2 teachers hired at special meeting

By Melinda L. Lucas

With two new teachers hired during a special session earlier this week, all vacancies with Albany ISD are now filled, according to superintendent Jonathan Scott.

Five of the seven AISD trustees met for about 30 minutes on Monday evening, July 1, with the sole purpose of reviewing Scott’s recommendations for the last two spots, which were both at the secondary level.

Names familiar to Albany residents were presented to the board.

After recent interviews, Scott recommended Michaela Folsom Bradford and Dakota Fowler, both hired by unanimous vote in separate motions.

Bradford taught ag in Moran before taking the job as Shackelford County AgriLife Agent a couple of years ago.

She will be teaching a new agri-business study that was requested by students and should also generate funding through the Career & Technical Education (CTE) program.

Scott emphasized that the position was separate from and in addition to the current ag classes, and will basically take the place of the FCCLA classes that were taught by Kenzie Fairchild, who is moving back to the elementary campus.

“This is not meant to have another ag sponsor to take kids to shows and contests,” he said. “These will be business classes.”

Bradford’s 10-month probationary contract was approved on a motion by Kelly Head, seconded by Ginny Ivy.

Fowler, another Albany High School graduate, has been teaching and coaching in Moran the last few years. She was hired for a 10-1/2 month probationary contract on a motion by Cory Brown, seconded by Head.

Fowler will teach eighth grade English/language arts and other classes, along with coaching junior high volleyball and basketball and serving as head girls track coach.

With Monday’s two hires, Scott expects teaching assignments and the scheduling process to be complete in the near future.