Aquetta Butler

The board meeting primarily focused on student expulsion and appeal hearings conducted in an executive session. Additionally, a budget work session was held where the Business and Finance Manager presented the projected revenue for the upcoming school year.

The board meeting included recognitions for summer workers and the Natchez Early College staff, as well as an update on the ESSER building projects. The board approved several consent items, such as the retirement and disposal of equipment, staff travel, a memorandum of agreement for school resource officers, and various facility use requests. Action items addressed and approved included a partnership with the Mississippi Alliance for Arts, a career coach job description and memorandum of understanding, renewal of workers' compensation insurance, the claims docket, financial reports, and permission to advertise for restroom renovation bids. Additionally, the board discussed the 2023 MSBA Legislative Survey, reviewed several administrative policies, received a federal programs monthly update, and discussed zone transfers.

The board meeting featured recognitions for the Ombudsman program, student participation in the State Superintendent's Advisory Council, and the Superintendent's Scholars. Key agenda items included an update on the ESSER building project, approval of consent items such as retirement and disposal of equipment, staff travel, and various student travel requests. The board reviewed and approved action items including a personnel report, the Instructional Management Plan, the hiring of an ACT academic coach, and the claims docket. Administrative reports covered policy reviews, federal programs, and a superintendent's update, which noted progress on solar and Pre-K grant projects. The board also held a closed determination and executive session to discuss personnel and litigation matters.

The board meeting featured recognitions for student achievements in high school and early college programs, as well as a posthumous award presentation. Representatives from the local N.A.A.C.P. presented proposals related to workforce development, education, and community infrastructure. Additionally, a proposal from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History regarding the development of a master plan for the Washington historical property was discussed. Action items included personnel reports, acceptance of a grant, approval of several educational platforms for student success and social-emotional learning, and the procurement of school security camera equipment. Financial approvals were granted for insurance renewal, various contracts, and the review of monthly financial reports.

The board met to address student disciplinary decision appeals and evaluate requests for zone transfers. Following a closed determination, the board entered an executive session to discuss student-related matters. Decisions were reached to uphold the superintendent's recommendations for two disciplinary appeals and to approve two student zone transfer requests.