Scottsboro Junior High, for being named a 2025 YouScience Innovative Educator Award recipient — one of only four nationwide. Former liaison Nancy Griggs said Sommers’ feedback helped shape features now used by schools across the country. Hass praised Sommers’ impact guiding students toward career pathways aligned to their aptitudes.
Before business, the board unanimously tabled specific pages (6 and 24) of the FY26 salary schedule and Action Item K to allow more discussion. Minutes from four August meetings, the August 2025 financial statement and bank reconciliation, and school fundraisers were approved without opposition.
During previous revision discussions, Board Member Cheyenne Bennett questioned maintenance employees receiving supplements for certifications. Director of Operations Jason Arnold then explained that many of these employees go above and beyond their job description and this incentive drives employees to become certified.
Bennett explained she understood the value in the certifications, however, she wanted to ensure that supplements were equitable across the board. She also wanted to make sure the supplements were sustainable.
Members approved the remainder of the revised FY26 salary schedule excluding the tabled pages. Several board members voiced support for completing an independent salary and job-description study to ensure competitiveness and equity. Hass said a proposal is expected at the next work session.
The board adopted Board Policy 6.27 (Vaping), mirroring the state’s model policy. Vaping is now prohibited on all school property and at all school activities, applying equally to students, staff and visitors. “If it happens at a football game or in a hallway, it’s treated the same way,” Hass said. Previously, Hass announced that the State of Alabama had released a policy model, due to be adopted prior to November 1. He also explained that the majority of this was adopted in the Scottsboro City Schools’ Code of Conduct.
Board members approved purchasing two International 66-passenger buses from Southland Transportation Group for $330,123.22, funded by FY25 Advancement & Technology Funds and the state fleet renewal allowance. Administrators noted the price reflects market increases and added safety features such as anti-lock braking and air conditioning.
The Lawn Care Service Agreement was approved to continue district-wide grounds maintenance under the operations budget. Previously the board discussed the agreement explaining that it would stop lawn services at Trammel Stadium from a third-party company and pay coaches for lawn services.
Out-of-state trips for Scottsboro High School girls’ basketball and two Scottsboro High School English teachers attending the National Council of Teachers of English conference were approved.
FY26 Social Studies/History Textbook Committees were approved to begin adoption work, especially for grades 7–12, following course-of-study changes.
System and School Continuous Improvement Plans (2025–26) were approved, focusing on academics, college and career readiness, safe/supportive environments, and culture/communication.
The board will hold its next work session on October 23, 2025 at 5 p.m. and its next regular meeting November 6, 2025 at 5 p.m.
The meeting concluded with thanks from board members for staff and community support during a strong start to the school year.
