Core Notes

Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools Elementary, Tuscaloosa Magnets Schools Middle and Westlawn Middle School were celebrated Tuesday for their designation as "National Schools of Character."

In a ceremony at the Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy, the schools were honored by Character.org for being among 52 schools across the country to receive the "National Schools of Character" designation, which is meant to recognize schools and districts that demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development. Research has shown that character development has a positive impact on academic achievement, student behavior and school climate.

During the celebration, which included a performance by the Central High School band and cheerleaders, banners and awards were given to the schools, a proclamation was given on behalf of the City of Tuscaloosa, and the Tuscaloosa Education Foundation gave each school a plaque in honor of their achievement.The Hope Initiative also celebrated the recognition of the three schools.

"If I looked at a school I'd want my children to go to, I'd look for a school that focuses on character and builds their academics as well as their self, and that's what these schools are doing. The work that these educators are doing and the role they are playing to ensure these students have a solid foundation in character first is so important," said Tuscaloosa City Schools Superintendent Mike Daria.

It is a goal and part of the TCS strategic plan that all TCS schools are named "state school of character" or "national school of character" by 2025, and that the system be recognized as a "school district of character" for having 50 percent of its schools reach character designation, including an elementary, middle and high school.

"Our Board of Education wants a school system where character is at the heart of what we do," Daria added. "And this work affirms that. We are not yet done, we still have a way to go, but we have the right people doing the right work."

A new "Character Student of the Month" partnership was also announced Tuesday. Each month, 2-3 TCS students will be recognized for their demonstration of an “ethic of caring,” responsibility and other ideals as taught in character instruction. Townsquare Media will sponsor the "Character of the Month" award, and recognize the students publicly for their work.

A proposed of approximately $150 million for the 2023 fiscal year was presented to the Tuscaloosa Board of Education Tuesday night for a first reading. The bulk of the budget, approximately 88 percent, is made up of employee salaries and benefits, TCS CSFO Jay Duke told the board.

Also during Tuesday night's board meeting, the board was presented a proposed salary schedule for the next fiscal year. Based off of raises approved by the state, TCS employees will be getting raises anywhere from 4 percent to 20.81 %. Educators who have worked the longest will receive the highest percent raise. Also included in the plan is adding an additional step raise for classified employees.

Educators tied to the salary matrix approved by the legislature will have their ​pay increase funded by the state, ​all others will be funded with local money, TCS Human Resources Executive Director Dr. Deron Cameron told the board.

The proposed budget will be voted on during the next board meeting Sept. ​13, and the proposed salary schedule will be voted on Sept. 20.

The outdoor basketball court at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary will soon be renovated, a project being done and paid for by the Tuscaloosa Police Department. According to a TPD spokesman, the project will improve the courts and also make them safer. The project will be paid for by the TPD, which uses the courts for its Tuscaloosa Police Department Community Policing Program. The program is designed to provide a safe, fun atmosphere for youth ages 6-18 to play basketball in the communities where they live. The Board of Education approved the project unanimously Tuesday.

Another project was also approved by the board included upgrades of the practice athletic field at Northridge High School. The fence at the baseball practice field/outfield will be removed to allow grass to grow. Sprinklers will be added , and the upgrades will not interrupt athletic practices, Executive Director of Facilities Ed Smith told the board. The project, which was unanimously approved, will be paid for by Northridge athletic boosters and team funding.

Email: webmaster@tusc.k12.al.us
Website: tuscaloosacityschools.com
Location: 1210 21st Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
Phone: 205-759-3700
Facebook: facebook.com/TCSBoardofed
Twitter: @TCSBoardofed