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The May 23 meeting of the Linden Board of Education, members elected new officers and received end of the year reports submitted by principals.

The board elected Dorothy Gamble to serve as the board president for the 2022-2023 school year, and Glenda Hayes as the vice president.

Principal reports were submitted and presented by Superintendent Dr. Timothy Thurman as neither principal was able to attend the meeting. From Linden High School, Principal Marcus West reported that the high school saw significant improvement in College and Career testing. West said they have made tremendous gains throughout the year. They had many 11th grade students who have done well on the ACT and they are looking forward to getting the total results of testing.

Walter Hampton at G.P. Austin Middle School, reported that graduation at the middle school went well and he expressed his thanks to everyone who helped make it successful. Hampton also expressed his pride in his staff for doing well in ACAP (Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program) and for handling the situation of moving to a new building at the beginning of the school year.

Under old business, Thurman gave an update on the renovations at the middle school. Thurman said everything is on schedule and work is being completed inside the building. The air conditioning units in the gym are expected to be installed this week, and flooring is expected to be complete by early to mid June.

The multi purpose room project has been put on hold until fee pricing decreases. Thurman said what might have cost around $250,000 two years ago, could now cost up to $600,000.

Under new business, Thurman said repair work has begun on the athletic training room. Lighting in the building has already been replaced, and a price for replacing the floor has been set. Thurman hopes to have the floors fixed within the next two weeks.

Board member Ola Ford proposed adopting a Joe Young fun day for the elementary school to be held on the third Friday of May each year. The board unanimously approved the fun day to begin during the 2022-2023 school year.

Action Items

• Board approved the financial statements for April 2022, and all bank statements have been reconciled
• Board approved a four day work week for the summer for 12-month employees
• Board approved closing on Monday, June 10, 2022 to observe Juneteenth