Each month, the Birmingham Board of Education recognizes the employees who go above and beyond the call of duty to make the district a better place, even when no one is looking.
These employees are critical to establishing and maintaining a positive culture and a safe, secure, and nurturing learning environment. They inspire their colleagues and our students to pursue excellence, serve others, and collaborate effectively towards common goals.
During its regularly scheduled board meeting on March 10, the board recognized the following employees:
Homer Logan, Child Nutrition Manager, and Willie Sanders, Ryan Hall, and Wanda Bleso, Child Nutrition Staff at Minor Elementary School
Every time the children and staff enter the lunchroom, we are greeted with a warm "good morning," smiling faces, and the friendly question, "Are you ready to eat?"
The food is always neatly displayed and smells wonderful!
One of our favorite things about the lunchroom is that Mr. Logan plays pleasant music for both teachers and students to enjoy. It creates a positive culture and welcoming climate that truly sets the tone for mealtime.We know that many of our children come to school hungry, but at Minor Elementary, they are well cared for in the lunchroom.
As the saying goes, "Good nutrition in early childhood ensures children will have healthy lifestyles later in life." And as Julia Child so perfectly said, "People who love to eat are always the best people."
Nominated by Minor Elementary Pre-K classes 1 and 2
LaQuanda Hall, Security Officer, Ramsay High School
Officer Hall consistently exemplifies the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and relationship within the Ramsay community. Her commitment to maintaining a secure school environment while fostering meaningful connections with students reflects the very essence of going above and beyond in service to our scholars.
Officer Hall upholds district and school policies with integrity and consistency, never compromising expectations for convenience. She comes to work each day with the clear purpose of ensuring that Ramsay remains a safe and supportive space for teaching and learning. Her presence throughout the building has contributed to a noticeable reduction in Class Il offenses, demonstrating the impact of proactive visibility and relationship-centered engagement.
Beyond enforcement, Officer Hall invests in the humanity of our students. In a recent situation involving a student who made a poor decision, she requested the opportunity to speak with the student, not simply to address the behavior, but to use the moment as a teachable experience. Drawing on her own life perspective, she approached the situation with empathy, reinforcing accountability while modeling care and mentorship.
Students view Officer Hall as more than a security officer! She is a trusted confidant, mediator, and advocate. She often spends her lunch periods sitting among students, listening, encouraging, and building rapport. Though she serves through Lane Federal as a contracted security officer, her commitment and presence have made her an integral part of the Ramsay family and, by extension, the Birmingham City Schools family.
Officer LaQuanda Hall's dedication to safety, student connection, and positive school culture makes her exceptionally deserving of Above and Beyond recognition. Her daily actions demonstrate that school security can extend beyond protection to include mentorship, compassion, and community-building.
Nominated by Dr. Carolyn Russell-Walker, Principal, Ramsay High School
Tara Caver, Child Nutrition Manager, Green Acres Middle School
Ms. Caver is not only the lunchroom manager at Green Acres but she is a mother figure to our scholars. Not only is she serving meals, she is serving kindness and knowledge on a daily basis. She always has a smile and a kind word for everyone she comes in contact with.
Nominated by Kimberly WIlkins of Green Acres Middle School
The Faculty and Staff of Inglenook K-8: Secretary Phillis Famuyiwa and Teachers Kelsie Coleman, Rhett Franklin, Bessie Gholston, Ashia Hudson, Princess James Muhammad, Quenetta Mason, Norma Moorer, Rosalyn Wheller-Butts, and Angela White
Following the devastating Thanksgiving storms that severely damaged our school building, ripping off portions of the roof and disrupting the HVAC system, our faculty was faced with unexpected and significant challenges. Yet, in the face of adversity, the educators of Inglenook K-8 demonstrated unwavering commitment to our scholars and to the mission of Birmingham City Schools.
Immediately upon returning from the break, our teachers did not hesitate. They carefully packed essential materials, reorganized instructional plans, and prepared to continue delivering high-quality instruction from temporary school locations. Their flexibility and professionalism ensured that learning continued with minimal disruption for our students.
Each morning, many of our teachers arrive as early as 6:30 a.m. to assist with transporting students from Inglenook to their temporary campuses. Despite the physical and emotional toll of long days and ongoing adjustments, they consistently greet our scholars with warm smiles, positive energy,and an unshakable commitment to excellence. They have truly embodied resilience, teamwork, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child.
Birmingham City Schools is fortunate to have such a dedicated and selfless group of educators. Their perseverance during this challenging time exemplifies the very best of our district's values and serves as a powerful reminder of the impact committed educators have on their communities.
Nominated by Dydrea Pittman, Assistant Principal, Inglenook K-8