001[music] Heat. Heat. Multiple [music] >> [music] >> Matthew. >> [music] >> Hey. Hey. Hey. >> [music] >> Gotcha. [music] Mhm. >> [music] [music] >> Hey. Hey. Hey. [music] Mhm. [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. M [music] to tonight's meeting. If you would please stand for our pledge and invitation and pledge to be led tonight by Miss Mila Maine. >> Thank you Lord for allowing us to come together today allowing us to meet as a group to help make decisions for our children of this district for the district for our parents and our community. We ask Lord that you guide and lead us in making these decisions. And we ask all of this in Jesus's precious name. Amen. Amen. >> I aliance to the flag of the United States of
002America [clears throat] and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you, M. >> All right, ladies and gentlemen, at this time, I'll entertain a motion to adopt tonight's agenda. >> Vanessa, so move. >> Do we have a second? Second. >> Is there any discussion? There being none, let's vote. Please, all in favor, please say I. I. >> I. I. >> Carries. Next item on the agenda. Can we have a motion to approve the minutes from our last board meetings occurring on May the 4th, May the 18th, and May 21st, 2026. >> So moved. >> Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? >> There being none, let's vote. All in favor, please say I. >> I. Motion carries.
003And now we move on to our superintendent report. Mr. West. >> I got a couple things that you >> only two. >> Well, that's it's got bullet points. Um, >> got it. >> If you'll take one of those, pass it down. Um, if I kept adding to this to the graph and the chart for the whole year, it'd be microscopic font. So, this is the best I could wanted to go over the uh enrollment attendance and discipline report for May. And then I have a uh 25 26 average on that for enrollment at the high school. Understanding that we have a large group of seniors that graduate in December or complete in December, we graduate them in May. But uh that that's why that number comes down. And even the average is probably not fair
004because, you know, we're usually uh you know 50 uh plus on in the fall that we don't have uh in the spring. So uh but the rest of them are a little more accurate because those students that we don't have any mass exodus at Christmas. Um but you can see where we are in May compared to where we have averaged for the course of the year for uh the enrollment. Um a few slight changes here and there, but we're pretty pretty steady for the most part. um attendance for May and I put that through uh the 14th because once we finish testing um our parents just [clears throat] start keeping them home. >> I haven't got any complaints from teachers about kids not coming after state testing. >> Uh but uh that's where we were
005when when when everything was on the line. That's where we were in May. Uh and then you can see the attendance for the average of each school for the course of the year. Uh and one of the things that we're working on this summer is uh a little stricter uh process for managing attendance. Uh we have some admin training uh come we're doing that every Tuesday of the summer. Uh and one of those things is addressing the attendance uh concerns that across the district because u we just have too many kids that are that are truent and Sean I may reach out to you at some point as well about some of the attendance things and working with the truency officer. But those are the numbers for the month of May and then the average
006for the year. And then school discipline. Um it's it was down in May of course when you don't have a whole lot of kids attending. You know ones that do show up pretty easy to manage and well managed. But you can also see the average for the for the year where we are on on student. Um some of the uh strategic plan goals just you know that we have upcoming in terms of uh our first goal of student success and readiness. Uh we are scheduling trainings with the curriculum team and implementation of new high quality instructional materials. We're bringing on board a lot more uh solid curriculum across the K12. We're there's a budget meeting actually on Wednesday to make sure that we can afford everything we want and we'll prioritize those things if we
007can't get it all. Another op opportunity that we have and we're determining the feasibility of it is expanding the dual credit opportunity at Stone High beyond 29 hours. Now what that would involve is the school being considered a a MGCCCC campus to to a certain extent uh which comes with a lot more governance with Dr. I'm sure you're familiar with the Sachs accreditation and all that. We'd have to meet those standards through G Coast, but that's an opportunity that we have. Whether or not we put into play this year, but still yet to be determined, but we're looking at the fees using some of their instructors on our campus to provide additional dual credit opportunities for our kids. And we have gotten official word that we are granted the business, finance, and marketing program at
