Michaela Barnes

This document evaluates the impact of the electronic device policy, identifying unintended consequences that create barriers to college and career readiness, specifically concerning multi-factor authentication and personal email access for postsecondary applications. It proposes strategic adjustments, including structured device access during College & Career Readiness classes, MFA exception language, technology adjustments for email access, and the establishment of postsecondary zones. The overarching goal is to refine the policy to maintain discipline and instructional focus while supporting existing district goals for increased graduation rates, FAFSA completion, scholarship attainment, college enrollment, and workforce readiness, ensuring policies evolve with student needs for improved outcomes.

The meeting agenda included an establishment of quorum and adoption of the agenda. Information items featured reviews of a Grant Agreement with the Mississippi Arts Commission, an Everon-Intrusion/Alarm System implementation plan for two high schools, an agreement with Omnigo Software, LLC, a student board presentation from JTECHS, and monthly school improvement updates. Key Action items involved approvals for an agreement with the US Department of Education (OESE), participation authorization in the National School Lunch Program, an engagement letter for FYE 2025 Audit Services with Brown CPA, PLLC, approval of the Monthly Financial Report for December 2025, and approvals for appraisal services for the Landmark Building and renewal of a commercial listing agreement. The Consent Agenda covered finance matters, including disbursements, designation of surplus property, contract change orders for ESSER Renovations, and rejection of bids for surplus land sale. General consent items included approval of updated adult meal pricing and renewal agreements with entities such as Hinds County Sheriff's Office, Hinds Behavioral Health Services, Mississippi Smiles, Marion Counseling Service, SlateXP LearnSafe, and Medcor for nurse triage services. Personnel actions were also approved. The session concluded with a consideration for an Executive Session to review discipline case(s).

The meeting agenda included the adoption of the agenda, superintendent's remarks, and a period for public participation. Information items covered an update on SY 2025-2026 Benchmark Data I & II, a review of the intent to apply for a Mississippi Community Oriented Policing Services in Schools (MCOPS) Grant, and reviews of several agreements with the University of Alabama School of Social Work and Tougaloo College (Upward Bound Program, Upward Bound Math & Science Program, and Educational Talent Search Program). Action items included the approval of the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar and the District Test Security Plan for the 2025/2026 School Year. The consent agenda involved approvals for various financial disbursements, a grant agreement with the Mississippi Arts Commission, the implementation of an Everon-Intrusion/Alarm System for two junior/senior high schools, agreements with Omnigo Software, LLC, and multiple Use of Facility Agreements for high school proms with RSVP ICE House and E-Center, as well as personnel approvals and consideration for an executive session.

The board meeting involved the commencement of proceedings with the Pledge of Allegiance led by a student scholar and a moment of inspiration. Key agenda items included the election of new officers (President, Vice-President, and Secretary) and the rescheduling of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for immediate discussion during the Superintendent's report. The board waived the reading of the October 17th meeting minutes and approved them. Public participation included a plea from the President of the Jackson Federation of Teachers regarding teacher retention efforts, suggesting measures such as public service announcements and robocalls to encourage educators to remain in the district. The Superintendent's report recognized the new student board members and detailed the MOU among the Governor's office, the Mayor's office, Jackson Public Schools, and the WK Kellogg Foundation. This MOU aims to facilitate community participation in visioning for the school district and hire a third party to conduct an evaluation and create a strategic plan. The board subsequently ratified this Memorandum of Understanding.

The meeting commenced with quorum confirmation and established protocols for conducting board meetings while students and teachers are in buildings, noting the current absence of closed captioning. Key discussions involved the adoption of the agenda and the approval of minutes from the August 17, 2021, regular meeting and the August 24, 2021, special board meeting. The Superintendent's report highlighted several topics, including the implementation of a virtual learning option for Pre-K through 6th-grade scholars who cannot receive the COVID-19 vaccination, with 1,553 selections made, representing about 14% of the population. COVID-19 vaccination blitzes were announced for September 8th and 9th at middle schools in partnership with health organizations. Recognition was given to a student receiving the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross, donations of school supplies to Shirley Elementary and Marshall Elementary, and three teachers joining the Mississippi Teacher Advisory Council. Two leaders, including the JPS Board of Trustees Secretary, were recognized as W.K. Kellogg Leadership graduates. Additionally, the district announced the availability of its official mobile application. A significant portion of the report detailed the drafting of a proposed policy mandating that all JPS employees either show proof of COVID-19 vaccination by September 30, 2021, or submit to weekly testing outside of duty hours at no cost. The policy also proposes administrative leave for vaccinated employees who experience breakthrough positive cases, with unvaccinated employees not being eligible unless qualifying for ADA or religious accommodations. The board is seeking public comment and feedback from focus groups on this draft policy.