The Selma Times-Journal

Like Selma City Schools, Dallas County School officials are asking citizens to renew two taxes in the June 6 election for education’s sake.

An 8.5 mill countywide tax and a 3 mill district tax generates approximately $1.5 million for county schools, said school budget and business manager Susan Taylor. At a previous school board meeting, chairman William Minor stressed both taxes have been on the books for years. If the taxes are not renewed, the schools will lose its state funding.

“We couldn’t function,” Taylor said.

In other business:

Superintendent Dr. Fannie Major-McKenzie revealed there was a test error in an Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test administered at Martin Middle School. Testing company Harcourt Assessment, Inc. failed to follow state policy. The discrepancy is being cleared up.

Summer School classes will begin June 1 at Dallas County High School. Elementary Summer School classes will begin June 5 at Southside Primary, Craig Elementary and Salem Elementary..

School Administrative Assistant Don Willingham announced free driver’s education courses will be offered at Keith High School this summer. Monies to start the class derive from rural education funds.

The board unanimously approved its Wellness Policy with recommended changes.

The school system’s Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Policy was placed on first reading. The state required policy sites “sanitation, temperature control and standard operation procedures are insured at all sites to prevent food-borne illnesses,” Major-McKenzie said.

The board unanimously approved moving the trusteeship of the school system’s warrant to Regions Corporate Trust.

The board unanimously approved textbook adoptions for the 2006-2007 school year.

The board unanimously approved the 2006-2007 school calendar. Classes will begin Aug. 10.

The board unanimously approved to move the sixth grade class from Tipton Middle School to Shiloh Elementary.

The board unanimously approved a field trip to New York City for Dallas County High School drama students. Students and chaperones are scheduled to depart June 12.

The next Dallas County School Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 8 at 7 p.m. in the Dallas County Courthouse Commissioner’s Chamber.