Jessica Barrett

The board meeting covered a wide range of administrative and operational items. Key discussions included receiving bi-annual and school improvement reports from various administrators, adopting financial reports, and approving the 2026-2027 salary schedule. The board accepted a bid for network infrastructure and wireless upgrades through the E-Rate program. Numerous 16th Section matters were addressed, including lease amendments, assignments, and advertising for hunting and fishing leases. Other significant actions included approving the restructuring of Seminary Schools, establishing a service agreement for strategic planning, and approving memorandums of understanding for math coaches. The meeting also involved a comprehensive review and approval of personnel recommendations, including resignations, employment for the upcoming school year, and appointments for various district roles. Additionally, the board approved several items on the consent agenda, such as travel requests, collaborative agreements, various donations, and requests to advertise RFPs for technology and equipment. Finally, the board reviewed discipline reports and discussed an outline plan to enhance the district during an executive session.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda following the call to order and invocation. Key discussions and actions included the presentation of Administrator Bi-Annual Reports from various elementary schools and the Education Center, as well as Administrator School Improvement Reports from high and middle schools. The Superintendent presented a report, followed by the discussion and approval of Financial Reports and the Claims Docket. Matters pertaining to the 16th Section involved discussion of a residential lease and the approval of a commercial contract. The board approved clearing land behind the CTE for a CDL/Lineman training area. Review was conducted on several Board Policy Sections (K, L, M) for future approval. Several recommendations for the Educator in Residence program for the 2026-2027 school year were approved, alongside an update to the job description for the District Literacy Instructional Coach/MTSS Coordinator. The extensive Personnel Agenda involved approving the rescission of retirement for one certified teacher and accepting multiple letters of retirement and resignation from various certified and non-certified staff. Further personnel actions included approving new certified staff placements for the Special Programs Department and for certified roles across Collins Elementary School, Collins High School, Hopewell Elementary School, Mt. Olive Attendance Center, Seminary Elementary School, Seminary Middle School, Seminary High School, and the CTE and Education Center. Approvals were also granted for new EL Teachers, Gifted Teachers, the Math Coach, and the Technology Director. The Consent Agenda covered the acceptance of several donations, approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with Jones College regarding an ambulance simulation unit, approval of FY27 Program changes and Assurances for the CTE Complex, and approval for out-of-state travel for the DECA conference. The meeting concluded with a Discipline Report, a Student Transfer Report, and an Executive Session to discuss personnel and student matters.

Key discussions and actions included the election of School Board Officers and the School Board Attorney for the 2026 calendar year, and recognition for School Board Member Appreciation. The Board discussed and approved financial reports and the Claims Docket. Matters concerning the 16th Section included discussions regarding a pipeline right-of-way, the approval of a commercial lease term discussion, the approval of a 12-month extension for a logging contract, and the approval of a new commercial lease. The Board approved school closures for January 26, 2026, and agreed not to schedule make-up days. The proposed 2026-2027 school calendar and employee calendar were reviewed and approved, as was the Budget Calendar. An RFP for lawn care services failed to pass. The Board accepted an offer for a Mississippi Department of Education Educator in Residence math coach. Job descriptions were approved, including an update to the Special Programs Director description to remove the title of Assistant Superintendent. Several retirements and resignations of certified teachers and one principal were accepted. Personnel matters included the approval of administrative staff appointments, a custodian appointment, and reassignments of secretarial and bookkeeper positions at Collins Elementary School. The Consent Agenda covered approval for out-of-state travel, acceptance of a significant donation (an ambulance simulator) from Jones College, acceptance of a grant from the Pine Belt Foundation, and review of additional financials and bank transfers. A discipline report was given, followed by an Executive Session to discuss the Superintendent Evaluation and personnel matters.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and invocation, followed by the adoption of the agenda. Key discussion items included the approval of Lawn Care Service and a Personnel Matter. Additionally, matters pertaining to the 16th Section were discussed before the meeting was adjourned.

The meeting included recognitions for Parent of the Year, Teacher of the Year, and District Administrator of the Year across various schools and the district. Key agenda items involved discussion and approval of Financial Reports and the Claims Docket. Significant discussion focused on 16th Section Matters, including the approval of two separate timber bids, review of County Agricultural Lease amounts, and approval of new long-term 'Other Lease' and 'Residential Lease' contracts. The Board also addressed the approval of the 2025 Test Security Plan, authorization to advertise for lawn care bids, and the acceptance of two Educator in Residence (EIR) math coaches for the 2026-2027 school year. The extensive Personnel agenda covered accepting multiple retirement letters and resignations, alongside approving numerous recommendations for filling vacant positions for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year. The Consent Agenda addressed accepting a donation, approving a grant for the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Programs, and approving the deletion of equipment inventory and a bus turnaround. Finally, the session included an Executive Session to discuss student transfer decision appeals and a personnel matter.