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The Linden City Schools Board of Education held their regular scheduled meeting Thursday, Feb. 19.

Following approval of December and January financial reports and approval of the bid for the new high school construction, the board discussed the possibility of changing their pay rates and hours for substitute teachers.

According to the discussion, certified substitutes should receive a higher rate than uncertified substitutes, though the specific rate was not discussed and left open to further discussion. Also affecting substitute rules would be the circumstances of long term substitutes – such as covering a teacher on maternity leave, for example. It was stated that because of Affordable Care Act rules, if a substitute surpasses part time hours, the BOE is obligated to pay for their health insurance. Board discussion established a need for further investigation before any resolution on substitute hours be made.

“We might not have track this spring,” the Superintendent Dr. Timothy Thurman said as the topic shifted. According to Thurman, with the resignation of Coach Travis Lockett, there will be no coach with time available to take on the task of the track team.

The Board also approved the resignation of Lockett effective Feb. 28. Lockett is the current head football coach, track coach and physical education teacher at Linden High School.

He coached the football program for six years compiling a 49-18 record including an undefeated 15-0 state championship season in 2020. The Patriots were 8-3 in 2024 and advanced to the second round of the Class 1A state playoffs, where they fell to Elba 49-14.

Following approval of the resignation, the board cheerfully approved the hiring of the new system athletics director and head football coach Ca’Tarius Hinton. Hinton is a graduate of Linden High School and experienced high school and college coach.

Linden High School posted on their Facebook page about Coach Hinton:

“Welcome Coach Ca’Terius Hinton to Linden High School!

We are thrilled to introduce the new Head Football Coach & Athletic Director of Linden High School, Coach Ca’Terius Hinton!

Coach Hinton is no stranger to LHS—he is a 2016 graduate and a proud former Patriot! After high school, he continued his football career at Huntingdon College, where he served as a team captain.

His impressive coaching journey includes:

Co-Defensive Coordinator/D-Line Coach – Linden High School (2020-21)

Defensive Coordinator/D-Line Coach – Danville High School (2021-23)

Running Backs Coach/Special Teams Coordinator – Berry College (2023-present)

Beyond the X’s and O’s, Coach Hinton embodies the values we strive to instill in our student-athletes—uncompromising character, relentless work ethic, and an unwavering drive to succeed.

WELCOME HOME, COACH HINTON!”

 

Wrapping up the evening was the distribution of the School System Snapshot; a look at Linden City standings financially as compared to state and federal averages. Data is taken from the 2023-2024 school year. Data collected in 2023 was used for 2025 funding calculations. See the data sheets below for details: