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Montgomery Public Schools Hosts Battle of the Bands
Montgomery Public Schools hosted a Battle of the Bands competition, where high school bands from the region showcased their talent in categories like best drum line, color guard, and dance team. The event aimed to recruit future marchers and keep students engaged in school programs.
Montgomery Schools Highlight Rise in Non-English Speakers, Teacher Departures
The Montgomery school board addressed the district's rising numbers of non-English speaking students, over 100 teacher contract non-renewals, and delays in the construction of a new high school. Superintendent Melvin Brown and Chief School Financial Officer Arthur Watts were positively highlighted for their leadership during this period as the district works to support English learners and retain teachers amid staffing challenges.
Montgomery Public Schools Names Dr. Gregory King New Chief Academic Officer
Montgomery Public Schools has announced the appointment of Dr. Gregory King as their new Chief Academic Officer. Dr. King, who currently serves as the Executive Director of Math, Engineering, and Science Achievement at the University of Washington, will join MPS on June 1, 2024. Superintendent Melvin J. Brown expressed confidence in Dr. King's ability to elevate the district's work and build on the progress made in recent years.
Montgomery High School Closes Math Building, Relocates Classes to Increase Efficiency
Percy Julian High School Principal Ibrahim Lee closed the school's math building, relocating teachers and classrooms. Lee cited security concerns and behavioral issues as the reasons for the closure, which he says will allow for more concentrated support and a decline in discipline problems. Chief School Financial Officer Arthur Watts noted the district's plans to increase security camera coverage across schools.
Staffing Concerns, Security Gaps and More: Montgomery School Board March Highlights
The Montgomery County Board of Education's March meetings highlighted several key issues, including a lack of special education aides, plans to add or replace hundreds of security cameras, the renewal of the district's Microsoft agreement, and the potential impact of the recently passed CHOOSE Act on MPS finances. The board also discussed the hiring of an in-house attorney, with some disagreement over the process.
Montgomery Voters Back School Tax Renewal, Secure $12M Annually for Education
Montgomery voters have overwhelmingly endorsed the renewal of a 3.5 mil school tax, securing approximately $11 million annually for Montgomery Public Schools and $1 million for Pike Road Schools. The tax renewal underscores the community's commitment to quality education, with local leaders expressing optimism and gratitude for the community's support. Montgomery Public Schools Superintendent Melvin Brown echoed Mayor Reed's sentiments, acknowledging the vital role the tax plays in the district's operational stability.
Alabama Board of Education Adopts Resolution to Curb Phone Usage in Schools
The Alabama State Board of Education unanimously adopted a resolution to encourage school districts to consider banning student cell phone use during school hours, citing concerns over classroom disruptions and excessive screen time.
Montgomery Public Schools Launches Conflict Resolution Program to Address Youth Violence
Montgomery Public Schools has introduced a new conflict resolution program to provide students with tools to peacefully resolve disputes and prevent escalation to violence. The initiative, which includes communication workshops and peer support groups, will launch at Percy Julian High School with plans to expand across the district. Superintendent Melvin Brown and State Representative Phillip Ensler were highlighted for their leadership in developing and securing funding for the program.
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Rising School Truancy Rates Dominate Montgomery Town Hall Ahead of Session
Truancy rates in Alabama have risen dramatically, with 17.9% of students chronically absent in 2021-22, up from 11.2% in 2018-19. A town hall discussed potential solutions, including a new conflict resolution pilot program and legislation to allow retired teachers to return without compromising retirement pay.
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'We Need Our Kids In School': How Chronic Absenteeism Impacts Montgomery's Kids
In an Alabama school district, chronic absenteeism rates have risen significantly, with over a quarter of students missing at least 18 days of school per year. MPS Superintendent Melvin Brown stated addressing absenteeism is a top priority, as it negatively impacts academic achievement and student engagement.
MPS Approves New Tech to Track School Buses and Notify Parents
The Montgomery County Board of Education has voted to adopt the Traversa system, which will automate optimized bus routes, track bus locations, and send notifications to parents about delays or emergencies. The new technology will provide turn-by-turn directions for drivers, allow students to swipe IDs when entering and exiting buses, and automatically notify nearby buses in case of accidents. MPS Executive Director of Operations Chad Anderson says the system will help protect drivers and students, while giving parents more accurate information about their children's bus transportation. MPS Superintendent Melvin Brown was an advocate for implementing the Traversa system after taking office last year.
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'Do Your Civic Duty': Dozens of MPS High School Seniors Register to Vote During Drive
On National Voter Registration Day, over 50 seniors at Percy Julian High School registered to vote for the first time, with local leaders emphasizing the importance of civic engagement. MPS installed voter registration kiosks in every district high school to make the process easier for students turning 18. Montgomery Public Schools Superintendent Melvin Brown and Montgomery County Board of Education President Brenda DeRamus Coleman were among those who visited Julian on Tuesday to speak with students.
