Melissa A. Coats

The board meeting included a student showcase of CTE programs, recognition of staff achievements, and the receipt of a donation for the education fund. The superintendent provided updates on student enrollment, ADA figures, and district financial status. The meeting featured presentations on a new math instructional framework and capturing kids' hearts program. Action items included approval of a contract for student engagement services, financial auditing services, compensation for hourly employees for missed time due to a water issue, a resolution regarding a plan to meet bus safety equipment mandates, and the approval of asbestos abatement for high school facility renovations.

The Board of Trustees held a regular meeting covering several action items, including the approval of the 2026-2027 district calendar, the purchase of a transit van for $49,975.75 from Toliver Ford Quitman, and a corresponding budget amendment for $33,773.50. The Board granted the Superintendent authority to hire and issue contracts to certified staff for specified dates. Additionally, the Board authorized the Superintendent to negotiate the sale of real estate property and approved 2026-2027 teacher contracts following an executive session.

The board meeting featured a showcase of student accomplishments in film and music. Key administrative topics included a review of district attendance rates, an update on the financial audit and fund balance, and the attainment of goals regarding extracurricular participation. The board took several actions, including approving a guaranteed maximum price for bond projects, calling for an upcoming election, updating a memorandum of understanding with a local junior college, establishing a secondary checking account for bond funds, and extending the superintendent's contract. Additionally, the board discussed Senate Bill 11 concerning dedicated prayer time, with a final decision postponed to a later date.

The meeting included a showcase performance by the elementary choir and the presentation of the top dog award to the girls' basketball team. Key items from the superintendent's report covered enrollment figures, fund balances, employee counts, and expenditures, alongside an update on student attendance goals and CTE and CCMR performance data. Discussions regarding the bond project highlighted the recent groundbreaking, progress on construction, and the resolution of a main pipe break. The board approved the district calendar, authorized the purchase of a transit van, and approved a budget amendment. Additionally, the superintendent was granted authority to hire certified staff for the upcoming period, and teacher contract extensions were unanimously approved.

The board meeting covered several key operational and financial topics. The superintendent provided an update on enrollment, monthly expenditures, and teacher performance metrics. The board received a report on a successful financial audit with no findings and approved the cancellation of a board election due to unopposed candidates. Other actions included authorizing pay for employees for missed snow days, passing a plan for teacher certification requirements, and rejecting new action on Senate Bill 11 regarding prayer in schools as current policies were deemed sufficient. Financial approvals included a material testing proposal for a construction bond and the purchase of bleachers for the FFA program. The meeting also involved an executive session concerning administrator contract extensions and safety and security matters.