Alexandria wrestling room to bear name of late state champion
A school board vote honored former student Ryan Lambert; members also recognized a Weaver librarian and approved policy and personnel actions at their Oct. 22 meeting.
The Calhoun County Board of Education approved naming Alexandria High School’s wrestling room for Ryan Lambert, a former student and state champion wrestler who died in 2025. The measure recognizes his athletic, academic and community involvement.
Superintendent Mr. Willis brought the recommendation to the board at Excel Academy in Anniston. Lambert’s family, school representatives and coaches attended. The board also honored a librarian and two departing members and approved measures related to policy, student services and staffing.
A tribute to a former Alexandria wrestler
The district received numerous letters in support of the naming. Meeting speakers spoke about Lambert’s impact on Alexandria and its wrestling program. School representatives said the room’s name would honor his contributions and keep his memory present in the program.
The board recognized Cynthia Garcia, a Weaver Elementary School librarian, for receiving the Herman Moore Memorial LAMP Award for Outstanding Service to Alabama Libraries. Her work includes overseeing the library, bringing in the Beanstack reading platform, supporting STEM activities and assisting with technology initiatives.
Policy changes and district finances
The board approved mental health services and policy revisions, including changes officials said were needed to comply with recently enacted state legislation. They said some of the practices were already in use. Other approvals covered personnel recommendations, employee disciplinary actions, contracts for instructional intervention and transportation services, and changes to employee supplements. The meeting account did not specify the mental health services or policy revisions.
A financial report covering the period through Aug. 31 put the general fund balance at about $44 million, or an estimated 4.74 months of operating reserves. The district had taken in about 94% of budgeted general fund revenue and used about 78% of its budget. Sales tax revenue rose about 4.45% year over year, an increase of roughly $400,000.
The board honored two departing members for a total of 22 years of service. The meeting account did not identify them.
This report draws on information from Calhoun Journal.
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