Several administration changes were announced at the March school board meeting held at the Academic Success Center in Carson. After the welcome, moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance, the board adopted the agenda and proceeded with recognitions.

Assistant Superintendent John Daley was recognized as Administrator of the Month for February. Daley is leaving Jefferson Davis County after serving 20 years in the district. “John Daley has diligently worked in our school district,” said Superintendent Ike Haynes. Throughout his two decades in the district, Daley has served as a teacher, head football coach, principal, CTE director, federal programs director assistant superintendent and superintendent. “One of his really good attributes is that he is really good at doing master schedules. He is able to help with big things as well as seemingly small things.”

“I just want to publicly thank the board that for all the support I have had throughout my 20 years in this district,” said Daley. Daley thanked the board, and previous boards, for allowing him to have the opportunities that he had in the district where he grew up, went to school and graduated high school from. “It has truly been an honor I want to thank Mr. Haynes for taking a chance on me as a young principal many years ago. He has always been very supportive of me.” Daley also thanked the community, including parents, students, teachers and staff who he has worked with over the years. “It has truly been a blessing and I have gotten to work with some really great educators. I know our district is in good hands with Mr. Haynes leading the way and the board we have in place.”

JDC Director of Food and Nutrition Latrice Williams reported that all cafeterias in the Jefferson Davis County School District are now fully open and operational. Meals had been delivered to each classroom during the pandemic in an effort to halt the spread of COVID-19. “It was a pleasure to open our cafeterias back up to our students,” said Williams. Volunteers assisted the staff in cleaning the tables and equipment. “It took a lot of work, but we wanted to make sure everything was in place and ready for the students to make sure our children enjoy their meals.”

Dr. Jason McLeod gave a construction district construction update J. E. Johnson and G. W. Carver construction should be complete by the end of May. “Construction is moving along for the JDCH campus as well,” said McLeod.

A monthly TSI school of improvement update for G. W. Carver Elementary School was given. Carver had a total of 390 students enrolled in the month of February. One student was learning virtually, leaving 389 traditional students on campus. The total percentage of students with two or more absences for the month was 48 percent. Number of absences reported for teachers was 107. Both of these being a decrease from the month of January. The total number of discipline referrals was seven for the month.

Carver Principal Dr. Crystal Haynes has been announced as the principal for the new Jefferson Davis County Middle School. Superintendent Haynes made the recommendation of Vanessa Brown to the board for her replacement. “With the children and the talent in our schools, if we have a great teacher in every classroom led by a great principal in every school, I believe we can have an A district that all JDC residents can be proud of.” Brown has worked at Carver for 22 years. “She is an excellent teacher, and I am very excited to make this recommendation to the board.” The board approved the recommendation unanimously.

“I would like to thank God first of all, for allowing me this opportunity,” said Brown. Brown thanked the school board members and Superintendent Haynes. Brown said she looks forward to serving the students, staff, teachers, families and the community in Bassfield. “I promise to continue to work hard and to push the students to continue to learn and be great. The last thing I would like to say is that Carver is a force to be reckoned with.”

In other board news, the board approved the following without opposition:

• Approved financial updates/statements.
• Approved 2022-2023 salary guide containing new positions for the middle school.
• Adopted consent agenda.
• Approved of Timber Sale Bid from New South Logging (58 acres more or less.)
• Approval of Timber Sale Bid from Bradley Reid, Inc. (54 acres more or less.)
• Approved of out of state travel for JDCHS principal and counselor to SREB Summer Conference in Grapevine, Texas.
• Approved proposal with Tommie Mabry Company-Federal Programs Department.
  Approved out of state travel for JROTC students to National Flight Academy in May at Pensacola, Florida.
• Approved ESSER grant administration stipends for FY 22-24
• Approved facility use request for the Academic Success Center by South MS Regional Library.
• Approved professional services offered by Leading 2 Leap, LLC.
• Approved superintendent’s actions MS Code Section 37-9-14-personnel hire.
• Approved personnel resignations of Leisa Fornerette, Julia Lewis, Wanda Magee, Elois Gardner, Taylor Copeland, Hannah Hathorn, Micaela Mobley, Kaylea Saucier, Lyn’Donda Wells, Amber Young, Deanna Moore, Alex Harris, Daven Smith and Philece Brown.
• Approved personnel recommendations of Noah Booth and Monica Hinton.
• Approved claims.

 

The board moved to a closed session to discuss how to improve the dyslexia program in the district before adjourning.

 

 

 

 

#2. Vanessa Brown will be the new principal at G. W. Carver elementary in Bassfield.