Fayette County Board of Education

State Sen. Matt Woods and State Rep. Bryan Brinyark announced today that the Fayette County Board of Education has been awarded a $5 million grant to expand career and technical education opportunities for local students. The grant was made possible through a $150 million legislative appropriation that established a statewide grant program to expand career and technical education and workforce training in Alabama’s K-12 schools. Fayette County does not currently have a standalone career and technical education school.

The Fayette County Board of Education presented its proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget during a public hearing Sept. 8 before moving into its regular monthly meeting. The proposed budget anticipates approximately $32.36 million in revenues and $34.09 million in expenditures. State funding represents the largest source of revenue at approximately $22.15 million, followed by about $6.15 million in local revenue and $3.94 million in federal funding.

The Fayette County Board of Education heard a proposal for a Bible literature course, discussed classroom overcrowding and future facility needs and approved its five-year capital plan during its Monday, Aug. 11 meeting. Jared Wilson returned to the board to discuss plans for establishing a Bible as literature course, an idea he first presented to board members in January. Wilson said organizers have continued working on the proposal and have received encouragement from members of the community.

The Fayette County Board of Education approved personnel changes, salary schedules and several policy updates during its regular meeting on Monday, July 28, while also hearing an encouraging report on student achievement and plans for continued academic improvement. All board members were present. Following the approval of the meeting agenda, the board unanimously approved the personnel action report, which included resignations, transfers, new hires, temporary contracts and coaching assignments.

The Fayette County Board of Education honored the Hubbertville High School baseball team for its historic Class 1A state championship during its July 14 meeting before turning its attention to personnel changes and preparations for the upcoming school year. Before conducting regular business, Superintendent Jim Burkhalter recognized the Lions for capturing the first baseball state championship in school history and presented each player, coach and Principal Tim Dunavant with a copy of a resolution adopted by the board. Burkhalter said the team’s success went far beyond wins and losses.

The Fayette County Board of  Education approved a series of personnel recommendations during its June meeting, including teacher hires, resignations, summer program contracts and coaching assignments for the 2026-27 school year. All board members were present for the meeting. The board accepted the resignations of Jackson Elkins, countywide paraprofessional assigned to Fayette Elementary School; Harley Holsonback, teacher at Fayette Elementary School; Isabella Butts, teacher at Fayette Elementary School; and Bailey Burleson, teacher at Berry High School.

The Fayette County Board of Education recognized the academic achievements of graduating seniors, approved more than $300,000 in new social studies textbooks and discussed ongoing efforts to improve student achievement and school safety during its May 19 meeting. All board members were present for the meeting. The meeting began with recognition of the 2026 valedictorians and salutatorians from schools across the county. Students shared their plans for college and future careers.

The Fayette County Board of Educaton discusses the proposed new hire for a school improvement specialist at Berry High School. Pictured are (L-R): Jim Burkhalter, Brenda Webb, Julie Stough, Tierre Agnew, Portia Stowe, Tom Hubbert and John Aaron. 

The Fayette County Board of Education met Feb. 25 for the first day of a termination hearing involving Fayette Middle School nurse Stephanie Hill. Board Vice President Julie Stough presided over the hearing, which was held in open session at Hill’s request. A court reporter recorded the proceedings.

The Fayette County Board of Education met on Feb. 10 at Fayette County High School (FCHS). The meeting began with a prayer led by board member Tom Hubbert, who expressed gratitude for the school system, its teachers and administrators while asking for continued guidance in helping students grow academically and personally. Board members and attendees then recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members Brenda Webb and John Aaron were not in attendance.