Powell resigns as USJ principal, board approves contract with Brandi Smith

Published 10:25 am Wednesday, June 22, 2022

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During a short meeting last Thursday, June 16, the Demopolis Board of Education approved the resignation of USJ principal Bridget Powell and the contract with Brandi Smith as the DMS principal.

Powell’s resignation received a 4-1 vote from the board, and Smith had her contract officially approved by the board. Smith begins as DMS principal on Friday, July 1.

Superintendent Tony Willis reported that the state has enacted bonuses for science and math teachers if they agree to getting additional STEM training certification and give up their tenure. Willis said that 21 science and math teachers in the school system have opted to receive the bonuses.

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Willis said that teachers who take part in the program receive a $10,000 bonus, and an additional $5,000 if they are teaching in a “hard-to-hire area” which Demopolis falls under. Everything above a regular school system salary will be reimbursed by the state.

Personnel Report

  • Employment: Breunde Moultrie as Elementary teacher, effective 8/2/2022 (pending procurement of satisfactory documentation and Board approval). Angela Lee as Elementary teacher, effective 8/2/2022 (pending procurement of satisfactory documentation and Board approval)
  • Resignation(s): Bridget Powell as USJ Principal, effective 6/16/2022