Hunter Dugas

The meeting commenced with an acknowledgment of National Women's Month, recognizing numerous influential women in the community and within the Vicksburg Warren School District (VWSD) for their contributions, leadership, and academic achievements. Key personnel elections took place, resulting in Campbell Slayton as President, Sally Bullard as Vice President, and Mr. Pratt as Secretary. The agenda was adopted, and minutes from the February 24th and February 25th meetings were approved. The Superintendent's Report highlighted the impending awards ceremony for Dr. Terrence James (District 2 Administrator of the Year) and recognized several PREP CEO graduates. The district also received two awards from the Mississippi Association of Partnerships and Education, one recognizing the district's partnership with local entities and another for the Energy Academy's collaboration with Claiborne County. The board also recognized the VWSD Girls Soccer and Mitigators Basketball teams for their athletic achievements and recognition as MHSAA Scholar Athlete teams. A Bond Project Update covered progress on several projects, including resolving punchlist items and addressing roof issues at Vicksburg High School, and the completion of a water supply leak repair at Vicksburg athletics facilities.

The Special Called Board Meeting involved several key discussions and approvals. The agenda was adopted, and the attachment of the meeting notice was approved. Discussions focused on issues related to the financial auditor, leading to the termination of the previous contract upon the recommendation of the State Auditor due to delays and concerns. The board approved entering into a new contract with Cunningham CPAs PLLC for the annual outside audit, ensuring the 2021 audit remains on schedule. Additional agenda items included approving compensation for non-contractual time for extending learning, approving a funding source change from local to federal funds for a previously approved travel item (Academies of Nashville study visit), and approving a request for a district ten-plus van and five students to participate in the Under Armour All-American event for a Vicksburg High School football player.

The meeting involved the adoption of the agenda and confirmation that the public notice requirements for open meeting laws were met. The key discussion centered on the COVID-19 update, specifically addressing the Omicron variant, which was noted as exceeding previous variant statistics in Warren County. Discussions involved the interpretation of outbreak definitions based on student movement (self-contained classrooms vs. transitional/pod settings) and the impact of different scenarios on quarantine requirements. The board received recommendations regarding COVID-19 protocols, including adjusting the window for establishing positives and the quarantine duration (proposing 5 days for quarantine, potentially with an additional 5 days of masking if no universal mandate is in effect). The board was asked to make a motion to decide on the five-day collection window for positives and the five-day quarantine period, as well as to consider guidelines for transitional groups larger than 25 individuals.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and a moment of silence for the passing of Mr. Eric Chiplin, a district teacher. Key discussions included the continuation of the mask mandate following Thanksgiving data showing zero cases, and the adoption of the agenda. The board addressed the lease for the 16th section property. Approval was sought for the minutes of the regular meeting on November 18th and revised minutes for July 29th. The Superintendent provided an update on three MDE grants received, totaling funds for equipment/supplies for student-run businesses and recruitment for non-traditional programs. Detailed plans were presented for Expanded Learning Opportunities utilizing ESSER funds, involving after-school programs focused on remediation, Social Emotional Learning (SEL), data-driven customization by school site, small class sizes (targeting 10:1), and provision of snacks and transportation. The board also reviewed updates to the short-term strategic plan based on internal benchmark data, noting that Vicksburg High School, Beaumar, junior highs, and athletics are nearing project closeout, while Warren Central remains under construction. Furthermore, the Superintendent highlighted external recognition, including commendations from a former U.S. Ambassador, the State Director of Innovation for academies and early college programs, and U.S. News & World Report ranking several elementary schools as among the best in the state. Finally, there was discussion regarding a potential partnership with an international company for innovation and job creation.

The board meeting included a prayer, a moment of silence for Miss Irene Cook, Miss Jimmy Mullins, and Miss Joyce and Fishy, and a discussion about the mask mandate being lifted. The meeting included presentations from various schools such as the Academy of Innovation, Beechwood Elementary, Bowmar Avenue, Redwood Elementary, CTE, Dana Road Elementary, River City, Sherman Avenue, South Park Elementary, Vicksburg High School, Vicksburg Intermediate, Warren Central High School, Warren Central Intermediate, Warren Central Junior High, and Warrenton Elementary, each expressing their appreciation to the board members. The board was recognized for their efforts in taking care of staff, providing meals to students during the summer, and their early commitment to technology.