Pearl River County School District

The meeting commenced with prayer and the pledge of allegiance, followed by the consideration and unanimous approval of the agenda and the minutes from the January 8, 2026 meeting, including executive session minutes. Key discussions involved the Superintendent's report, which detailed second-semester progress, staff recognition including an Educator Impact Award recipient, academic rallies, second-grade Marty Girl parade, and positive leadership survey feedback. Significant focus was placed on Career and Technical Education (CTE) achievements during CTE Month, such as student recognitions (Build Mississippi Students of the Month, welding contest placement), grant acquisition over $58,000, CTE program visibility enhancements (billboard installation), student credentialing success (Work Keys, CPR certifications), and community service efforts like making Valentine cards for assisted living residents. The Superintendent also shared positive staff retention data, noting high intent-to-return percentages across various school levels. A presentation was given on recent accountability changes by the state of Mississippi, including the raising of proficiency cut scores and reallocation of points in the readiness index following US history test removal. Board members were formally recognized by the Superintendent for their expertise and dedication.

The meeting included public commentary regarding community support for families facing deportation issues and the impact on students in the Head Start program. The student representative provided an update on various activities across the high school and middle school levels, including achievements in competitive events, academic recognitions (like the Mississippi State Prodigy Award), and staff professional development. The superintendent report noted the success of the annual Christmas band concert and discussed the impending departure of a band director. Key agenda items included the approval of financial reports and action on several financial items (A through I). The board also accepted a donation of an Air Max leaf blower for campus maintenance. Furthermore, the board approved consent agenda items (A through E) and Section B of the board policies concerning operations and agenda conduct. The meeting concluded with the rotation and approval of new board officers for the upcoming two-year period: Mr. Herring was approved as President, Mr. So as Vice President, and Mr. Frasier as Secretary.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and a pledge to the flag, noting no public comments were received. The agenda was unanimously considered and approved, followed by the unanimous approval of the board minutes from December 12th, 2025, and the board walkthrough from the same date. Key discussions included the Superintendent's report, featuring the student representative report highlighting successes at PRC Endeavor (including four early graduates), PRC Middle School (soccer season wrap-up and completion of common assessment 2), and PRC High School (completion of state testing and professional development days). Data reports covering district performance benchmarks, school improvement, incident reports, and financial reports were noted as available in the packet. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing the school's Teachers of the Year: Miss Jennifer Escue (Elementary), Miss Whitney Dto (Middle School), Miss Paty Mitchell (High School), and Miss Heather Smith (Endeavor), with detailed praise for their dedication to student achievement and positive campus culture. The district teacher of the year, Miss Jennifer Sue, was also recognized. Finally, the superintendent shared the positive news regarding the district's recently received graduation rate.

The Regular Session agenda included several key considerations. Discussions covered monthly financial reports, school improvement updates, and the monthly district data report for 2023-2024. Major financial items involved approving the January 2024 Offline and Regular Claim Dockets, Cash Flow Report, Budget reports, and Ad Valorem comparison for December 2023. The board considered approving donations, a leave payout for Dewey Palmer, the Carl Perkins grant, and advertising for bids for the Carriere Cafeteria HVAC Project. Personnel actions involved approving several new hires and resignations across various employee categories, including bus aides, drivers, and general staff, as well as approving the 2024-2025 Administrator and Teacher Salary Scales. Consent agenda items included amendments to the Federal Programs Manual and approvals for outside organizations to use the Performing Arts Center. Sixteenth Section Matters included releasing a performance bond and approving a fee waiver for MS Mad Dogs Softball use of fields. Policy considerations involved approving revisions to several policy sections.

The meeting included recognition of a retiring employee from food services and recognition of the swim team for their accomplishments at the state competition. The band was recognized for qualifying for state competition. The student representative provided a report on activities and achievements at various schools, including literacy improvements, events focused on positive culture, and recognition of veterans. There was also a discussion regarding the monthly financial report, including turf collections.