At a special called meeting on Thursday, the Selma City School Board of Education (SCBOE) approved personnel recommendations from Selma City School Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams.

“For the 2019 fiscal year, our average daily membership decreased by 219.8 students,” Williams told the board. “Enrollment data shows that we have had a trend of a declining number of students for several years. The amount of our funding is largely based on total student enrollment. Because of the trend, we are experiencing of a decline in student population and other financial circumstances, our school system requires a reduction in work force in order to maintain effective provision of educational services. For these reasons, I recommend that the Board implement a reduction in force.”

After that was approved in a 4-1 vote with SCBOE member Brenda Randolph Obomanu voting no, the next recommendation came from Williams to decide where the reduction would come from.

Williams’ recommendation was to reduce one central office director employee, one attendance clerk employee and one district parent facilitator employee.

This action was approved in another 4-1 split vote with Obomanu voting against it.

The final reduction action was the employees that would be affected.

Williams’ recommendation was to eliminate the director of learning supports position, effective June 30, transfer an attendance clerk effective June 13 and a parent facilitator employee would agree to retire effective July 1.

This action was approved in a 4-1 split with Obomanu voting against it.

Other personnel recommendations were approved by the board.

“It is unfortunate,” Williams said speaking of the force reduction but adding that it was necessary to move forward with the system and to continue to provide services.