The Franklin County Board of Education welcomed Carol Murphree as a new member representing District 4 and Terry Welborn as a continuing member representing District 2 in a swearing-in ceremony Nov. 29.

Murphree defeated incumbent Democratic candidate Shannon D. Oliver in the general election Nov. 8, securing 857 votes, 75.51 percent, to Oliver’s 276, 24.32 percent. Welborn received 953 votes to 19 write-in votes.

Franklin County Schools Superintendent Greg Hamilton welcomed Murphree to her new position and Welborn to another term for his. Franklin County Circuit Judge Brian Hamilton performed the swearing-in ceremony.

Each solemnly swore to support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Alabama so long as they continue citizens thereof, as well as to faithfully and honestly discharge, to the best of their abilities, the duties of their offices.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to serve for the first time on the Franklin County Board of Education,” said Murphree, a retired teacher from Russellville City Schools. “I’m eager to learn the ropes and work hard to better the education of all the children in our school system. I’m looking forward to being able to impact education as a member of the board and drawing from the experience I’ve gained over the years.”

Welborn said he’s looking forward to having the chance to serve again.

“I’m eager to continue doing everything I can to continue working for the best for the students in our school system,” said Welborn. “The last few years, our education’s been better, and our money’s been better. I want to continue working to uphold those standards. Hopefully, we can get better each day.”

In the board’s meeting, which was held directly after, the board approved:

• Certified and support personnel salary schedule schedules and supplement schedules for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. Hamilton explained the system is funded based on the state salary matrix, for the foundation units they earn per year, which is based on the number of students.
• Updated Procedures to Access Public Record documents. Hamilton said these documents had not been updated in more than 10 years, and fees will increase to $60 per hour and 50 cents per copy.
• Three resignations, one retirement, five employments, one transfer, two leaves of absence, three substitute bus drivers and three new hires for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers for Oct. 2022 through May 2023.

The next meeting of the Franklin County Board of Education will be Feb. 7, beginning with the work session at 5 p.m. and the business meeting directly following.