Board names her as new principal; does not renew principal contracts at Huxford and Rachel Patterson
Rachel Patterson and Huxford Elementary Schools will see new principals next year while Escambia County High School will see new one next month following the Escambia County (Ala.) Board of Education meeting last Thursday.
Amy Cabaniss, current Countywide Supervisor for Curriculum and Instruction, will replace Dennis Fuqua as principal at Escambia County High School effective April 1, 2020. Fuqua left ECHS recently to take a position as student supervisor at Alabama Coastal Community College.
Escambia County School Superintendent John Knott said he wasn't really expecting Cabaniss to apply.
“We had a few very good applicants for that position,” said Knott. “We had a really good committee that did a very thorough job, and they provided feedback. From that, I made the recommendation to the board and the board supported that.”
Knott said Cabaniss, who has served as secondary curriculum supervisor and as at-risk coordinator for Escambia County, has years of administrative experience, coming from Mobile County five years ago, where she had been a principal and assistant principal.
“She has excelled and done an excellent job for us,” said Knott. “We feel sure she will continue that and do a great job at ECHS.”
Knott said that some of the focus at ECHS will be to get academic scores up and to increase career preparedness programs and certifications for students in those programs. Knott said Cabaniss has worked with at-risk and behavioral situations in schools and
“She lives in Atmore, so she is a resident of Atmore,” said Knott. “That's an important factor. She is part of that community. She goes to church in that community. She has always supported the programs and attends all the programs.”
Knott said the school board will post Cabaniss' former position and take applicants, noting that there will be several positions open that will have to be filled for next year.
Following executive session, the board:
-Approved the non-renewal of the principal contract for John Brantley at Rachel Patterson Elementary School, effective at the end of the current principal contract, June 30, 2020.
-Approved the non-renewal of the principal contract for Leigh Ann Rowland, Huxford Elementary School, effective at the end of the current principal contract, June 30, 2020.
“The recommendation was made for the board to consider non-renewal,” said Knott. “At the end of the meeting, they decided to support a non-renewal for both of those principals.”
Knott said Rowland and Brantley will finish their contracts out June 30, 2020.
In other recommended personnel changes, the board:
-Approved to grant up to, but not more than, ninety (90) days for an on-the-job injury to Larissa Goodrich, special education teacher at Rachel Patterson Elementary School, effective Oct. 1, 2019 through Feb. 25, 2020.
Retirement
-Ginger Cochran, CNP bookkeeper, Atmore Central Office, effective June 1, 2020; Deborah Jackson, bus driver, Brewton bus shop, effective June 1, 2020
Rehires
-Approved renewal of principal contract for Matthew Hodge, W. S. Neal High School, for a 3-year period, effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023
-Approved renewal of principal contract for Stewart Powell, Pollard McCall Junior High School, for a 3-year period, effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023
-Approved renewal of principal contract for George Brown, Flomaton Elementary School, for a 3-year period, effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023
-Recommendation for the expulsion of an Escambia County Middle School student for a period of up to one (1) calendar year for violation of the Escambia County School System Board Policy/Student Code of Conduct
-Recommendation for the expulsion of an Escambia County Middle School student for a period of up to one (1) calendar year for violation of the Escambia County School System Board Policy/Student Code of Conduct
Knott and the board discussed possible outlooks for the Coronavirus situation and students being away from public schools, noting that Alabama State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey has been working with the governor's office to determine what direction to go in once they get some direction from the state on how students can continue their educations. Schools are closed through April 6 and Knott said he is hoping to get some information from the state department. He said they will take the projected return times if students do return this year, and establish a plan for ongoing learning opportunities for students.
“It could be anything, some online stuff, especially for high school, if we finish out this year,” said Knott. “It could be hybrid, a combination of different things. We will just have to see. But you can be rest assured that we will have a plan, making sure that the best interest of the children we serve are taken care of, that we are committed to making sure all of our potential graduates for this year have an opportunity to graduate on time.”
