Thomas Beard

The meeting agenda included an Executive Session to discuss Student Goal #2 and Policy BCBK. Key decisions involved the potential re-employment of administrators and assistant administrators for the 2026-2027 school year. The Board was also set to approve the organizational work flow chart, approve the Head Football Coach job description, rescind a $50,000.00 salary previously approved at the December 15, 2025 meeting, and approve a salary increase for the Board Attorney.

The meeting agenda included the organization of the school board and public participation segments. Key discussion areas involved administrative and policy matters, such as updates on school improvement, the Superintendent's report, and the annual policy review for several administrative sections. The consent agenda addressed minutes approvals (excluding the current meeting's), various travel requests, 16th Section lease reports and cancellations, disposal of fixed assets, personnel resignations, facility use requests, approval for WCHS to adopt an athletic app, and acceptance of grants from USDA RUS-DLT and MPEE. Major decisions included approval of a new student transfer, rescinding a stipend approval for an Interim CFO, approval of investment accounts and collaborative agreements with USM and Tougaloo College, approval of the 2026-2027 school year calendar, review of timber bids, changes to the pay scale including a Substitute Cafeteria Manager role, re-employment of administrators, and review of financial statements and claim dockets.

The key discussion topics for this meeting included a Zoom session with the Mississippi School Boards Association (MSBA) concerning the Superintendent Search. The agenda also covered the adoption of the agenda, a consent agenda item regarding the Use of Facilities (UBHA), and an Executive Session dedicated to Personnel matters. Decisions made during the meeting involved the approval of a recommended salary change for the Chief Financial Officer/Business Manager and the corresponding approval to change the Pay Scale to reflect this adjustment.

The meeting agenda included the adoption of the agenda, review of resignations under the consent agenda, and several key decisions. Decisions involved rescinding the previous decision to hire an Interim CFO/Business Manager and rescinding the decision to readvertise that position for a specified period in early 2026. Other decisions included recommendations related to CGD/GBD/GCD and the approval of the Superintendent Search Announcement. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss personnel matters and possible litigation, which included a telephone conference.

The Wayne County School District's Dropout Prevention Plan for 2024-2025 focuses on reducing dropout rates and improving graduation rates. Key strategies include implementing early warning systems to identify at-risk students, providing targeted interventions, reducing retention rates in early grades, and offering dropout recovery initiatives for students aged 17-21. The plan also addresses the transition of students from juvenile detention centers back to the school district and sets specific, measurable goals to improve student outcomes.