Dana Dowdy

The board meeting focused on several key items, including a report on crisis team collaboration and emergency preparedness, progress updates on new building construction, and the successful acquisition of a federal rebate for HVAC and LED lighting upgrades. New business included the approval of a café serving line proposal for Wingo Elementary School, payment application approval for the GCHS Multipurpose Athletic Facility, and the approval of construction documents and bid solicitation for GCHS renovations.

The board meeting included presentations regarding the Employee of the Month and a report from Central Elementary School. Reports provided included updates from the Superintendent, instructional and technology departments, and personnel updates. The board considered several financial and operational items, including a proposal for the reallocation of the Tornado Relief Fund, the KETS second offer of assistance, various technology purchases, and the FY27 E-Rate purchase plan. Additionally, the agenda featured the purchase of weight room equipment, bids for a riding reel mower, and multiple actions related to the Graves County High School multipurpose athletic facility, including payment applications, change orders, and the consideration of bids for athletic facility renovations.

The meeting included discussions and actions related to several items. The Board approved the Construction Documents for the GCHS Athletic Facility Renovations. Following this, approval was granted to solicit bids for the GCHS Athletic Facility Renovations. The Board also approved amending the 2025-2026 school calendar by changing February 13 to a make-up day, moving the Staff Work Day from March 12 to March 13, and designating March 12 as a make-up day. Updates on the GCHS renovation plans were presented by JRA Architects, for which no Board action was taken.

Key discussions for this session included the Eagle of Excellence Employee of the Month presentation and a special presentation from Sedalia Elementary School. Reports covered the Superintendent's activities, legislative updates, the School Nutrition status, and Personnel matters for both certified and classified staff. New business focused on the Wingo Elementary School Serving Line Proposal, payment application number 10 for the GCHS Multipurpose Athletic Facility, and reviewing/approving construction documents and soliciting bids for GCHS Renovations.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. Key discussions included a Retiree Recognition for Cindy Clapp and a special presentation by Farmington Elementary School. The Superintendent's Report covered the strong start to the new semester, monitoring of state legislation including the budget and accountability system, and presentation of the FY25 Audit Report and the unchanged staffing allocation formula for the next year. Personnel actions reported involved resignations, new hires, and leaves of absence without pay (LWOP). New Business focused on the approval of the FY27 Draft Budget, the allocation of $40,000 toward extracurricular travel expenses for GCHS and GCMS, acceptance of the January 2026 SFCC Offer of Assistance, granting authority to the Superintendent to execute a Modified Agreement for the Rank Change Program, and approving Pay App #9 and Change Order #4 for the GCHS Multipurpose Athletic Facility project.