Latest news with #DecaturCitySchools
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New high school diploma option and 'dual enrollment on steroids' coming soon
May 28—In the upcoming school year students will have a new high school diploma option called the Workforce Pathways Diploma, and the following fall they will have access to full-time dual enrollment in a college of their choice. The Workforce Pathways Diploma was created in legislation passed last year by state lawmakers. It is a high school diploma like any other, but it is a career-focused path rather than the traditional track. It allows students to swap upper-level math and science for hands-on courses in such topics as automotive repair, health sciences and welding. "It is a different path, not an easier one," said Anita Clarke, supervisor of secondary curriculum and instruction for Decatur City Schools. In the fall, under Alabama's new system, student will choose from two diploma options, A or B. Option A — the traditional four-by-four curriculum — calls for four credits each in English, social studies, science and math. Option B calls for four credits in both English and social studies, two credits in both math and science, plus three credits in in a career technical education sequence. "A student may choose to pursue the Option B pathway at any time, including his or her senior year. However, it is recommended the student's decision be made at the end of a grading period," Clarke said. In the fall, high school counselors will be responsible for discussing the pathways with students and their parents before a diploma option is approved, Clarke said. The student and parent must also sign a form selecting a four-year plan, verifying their consent and approval of the diploma option chosen for the student. They are allowed to change their mind and their coursework, but they must fill out a form to do so, Clarke said. The Alabama High School Athletic Association has given its assurance that those who follow Plan B will be eligible for all athletics, Clarke said. However, she said additional math and science courses will be required for NCAA eligibility. — Dual enrollment In addition to the workforce development diploma option, Alabama is embarking on another educational change for high school students. Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, has gotten his Move On When Ready Act passed into law. Under existing law, a high school student may dual enroll in college courses in certain circumstances. The Move on When Ready Act will allow eligible 11th and 12th grade students admitted unconditionally to an eligible public institution of higher education to take a full schedule of courses at that institution and receive high school credit for the postsecondary coursework, according to the act. "Dual enrollment is usually one or two classes," Orr said. "This is dual enrollment on steroids. It's for students who are ready to leave high school behind. You leave behind high school band, football, everything and go to college full time. But the credits you accrue can report back and fill high school diploma credits," Orr said. The state will pay students' college tuition, although it will not cover room and board. Orr said Georgia has a similar program and he thought it would be beneficial for some students here. "Some kids are ready to move on, and this rewards them financially if they are ready," Orr said. The bill became law during the recent legislative session, but won't take effect until August 2026. Orr said state education officials still have to adopt some rules for the program. — or 256-340-2361
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q brings home 13th first place title after Memphis in May competition
DECATUR, Ala (WHNT) — When it comes to Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, a full parking lot and dining room isn't a surprise. It's been a well-loved Decatur staple for decades. Decatur City Schools in need of additional bus drivers 'We are the fifth generation barbecue pitmasters,' Jacob Lilly said. 'We couldn't be more proud to be here and able to show our customers what we've learned, not only through our dad, but basically our grandfather, our great-grandfather, and our great-great-grandfather,' he said. The restaurant just brought home the gold after being recognized on one of the biggest stages in barbecue history: The Memphis in May competition. 'This is our 13th time winning this competition in whole shoulder, but again, that comes with a long line of history for us,' said Jacob Lilly. 'This is our 100th year anniversary.' Marshall County Schools breaks ground on multi-million-dollar elementary school Andrew and Jacob Lilly are brothers and the current restaurant operators. They said entering a competition like this takes months of preparation. 'These cooks there are so talented, so good,' said Andrew Lilly. 'I mean you have to be on your game… any misstep you will not you will not make finals. You will not win.' For a family full of tradition and lined with generations of pitmasters, a weekend like this is not only a way to put their talents to the test, but enjoy time with family as well. 'So Memphis in May competition for us is like a big family reunion,' said Jacob Lilly. 'We've got our aunts, our uncles, our cousins, our sons, who hopefully will become sixth generation, are there.' Although competition highlights what's new and special, the Lillys said back at the restaurant, they'll always stick to their traditions. They are also celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Decatur City Schools Superintendent speaks on tax settlement implications
DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) — Several school systems in Morgan County are trying to figure out how to repay money that was previously allotted to them, after a tax lawsuit settlement. This comes after a billion-dollar corporation sued the Morgan County Department of Revenue, saying it was improperly assessed in 2021 and 2022. Decatur City Schools is one of the districts feeling the impact. 'I don't know how a school system budgets when you're coming back after the fact,' said DCS Superintendent Michael Douglas. 'This is 2021, 2022 money that's already been spent.' 📲 to stay updated on the go. 📧 to have news sent to your inbox. Douglas told News 19 that the situation is frustrating. Based on the settlement agreement between Hexcel and the Morgan County Board of Equalization, Decatur City Schools will likely have to pay back around $700,000 in money it had been allocated. Douglas said that equals out to the salary for about 10 teachers. However, he told News 19 that the school system will not handle the situation by laying off teachers. 'Thankfully, we've been great stewards of our money, we're going to protect the classrooms, but we'll have to pass a deficit budget,' he said. Hexcel is a carbon fiber manufacturing company that operates a plant in Decatur. According to court documents, Hexcel claims 'economic obsolescence of 50% should be applied because of COVID-19.' Basically, Hexcel believes it was taxed at a higher rate than what the plant was valued at that time. While Hexcel and the Department of Revenue have agreed to the settlement, Douglas said he's concerned that this might start a trend for other industry companies in the area. He noted a similar recent situation with Indorama. 'When does this end?' he said. 'I've got 50 industries up and down the river that can just arbitrarily 'Hey, tough times, obsolescence, we overpaid our taxes, we want our money back.'' Douglas said Decatur City Schools is working on taking legal action. He said DCS wasn't even aware of the lawsuit until April of this year. Douglas also questioned why it was impacted as a result of the settlement agreement, when it played no role in the legal proceedings. 'We were told it's pretty much their decision what they settle for, and I'm like, if I'm paying half the money back, shouldn't I get a seat at the table?' Douglas told News 19. He said several other entities would also be required to pay money back, including Morgan County Schools and Hartselle City Schools. A spokesperson for Hexcel sent News 19 the following statement regarding the settlement. 'Hexcel is pleased to have reached an amicable settlement with Morgan County on this longstanding issue related to past personal property tax assessments at our Decatur facility. Hexcel has no comment on how Morgan County decides to allocate the impact of the settlement.' Matthew Bates, Hexcel Spokesperson News 19 also reached out to the Morgan County Department of Revenue's office for comment. At this time, our phone call has not been returned. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Registration underway for 2025-2026 School Year at Decatur City Schools
DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) — Registration for students is underway for the 2025-2026 School year at Decatur City Schools. Returning students must complete their online registration to enroll for the upcoming school year. Parents of returning students can register their child through InfoSnap Enrollment. Registration requires a Snapcode to access the record. The Snapcode can be found in your email inbox. Snapcodes will be rolled out in batches of 500. If you don't receive your Snapcode in the first round, please be patient. Any questions about your students Snapcodes, you can email registartationsupport@ Please wait 24 hours for a reply by email or by phone. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
After arrest, Decatur Council urged to expand mental health support at Police Department
