By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—The Pelham Board of Education welcomed Pam Phifer to the Pelham City Schools staff during an April 14 meeting. The school board voted to hire Phifer as the central office bookkeeper for the new school system during a March 14 specially-called meeting.

Before coming to Pelham, Phifer worked for both the Homewood and Hoover school systems, chief school financial officer, Lauren Butts, said.

“She’ll be a great addition to our staff,” Pelham Board of Education President Rick Rhoades said. “It’s so encouraging to see the caliber of people who want to be part of our school system.”

In addition to welcoming Phifer to the staff, the Pelham Board of Education made several important decisions for the new Pelham City School System, including approval of an electronic time management system and steps toward a school food program.

The school board approved Interim Superintendent Dr. Tim Alford’s recommendation to accept a contract with Gorrie-Regan for an electronic wage and time management system.

“This is an automated system that will free up time in the payroll process,” Butts said.

Butts noted that Gorrie-Regan is an Alabama-based company with support offices located in Birmingham, and offered service at a “slightly cheaper per-user” cost than the other vendors considered.

The Board of Education also voted to begin the bid process for a Child Nutrition Program operating system vendor, as suggested by child nutrition program consultant, Maureen Alexander.

“Maureen Alexander advised us to bid it now,” Alford said, adding they needed to start the process now to ensure the schools “have food when school starts.”

The school board continues to search for candidates for leadership positions in the Pelham City School System.

“The search for leadership continues in a variety of areas,” Rhoades said. “We will alert the public as information becomes available.”

The Pelham Board of Education announced an April 24 Steering Committee meeting and a May 1 community forum both held at the Pelham Civic Complex, and Rhoades encouraged community participation.

“We need everyone’s involvement and participation to create a common vision,” Rhoades said.