Harlan School Update/ALFRA Meeting

We've had some updates and clarifications concerning the termination of Dr. Shirley Coker at Harlan Elementary School in North Florence. It seems six teachers had requested transfers at the end of the last school year. At least some of these teachers were later questioned by an attorney for the Florence School Board.

The first called meeting of the Board was last Tuesday night. Dr. Coker received her walking papers on Wednesday, and a second Board meeting Thursday night put a coat of whitewash on the deal, or as one of our readers stated, the meeting was nothing but window dressing.

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ALABAMA ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON
CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES AND ENFORCEMENT MEETING

On Friday, August 2nd at 10:00 AM, THE ALABAMA ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES AND ENFORCEMENT WILL MEET in the Mezzanine Classroom, Heflin-Torbert Judicial Building, 300 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.

The purpose of the meeting is a 4 year review of Child-Support Guidelines in Rule 32, Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration as mandated by Federal Law.

This is an opportunity for parents to share their experiences directly with decision makers, with regard to application of the child support guidelines and enforcement. We would like to invite those impacted to participate so that the Child Support Committee will hear real stories of real situations to help them make informed and fact-based decisions toward improving the child support system for Alabamians. Even if you do not intend to speak, please attend to learn more about how State practices affect the lives of many Alabamians. Your presence alone could make a difference!

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ALFRA does much good in the state. If anyone with an interest in reforming the child support system in Alabama has the opportunity to attend this meeting, please do so.



Shoalanda

What's Wrong at Harlan Elementary School?

 

Several months ago, we received reports that Shirley Coker, principal of Harlan School in North Florence, had been playing musical chairs with her staff. While this may be upsetting to the school's employees, it's not a capital offense. Some parents have also weighed in on other issues at the school, but again, so many complaints can be viewed as subjective. Now the Florence City School Board has "accepted Coker's resignation."

We know only that the Thursday night board meeting was a called conclave not on their regular schedule and that Coker was escorted from the Harlan building. Will there be more information available later? It's a possibility, but if you've been a Harlan employee or parent who feels used and abused, we suggest you pay a visit to the board and tell them your story.

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The Alabama Music Hall of Fame Board has three vacancies. One of these was created by a 25-year veteran who felt he'd served long enough. Kudos to Jimmy Johnson for all he's done for the local music scene.

The other two vacancies were created by members who live in Tennessee; they stated this was an impediment to their effectiveness. We've long felt members of any board in Alabama should reside in this state. We have to ask if this epiphany just came to these two board members or are there underlying factors?

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Everyone out there in Florence have lights? We're just asking--it seems our Florence Electricity Department workers still don't have a contract...



Shoalanda