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During the Chambers County School Board meeting on Wednesday, several items were discussed related to preparing for the next school year. 

Preparations included budget approvals, along with oversight of the previous year’s budget, to ensure the school district is operating within acceptable guidelines. These procedures grant Chambers County Schools access to federal and state funding, provided the given funds are used appropriately and within the allotted timeframe. 

New personnel changes were discussed during the meeting. According to Weldon, these changes must be approved at least 30 days before the first student day, as mandated by state law. The changes included educators leaving their positions, as well as those who were replacing them. 

The school board also reviewed its state-accredited training for de-escalation and restraint within the classroom. Educators are required to undergo training so that they are better prepared when a student either becomes a threat to themselves or others. 

Training is an ongoing process for educators, and they are required to retake the training course every three years to stay current on procedures. Federal and state laws require schools to report instances of restraint involving students, including the name of the school and whether the educators are current on their training for handling these situations.

The training is provided by Glenwood, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the behavioral health needs of children, adolescents, and adults. Its Managing Crisis Safely (MCS) training is being provided to educators across the state of Alabama and is recognized as the standard for de-escalation and restraint if necessary.

“So, our first goal is, of course, always that we are going to deescalate, and that’s what we’ve had additional training on, “Weldon explained. 

Dr. Sharon Weldon was relieved by the feedback she received from parents regarding the changes to the dress code. The new changes will reduce the need for educators to enforce strict dress codes, allowing them to instead focus on education. 

The importance of allowing children to express themselves while maintaining a learning environment that is both free and open is a top priority for the school board. 

Several parents have reached out to Dr. Weldon expressing gratitude for the changes, even though they will have to spend a little more on clothes for the school year.