008CTE. That's a new two-year program that we'll be uh putting into effect. We're thinking right now that we may have one section uh just to start it. Um and then we have we're working on the teacher unit that we'll share with the high school that can that can cover that as well as uh some regular high school classes. So that'll be a great opportunity uh for teacher recruitment, retention, and development. Uh we're hosting uh student teachers over the course of fall and spring semesters. Miss Park and I were actually uh meeting about that earlier today. Even we do have a one person from the band that that's a former >> but they have some connection to Miss Mitchell. >> Okay. But they they specifically asked to be part of the Stoneh High band program as
009far as their their learning uh because we do such an excellent job. So we also have them at the elementary levels as well. >> Mr. West, do most of our student teachers come from William Kerry or Southern M? >> So we have agreements actually with Kerry Southern and Mississippi State now. So yeah, most of them do come from Kerry and Southern >> which I'm just curious as to you know off hand which one has the greater percentage because Kerry I'm telling you Kerry Kerry has just gotten >> I think Kerry has better programs actually in the state. Um >> they really have the numbers >> that data let me know you find out. I'm curious. I mean, they they've been burning it up. >> I'm sorry. >> You're good. >> Uh we have some curriculum
010team members that are serving on MBE committees. Uh they're attending some trainings through uh the state in preparation for next year with a lot of the changes that are coming down. >> Good. And we've been uh synchronizing leadership roles for new the new teacher development u specifically pinpointing the roles of uh lead teacher curriculum specialist and administrators in terms of supporting our our new uh teachers both to the district and to the profession in general. Uh in terms of optimizing engagement with uh families and community uh we are revising our branding kit for district marketing and social media posts. AI is a great tool. I don't know if you've seen any of the Facebook posts of recently by all our schools, but when AI generates specifically the tom cat, those cats look like they come
011from all over the place. We got wild cats, we got bobcats, we got cougars, we got whatever. And so I just pulling our hair out going. We got to get this right. Um so we're putting a branding kit together and we'll push that out to our schools. And u Mr. Wilson is doing a training tomorrow on technology and one of those things is how to use our logos within AI to generate things so that you get the true Tom Cat not somebody else's coach is not [laughter] >> um we are still seeking partnerships with local businesses for stadium advertising and sponsorships. Uh we're close to the end of that. That window's closing soon. So we're going to make one more run at it this week. >> Have we considered doing selling bricks >> like papavers
012to >> That's a good idea. >> Yeah, somebody has an idea for that. Um >> this parker came over donate >> to have your name, your family's name on there, whatever. I mean, it brings in a lot of money. We have some some potential for that and probably it's probably my fault that we haven't got it off the ground sooner. Miss Parker has been advocating for that and Miss Bond has even mentioned that before. Just so many irons in the fire. We just haven't nailed that one down. But there's future opportunity for that. So, yes, it's still on the table. >> Gotcha. >> And we have uh we've been trying to we've been working on our uh admin retreat. Uh we have a pres a presentation that'll be delivered to us for a full day
013on uh July the 9th on the new accountability model and how to maximize that. We were trying to figure out a way to do just some kind of team bonding things and it came up today in our leadership team meeting that it might be neat to do a community service project as a group of administrators and go out and serve our community as part of a a team building activity. So we're going to we're looking at opportunities for that. Uh in terms of nurturing safe and supportive learning environments, uh we're revising and updating school safety plans for the 26 27th school year. Dr. White's heading that up. uh organizing summer improvement projects, long-term maintenance needs, uh specifically roofs, and I don't know if we'll speak to that in more detail or not tonight, but it's
014definitely on our our radar and we're aware of some immediate needs with roofs and then some short-term needs move forward to make sure that our buildings are safe and and sustainable. Uh and we're completing punch list walkthroughs on the new high school campus. We did the academic building two weeks ago. We're doing the cafeteria on Wednesday and the fine arts will be hopefully the following week. The last one will be the the gym. Um uh financial stability re resource alignment. Uh we've been working hard to prioritize the budget needs. We do have a budget work session scheduled for July 18th. And I I think we're going to shoot for early afternoon for that one. And then we like I'd like to roll that to the uh the board. >> June. >> It said July. >>
