J. O. Combs Unified School District 44

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda and a pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items included the approval of minutes from the December 10, 2025, regular session and the December 17, 2025, special board meeting. The Superintendent reported that the business department earned the international certificate of excellence in financial reporting for the eleventh consecutive year since 2010. Updates were provided on student achievements, including scholarship recipients from the Rush Dance Company, choir tour results, and holiday family support efforts. Staff recognition included honoring a teacher for dedication and innovation, acknowledging the head custodian for exceptional service and attention to detail, and celebrating the opening of the 'Stable' reset room initiative designed to help students with emotional regulation, which involved gathering community donations for sensory tools. The board also received updates on student council service projects and the completion of the Cognia accreditation process.

The primary action item for this special meeting was the discussion and possible action regarding the approval of a line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank for the JOMs Unified School District, up to $1.5 million. This measure was sought to ensure continuous payment of staff salaries and vendor obligations due to timing discrepancies between the receipt of state aid payments from ADE and the district's payroll and accounts payable schedule, as recommended by the Panol County Treasurer. The board also adopted the agenda and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The line of credit terms include an interest rate of 6.75% if utilized, with the intent to repay immediately to minimize interest accrual. Accessing the line of credit requires execution of a borrowing agreement by the President and sign-off from the Panol County Treasurer.

The special board meeting included a leadership team forum and a staff and community forum. The board is working with a consultant and has narrowed down candidates for a position. The candidates had a second meeting with the board and will meet with the community. The board will make a determination tomorrow. Feedback from the community is important to the board's decision.

The annual financial report for the fiscal year 2025 includes data on total expenditures by fund, such as Maintenance & Operation, Classroom Site Funds, and Unrestricted Capital Outlay. It covers revenues from local, county, state, and federal sources, as well as expenditures for various programs including regular education, special education, pupil transportation, and K-3 reading programs. The report also details capital assets, debt information, and additional financial data for the National Public Education Financial Survey (NPEFS) reporting, including COVID-19 federal relief funds.

The special board meeting included discussions and questions regarding the curriculum and programming provided to students. Topics included the curriculum's alignment with district standards, the inclusion of thematic units, and the absence of gender identity or religious content. The board also discussed the contract's automatic renewal clause and the minimum enrollment requirements for the program. Staffing ratios and the hiring process were also addressed, as well as opportunities for high school students and family surveys.