The Selma City School Board’s Thursday meeting celebrated the system’s past and future by bringing good news about construction of the new high school and honoring the retiring teachers.

School board president Henry Hicks said he toured the construction site of the new school and was told everything is on pace.

“I had an opportunity to go out to the construction site at Selma High and these guys are actually on target and on schedule,” he said. “We are delighted to see the work that is going on. At the old gym they are actually putting in a new air conditioner and everything out there is moving along real good.”

Another positive of the construction project, Hicks said, is the local workers on the site.

“A lot of local people are out there working on the site and that’s good news for Selma and helping the economy,” he said.

Hicks also reminded everyone now  that children are out of school to be mindful of their presence when driving around.

During the meeting, superintendent Don Jefferson also presented all of the retiring educators present with a plaque honoring their years of service. Jefferson said he is happy for the teachers, who are opening a new chapter in their lives, but sad to see them go.

“Words cannot express my sincere appreciation as well as the board’s for your many, many years of service,” he said. “The number of years of dedicated service is incredible.”

The teachers include Dorothy Reese, Andrea Curtis, Patricia Hawkins, Linda Dolbare, Bobby Dolbare, Becky Blalock, JoAnne Bedwell, Ann Bush, Rosetta Mitchell, Jeneie Beard, Audrey Smith, Mary Stokes, Betty Jones, Ybonne Olds, Diane Walton and Rita Parikh.