015Did I say July? I'm sorry. >> July. >> It's June. Okay. Okay. >> When is I say you said July? >> I sure I even typed June on there. I don't know where that came from. It should be June. >> It's It's all good. >> What time is it? Early. >> It'd be early afternoon. Don't tell me what time >> I have off and work so it doesn't matter that day for me. >> I'm retired. >> I'm not teaching. >> Monday. >> No, that's a teach. >> Just tell me when to show up. >> Kung fu day, right? >> Hopefully progressing soon with the pine straw harvesting ement uh for additional revenue. That's we'll lock down some uh 16 section leases and then we'll move forward with that and then uh we're looking at options
016for use of current future district property for revenues. Couple other things I want to share. Um we did have audits and this would actually be top of my list um from both the gifted education and the child nutrition. So if you'll just take one of these and pass it down. I'll take if you want to pass down. So, with our gifted education audit, we had a preliminary audit date set. Uh the auditor had to change dates, came in uh almost unannounced, and then got some bad information. So, we they revisited us and you see on the say it's on the second page of the the double-sided um long page. Uh it says that the district is uh I think it might be on the on the back side. >> Yeah, at the very bottom compliant
017there uh in our child nutrition. This is a great letter except for if you pay attention to who it's addressed to. >> [laughter] >> They're just a body west. >> Anyway, [laughter] >> um I I just I was so impressed that they were that impressed with us. You don't usually get letters that talk about uh where they they commend uh for outstanding teamwork, professionalism during the site visit. Despite the fast-paced nature of meal service, the team worked seamlessly to ensure every student was served efficiently and accurately. It was evident that the staff take great pride in preparing nutritious meals that are both compliant and appealing to the student body. That last paragraph. So, hats off to our child nutrition department. Uh, Miss O'Neal has done a great job and Miss Parker has really helped her
018through her first year as the child nutrition director. So, we're in really good shape. And then I'm going to pass these down. Um, these are renderings, conceptual designs if you there. So, you just take a packet and pass the rest of them down of our uh containers, concession containers. >> That's good. >> They're all >> nice. That's fantastic. >> Nothing wrong with that. >> That's nice. Um, we met with them today. [clears throat] Well, >> to um to talk about what we liked and what we didn't like because they gave us multiple samples. I didn't print all of them. Just wanted you to see a couple of different options. Um, we're looking at some color schemes, some of the cladding on the side, some of the the the logos and the where they're going to
019go and whatnot. Um, so they took our branding kit and they they pushed it into their design team uh to come up with some of these designs. Um, we're not going to have the interior views. I told him, I said, "We need something a little more realistic. Looks like a concession stand and not a highend coffee shop." Um, but we met with them today through a couple of Zoom meetings actually and talked about some of the design features. And >> I like the idea of the crest. I like the crest. >> Oh, no. >> We told them the crest is very much an academic >> uh symbol and that we wanted the Tomcat in place of the crest, but >> Oh, it's just We can revisit. >> We're going to get new renderings. I should
020have them uh tomorrow. >> A little too high class. Love's a dark color, but you know what the sun's going to do to that dark color. >> Well, and our concern was the white would show every piece of >> But this is a white. That's pretty. Oh, I guess it's white. It doesn't look like >> I think it's some of the way it's built to show what the lighting would look like in the evening. But >> yeah, >> I think the black is trendy. But I'm gonna tell you what, I'm done. my black car. I could trade it in right now. This one year old. >> That black's going to show dust and dirt more than the white will. >> For instance, the catwalks on your car. I'd know that it does. >> But when
021you first get it washed in wax, it looks stunning. >> It's stunning when it's washed, but it it >> you drive out of the driveway and it's done. So, I'm just saying that black's going to be >> We're going to get some renderings actually of we we found some some grays. the gray would be good. >> That would would still present itself well without showing all dirt that that when when things fly around a a stadium. Yeah. >> And on white, you got to spray it down all the time. So, we're looking at some grays >> uh with some, you know, different kind of logos placed on it in different places. So, >> I like the curve cursive Tom Cat. >> You know that gray that the new vehicles are? That would be a good
