The City of Irondale has approved two resolutions aimed at supporting local schools.
Resolution 2025-R-179 authorizes $30,000 in public funds to provide retention stipends to principals who have served at least one year in the city’s public schools. The funds will be distributed equally among three principals: Mr. Taki Sarhaan of Shades Valley High School, Ms. Jessica Hahn of Irondale Community School and Dr. Marvin Carter of Irondale Middle School. Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr., noted the ongoing challenge of principal turnover, stating, “It’s very hard to have that type of turnover and expect the leadership to continue to move the school forward.”
Additionally, Resolution 2025-R-180 declares Oct. 13-17, as Teacher Appreciation Week in Irondale. The city will donate $28,000 from the FY 2025-26 educational budget to Shades Valley High School, Irondale Middle School, Grantswood Community School, Irondale Community School and JCIB. Each teacher at these schools will receive a $150 stipend for classroom use. Mayor Stewart emphasized the importance of supporting teachers, saying, “We need to support the teachers, provide money so they can do things in their classroom.”
