The Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee met in January, its second meeting, to review and revise a draft application for appointment to the Pell City Board of Education. The City Council anticipates a progress update from the Committee this month.
The Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee is comprised of Tammie Williams, Monique Bowman, Rusty Jessup, Jeff Jones, Cory Bline, Roland St. John, and Kelly Furgerson.
During its January meeting, the Committee organized the criteria it will use to solicit ideal applicants for the Pell City Board of Education. According to Steering Committee Chair Kelly Furgerson, the foundation of the application for appointment will use specific language about the most desirable characteristics for Pell City BOE members. These traits include:
- Willingness to give sufficient time and effort
- A belief in the spirit and need for public education
- The ability to motivate other people
- The capacity to understand people
- The insight needed to work as part of a cooperative body
- Devotion to the concept of a better society through education
- Commitment to a high expectation for student achievement
- Commitment to a high expectation for quality instruction
- The ability to define a vision for excellence and the goals for its achievement
Committee members are fully engaged and moving quickly. Their work has focused on creating the draft application for appointment and timeline. When ready, both will be presented to the City Council and, if approved, released to the public.
The Committee report to the City Council is expected to include actionable recommendations for the next steps in transitioning the Board of Education from an elected to an appointed board.
About the Steering Committee
The City Council appointed the seven Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee members in October 2024. The Steering Committee is comprised of Tammie Williams, Monique Bowman, Rusty Jessup, Jeff Jones, Cory Bline, Roland St. John, and Kelly Furgerson.
Among other responsibilities, the Committee was tasked with interviewing and recommending future members of the Pell City Board of Education to the City Council for appointment. Its members are serving an initial term of two years.
Members of the Steering Committee committed to drafting an application that reflects their intentions of recommending the best possible candidates for appointment to the Pell City Board of Education.
Steering Committee Activity
- December 17, 2024: Organizational Meeting
- January 23, 2025: Application Roundtable
The Steering Committee was activated in November 2024 and held its organizational meeting at the close of the year. During the meeting, Committee members reviewed applications for Board member appointments from across the nation.
Committee members met in January to discuss the application for appointment, consider applicant criteria, and suggest information and questions that should be included in the final document.
“The members of the Steering Committee are committed to a transparent and thorough process for recommending the very best individuals to serve on our Board of Education,” said Furgerson, who was elected Chair of the Committee during the initial meeting. “We take our responsibility seriously and are dedicated to ensuring the application process is fair, equitable, and accessible to all qualified candidates.”
About the Appointed Board of Education
Amendment 1, proposed by Sen. Lance Bell, sought to correct education governance issues in St. Clair County by converting the Pell City Board of Education from elected to appointed. This change was approved by St. Clair County voters in the November 2024 General Election. Appointments will be made by the City Council.
The measure dictates that at least two members of the appointed Board must reside in the county portion of the Pell City Schools Attendance Zone and Tax District, which includes the areas of Riverside, New London, and Cook Springs, among others.
The Board of Education plays a vital role in shaping the future of our community by overseeing the district’s educational policies and ensuring the success of the district’s more than 4,000 students. Those interested in an appointment to the Board are encouraged to follow the City’s official communication channels for updated information.
