Ivey Reappoints Chamber's Donny Jones to Alabama Workforce Council

Governor Kay Ivey has reappointed Donny Jones, Chief Operating Officer for the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and Executive Director of West Alabama Works, to the Alabama Workforce Council.

Formed in 2015 as an employer-led statewide effort to understand the structure, function, organization and perception of the Alabama workforce system, the Alabama Workforce Council facilitates collaboration between government and industry to help Alabama develop a sustainable, top-notch workforce that is competitive on a global scale. Since its inception, the Council has been committed to analyzing important issues related to workforce development and making sound recommendations that will help to create more and better opportunities for all Alabamians.

As director of West Alabama Works, Jones leads the team that supports the Region 3 Workforce Council. This regional workforce development system supports economic and workforce training activities throughout a nine-county area through both urban and rural outreach programs, and innovative initiatives.

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School Leaders Clarify Reopening Plans

[Source: The Tuscaloosa News]

At a Wednesday Zoom meeting sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, representatives from Tuscaloosa city and county school systems clarified plans for Aug. 20 reopenings, reiterating the refrain that flexibility remains key, during the pandemic.

Prefacing the “Our Schools: Recovery and Reopening” meeting, which drew numerous questions and comments from those viewing, Chamber President and CEO Jim Page noted tough calls had to be made, and that no matter which way choices went, leaders are “damned if they do, damned if they don’t.”

A video recording is available for viewing on the Chamber’s Facebook page.

Superintendent for the Tuscaloosa City Schools Mike J. Daria spoke further about results of Tuesday night’s meeting, at which the city school board voted 6-2 to open with virtual-only education for at least its first nine weeks.

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Tuscaloosa County School Board Selects New Superintendent

[Source: The Tuscaloosa News]

Keri Johnson currently serves as coordinator of Secondary Education and Exceptional Education for the Alabaster School System.

The Tuscaloosa County School Board has chosen an administrator with Alabaster City Schools to serve as the next superintendent.

The board voted Monday to extend an offer to Keri Johnson, who currently serves as coordinator of Secondary Education and Exceptional Education for the Alabaster system in Shelby County. The offer is contingent upon the board reaching a contract agreement.

She would replace Walter Davie, who announced his plans to retire earlier this year, but agreed to remain indefinitely as the system navigates complications from the coronavirus.

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