Capital improvement plans for Pike County Schools are moving ahead as expected.

Chuck Jones, architect with Godwin Jones, briefed the school board on the progress of the projects at its Monday meeting.

“The window project at Pike County Elementary School is going on and should be completed in less than a month and the roofing projects are ready to begin immediately,” Jones told the board members. “The design for the gym project at Goshen High School is about 99 percent complete and is almost ready to go out on the street.”

Jones said the gym project should be ready for bidding by the end of the week with a three-week bid time.

He said, due to the economy, the 22,700-square foot project is expected to be competitively bid.

Plans for the art building at Pike County High School are about 50 percent complete and should be 95 percent complete by the board’s July 30 meeting, Jones said.

Dr. Mark Bazzell, superintendent of Pike County Schools, recommended that the board proceed with plans for getting out the bids for the gymnasium.

In personnel action, the board approved the resignations of five teachers, Jesse Morrow as math teacher at Goshen High School, Pate Harrison as alternative school teacher, Don Moore as physical education teacher at Pike County Elementary School, John Williford as physical education teacher at Banks School and Ann Renee Bentley, science teacher at Pike County High School

The board also approved the resignation of Elizabeth Grubbs as administrative assistant for the purpose of retirement.

The board approved the employment of two teachers at Banks School, Candace Burkett as fourth grade teacher and Megan Outlaw Henderson as third grade teacher.

New hires at Pike County High School were Hannah Messick Clifford as English teacher, Karie Striplan as physical education teacher, Carrie Rigdon as art teacher and Ashley Harrison for the position of social studies teacher.

The board also approved the re-employment of Donnie Smith as physical education teacher at Pike County High School.

Lisa Powell was approved as music/specialty area teacher at Goshen Elementary School. The board also approved the re-employment of Vivian Palmer as academic coach at Goshen Elementary School.

Jonathan Shedd was approved as math teacher at Goshen High School.

Kerri Taylor was approved as music/specialty area teacher at Pike County Elementary School and Torie Hopkins as third grade teacher.

The board approved the re-employment of Brandi Desandro as Indian teacher.

The board awarded the bid for custodial service to Eagle Cleaning Services. Bazzell said the contract is for 9.5 months rather that a previous contract that was for seven months and at basically the same rate.

In other action, the board:

• Approved the resolution requesting transfer of the Shellhorn School deed from the State of Alabama to the Pike County Board of Education. The board also approved a 90-day lease of Shellhorn School to Time Served, Inc.

• Approved “Why Try” dropout prevention and at-risk student program.

• Approved changes to Student Code of Conduct.

• Approved overnight travel for the Goshen High School volleyball team to Cullman on July 23-25 for camp. There will be no cost to the district.

• Approved the superintendent’s recommendation concerning discipline of a certified employee.