Elieen S. Wortham

The board meeting included highlights of various student achievements, including senior honors, successful outcomes from the Jackson Middle College, and a new manufacturing partnership with Nissan. The Superintendent discussed a co-authored book on STEM innovation, which was launched recently. The meeting recognized students and coaches for their accomplishments in speech and debate, as well as scholars receiving the Seal of Biliteracy. Additionally, an etiquette training session for elementary students sponsored by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women was highlighted, alongside upcoming graduation ceremonies and registration information for the next school year.

The board meeting included general public participation regarding school buildings, receipt of school improvement monthly updates, and the approval of an agreement between the Corporation for Global Community Development and the school district. Financial agenda items approved included a change order for HVAC and electrical improvements at Powell Middle School, the award of a bid for perimeter fencing, and various accounts payable disbursements. General approvals were granted for legal services concerning visa renewals, a field site affiliation agreement with Truman State University, a health center agreement, and a facility use agreement. Additionally, the board approved personnel actions and conducted an executive session to address an employee suspension recommendation.

The board meeting included the presentation of official banners for the Jackson Public Schools Tougaloo Early College High School and the Jackson Middle College, recognizing their status in the School of Innovations program. The board also celebrated students who placed in regional and state science fair competitions and recognized the coordinators for their contributions to these science fair efforts. Additionally, the meeting featured remarks regarding the honorary doctorate awarded to Dr. Frank Figures and a musical performance by the All City High School Choir.

The board reviewed several informational items, including a student presentation, renewal agreements with various educational and service partners, and a donation of water bottle filling stations. Action items approved by the board included a grant agreement with the Mississippi Arts Commission, renewal and licensing agreements, CTE program changes, a memorandum of understanding with the Mississippi Department of Education, the monthly financial report, an ownership transfer for SitelogIQ Inc., and new job descriptions. Additionally, the board approved various disbursements, a rental agreement for graduation exercises, and personnel recommendations. During an executive session, the board discussed a personnel matter and approved a resolution recommending the one-year revocation of a teaching license for contract abandonment.

The board meeting addressed various administrative and operational items. Key topics included a student board presentation, reviews of English Language Learner policies, and school improvement updates. The board acted on several memoranda of understanding, including partnerships with the Mississippi Department of Education and Nissan North America, and approved the awarding of a demolition contract for three elementary schools. Additionally, the board reviewed the monthly financial report, addressed surplus property, accepted donations, and approved numerous service agreements, including those with Liberty University, Millsaps College, and various educational consultants. Personnel matters and a potential executive session were also on the agenda.