DeKalb BOE to Expand Bus Fleet

By Marla Jones Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

The DeKalb County Board of Education held its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, February 16. The meeting was changed to 1:00 p.m. from 5 p.m., due to the potential of severe weather.

The Board accepted the low bid from Southland International, to expand the county’s bus fleet. The bid was for (12) 2024 Type C, 72 Passenger School Buses, with air conditioning in the amount of $118,838.79 per bus.

“The DCBOE, Mr. Lyles, and our CSFO Anthony Cooper remain committed to serving DeKalb County Students with the best buses possible. With the number of summer programs and summer travel continuing to grow, the DCBOE voted to continue the purchase of air-conditioned buses” stated Transportation Supervisor, Dr. Keith Atchley.

“With this purchase, DeKalb County will be operating 36 AC-equipped buses next year. All 121 routes will be covered by buses that are 10 years old or newer.

Resolution 2023-04, which is an annual resolution to inform ADEM of steps taken by the Wastewater Plant to meet permit requirements.

The Council approved the following activity permits:

• Cotton State Boutique, Easter Egg Hunt, City Park, Saturday, April 1, from Noon until 5:00 p.m.

• Nicole Goggans, Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk, Sunday, September 24from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

This is an amazing accomplishment for a rural, Title 1 district. I would like to thank our Board and district leadership for supporting Transportation.” concluded Atchley. Early graduation was approved for Cadance

File Photo

Twilley of Plainview High School. Cadence is currently in college working toward a medical degree.

The following Retirements and Resignations were

Managing Editor

adjustment to the Parks and Recreation Department. The fields, at the Fort Payne Sports Complex, will not be completed for play this season.

The four fields at the Rec Center will need eight dugouts. The adjustment will cover the cost of those dugouts.

The Council passed

The Council approved July 3, as the date of the annual City Fireworks display. There will be no other festivities other than the firework display this year. Fireworks will be in front of the Little Ridge Intermediate School.

The next regularly scheduled meeting on March 7, will be canceled due to three Councilmembers being out of town.

The Council went into Executive Session to discuss litigation, with no action taken.