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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – The Pelham Board of Education gathered for a regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, May 21 at Pelham Park Middle School to address a variety of items ranging from student enrichment opportunities to curriculum development and policy updates, while also electing Robert Plummer as president and Shannon White as vice president of the board.

The meeting opened with routine proceedings, including the adoption of the meeting agenda, approval of minutes from previous sessions and the April 2025 financial statements.

Pelham City Schools Superintendent Dr. Chuck Ledbetter led the “Panther Pride” recognitions, a tradition highlighting outstanding achievements among students, staff and community members.

Ledbetter began with acknowledging the outstanding educators and students nominated in the 2024-2025 Student & Educator of the Year awards hosted by the Shelby County Chamber. Jackson Vaughan of Pelham Oaks Elementary School and Savannah Fisher of Pelham Ridge Elementary School were nominated for Elementary School Educator of the Year, with Fisher winning the award.

Trey Clark of Pelham Park Middle School was nominated for Middle School Educator of the Year, while Katie Travis of Pelham High School was nominated for High School Educator of the Year. Edwin Hernandez and Camdyn Martin, both students at Pelham High School, were nominated for awards as well. Martin won the Distinguished Student Standout of the Year award.

“This award highlights her remarkable leadership and academic excellence,” Ledbetter said. “She’s one of the most impressive speakers and thinkers I’ve ever seen.”

Elizabeth Dillard, a teacher at Pelham High School, was then named by Ledbetter as the Elevate Leader of the Year. The Elevate program, according to Ledbetter, empowers teachers to further enhance their professional growth.

“Her exceptional leadership and instructional advancement has made a meaningful impact on students and colleagues,” Ledbetter said. “Elizabeth’s dedication to student success, strong work ethic, collaborative nature and commitment to excellence have greatly contributed to the school’s growth and success.”

Ledbetter also acknowledged Bryleigh Brown, a student at Pelham Park Middle School who won first place at the 2025 Alabama Junior and Senior High School Beef Cook-Off. Further recognitions included competitors in the Americanism Essay Contest hosted by the Cahaba Valley Elks Lodge, the Alabama State Superintendent’s Visual Arts Exhibit and the PHS Culinary Team’s recent exploits at the National ProStart Invitational.

Athletic recognitions included PHS student Xavier Merchant being honored for winning Pelham’s first esports state title and Pelham track athletes being recognized for All-State honors.

Ledbetter continued “Panther Pride” by recognizing the departing PHS class of 2025.

“Our graduating seniors were collectively awarded scholarships totaling more than $15 million and applied to colleges across all 50 states,” Ledbetter said.

Martin was then awarded the prestigious The Pelham Way Award. The award is giving to a senior at PHS each year and recognizes exemplary character, resilience, leadership and significant contributions to school and community pride.

“Camdyn’s humility, compassion and unwavering dedication has inspired those around her,” Ledbetter said. “She truly embodies what it means to be a (Pelham) Panther, leaving behind a legacy of positivity, strength and community spirit that will inspire many Panthers to come.”

Ledbetter concluded by discussing the overall importance of “Panther Pride.”

“Tonight’s recognitions represent just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the incredible accomplishments happening daily in our schools,” Ledbetter said. “We are continuously amazed by the achievements of our students and teachers in academics, art, athletics, leadership and beyond. It’s inspiring to see the realization of goals and the successes they work so hard for.”

After Panther Pride, Plummer and White were elected to their new roles. The moves become effective in June, when Angie Hester’s term as president expires. Hester’s term in Place 2 of the Pelham BOE is also set to expire in June, and she will be replaced by Bob Lavett.

The board also reviewed and approved personnel matters related to staffing within Pelham City Schools. The board then approved three out-of-state field trips for the Pelham High School boys basketball team and also approved two summer workdays for six special education teachers at PHS.

The teachers will partner with an instructor from The Bailey Group to develop a transition curriculum for students in grades 9-12. Each teacher will receive a stipend of $150 per full day or $75 per half day. Approved educators include Jason Harchuck, Jody Colvin, Christina Jones Bice, Patrick DePew, Katie Roy and Elizabeth Dillard.

The board’s business concluded with voting to amend Board Policy 6.1 regarding Admissions and Attendance, specifically the subsection related to Compulsory Attendance and Entrance Age. In addition, board members reviewed proposed changes to the 2025-2026 Policy Manual, including updates to the student Code of Conduct. These revisions are expected to be finalized at a future meeting.

In a touching moment, Ledbetter and members of the Board of Education recognized and honored Hester for her years of dedicated service to both the BOE and Pelham as a whole.

“Angie, you’ve been a great mentor and a better friend,” said board member Bob O’Neil, holding back tears. “Thank you for everything.”

Hester gave remarks of her own, further adding to the emotions of the evening.

“This board is special,” Hester said. “They try really hard to put students first always, and that’s what makes Pelham so successful… I got the honor and privilege of getting a front-row seat to see it all happen.”

The board will next convene for a specially called meeting on Wednesday, June 4 at 7:30 a.m. at the PCS central office, while a regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Monday, June 30 at 6:30 p.m.