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The Dothan City Board of Education approved a new performance-based incentive program Tuesday, Sept. 22, that will provide eligible Jerry Lee Faine Elementary School educators the opportunity to earn up to $12,000 in supplemental compensation while supporting the school’s continued turnaround efforts. The Jerry Lee Faine Elementary School Turnaround Incentive Program is a one-year, results-driven supplemental compensation program for the 2026-2027 performance year intended to reward educators for measurable student achievement and academic growth while strengthening instructional continuity, employee attendance and staff retention at the school.

“This program is an investment in our students and in the educators who take on the important work happening at Jerry Lee Faine,” Dothan City Schools Superintendent Dr. Garrick Askew said. “Strong, consistent instruction is essential to improving student outcomes. This gives us another tool to reward educators for that work while attracting and retaining talented teachers who want to make a meaningful difference for students.”

Eligible instructional employees can earn incentives based on verified student performance measures associated with their position, grade level and content area. Measures include i-Ready Inform Reading and Mathematics growth for students in grades K-3, Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) proficiency, and academic growth for applicable students in grades 3-5. For eligible general education, special education and gifted teachers, performance incentives range from $500 to $750 per student, per applicable content area, based on established student achievement and growth benchmarks. Instructional coaches and interventionists may also earn incentives based on applicable grade-level performance measures. Eligible employees can earn an additional $500 attendance incentive by maintaining at least 90 percent attendance during the applicable 2026-2027 employment period. Altogether, the program establishes a maximum of $12,000 in total incentive compensation per eligible employee for the performance year.

The new program adds to other financial incentives currently available to qualifying educators at Faine, including a $3,000 hiring and retention bonus to eligible, fully certified teachers at Faine Elementary, Girard Elementary, and Beverlye Intermediate. DCS also offers a $6,000 incentive to eligible, fully certified special education teachers at all schools throughout the district. Both incentives require a three-year employment agreement. Dothan City Schools hopes the combination of performance-based compensation and existing incentives will help recruit and retain highly qualified educators who are prepared to contribute to Faine’s continued improvement.

“We want educators to know there is an opportunity at Faine to be part of a team doing meaningful work and to be rewarded for the results of that work,” Askew said. “For educators who are ready to embrace that challenge and help students reach their full potential, we want them here.”

The Alabama State Department of Education reviewed the Turnaround Incentive Program and supported the proposal contingent upon local Board approval and completion of appropriate legal review. The program is funded through available and allowable Governor’s Turnaround funding and does not create a permanent salary supplement or ongoing benefit. Incentive awards will be calculated following the conclusion of the performance year using official student achievement, growth, instructional assignment and attendance data. Payments are subject to final verification, program requirements and available funding.

Dothan City Schools currently has teaching opportunities available at Jerry Lee Faine Elementary School. Certified educators interested in learning more about available positions and financial incentives are encouraged to contact JLF Principal Ms. Marketa George at marketa.george@dothan.k12.al.us for additional information.

Dothan City Schools welcomes Courtney Starling as the district’s new K-12 Instructional Math Specialist. Starling was approved by the Dothan City Board of Education during its September 8 regular meeting.

Dothan City Schools is pleased to announce the inaugural cohort of the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council, a district leadership initiative designed to empower student voice while developing the next generation of leaders.

The Superintendent's Student Advisory Council brings together students from across the district to participate in a year-long leadership development experience facilitated through a partnership with Fearless Leadership Academy. Through interactive leadership experiences, experiential learning, and community partnerships, students will build confidence, strengthen their leadership skills, and learn to lead with purpose.

Throughout the school year, students will participate in monthly leadership sessions focused on communication, leadership, decision-making, civic engagement, and community involvement while learning directly from community leaders across the Wiregrass.

Congratulations to the following students selected to participate on the 2026-2027 SSAC:

• Ja'Haydon Franklin, Dothan Preparatory Academy, Grade 8

• Emily Kate Hutto, Dothan Preparatory Academy, Grade 8

• Crimson McClendon, Carver 9th Grade Academy, Grade 9 (not pictured)

• Ruchit Patel, Carver 9th Grade Academy, Grade 9

• Kaleb Lawson, Carver 9th Grade Academy, Grade 9

• Alani Cole, Carver 9th Grade Academy, Grade 9

• A’Sahtu Sanders, Carver 9th Grade Academy, Grade 9 (not pictured)

• Eden Powers, Dothan City Virtual School, Grade 9

• MaKenzie Goolsby, Dothan City Virtual School, Grade 9

• Keirsten Saulsberry, Carver 9th Grade Academy, Grade 9

• Alli Cole, Dothan High School, Grade 11 

• Kameron Jackson, Dothan High School, Grade 10

• Kamila Watford, Dothan High School, Grade 10

• Chad Snell, Dothan High School, Grade 10

• Brody Apida, Dothan High School, Grade 11

• Zaniya Davis, Dothan High School, Grade 11

• Sydney McDonald, Dothan High School, Grade 11

• Haleigh Copeland, Dothan High School, Grade 11

• Keely Weber, Dothan High School, Grade 11

• Jorgia Armstrong, Dothan High School, Grade 12

• Fernanda Vazquez, Dothan High School, Grade 12

• Jamauri Hart, Dothan High School, Grade 12

• Olivia Steward, Dothan High School, Grade 12

"One of our most important responsibilities is to develop leaders for the generations that follow. The student advisory council provides one such opportunity for DCS’ students. The council also gives members voice concerning issues that matter most to them as students,” said Superintendent Dr. Garrick Askew. “This experience will allow our advisory council members to add meaningful skills to their toolboxes as they continue their development as youth leaders in the community.”

"Leadership is developed through intentional experiences, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to serve,” Fearless Leadership Academy Founder Dr. Tiana Patrice shared. “We are honored to partner with Dothan City Schools in investing in these remarkable student leaders."

The district looks forward to celebrating the accomplishments and leadership journey of the inaugural cohort throughout the school year.