Barbara Fowler

The Stone County School District's Strategic Plan for 2025-2030 is a five-year roadmap designed to prepare students for a bright and purposeful life, anchored in their success and well-being. It is structured around the 'STONE' framework, which includes five strategic priorities: Student Success and Readiness, Teacher Recruitment, Retention, and Development, Optimize Engagement with Families and Community, Nurture Safe and Supportive Learning Environments, and Ensure Financial Stability and Resource Alignment. The plan aims to cultivate graduates who are Employable, Socially Skilled, Life-Ready, and Civically Minded, fostering a future where students succeed and lead.

The Stone County School Board meeting addressed various topics, including updates on the McHenry site lease to Adranos for rocket fuel production, a discussion on school reopening plans and safety measures (masks, temperature checks, contact tracing), and public comments concerning virtual learning, extracurricular activities, and internet access. The board approved a school board attorney agreement, the consent agenda (including budget approval, claims, inter-fund transfers, leases, bank authorizations, handbooks, and various contracts), financial reports, and personnel matters (resignations, retirements, and new hires). Several student releases to and from other school districts were also approved.

The meeting addressed several key items: a discussion on Adranos (held in executive session), approval of a resolution to authorize a grant agreement with the Mississippi Development Authority for the construction of a career and technical education center, allocation of funds for Chromebooks and teacher laptops from the EDLA, and approval of a consent agenda including ESSER assurances, budget review, and contracts with Horizon Software, Gulf Coast Mental Health, and MHG at Stone County. Revisions to policies on responsible use of district technology and internet/acceptable use were also approved.

The meeting addressed key issues including the McHenry site development, with a unanimous vote to proceed with lease approval. Personnel matters were also discussed, encompassing resignations, new employee recommendations, and salary supplements. A fundraiser for the SHS Baseball Booster Club was approved.

The meeting focused on modifying the 2020/2021 school calendar to begin on August 17, 2020, and adjusting related deadlines. A decision was made to limit extracurricular activities to a traditional schedule for the back-to-school reopening.