Lana Baker

The board meeting addressed several administrative and operational agenda items, including the approval of the monthly financial report, accounts payable claims, and the 2027 Salary Scale. Key discussions involved the approval of memoranda of understanding with the Mississippi School of the Deaf and the Blind and Pearl River Community College, authorization to advertise for bids regarding sanitation services and playground improvements, and the extension of an agreement for substitute staffing services. The board also approved a school safety specialist supplement, the reconfiguration of Lumberton Schools, and funding for weapons detection systems. Additionally, the board passed a resolution authorizing the issuance of the 2026 General Obligation Bond, addressed various land manager matters including lease agreements, and approved personnel adjustments.

The meeting addressed several administrative and financial matters. Key discussions included the approval of the monthly financial report for December 2025. The Board approved advertising for construction of a new Oak Grove Middle School facility, a new Copier Contract, a new Janitorial Contract, renewing the District-Wide Lawn Maintenance Contract, and renewing the EAP Contract. Furthermore, the Board consented to file for ERATE funding, which included requests for network equipment and data connections for the new Purvis High School and Sumrall High School sites. Agreements were approved with the Dubard School for Language Disorders and The Children's Center for Communication and Development. The Board also authorized advertising a reverse auction for 2300 student Chromebooks. In legal matters, updates were provided on potential litigation and an ongoing lawsuit. The Board declined to release a teacher from her contract mid-year and took no action on another teacher finishing their contract without renewal. Recommendations for 2026-2027 Cabinet Administrators and Administration Staff were approved. The meeting concluded with setting the next regular meeting date. Additionally, the Board approved recommendations for pay-as-cut and lump sum timber sales.

The Board acted to approve the general agenda as amended. Recognitions included Kaitlyn Aycock from Purvis High School for being named the 2024-2025 MHSAA Coach of the Year and the 2025 Volleyball State Champions from Sumrall High School. Key financial and administrative actions included the approval of the Monthly Financial Reports for September and October 2025, and approval to invest 2025 Bond Funds with Renasant Bank. The Board also approved the 2026-2027 School Calendar, addressed Land Manager Matters, and reviewed items under the Consent Agenda.

The Board meeting included the presentation of colors by JROTC and the National Anthem by the Purvis Choir, followed by recognitions. The board approved the general agenda, October 14, 2025 minutes, November 7, 2025 special called minutes, and monthly financial reports for July and August 2025. They also approved the sale of 4 retired modular units to the Lamar County Board of Supervisors and advertising for bids on ERATE projects replacing network switches and cabling. Additionally, the board approved charging the fixed asset custodian for a lost/stolen Chromebook and policies with no changes. A new 40-year residential lease agreement for Marquez Cruz Morales and Kyle Mackender was approved.

The meeting included discussion and approval to accept the low bid from Hanco Corporation to build the new Purvis and Sumrall High Schools.