DBOE honors employees, greets new coach

Three Daleville City School system employees were honored and a new high school football coach was introduced at the Daleville Board of Education meeting Jan. 20.

Sara Sturgill, the licensed practical nurse at Daleville Middle and High Schools; Charlotte Carter, the registered head nurse and nurse at Windham Elementary School; and Tawanna Chorn, who does payroll and personnel for the DCS, were each presented an “Extra Mile Award” by DCS Superintendent Dr. Lisa Stamps. “Sometimes the worst things in life bring out the best in people,” Stamps said outlining how each of the trio have gone above any expected duty to serve others during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’ve had some hard working folks who have definitely gone the extra mile.”

Also at the meeting each of the BOE members received cards and gifts from students in each of the three city schools as tokens of appreciation for their support. “It’s Board Member Appreciation Month,” said Stamps. “We wanted to show you how much we appreciate all your have done. You have been charged with making wise decisions during some of the toughest times we’ve ever seen in the history of our schools in this country.”

In unrelated business, Stamps recognized the five members of the Daleville High School “Pride of the South” marching band who were chosen to participate in the inaugural Alabama All Star Band performing at the 2020 Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Football Game Dec. 12, 2020 in Montgomery.

“The band always represents well,” said DHS Principal Josh Robertson. “They always hold their own with the kids from bigger schools.”

The DBOE also unanimously approved the hire of Will Garner as the Daleville High School football coach. “When people come in to interview with the passion that you are looking for, with the passion that you are searching for to accomplish what you are striving for, you know you’ve found the right person,” said Robertson as he introduced Garner to those attending the DBOE meeting. “He’s got the passion and he’s got the experience.”

“It’s an absolute honor and pleasure to finally be here,” Garner told the board. “I want to thank Dr. Stamps and the school board for allowing me to be a part of the Daleville High School family.

“Daleville is the place that I have cherished for a long time through working with people who have been involved with Daleville,” Garner said. “It’s a place I was always envious that I never got to be a part of.

“It’s always been on my mind that when this opportunity arose I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be a part of this family and everything that is going on in this school system,” he added. “I’ve been lucky through this process and, the Good Lord willing, I’ve been chosen to be that guy.

“I can’t wait to be full time here and hit the ground running. I can’t wait to meet the kids and the staff and everybody here. We’ve got a lot of work to do and that’s what we plan to do,” Garner said. “We’re going to work hard. I can’t wait to get started.”

“I’m going to repeat what I said before,” Stamps said. “I am as giddy as a school girl about this hire.

“I was impressed with Coach Garner the first time we met him. When we brought him in the second time we took him around the facilities and when he looked at the list of kids, he knew what each of them looked like.

“And I thought, ‘He’s kept up with us and he knows a thing or two,’” she added. “I am very impressed. I am excited to have what we’re going to have.”

The next meeting of the DBOE is Feb. 17 at 4:30 p.m. in the Daleville High School cafeteria. The meeting is open to the public.