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By DANIEL LOCKE | Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – At a regularly scheduled meeting of the Shelby County Schools Board of Education on Thursday, Sept. 25, Paula Cooper, director of the Shelby County Schools HIPPY Program, was presented with the Journey Shaper Award.

Dr. Lynn Carroll, the deputy superintendent and assistant superintendent of instruction for Shelby County Schools, presented the award to Cooper on behalf of Superintendent Dr. Lewis Brooks.

“We’re just very thankful for the work that you’ve done investing in the youngsters and preschoolers of our county,” Carroll said. “Thank you for all that you have given to this program. Not many people get the Journey Shaper Awards, they’re special.”

While Brooks was unable to be at the meeting to present Cooper with the award, Carroll made sure that everyone in attendance knew how special the Journey Shaper Award is to him and how much he enjoys presenting it to the hardworking individuals who make an impact in Shelby County Schools.

“Dr. Brooks wanted to make sure that you receive a Journey Shaper Award for recognition of your exceptional leadership and dedication to the HIPPY Program.”

The HIPPY Program, which stands for Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters, is a parent involvement, school readiness home visitation program that helps eligible parents prepare young children for success in school and life.

Cooper has served as the program’s director for 10 years, and her career in education has spanned over three decades.

In other news, the board:

• Approved the minutes of its Sept. 11 meeting
• Heard an instruction report from Carroll
• Approved six out-of-state field trips
• Approved the Shelby County Regional Juvenile Detention Center Agreement for the 2025-2026 school year
• Approved the Day Program Agreement for the 2025-2026 school year
• Approved the fiscal year 2026 detailed at-risk community partners’ distribution amounts
• Approved the Day Program Pass Thru Money Agreement for the 2025-2026 school year
• Heard a management report from John Gwin
• Approved the payroll and monthly expenditures for the month of August
• Approved the termination of a probationary classified employee
• Approved TEAMS contracts
• Approved personnel actions
• Approved bus subs and aides
• Approved a change order to an architect’s job at Chelsea High School
• Heard an architect and construction report from Barbara Snyder

The board will reconvene for a regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 4 p.m. at the Central Office in Columbiana.