Board approves nutrition bids, field trips at April meeting

By Tracey Tylman 

 For The Enquirer 

The Hartselle City Schools Board of Education approved child nutrition bids, out-of-state field trips and the enrollment of out-of-district students during its April meeting. The board also heard a request from Hartselle High School special education teacher Amanda Garner, who asked the board to consider tuition discounts for staff with children attending the district from outside city limits.  

Last month, the board voted to increase the annual tuition fee for out-of-district students from $500 to $750. The new rate reflects findings from a five-year study on the cost of educating each student. 

Garner was one of several faculty members present Tuesday night asking the board to consider a discount for school employees affected by the increase. She emphasized that students of staff members often perform well academically and maintain strong attendance. Garner argued that a tuition waiver or discount could help retain quality educators. 

“My desire, and the desire of many of my colleagues, is that you consider calling a vote to waive this tuition,” she told the board. “I feel that I and my fellow colleagues dedicate ourselves every day to supporting our students, our schools and this community. Our children, friends and families who support them also contribute to our schools.” 

Garner also proposed a partial discount as a compromise, in consideration of fairness to staff who reside within the district and are not subject to tuition fees. 

Board member Daxton Maze responded that the board had already discussed the matter and its impact on faculty. Of the district’s 499 employees, 93 live outside the district and would be affected by the fee hike. Maze said offering a discount to those employees would not be equitable to the remaining 406 staff members who live in-district. 

Maze also apologized to faculty for the lack of direct communication about the tuition increase, saying he wished the board had done a better job informing staff about the change. 

In other business, the board approved a new faith-based club for high school students called “Girls of Glory.” The group, open to students in grades 9–12, held its first meeting April 15. 

The board also voted to extend high school counselors’ contracts from 10 months to 12 months, noting that counselors’ responsibilities continue through the summer. These include support for summer school, testing, college preparation and student mental health. The change currently applies only to high school counselors, though board members said the adjustment may be considered for lower grade levels if needed. 

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for 7 a.m. May 22 at the central office.