honors Miller’s contributions

By MICHELLE J. WILSON

Staff Writer

Dec. 13, 1999 11 PM

Troy City Board of Education recognized one of its past members at its meeting Monday night.

Superintendent Hank Jones presented Jerry Williams with a coffee mug and plaque which states "Never doubt a small group of committed, thoughtful people who can change the world. That is the only thing that ever has."

Jones and other board members expressed their appreciation for the "hard work" Williams has put into the school system.

"I truly appreciate his effort put forth in the area of board policy," Jones said.

The school board nominated Williams to serve on the Alabama Association of School Board members, and based on their recommendation, he was among five people selected from all the school boards in the state for the honor.

"I appreciate your recognition," Williams said. "I especially appreciate the work of those who continue to serve and do such a good job for our school system."

In other business, the board voted unanimously to move receptionist Beverly Cope to the position of bookkeeper clerk. This job was left vacant when Joyce Deveridge was promoted to system custodian. This position was left vacant by the retirement of Gaye Carter.

Patricia Hatcher was hired to replace Cope as receptionist.

The school board also voted unanimously to rescind a bid for J.B. Head Construction Company placed in September of 1998.

"A bid was let for the construction of a print shop at the technology center," Jones said. "It was later decided that the bid was not within the dollar frame, and it was dropped."

The building was built for less than $50 thousand by a local contractor. Because his price was below $50 thousand, there was no need to bid.

However, the school board rescinded Head’s bid because no action had been taken on it before.

The board also approved the following measures:

– payment of bills, accounts and payrolls for the month

– minutes from its Nov. 15 meeting

Jane Vincent, school board president, said she was glad to see David Helms at the meeting. He is the new principal at Charles Henderson Middle School.

Helms said he appreciates the board’s confidence in him.

"I’m very proud of the system we have and the middle school, and I think we can work together to make it even better," he said.

City school students will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. Friday for winter holidays. They will return to school Jan. 11. There will be an in service and teacher workday Jan. 10.