Derek Watkins

The meeting included discussions on high school student absences due to illness, progress on the Certified Nurse Aide initiative with the health club, ongoing management of students with mental illness, and operational details regarding uninsured patients seeking assistance. Updates also covered planned health training sessions, specifically Hands-only CPR and AED training for Juniors and Stop the Bleed training for 7th graders, along with upcoming educational video changes for 4th graders.

The board meeting discussed the revenues budget, including taxes, other local revenue, state revenue, and federal revenue. It also covered function payroll costs such as instructional, library, curriculum, campus administration, counseling services, health services, transportation, food service, extra-curricular activities, central administration, maintenance, data services, and community/daycare. Other expenditures were reviewed, including instruction, instruction resources, staff development, school leadership, guidance & counseling, health services, transportation, food service, extra-curricular activities, general administration, plant maintenance, security, data processing services, community services, debt service/leases, facilities acq./construction, MSEC shared services and intergovernmental.

The meeting included the introduction of the new SHAC chairperson. Discussions covered updates from school personnel regarding student support, including counseling services and utilization of school resources. There was an update on middle school activities, such as the upcoming NJHS induction and the introduction of new sports programs (softball and baseball for grades 6-8). Updates were provided regarding the CASP program, noting the current enrollment of 85 students, including middle schoolers, and efforts to improve safety near the CASP building with new crosswalk signage. An external resource provided information on available medical, counseling, and dental assistance. The school nurse reported on an increase in illness following the holidays and detailed upcoming health screenings and training sessions, such as 'Stop the bleed' and CPR/AED certification. A review of the SHAC Bylaws and Triennial Assessment confirmed no current changes.

The board meeting included discussion of teacher pay scales, auxiliary increases, substitute pay, and pay scales for the year 2025-2026.

The board meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The board reviewed and updated the board goals for 2025-2026, with added wording to the primary goal and a statement to recognize student and teacher success. The Kimble County Extension Agent was recognized as an Adjunct Staff Member of JISD, and the resolution sanctioning the 4H Organization as an extracurricular activity for Junction ISD for the 2025-2026 school year was approved. The TASB Recommended Resolution Regarding Senate Bill 12 and Parental Rights was also approved. The KCAD proposed budget was reviewed and discussed. The superintendent reported on the Cross Country meet, FCS participation, virtual Algebra II and Geometry, and the evacuation drill.