Covington County School District

Key discussions and actions included the election of School Board Officers and the School Board Attorney for the 2026 calendar year, and recognition for School Board Member Appreciation. The Board discussed and approved financial reports and the Claims Docket. Matters concerning the 16th Section included discussions regarding a pipeline right-of-way, the approval of a commercial lease term discussion, the approval of a 12-month extension for a logging contract, and the approval of a new commercial lease. The Board approved school closures for January 26, 2026, and agreed not to schedule make-up days. The proposed 2026-2027 school calendar and employee calendar were reviewed and approved, as was the Budget Calendar. An RFP for lawn care services failed to pass. The Board accepted an offer for a Mississippi Department of Education Educator in Residence math coach. Job descriptions were approved, including an update to the Special Programs Director description to remove the title of Assistant Superintendent. Several retirements and resignations of certified teachers and one principal were accepted. Personnel matters included the approval of administrative staff appointments, a custodian appointment, and reassignments of secretarial and bookkeeper positions at Collins Elementary School. The Consent Agenda covered approval for out-of-state travel, acceptance of a significant donation (an ambulance simulator) from Jones College, acceptance of a grant from the Pine Belt Foundation, and review of additional financials and bank transfers. A discipline report was given, followed by an Executive Session to discuss the Superintendent Evaluation and personnel matters.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and invocation, followed by the adoption of the agenda. Key discussion items included the approval of Lawn Care Service and a Personnel Matter. Additionally, matters pertaining to the 16th Section were discussed before the meeting was adjourned.

The meeting included recognitions for Parent of the Year, Teacher of the Year, and District Administrator of the Year across various schools and the district. Key agenda items involved discussion and approval of Financial Reports and the Claims Docket. Significant discussion focused on 16th Section Matters, including the approval of two separate timber bids, review of County Agricultural Lease amounts, and approval of new long-term 'Other Lease' and 'Residential Lease' contracts. The Board also addressed the approval of the 2025 Test Security Plan, authorization to advertise for lawn care bids, and the acceptance of two Educator in Residence (EIR) math coaches for the 2026-2027 school year. The extensive Personnel agenda covered accepting multiple retirement letters and resignations, alongside approving numerous recommendations for filling vacant positions for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year. The Consent Agenda addressed accepting a donation, approving a grant for the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Programs, and approving the deletion of equipment inventory and a bus turnaround. Finally, the session included an Executive Session to discuss student transfer decision appeals and a personnel matter.

The meeting included discussion and approval of financial reports, claims docket, and 16th Section matters such as commercial leases, agricultural leases, and timber sales. The board approved the rescission and replacement of the existing Board Policy GBO, and a request for the approval for the License to cover educators for Gimkit Software. Several personnel actions were taken, including accepting resignations, approving recommendations for bus drivers, nurses, and teachers. Donations were accepted for Collins High School Basketball club account and Seminary High School athletic fund. The board also approved deletion of equipment, additional financials, bank transfers, discipline report, and discussed a personnel matter in the executive session.

This document presents a comprehensive needs assessment for the Covington County School District, compiling extensive survey and data analysis for 2024. It evaluates the district's profile, including enrollment, attendance, accountability, assessment, discipline, finance, and personnel. The assessment incorporates feedback from various stakeholders—parents, students, faculty/staff, community members, and administrators—across key areas such as federal programs, curriculum and instruction, parent and community engagement, school improvement, school climate and culture, and technology. The district's strategic direction, as outlined in its philosophy, includes a mission to develop productive, responsible individuals through a relevant and challenging education in a safe and orderly environment, supported by goals to provide a safe learning environment, increase parental and community involvement, enhance student performance, and plan for future budget and facility needs. This assessment serves to identify strengths and challenges to inform the achievement of these strategic goals.