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The Troy City Schools Board of Education approved eight retirements and one resignation during its meeting on Monday.

The meeting was held via videoconference due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Retirements approved include:

• Joyce Cooper, Troy Elementary first grade teacher.

• Janet Maddox, Troy Elementary fifth-grade teacher.

• Mary Andrews, Troy Elementary child nutrition program

• Jenetta Scott, Troy Elementary instructional aide.

• Kitty Benton, Charles Henderson Middle School nurse.

• Karla Johnson, Charles Henderson High School, Spanish teacher.

• Anthony Johnson, Charles Henderson High School JROTC Army Instructor.

• Sharon Rhodes, Charles Henderson High School media specialist.

The board also approved the resignation of Abbie Lewis, Troy Elementary second-grade teacher.

“I want to say thank you to all of those who are retiring for what they have done for our system over the years,” said Roxie Kitchens, board member.

In other business, the board approved a resolution relating to operations of the district during the state of emergency caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. The resolution allows, among other things, the superintendent or interim superintendent to make decisions without prior board authority as necessary; waiving of bid requirements when necessary; waiving of rules and procedures that would interfere with administrators’ efforts to implement learning programs; and board meetings via conference call when necessary.

A second resolution, which will be sent to state lawmakers, reiterates the board’s opposition to a statewide school start date proposed by some members of the Alabama Legislature.

In reviewing its financial statement, the board’s sales tax revenues for March 2020 were more than $293,000, a 6.2 percent increase over the prior year. Utilities for January 10 through February 10 were $22,912.33, a 33 percent decrease from the prior year.

Board members also thanked administrators and faculty members for their efforts to adjust quickly to the cancellation of on-campus classes and the implementation of distant learning curriculums for the students.

“I want to say thank you to everyone for quickly transitioning the operations last month,” said Jonathan Cellon. “And I want you to know the board supports each of you 100 percent.”

He also urged the community to remember to support local businesses at this critical time. “It’s vital for our business community, and it’s vital for our schools,” he said.

“Every dollar of the taxes spent here stays local, and that’s not always the case when you buy something online.”

Interim Superintendent Cynthia Thomas echoed thanks to the administrators and faculty members who “have all overcome the challenges put before them.:

“I always pray that our students stay safe during these uncertain times,” she said.