022gray. >> Beautiful. >> You know what I'm talking about? >> Yes. So, um, like I said, they'll send us some renderings. I can email you what we get. Uh, and we're going to have more meetings to finalize, you know, the design, the exterior. We spoke about some of the interior features, um, for the restrooms and the, uh, cafe as and the ticket box as well. And everything is on track to be uh, delivered on site prior to the first uh, football game. And these are really plugandplay. Uh they they get a crane, they set them, you hook the wires up, rocking and roll. So >> you have a slab for these. >> We do have uh that's already being designed or has been designed through uh Max and EGH. So yeah, >> interesting. >> Can
023you not do the Crest and Tom Cat? >> No, that's too much. >> If you put them on opposite thing, you see what I'm saying? for the price. Whatever the price, they'll do whatever whatever we're willing to pay for. I'll tell you that. >> We're trying. >> Does it matter if you give me extra stuff? I'm sure it does. >> Well, a lot of these features are >> We really like the uh the blue um LED under the >> Yeah, it's under the serving counter. And >> how easy is that to get bumped by people and torn up? I think it's Well, I think >> probably kind of built in, isn't it? >> I think it's underneath a counter. So, yeah, take some real effort. Say a three-year-old that walks up and gets fascinated, won't
024reach up there and try to grab it. But >> I'm hoping it's secure enough that you just, >> you know, I do like the caress to represent, but how many people are going to say, "What is that?" People don't know the >> and and because it's football, we wanted the the >> tomat they didn't use that in any of their >> It is. It is. And and we made Jacine made sure to remind me of that when we're looking at some of the scoreboard rendering that said Tomcat football. >> Oh, you can't say that. Yeah. >> Jacqueline was quick to say it's a soccer stadium, too. Of course, team has no reason to say that >> having raised soccer players in her house, but >> they call soccer football over there in Europe, but I
025don't think it goes there like that here. >> Yeah, it's a stadium. It's not just a football game. So, >> that's good. >> But I mean, it really is. >> I'm impressed. >> I ask one question on your report. >> Yes, sir. on the uh I know you're doing the punch lists and the walkthroughs right now and I know you're looking for things problems and I've come in after all of this process but when something's built brand new >> do we not have like a one-year warranty that if there's if if there's problems because things are going to come up something's going to settle something's going to do this so at at one year you do another walk through and if there's problems that comes up, we're fine. >> Yeah. And we've had that already
026with the CTE and [snorts] it when we find it within the first year. Okay. >> When that one year, >> yeah, I got you. >> But anything that's that's >> free and clear that for them >> needs repair within that one year. It doesn't have to be repaired within that one year. It needs to be brought and evaluated and then because we still have some things at CTE that are being prepared and we're, you know, at the end of year two now. So, >> I don't know that they need to come out there for one little crack every five 10 minutes there. But they're going when when you got five, six things, hey, let's fix it all at one time. As long as it's within that one year. >> Okay. Just want to make sure
027we got a year. >> Yeah. >> To get all the kinks out. >> And it money spend that much money to get it one year. >> Can you buy the extended >> Mr. West? Real quick, this is back to the the July 9th. It's the new AC new um achieve achievement project, you know, the new um accountability model. Thank you. I'm like, what was that for? >> Um do we know when the new test results are coming out? >> The 25th of this month is when the preliminary date is supposed to be released. >> Really? and we come through it, find any discrepancies, challenge what we we feel is is inaccurate, and then I don't know that it's usually not released state board of education until sometime September. >> Okay. >> Maybe even October, >>
028but the powers that be can get that info by the end of June. Okay, good to know. I'm just curious to see how >> my phone >> testing model turned out to be >> start blowing up in my superintendent group chat because everybody's going to be scores are in and you know they're all going to want to compare scores and talk about this and that. So >> it's coming these windows for the concession area. Are these like like roll up windows and >> they're um what's like a garage door? >> Yeah. It's not roll up. It's It's on hydraulic arms. >> Yeah. >> Cuz they they pop up and lock >> like these awnings. Are these going to >> They'll close down and shut the window. >> Okay. All right. >> I like those awnings.
