Latest news with #HighSchoolTeacheroftheYear
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Laurel school board awards bids, recognizes Chamber Teachers of the Year
The Laurel County Board of Education approved bids for fuel and athletic supplies for the upcoming school year at its regular meeting Monday evening. Superintendent Denise Griebel recommended awarding the gas and diesel bid to Premier Energy, which submitted the lowest margin bid of .015 for both fuel types, which the board approved. As for athletic supplies, the bid was awarded to BSN. Both bids passed unanimously. Board members also approved two memoranda of agreement — the first being for the traditional Kentucky Agency for Substance Abuse Policy grant for fiscal year 2026. The district serves as the fiscal agent for the local ASAP board and has done so for several years. This agreement follows an earlier approval for the ASAP HARM grant MOA in April. The second MOA is with the Kentucky Educational Collaborative for State Agency Children (KECSAC) for Laurel County Day Treatment for the 2025–2026 school year. The partnership between KECSAC, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the district is renewed annually. The board additionally voted to continue with Cumberland Valley National Bank as the district's bond of depository for the 2025–2026 school year. Superintendent Denise Griebel said the bank has served the district well. The motion passed with one abstention by Board Chair Tony Krahenbuhl. The board then went on to approve the 2024–2025 Independent Auditor's Contract with Cloyd & Associates, PSC. Superintendent Griebel said the firm has consistently demonstrated professionalism, accuracy, and responsiveness in its work with the district. The board also recognized three standout educators at the meeting, as the London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce recently announced its 2025 Teachers of the Year. The awards, based on nominations from students and parents, honor teachers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication in the classroom. Bridgett McWhorter, a third-grade teacher at Bush Elementary, was named Elementary Teacher of the Year. She is retiring this school year after 28 years of service. Tonya Allen, a science teacher at North Laurel Middle School, was named Middle School Teacher of the Year. Allen has taught at North Middle for her full 21-year career. Mary King, who teaches Family and Consumer Science at South Laurel High School, was named High School Teacher of the Year. She is also retiring this year, closing out a 25-year career. Architects Ray J. Vaskey and David Jackson provided an update on the district's auxiliary gym projects at North and South Laurel high schools. At South, masonry work is progressing around the perimeter, including training and weight room areas. Interior framing is underway for locker rooms, offices, and restrooms. Plumbing is also in progress, with the roof already complete. Crews are preparing for exterior panel and brick installation. At North Laurel, block work is ongoing around structural columns and locker room areas. Crews are preparing the front entrance and restroom section. The layout includes space for a basketball court, turf area, training rooms, weight room, and golf simulator. Despite recent weather delays, both projects are moving forward. Further, the board approved the BG-4 closeout document for the Laurel County Day Treatment gym roof replacement. Danny Bishop, Physical Plant Director, noted the roof was replaced several months ago and the project was completed on budget. The BG-4 is part of the required closeout process, with a BG-5 to follow. Griebel also acknowledged that Kentucky Summative Assessments (KSA) are underway. Attendance for the day was nearly 94%, with some schools reporting 96–97%, a strong showing during the testing period. The Laurel County Board of Education meets at 5 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month. To watch livestreams of the meetings, visit
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Athens High School teacher named final four for Alabama Teacher of the Year
ATHENS, Ala. (WHNT) — The list of 16 finalists was narrowed down to four Wednesday for the Alabama Teacher of the Year. Among the four finalists for Alabama Teacher of the Year, Athens High School's Amanda Gudmundsson is listed. 'This honor reflects not just my journey, but the strength of the incredible people around me. Great teaching is never done alone—it's the product of shared passion, relentless support, and a community committed to lifting each other higher every day,' said Gudmundsson. According to the State of Alabama Department of Education news release, Gudmundsson is a 'dedicated educator' at Athens High School. In addition to her high school duties as a government, history and economics teacher, she teaches dual enrollment U.S. History courses at Calhoun Community College. Athens City Schools said she was selected by her peers as the Athens High School Teacher of the Year in September 2024 and honored as the district's Secondary Teacher of the Year in November 2024. She now stands as one of the 'top educators in the entire state,' according to the district. 'Her accomplishments don't stop there—she was also recently named the 2025–2026 Alabama VFW High School Teacher of the Year for her outstanding work promoting citizenship and patriotism in the classroom,' Athens City Schools said. She has more than 20 years in education, with 17 of those in Athens. 'Mrs. G. represents the heart, passion, and excellence that define Athens City Schools. She believes that teaching goes beyond the subject matter; it involves building meaningful relationships and changing lives,' ACS said. As a fifth-generation educator, her path to the classroom was unexpected. Initially, she pursued a degree in higher education administration, but her career shifted following the tragic events of 9/11. She witnessed everything first-hand because at that time she was living right outside of New York City. Experiencing the outpouring of selflessness and unity in the aftermath of the attacks, she was inspired to become a teacher. Through teaching, Amanda found a way to contribute to democracy and uphold the values of equality and civic responsibility. In her classroom, she encourages her students to embrace each other's differences, foster academic curiosity, and actively engage in shaping a better future for themselves and their families. State of Alabama Department of Education The other finalists for the award are Katie Collins – Hoover City School System, Dr. Katherine Thomas – Homewood City School System and Aubrey Bennett – Birmingham City School System. The next step for the four finalists is an extensive interview with the state judging committee. The 2025-2026 Alabama Teacher of the Year award will be announced on May 7 during a special event at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. For more information about the Alabama Teacher of the Year program, you can visit the Alabama State Department of Education's website here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
