The Alba-Golden school board gave Superintendent Cole McClendon a green light last Monday, Nov. 9 to form a 20-person bond review committee. The committee will identify the district’s needs and offer recommendations regarding if and when the board should pursue a bond election.

McClendon stressed that the committee “will have no power or authority” but will play a vital role in defining the requirements as well as garnering public support. The superintendent described the two windows available for a bond election as May or November.  

He offered that there was some urgency in the matter.

“If you tell me this is what we need to do, then we need to get busy,” McClendon stated.

Board president Jason Stovall remarked that updating the projected costs already “makes a May option difficult to begin with.”

Trustee Chad Dailey suggested that shooting for May but being comfortable with November might be a prudent perspective. 

McClendon informed the board that he intends on meeting with the committee, once formed, immediately and up to twice a month.

In a related matter, J.D. Hill of Jackson Construction briefed the board on progress of the ag barn project.  The board was provided architectural drawings of the 12,000 sq. ft. complex.

Based on the schematic design, Jackson Construction estimated the total project cost to be $1.15 million.  Trustee Johnny Teel pressed for amplifying information on the costs of concrete and utilities, as well as the quantities of fencing and plywood annotated in the plans. 

In discussions, the Jackson Construction team gave its best estimate for project completion to be August. The next step in the process is to turn the architectural schematics into engineering construction plans. That process should take about six weeks, according to the project manager.

Also briefing the board were representatives of the accounting firm Rutherford, Taylor and Co. of Greenville. The firm reported on its recently-completed audit of district finances. 

They issued an unmodified report which is the highest characterization of financial standing that they could award. The district’s books were described as “in very good standing” by the auditors. 

The district has a net worth of $7.9 million, a general fund balance of $6.8 million and a total revenue stream of $12.3 million. The school is funded primarily through state aid (70%) and property taxes (27%). 

The auditors specifically noted that Alba-Golden schools spend 61 cents of every dollar in direct support of teaching. They highlighted this percentage as very good use of available funds. 

The evening started with the early graduation of Eric Patrick, who recently met all graduation requirements. A number of family members were present to support the cap and gown-clad graduate. High school principal Michael Mize described Patrick’s accomplishment as one of “perseverance that touches the heart.” 

Also publicly recognized were 5th-grader Tagen English and sophomore Samuel Louderman for selection as elementary and secondary students of the month respectively. 

Due to the delay in receiving election results from Rains County, new board members could not be sworn in, nor the new board leadership adjudicated. Retiring trustees Jackie Staley and Johnny Teel were recognized for their contributions to the school.

Superintendent McClendon reported several recommendations had been received for the initial selections of the Alba-Golden Hall of Honor. A selection committee will be formed in order to codify the procedures and determine Hall of Honor inductees. 

A number of administrative matters were dispatched through board action. They included approvals of an interlocal agreement with the Wood County Tax Office, teacher incentive pay, campus improvement plans and the summer meal program waiver.

Athletic Director Drew Webster reported that two days after concluding the volleyball season in the area playoffs, the girls varsity basketball team defeated DeKalb in the season opener. He also noted that Alba-Golden will be hosting the Mike Posten baseball tourney, a softball tourney and two track meets this spring.