School board officers were elected during the first January meeting of the Jefferson Davis County School Board. Shonda Ard Burre will serve as president, Bobby Wilson as vice-president and Nadine Thompson as secretary for the year 2022.

“It is indeed an honor to lead such a distinguished board,” said Burre. Burre represents Beat 4 and says she does not take this position lightly. She understands there is major responsibility for establishing good working relationships with the superintendent, other administrators, support staff, community members, parents and all entities of the district. “Most importantly, I want to represent the school board members positively and effectively.”

Burre feels she is charged with setting the tone for board members’ relationships by speaking of the need for cooperation and mutual respect and by allowing for diversity of opinion. “I will do my very best to lead with poise, dignity and respect.”

According to Burre, the board’s actions must be transparent and accountable to the public and must work with the community, school staff and stakeholders to be effective.

“I am well aware that school board members must be able to back up their decisions and actions with facts and data.”

Burre notes that school board work is definitely hard work, but that the board is moving forward the Jaguar Way and the district needs everyone’s support. She encourages community members to reach out and offer assistance to the district.

“JDC community I send a heartfelt thank you for putting your trust in us as your school board members.”

In other business, the board has approved Feb. 21 as a make-up day and will be a regular school day for students and staff. This day of instruction makes up for Dec. 3, 2021, when the district closed for the 3A State Championship Football Game.

Students will not report to school Feb. 25 as it is a teacher workday.

All after-school programs will resume Jan. 31. Save the Children will continue after school virtually.

 

The board also approved the following without opposition before adjourning:

Adopted agenda.

Approved proposal of services with Greene Education Services for leadership and principal coaching (JDCHS)-Federal Programs Dept.

Approved the addition of five sick leave days for COVID relief at the superintendent’s request for the remainder of the school year.

Approved out of state travel for AASA National Conference on Education in Nashville, Tennessee.

Approved to apply and accept Defense STEM Education Consortium RADC Team Grant-Career Center.