The Marengo County Schools system’s department of transportation got good news following their annual bus inspection.

The Alabama Department of Education gave the department a certificate for having less than 10 percent deficiencies, said Superintendent Luke Hallmark.

J.B. Kualls, Michael Moore, Jerry Grace and others worked to make sure this was possible, Hallmark said.

More good news came when Hallmark shared that board member Ernestine Mullen has received a Level 4 plaque for her service from the Alabama Association of School Boards.

In Thursday’s meeting the board also approved a contract with an enrichment (gifted) instructor, who will work with students throughout the year. The position is typically a contracted one.

In other business, the board took the following actions:

•Heard enrollment reports for the system’s schools. As of Tuesday, Sept. 25, A.L. Johnson has a total of 195 students. John Essex reported 140 students. Marengo High School reported 271 students, and Sweet Water has a total of 659 students.

•Approved the AIREVAC helicopter to land at the John Essex homecoming game (Friday, Oct. 5) and deliver the game ball.

•Approved the FY 2013 five-year capital plan.

•Reviewed back-up data presentation by Clear Winds Technologies in considering whether to use the company’s service.

•The Alabama Power Steam Plant recently made a donation of supplies to all schools.

The Board will meet again on Thursday, Oct. 25 at 4 p.m.