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Parents question graduation policy Cenee Bell, parent and PTO vice president at McIntosh High School addressed the Washington County Board of Education at its meeting on April 10, stating that the purpose of her appearance before the board was to speak to "policies and unfair treatment" of senior class members. Bell wanted to know if the policy of not allowing seniors who do not pass the Alabama High School Graduation Exam (HSGE) to participate in graduation exercises was a state mandate or a local one. Washington County allows students to "march" with their class if they pass the HSGE or the GED (Graduation Equivalent Diploma). Bell maintains that her daughter who is an honor student with a 3.86 grade-point average was not informed about available remediation for the GED and believes that denying her the right to participate in her graduation exercises is unfair. Her daughter failed the HSGE. There was some discussion regarding an on-line high school in Belford, Texas. Bell and another parent said that this online Texas high school says that their high school graduation exam is recognized by the state of Alabama. Tim Savage, superintendent of education, said he does not believe that is the case. Elaine Beech, board member, asked who was responsible for remediating the students for the GED and or the High School Graduation Exam. Savage explained that this kind of remediation is available in all Washington County high schools and is done after school hours. He said, "When seniors fail the graduation exam in December, they are informed about remediation for the spring graduation exam and/or the GED. There were 13 students at McIntosh High School who were informed about the remediation program. One person showed up for it." A member of the media asked, "How can a student achieve honors yet fail the high school graduation exam?" Clatis Becton, president of the Board, said that he understood this student had changed schools several times; or perhaps she doesn't take tests well or has testing problems. Fred Thomas, board member whose district includes McIntosh High School said that there "…could be many variables" coming into play. Superintendent Savage said, "We have come a long way with McIntosh; we still have a ways to go." Audit and projected revenue Two state auditors were present at the meeting, and as is now prescribed by law, gave a report on their financial findings for the Washington County Board of Education. "Excellent report" was the pronouncement. There were no audit "findings" and the two federal programs examined were also on clear status. The board approved the March financial statement as issued by Larry Moss, chief financial officer. Moss said the projected revenue for the 2006-07 school year is $29,584,000. Personnel Retirements +Andra Mac Johnson - teacher - Millry High School +Diane McLain - teacher - Millry High School +Wayne Hinton - principal - Washington County High School Resignations +Jack Heathcock - bus shop +Tyrone Marshall - teacher - Millry High School New employees +Jana Elmore - Chatom Elementary +Diana Howard - McIntosh Elementary +Renee Carter - ARI reading coach - Millry High School In his remarks, Superintendent Savage announced that Washington County has three high school baseball teams in the semi-finals of the state playoffs: Millry High School in 1-A, Leroy High School in 2-A and Washington County High School in 3-A.
The next board meeting is May 24 at 10 a.m.
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