029>> That's really cool. Especially with the ones with Tom Cats. >> You're a fan of those, too. >> Yeah. Looks looks good. >> We're going to make sure people know where they are. That's right. Anyone have any other questions for Mr. West? Thank you, Mr. West. That's that was some fun info to go through. Appreciate that. All right. I can get my list. Thank comments. Do we have anyone that's on the list? No. No one. No one wanted to comment to tonight. All right. All right. Well, we'll move on. Next item on the agenda. We have a motion to approve tonight's consent agenda. >> Make a motion to approve. >> We have a second. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? There being none, let's vote, please. All in favor, please say I. >> I.
030Motion carries. >> Motion. >> I did. >> Second by Miss Bond. Have a motion to approve tonight's presented resolutions. >> Motion to approve. >> Have a second. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? >> Yes. >> I did kind of give them a heads up that a revision was coming. >> Okay. Did you give it to everybody? >> I did not give theision. >> No, no, you >> Yeah, we we spoke about it right before. >> So, we are ready for you to discuss. >> Okay. All I have is the red line to write this minute because he was like as I was locking the door he was sending the copy. >> Yeah. >> I just told them you were bringing a revised resolution. >> You can talk. >> Okay. So, um, we received I'm
031kind of try to read like what was read line, um, because I gave y'all a draft copy over the weekend. And so, we received one bid from Trust Mark Bank. Um, and then at 11:06, a non-binding proposal term sheet came in from Capital One. Um, and so that's it's kind of worded like that. So, the recommendation from Jeb Young, who's the attorney that helps us with this, was to reject those, and that's what's read in here. I don't know if it's the district did not receive any other bids or other offers for the notes, the trust bid and the capital one proposal because he kept saying the capital one was not really a bid. It was not in this bid. It was a proposal. So, um, and in the way that we've structured it as
032two separate notes. It's a note A for 400,000 and a note B for and there was various amounts. So the um the capital one proposal offered the lowest interest rate for note A and for each alternative repayment term of note B requested by the RFB but was delivered after the deadline stated in the RFB. After reviewing the trust mark bank did in the couple one proposal he insists that we reject Hold on. I'm sorry y'all. >> No looking at the email. I've had issues with my computer so I have this little cell phone and I'm Yeah, just I'm happy to hear you. Um after reviewing question mark bid and the capital one proposal the board finds in determinance that it's in the best interest of the district to reject and reject the question mark bid
033and the capital one proposal and to negotiate to sell the notation to the capital one as allowed by the act and as set forth herein. So then it goes on to the eight section capital one has submitted to the district. The amended capital one proposal attached [clears throat] rate stated for each alternative in the amended capital one proposal is less than the lowest interest rate in trust market bid and the capital one proposal. And then they also then it went on to tell exactly what it is. The board hereby finds and determines it is in the district's best interest to obtain the loan from capital one and the aggregate council amount of four.5 million evidence by note A of 400,000 in B and 4,100. Um the 400,000 were taken out for five years with an
034interest rate of 4.55%. No right of prepayment. And the board uh accepts note DA amended capital one proposal and awards note three to capital one and a principal amount of 4.1 million with a term of 15 years and a per annual interest rate of 4.81%. >> Um >> what was that previous interest rate 4? $400,000. It's a 400,5 >> then it's a 4.1 4.1 million at 4.81 >> and then what he's changed different was kind of changed and put in what the capital one stuff was. So I brought the red line. I have the other I can email y'all. So that's how the resolution as we've gone through and done all the principal maps and stuff. >> So how do we Mr. Courtney? How do we need to proceed from here? I'm sure didn't give
035you instructions on how >> he said it just needed to be approved that this was just a um >> he said what I presented was a draft explain and this just a revised resolution >> on whether or not to accept or reject the revised resolution rejects the bid in capital I'm talking about number two. I'm sorry. >> Sorry. Okay. >> And then he's already negotiating with other interest rates with Capital One. >> Okay. Okay. >> So, so there is there were two resolutions. >> Um, and I'm sorry I jumped to the second one because it's the one that's had me paying for it. [laughter] The first one was a resolution to transfer some surplus funds that I have in a debt service fund. So, those funds are kept separately >> um in bank accounts and
