The Butler County Board of Education held its regular meeting on January 15, 2024, to recognize the Teachers of the Year and honor its board members. The event highlighted the significant contributions of educators in the community, with board member Michael Nimmer commending the achievements of the teachers. “They’re great teachers, they do a wonderful job,” he stated. “But I know most of them, a lot of them I’ve known for years, and they’re fantastic people, people that are examples to our kids in the communities.”
Among those honored were the Elementary Teachers of the Year: Melanie Keener from W.O. Parmer Elementary School, Kenyon Berry from Greenville Elementary School, Holly McDonald from Greenville Middle School, Teneika Daniels from McKenzie School, and Erica Presley from Georgiana School. The Secondary Teachers of the Year included Autumn Coleman from Greenville Middle School, Andy Brown from Greenville High School, Rachel Blackburn from McKenzie School, and Amanda Brogden from Georgiana School.
Celebrating School Board Recognition Month
Superintendent Joseph Eiland took the opportunity to mark January as School Board Recognition Month. He praised the five-member board for their active involvement in both the schools and the wider community. “This is my favorite board meeting of the year because we get to recognize the five men who serve — when I say serve, I mean serve — this school district as leaders, decision makers, policy makers and ears to the public,” Eiland expressed. His remarks emphasized the board’s visibility and engagement in school events and community discussions.
In addition to recognizing educators, Eiland provided updates on district initiatives. He noted the acquisition of new 2025 Hyundai vehicles for the driver education program. The transportation department is currently installing necessary equipment, which includes a brake and accelerator for the instructor’s side, saving the district approximately $20,000 in mechanical costs.
District Developments and Accomplishments
Eiland reported on several ongoing projects aimed at improving school facilities. Key updates included enhancements at McKenzie School, new awnings at both Georgiana School and Greenville High School, restroom restorations at Greenville High School, and re-roofing of multiple buildings. The boardroom parking lot is also undergoing resurfacing work.
Among the district’s accomplishments, Greenville Elementary School emerged victorious in the first-semester attendance challenge, achieving top honors for four consecutive months. Furthermore, Greenville High School will receive recognition on February 12 from Governor Kay Ivey, state legislators, and the Alabama State Department of Education as one of the state’s ten most improved schools.
Additional announcements during the meeting included the upcoming county spelling bee on January 28, which will be covered live by WSFA, the ongoing annual state audit, and the opening of pre-kindergarten registration also on January 15. The district will observe Career and Technical Education Month and Black History Month in February, alongside progress in the FAFSA completion campaign. Eiland highlighted that Georgiana School currently leads the district with a 76% FAFSA completion rate, the highest reported in the state as of the meeting date.
The recognition of educators and the strategic updates presented by Superintendent Eiland underscore Butler County’s commitment to excellence in education and community engagement.
