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Simpson County School Board met for their regular scheduled meeting Thursday, November 11, 2021.
All minutes and the agenda were approved.
During board comments, the board acknowledged both high school football teams advanced to the second round of playoffs and congratulated both coaches on a job well done. The board acknowledged Veteran’s Day and the veterans who are serving and have served our county and lost their lives for our freedom.
The Mississippi School Boards Association recently held an emergency meeting with their board members from across the state to discuss whether the association will stay or withdraw from the National School Boards Association, due to the national association’s efforts to limit parent input in school boards. Cowart plans to vote yes to withdraw from the NSBA Monday, November 15, 2021.
The 2019 audit has been completed. Megan St. Clair, principal owner of St. Clair CPA, met before the board to present the findings that were discovered during the firm’s single audit. The findings were submitted to the State Auditor’s Office who received and submitted a letter back to the board that all findings have been reviewed and the district was deemed all good with the State’s office. 2020 bank reconciliations are being completed so the 2020 audit can be completed.
Joanna Maddox, director of finance, presented all financial reports for September for the board to review. All reports and claims dockets were approved by the board. Maddox stated the district’s revenue is up while expenses are down at this time of the year.
The district approved to accept the refinancing of notes with a 1.79% interest rate. The old notes will be paid off and freeing up $5.9 million in revenue for future projects. The notes are to be issued by the end of December 2021.
The board had previous requested a review of New Market Tax Credit. The information was brought before the board but due to research found the district will review other options for the new consolidated high school.
Nurse Judith Jones advised the board the COVID numbers are down and the mask mandate had been removed. The district has a protocol in place on when to reinstate the district’s mask mandate. The district will watch the positive rate among staff and students to determine if the mask mandate will be reinstated.
The human resource report and consent agenda presented to the board were approved.
Jeffery Walker, Maintenance and Transportation Director, updated the board on construction projects within the district. The fifth-grade building at Mendenhall Elementary School is scheduled to be completed on time by May 22, 2022, despite any delays caused by elevation issues. Architects will provide the board with a timeline for construction at Simpson Central School and Mendenhall High School projects.
Dr. Holloway advised all secretaries in the district will participate in a customer service training in January. Dr. Holloway requested this training because the secretaries are the first line to the school. The district wants to make sure the public receives a welcomed and happy experience.
Holloway advised the board a community advisory group has been created which includes community leaders in the Simpson County area.
A discussion was held if uniforms made a difference in discipline and grades. Dr. Holloway advised he has served in district with uniform mandates and not. Dr. Holloway advised the conduct basically comes back to the leadership. Ralph Walker with the Magee High School P16 Council, advised community leaders and parents have submitted interest in the students wearing uniforms. The district will conduct research on whether school uniforms have an impact on academic achievement and advised the board at a later board meeting.
With no further business, the meeting entered executive session to discuss student discipline and personnel issues.
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