036I have to go back and transfer them if they're over $1,500 is with >> have to write an ad in paper and all of that stuff. So, that's what the first one is and it's I'll have a little bit of interest added, but it's, you know, approximately 335 of one and 4500 of the other that I will put into our >> You said 335. >> Yeah. 33573 and 452160 will be transferred. I can't remember which place I put it in or I've suggested I think it's going into our um our bond. It's either our bond or 3 mil note because my other um short notes are sustaining them. They're they're good. >> Okay. >> So that's the first one. So we can approve tonight item 7.1 but 7.2 revision. >> How did you approve it
037as well? >> with the revision. >> Okay, >> there we go. >> Okay. Do could we have that motion restated again then? Mr. Bo, >> let me just vote on the the transfer of surplus funds and resolution 7.1 first. >> Okay. Okay. >> All right. Could we have a vote to approve uh the transfer surplus funds for number 7.1? >> Vanessa. So move. >> Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? There being none, let's vote. All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> That one carries. Now we move on to item 7.2, the limited tax promisary note. >> Motion to approve >> with the revision. >> Do we have a second? >> Vanessa Dto second. And any discussion? There being none. All in favor, please say I. >> I. I. >>
038Carries. Next item on the agenda. Uh, a motion. We have a motion to approve the financial documents including the financial the April 2026 financial reports, the budget amendments, claim docket info, as well as a wire transfer for June 2026. Have a motion to approve it. >> So move. >> Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? >> I I do. >> Yes. question >> just and >> this is just a generalized question. School year has ended. I know we're still got the fiscal year, but we're get we're approaching to the end. Are you foreseeing any problems or are we going to be able to close out the year budget as projected and thought about? Because I know diesel prices things have are different, but when when all the dust settles, are
039we going to be good? And I know we're not there yet, but >> No, no, no. But I have been watching it closely, a little closer than Well, I mean, I always kind of watch it close this time of year. And yes, um there has there was some surplus built into the budget and places that I've been able to protect it. So, we will be within um where it was set because I how I always like to to look at it, where the budget was set. Um, I'm also trying to wrap up and get ready for the June 19th what work session so I can have a good >> 18th whatever [laughter] hard to get the month right. >> Um, so yes and some of that is you know every month y'all approve the budget
040amendment and that's you know we've had to move you know here and there. Um, but yes, >> which I I know there's still more expenses, but the biggest expenses are in the books because we're not driving buses and and that sort of cost. >> Yes. And and and unfortunately, we won't really know the final final until like August, but no, September. it takes me that long to close out the year because we're still paying bills um for June and and August. So, it takes a while to get that all >> that's part of the 25 26 >> part of the 2526 budget, you know, but we still have those for the most part accounted for. There's occasionally something that'll come through that I'm like, well, you didn't know about this to not happen. But yes,
041I I I've been watching and we like I said, we've got some places here and there that I've been able to protect and not use. >> Right. >> Okay. >> And we've been able to do a lot this year, too, because we did buy two buses and I'm trying to work I'm trying to get more into the new budget with a lease. Are those new buses more fuel um efficient? >> They got Yeah, they have air conditioning. >> But I would think they would be >> I would think they would be. [clears throat] They were definitely much more expensive. >> Yeah. Than they used to be. Yeah. >> I haven't even seen I haven't gone back because um Dr. White and Miss were really pushing trying to get them purchased before July 1. That's not
