Natasha Henderson

The 2026 Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Science outline comprehensive K-12 expectations designed to foster student success, scientific literacy, and readiness for college and careers in a global economy. The standards integrate core content strands—life science, physical science, and Earth and space science—with essential practices such as Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), Crosscutting Concepts, Technology, Science and Society, History of Science, and the Engineering Design Process (EDP). This approach balances content and process, equipping students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills for complex real-world challenges.

The public hearing was held to provide the general public with an opportunity to comment on the taxing and spending plan incorporated in the proposed budget. The budget includes anticipated revenues from local, state, and federal resources and expenditures are projected based on these revenues in each fund. The school district's budget is comprised of many individual funds that contain revenues and expenditures. The FY26 Proposed Budget will be considered for adoption at the meeting of the Board of Trustees on August 12, 2026.

The strategic plan for George County School District focuses on several key areas: academics, safety, career and technical education (CTE), infrastructure, and facilities. In academics, the district aims to rank in the top 10 in Mississippi by focusing on teacher quality, early literacy, and meeting state assessment standards. Safety goals include providing a secure environment through increased security personnel, safety training, and communicable disease prevention. CTE objectives involve increasing enrollment, enhancing student academic performance, and re-energizing the Career Academy approach. Infrastructure improvements focus on consistent management systems, clear communication channels, and current technology. Finally, the plan addresses facility needs by developing improvement plans and researching funding sources to ensure equitable improvements across campuses.

The Mississippi Early Learning Collaboratives (ELCs) program, established in 2013, aims to provide publicly funded pre-K education in underserved areas. The program involves partnerships between school districts, Head Start agencies, child care centers, and non-profit organizations. Funding has increased from $3 million in 2013 to $6.5 million in subsequent years. In 2019, ELCs served over 3,000 pre-K students, with 77% of ELC students meeting the kindergarten readiness score, achieving higher end-of-year scores (average 575) than other public pre-K programs (average 559). The target score is 498. The program has received national recognition for meeting quality standards and has benefited from significant private donations.

The board meeting covered various personnel matters, including appointments, transfers, retirements, and resignations. Several consent agenda items were approved, encompassing personnel changes, budget revisions, and policy updates. The meeting also included reports from various departments (buildings and grounds, transportation, security), progress reports on different school improvement plans, and discussions regarding donations, budget revisions, and agreements with external organizations. A bid for leasing property was opened, and financial statements were reviewed. Executive session was held to discuss student matters.