Daily photo by Bayne Hughes The West Morgan High School jazz band plays at a Morgan County Schools reception for the local legislative delegation Tuesday night at Quail Creek Resort.

Morgan County Schools host legislative delegation

By Bayne Hughes
hughes@decaturdaily.com · 340-2432

HARTSELLE — Morgan County Schools plied the local legislative delegation with music, food and a few gifts Tuesday night at an appreciation reception at Quail Creek Resort.

Superintendent Bob Balch said the evening, which featured music from the West Morgan High School jazz band, was to recognize state Reps. Bill Dukes, D-Decatur; Ronald Grantland, D-Hartselle; Jeremy Oden, R-Eva; and Micky Hammon, R-Decatur, and state Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur.

“This is just a night to honor them and give them a chance to meet our employees,” Balch said.

School board President Jimmy Dobbs agreed but said a evening like this also gives them a chance to discuss important school issues like the school calendar and seat belts on school buses.

“There’s no hidden agenda,” said Dobbs, who is running for District 8 president of the Alabama Association of School Boards. “But tonight is a chance to give them some information so they can make informed decisions, not just decide.”

School funding is always a major issue between educators and the state legislators. Each member of the delegation got a chance to speak, and several touted the $1 billion bond issue they approved during the spring session. The bond issue will provide money for school systems to fund many of their capital project needs. Morgan County has 17 projects, including four classroom expansions, planned for fiscal 2008.

“We hope this bond issue turns the tide for you in terms of facilities,” Oden said.

Balch and the board presented each member of the delegation with a golf shirt and a plaque.

Email This Page