By DONNA THORNTON, Editor
Changes are coming to Asbury schools with the establishment of separate elementary schools on both campuses.
At the board’s June 11 meeting, Superintendent Cindy Wigley announced that more than a year ago she requested the establishment of separate school at Asbury (and at Kate Duncan Smith DAR) “because I believe our students, teachers, and families would benefit from additional leadership and support,” she said.
The district is now completing the transition of separate elementary and high schools at KDS-DAR, and is now ready for the next step: establishing Asbury Primary School and Asbury Middle School as separate schools.
Wigley said she’d been notified by the Alabama State Department of Education that it will provide funding for salaries of two new principals for the school, clearing the way for the two separate schools.
The board voted to form Asbury Primary and Asbury Middle Schools at the meeting, and approved the posting of principals’ positions at the two schools as soon as possible.
“I believe this is an important investment in the future of Asbury and a great opportunity to increase instructional leadership, student achievement, and school success,” Wigley said.
Wigley also announced the beginning of a new initiative called “Growing Purpose,” designed to provide transition-age student and individuals with special needs with opportunities to develop job skills, build confidence, and gain independence.
With support from a $25,000 grant from RC&D, the school district will build a greenhouse on the Brindlee Mountain High School campus. “Our long-term vision is for Growing Purpose to evolve into an adult-leg business that provides employment and serves our community for years to come,” Wigley said. “This project represents hope, purpose, and a commitment to ensuring every individual has the opportunity to thrive.”
Wigley also recognized KDS-DAR Elementary and Brindlee Mountain Schools for earning the Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School designation. “This national recognition is earned through a rigorous process,” she said. “Achievements like this are not built overnight. They are the result of years of hard work, dedication, and a shared commitment to doing what is best for students. This recognition reflects t h e efforts of countless students, teachers, support staff, administrators, families and community members who have worked together to create outstanding learning environments.”
Brindlee Mountain Elementary was also named a 2025-2026 CLAS School of Distinction, earning the highest recognition awarded by CLAS. Wigley said the honor recognized the schools’ Momentum that Matters initiative and reflected the hard work, dedication, and commitment of students, teachers, staff and administrators. She said Brindlee Mountain is one of only eight schools in the state to earn Banner Status this year.
The board approved a change in the price of school lunches for adults, from $5 to
$5.25, with breakfast meals stay the same. The increase is necessary to comply with federal guidelines and will begin in school year 2026-2027.
In other action, the board awarded a Smallwares bid to Singer MS, approved a budget amendment and financial reports, and the following personnel actions:
Summer Worker Contract(s)/ Agreement(s)
Credit Recovery, Asbury High School, effective June 1 – June 30.
• Jason Atchley
• Reagan Lashlee
• M a t t Pendergrass
• Laura Sharp
• Jessica Webb
Student Summer Workers, effective May 26-Aug. 5.
• Sawyer Baker
• Arayelly Sepulveda
Contract Service(s)/ Agreement(s)
Valerie Chamblee, Part-Time Intervention, Asbury Elementary School, effective July 31-May 31.
Melinda Giddy, Long-Term Substitute, Brindlee Mountain Primary, effective Aug. 6- Nov- 5, 2026.
Ginger Hill, Part-Time Intervention, Asbury Elementary School, effective July 31-May 31.
Mitzi Hughes, Part-Time Intervention, Asbury Elementary School, effective July 31-May 31.
Laura Landers, Part-Time Counselor, Douglas High School, effective June 1-July 31.
Darlene Mosley, Part-Time Intervention, Asbury Elementary School, effective July 31-May 31.
Kim Morrow, Part-Time Homeless Advocate, Marshall County Schools, effective June 1-Sept. 30, 2026.
Melissa Shankles, Part-Time Intervention, Asbury Elementary School, effective July 31-May 31.
Angie Stanfield, Part-Time Counselor, Brindlee Mountain High School, effective June 1, 2026-July 31, 2027.
Retirement(s) and Resignation(s)
Megan Anderson, CNP Stock Clerk/ Janitor, Asbury High School, employment resignation, effective June 25.
Lois Crabtree, CNP Manager, Brindlee Mountain Elementary School, employment resignation and retirement, effective Aug. 1.
Mandy Garmany, Nurse, Brindlee Mountain Elementary School, employment resignation effective June 1.
Vic Granger, Bus Driver, Marshall County Schools, employment resignation and retirement, effective June 1.
Chris Hicks, Teacher/ Bus Driver, DAR High School, employment resignation and retirement, effective June 1.
Hilary Petty, Teacher, Sloman Primary/Douglas Elementary, employment resignation, effective June 1.
Chelsea Selvage, Teacher, Douglas Elementary School, employment resignation, effective May 29.
Tammy West, Executive Administrative Assistant, Marshall County Board of Education, employment resignation and retirement, effective June 1.
Transfers
Christie Dawson, Supply Driver, Marshall County, to Bus Driver, Asbury, effective July 31.
Shelby Sanders, Reading Coach, DAR Elementary, t o Reading Coach, DAR Primary, effective July 31.
Crystal Tims, Teacher, Douglas Middle School, to Teacher, Douglas Elementary School, effective July 31.
Non-Renewal(s)
Wigley recommended and the board approved two non-renewal(s); the persons non-renewed were not identified in the meeting or in the final agenda.
New Employee
Eddie Reid, CDL Instructor, Marshall Technical School, retroactive start date to June 2.
The board approved the following contract services:
Huntsville Behavior Associates (Board Certified Behavior Associates), professional services, SY 2026-2027.
Katherine Ingram & Team, DBA Cuddle Bugs and Associates (Direct and Indirect Vision and Mobility services), professional services, SY 2026-2027.
The board approved a travel request for Douglas High School teacher Austin Harris to attend the Briggs and Stratton Workshop in Murray, KY, June 22-25. Costs are grand funded.
The next board meeting will be June 25 at 4 p.m. at the Marshall County Board of Education.
