The Jefferson Davis County School Board met at the Academic Success Center in Carson for its April meeting. All members were present. Von Norwood participated through teleconference.

After a moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance, the board adopted the agenda.

JDCH girls’ softball players Kevionna Myers and Dzayviunna Peyton were recognized after JDC Board Attorney Nathaniel Armistad sponsored them for their ACT test in June. Peyton is an 8th grade pitcher and Kevionna Myers is a 9th grade catcher for the Jaguars softball team. “When I heard there were 8^th graders on the team, I immediately thought ACT,” said Armistad.

“I want you to go home and put your phone down and read. And then by 10^th grade you should score over a 30 and be able to go anywhere you want to college and play softball. Academics is all year-round.”

Reports were received from three school board members, Shonda Ard Burre, Terri Stamps and Von Norwood, who attended the National School Boards Conference this month in San Diego, California. “These board members were thirsty for knowledge, it was a very worthwhile expenditure, and the board will grow from that opportunity,” said JDC Superintendent Ike Haynes.

The month of March was Educational Awareness Month for Jefferson Davis County. The district hosted a Fallen Jags Day where great contributions of community members were recognized and remembered. “In the midst of that, we lost another giant, Doris Hall,” said Haynes. Hall was a bus driver and teacher assistant for the district. Her daughter, Sandra Bennett, was present at the meeting. “We just want you to know how much we appreciate your mom and want to recognize her work in this county. Her social and community involvements will endure over time, and she will not be forgotten,” said Haynes. Haynes presented Bennett with a Resolution of Respect. “On behalf of my family, we appreciate you all recognizing my mom tonight. She enjoyed her time with her kids, and we often heard about her students.”

Departmental reports were given from Curriculum and Instruction Director Devonshae Harrien and Director of Operations Jason McLeod. Harrien reviewed the state testing schedule before McLeod gave a construction update. At J. E. Johnson, the K-3 wing connector is 50 percent complete with painting and sewage complete and lighting in progress. The office area is 35 percent complete. All new buildings have been erected at JDCHS with windows being placed and sheetrock installed. The main building work is ongoing at Carver Elementary with the new front entrance additional and new library sheetrock and roofing being 60 percent complete.

In other operations, the alternative school has six students currently. The custodial department is being trained on the upkeep of new flooring and COVID cleaning continues every 14 days. Bus driver training is ongoing, and the bus route is being reviewed for the new JDC Middle School.

In other board news, the board approved the following without opposition before the meeting was adjourned:

• Approved financial update and financial reports and the superintendent’s report.
• Approved of revised salary guide and teacher salary schedule.
• Adopted consent agenda.
• Approved of Hunting & Fishing Bid S16T7NR17W (20.16 acres more or less) by David Hutchinson of Bassfield in the amount of $325.00 for annual rent.
• Approved Budget Amendment Fund 1152 and 2916.
• Approved to remove/dispose of fixed assets.
• Approved to advertise for sale of salvage equipment.
• Approved services for District Internal Accreditation Audit.
• Approved proposed change order 29JEJ and 31JEJ.
• Approved out of state travel JDCHS Assistant Principal to SREB Summer Conference in July in Grapevine, Texas.
• Approved School Improvement Funding Application.
• Approved out of state ravel for elementary CES Principal and Lead Teacher, JEJE Principal and Assistant Principal, and JDCMS Principal and Lead Teacher to attend NAESP Pre-K-8 Principals Summer Conference in July in Louisville, Kentucky.
• Approved superintendent’s actions: Personnel hire.
• Approved personnel resignations from Monica Hinton, Hazel Keyes, Lateilya Copeland and Sheena Barnes.
• Approved personnel recommendations: Renewal professional, employee status change, substitute List.
• Approved claims.