Apr. 22—Council President Jacob Ladner on Monday said he supports hiring more mental health liaisons for the Decatur Police Department following the release of body camera footage showing officers using force — including a Taser — to arrest a man apparently undergoing a mental health crisis last week. His comments came at a City Council meeting that opened with a public hearing on a separate agenda item, but quickly turned to the topic of policing when resident Mike Faruqui raised concerns about last Tuesday's incident and criticized the council's decision to continue funding school resource officers at Decatur City Schools. "So you're saying SROs are not a good use of taxpayer money?" asked Councilman Kyle Pike. "I would say a department that has demonstrated a severe lack of judgment and misconduct — and nothing has been done about it — is not a good use of money," Faruqui replied. "Part of that is getting better officers so we don't have incidents like Tuesday's again." Faruqui then turned to Mayor Tab Bowling, who responded, "I'm not going to talk about Tuesday." Decatur police released statements from interim Police Chief Nadis Carlisle Jr. on Friday and Saturday and nearly 30 minutes of body camera footage on Friday related to the arrest of John Daniel Scott Jr., 41, a man they say was experiencing a mental health episode. According to police, officers initially spoke with Scott earlier last Tuesday without incident after a 911 call from his mother, who was concerned about his behavior. Later that night, police encountered Scott again at Brookridge Apartments, where he appeared erratic and was sweating heavily. Scott repeatedly refused to get into the ambulance. Police said Scott resisted arrest on the warrant, prompting the use of a Taser, physical strikes, and a takedown to subdue him due to his size and strength. While being booked at the Morgan County Jail, police said Scott continued to resist and later began showing signs of medical distress. He was taken to Decatur Morgan Hospital, where he required "life-saving measures," and was later transferred to Huntsville Hospital. When the floor opened for public comments at Monday's council meeting, Bowling left the room — a routine practice he began in January 2024, saying that many public remarks had become unconstructive and included threats and unfounded accusations against him and other officials. Several residents voiced concern about the arrest of Scott. Sarah French expressed sympathy for Scott's mother, Paulette Tennison. "Once again, I find myself seeing another mother, and I can't imagine being in her shoes," French said. "Honestly, no matter if he had done something or not, I don't see the reason to beat someone so badly." French also called for better mental health resources within the Police Department. "One mental health worker on payroll — where was she that day?" she asked. "If she's unavailable, there should be a backup. There should be a mental health worker available 24/7." In Saturday's press release, Carlisle said an officer at the scene suspected Scott was under the influence of illicit drugs, and that the department's mental health liaison had been contacted about the initial encounter. However, he said Scott did not meet the criteria for involuntary hospitalization at that time. Resident Sharonda Acklin also pressed the council for more mental health support within the department. "We have one mental health liaison? How does that make sense?" Acklin asked. Ladner explained that current liaison Kate Anderson was hired in 2021 under former Chief Nate Allen. "So you feel like one is sufficient?" Acklin asked. "Probably not," Ladner replied. Ladner said adding more liaisons requires a formal request from the police chief before the council can act. "We can ask the chief," Ladner said, "but as of now, they have not requested any additional liaisons." Carlisle did not immediately respond to questions Monday. — The video The bodycam video begins with a group of officers speaking calmly with Scott outside Brookridge Apartments, with an ambulance and emergency medical technicians present. The tone appears friendly, and Scott and the officers seem to be in good spirits. "You do have that warrant, so whenever you get done with the hospital, tomorrow you need to go settle that with Morgan County," one officer tells him. Officers encourage Scott to go with EMTs to the hospital, but he refuses. One officer explains that Scott has two options: ride with the EMTs to the hospital or be taken to jail by police. Around the 15-minute mark, when officers attempt to place Scott under arrest, the situation escalates quickly. Scott becomes visibly agitated and begins resisting as officers try to handcuff him. A traffic ticket issued to Scott in 2020 lists him as being 6-foot-2 and 300 pounds. "Ah, s---, ah my neck," Scott shouts as he rolls on the ground. Officers struggle to gain control. "Let go of my hand," one officer says. "Do it," another officer adds as a Taser is deployed. Scott continues to resist and grabs at officers. "Let go of my f---ing thigh," one officer yells. "Come on man, I'm going to punch you in the f---ing face if you don't do it," another says, just before deploying a second Taser around the 17-minute mark. The struggle continues as officers lift Scott off the ground and try to place him in a patrol vehicle. During this process, the footage shows Scott spitting at one officer and later kicking another while they attempt to restrain him in the back seat. "I can't breathe," Scott says repeatedly. The video ends with Scott being loaded into a patrol car. — or 256-340-2442.