TechMGM Launches I-85 STEM Learning Ecosystem to Support Regional Education Opportunities
Montgomery-area industry, government, and education leaders launched one of Alabama's first regional STEM ecosystems, the I-85 STEM Learning Ecosystem, to provide more STEM-related activities and exposure to STEM careers for students in the Montgomery, Tuskegee, and Auburn areas. The launch event drew over 850 participating students, with MPS Superintendent Melvin Brown praising the partnership as a way to "change the educational game" for all students.
What's New with Montgomery Public Schools for the 2023-2024 Year
Montgomery Public Schools is implementing several changes for the new academic year, including student ID cards, cell phone restrictions, school renamings, and a focus on attendance and the arts. Superintendent Melvin Brown expects this to be a "transformational year" as the district works to improve educational outcomes and provide more 21st century learning opportunities for students.
The Equal Justice Initiative has awarded $10,000 Legacy Scholarships to 19 Montgomery Public Schools students, the first round of a $1 million scholarship program aimed at supporting local high school graduates over the next three years.
Montgomery Public Schools Partners with Equal Justice Initiative on Scholarships and Support
Montgomery Public Schools has announced a new partnership with the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) that will provide $1 million in scholarships for MPS high school graduates over the next three years. The "Legacy Scholars" program aims to help students overcome financial barriers to higher education. EJI will also host weekly sessions with MPS teachers, administrators, and students to provide support and resources. This partnership extends EJI's broader anti-poverty initiative, which recognizes education as key to breaking cycles of poverty. MPS Superintendent Melvin Brown said the partnership with EJI has already proved invaluable and will have a huge impact on students.
Montgomery Public Schools Say They're in a Good Position if a Recession Hits
Montgomery Public Schools' Chief School Financial Officer Arthur Watts stated that the district is well-positioned to withstand any economic changes, citing its healthy reserve funds and the upcoming ad valorem tax increase. The district's main concern is the rising cost of building materials due to inflation, but they have secured contracts to mitigate the impact on their ESSER-funded construction projects.
Schools Superintendent Wants to Help Montgomery Students Find Their 'Spark'
Montgomery Superintendent Melvin Brown emphasized the importance of helping students find their passions and interests, stating that discovering a "spark" can change the trajectory of a student's life. Brown also discussed plans for a curriculum audit, increasing teacher pay, and expanding equitable programming across the district. The superintendent aims to achieve 65-70% of his 100-day R.I.S.E. plan, which focuses on student success, community partnerships, staff development, learning environments, student health, and operational efficiency.
Montgomery Public Schools Board Passes Fiscal 2023 Budget
The Montgomery Public Schools board has unanimously passed a $240 million general fund budget for fiscal year 2023, which is $10 million less than the previous year. The decrease is attributed to a shrinking student population. MPS Superintendent Melvin Brown expressed excitement about an upcoming tax increase that will allow the district to address long-neglected construction and maintenance needs. The budget also includes funding for athletic and academic supplements to invest in student success.
Montgomery Schools Gird For Possible Recession, Enrollment Shifts
Montgomery Public Schools faces budget challenges due to heavy reliance on state funding, which could be impacted by a potential recession. The district is proactively planning, including creating a "capital replacement fund" for building maintenance and closely monitoring enrollment trends. MPS Chief Schools Financial Officer Arthur Watts and Superintendent Melvin Brown discussed the district's budget and contingency plans.
Lt. Gov. Ainsworth: 53 Public Schools Receive Prestigious "Purple Star" Designation
Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth announced that 53 public schools across Alabama, including Montgomery Public Schools, have been awarded the "Purple Star School" designation for their efforts to assist military children with school transitions and develop programs recognizing military service and civic responsibility. The Montgomery Public Schools that received this designation are Wynton Blount Elementary School.
New Era Dawns on Montgomery Public Schools as State Intervention Ends
After nearly 5 years of state intervention, Montgomery Public Schools is now free from oversight. The district has made significant improvements, including regaining full accreditation, stabilizing its finances with a robust reserve balance, and boosting academic achievement. MPS Superintendent Ann Roy Moore is excited to begin a "new chapter" and continue building on the progress made during the intervention period. MPS Chief Financial Officer Arthur Watts highlighted the district's improved financial health compared to the years leading up to the intervention.
Former Montgomery Schools CFO Charged in $314,000 Fake Invoice Scheme
Brenda Palmer, the former interim chief financial officer for the Montgomery public school system, has been charged with state ethics violations and lying to investigators for her alleged role in a $314,867 false invoicing scheme that took place between 2016 and 2019. The scheme was uncovered by MPS Chief Financial Officer Arthur Watts in 2020.
Montgomery Public Schools Audit Shows Significant Improvements in Fiscal Responsibility
The latest audit of the Montgomery Public Schools system reveals major improvements in accountability measures implemented by district leaders and staff, following a year of financial scandals. While some procedural issues and minor misuse of funds were found, the overall picture is far more positive compared to previous audits that uncovered hundreds of thousands of dollars stolen by multiple employees. MPS Chief Financial Officer Arthur Watts highlighted the progress made, including new policies, training, and systems that have reduced cash flow in schools, though he acknowledged more work is needed to achieve a clean audit.