Alabama Primary Elections... what it means for Kim's job

We've been under a lot of stress and riding the emotional roller coaster over the past 10 months. Although things have calmed down and smoothed out some since then, we are about to be taken on a ride yet again.

Next Tuesday is the Primary Elections in Alabama. It's a big deal in Cherokee County this time. There are many candidates running for office, which is totally awesome. My college American Government professor Ms. Cheryl Gorham would be proud at all the people that are taking an interest in the voting process!

But the main things that are weighing on my mind are:
     1) Who will get the nominations for Board of Education Superintendent?
     2) Will the Continuation of the 1cent Sales Tax for the schools get passed?

Are you wondering why I am concerned about these? Last July our world was turned upside down. The Board of Education voted to close the Career/Tech school where Kim worked and to close him program, basically fire him, and 2 others, as part of a cost cutting measure. Part of this was made possible by State legislation saying that 'BOE's had the right to dismiss teachers if they were "bad teachers" even if they were tenured.' That means that if they think you're not up to par, they can get rid of you.

Thankfully the citizens of this county were outraged, mainly because they were not informed of even the possibility of the school closing as a cost-cutting tool, and the County Commission came to the rescue with the emergency 1 cent sales tax to make up the revenue difference that the state budget cuts had caused, starting this whole process. The school was kept open, employees that were "fired" got their jobs back, BUT those who worked more than 9 months a year would have to be cut 1 month's pay. We personally took a several thousand dollar a year loss.

Around this time is also the time we found out about our infertility issues. Needless to say, last summer was not a fun time for the Nichols.  So, it is a very real possibility that this mess could rise up like the tail of a scorpion and strike again.  If worse comes to worst, Kim has a great Career/Tech background. He can go to work in any Body Shop immediately. He can find a job, unlike some of the core academics teachers out there. We are praying that God has His mighty hand on this county and these election, and will watch out for our little family.