042I can't do that. How about the additional buses? >> Yeah, the additional buses. We want to >> Yeah. >> Yes, ma'am. Yes. >> We're pretty much trying to add a couple every year now, right? At least to if possible. >> We're fixing those >> even more. Good. >> Yeah, we're we're behind on on the fleet update. So, >> we're gonna we're gonna catch up >> and then we're going to stay caught up. >> So, >> good deal. >> Well, that's good. Can I go ahead at this point of the financial reports? >> Absolutely. >> I haven't shown. >> So, we need to bring this with us on April the 18th. I mean, June 18th, >> this is your June 25. So, this is last 15 years. >> Um, it was done back in March and
043has been approved, but he's just >> This is just the audit. >> This is just the actual your copy of the audit. Um, you I didn't keep my copy. Mine for just a minute. >> Got mine. >> So, the ne there's three pages back and to me it's the most important thing. It's on page 75 and it's not real important here because it actually had a finding this year, but I'll go ahead and point it out to y'all. And it pretty much should have said Cassie messed up at the top of it. Um, so whenever I close out my books, I closed out my my a good of my funds in a negative fund balance. And it even states here that they they weren't negative. It was my federal funds that we have to to
044loan and I missed a transaction. And so he had to write me up. So that is that's what I look for. But there's all of your financial information that's in there. Um, and he'll be checking on that to make sure. Yeah. We appreciate the work you do to keep us financially sound. Thank you. >> Very much appreciate that. >> You would appreciate her more if you knew what >> how hard it was to deal with her boss. >> Right. So, did we I don't did we we did not vote. So, we need to vote on our the motion to approve tonight's financial reports. We had that. We had the motion done. We just need to vote. Any other questions? There be none. Let's vote. All in favor, please say I. >> I. The motion carries.
045Next, we will entertain a motion to approve tonight's personnel recommendation as provided by Superintendent West. So, move. We >> have a second. Second. >> Any discussion? There being none, let's vote, please. All in favor, please say I. >> I. Now, Mr. Courtney, if I do this incorrect, you let me know. I was going to take a motion to approve all of the the the land uh 16th section leases. And if anyone wishes to and during discussion time, if they wish to have one extracted, that's okay. All right. So, could we have a motion to approve all the 16th section leases uh pending the approval of the secretary of state? This is for section se this is items 10.1 through 10.6. >> Make a motion to approve. >> Do we have a second? >> Second. >>
046There anything that needs extracting or any discussion? There being none, all in favor please say I. I. And the motion carries. Next, which brings us to the policy section of tonight's uh agenda. Uh item number 11.3 is a policy review of uh JA through JCAA. Is there any any comments that First I get let me let me go on and get the motion on the floor. We have a motion to approve tonight's policies as included. This is 11.1 through 11.3. >> Vanessa Dito. So move. >> We have a second. >> Second. >> Okay. Now, I'm going to I'm going to go a little out of order here if you don't mind. 11.3. Uh any is are there any comments concerning the policy review section for tonight? >> All right. Now we move on to >>
047I emailed everybody earlier today. >> Necessarily suggested changes but I just want to make sure under policy JB the language related to title nine. Title 9 changed in 2024 and that we adopted JB in 2019 and I just want to make sure that we're using the most current Title 9. It couldn't really tell from the policy except for within the policy, it states that we are to use a a clear and convincing standard for evidence, which is fine. But in in 2024, they gave school districts the choice to use either clear and convincing or uh preponderance of the evidence, which is a tougher uh standard to meet, but so I think you're probably using the 2020 version instead of the 2024 version. Um and so that um and then and >> your recommendation is to
048use the most current one. >> Yes. And in fact, it would even be great if it just said in the policy, you know, all applicable, you know, federal regulations, which is what title N is under just as a catch all. Um so that wasn't really a change more than just a question and a suggestion. Um there's just some um couple little things. The JAB refers to our school as site name instead of Spokane School District. Um JBDA >> a lot of our policy. >> Yeah, I've noticed in the past. JBDA says that it was last changed on January the 1st of 1900. [laughter] >> January the 1st of 1981. >> Those are probably wrong. >> Who's reviewed it since then? I would hope. Um, and then >> no, we were not allowed. >> The only
049two things I really want to bring your attention to were your AI uh policy, JCA. It states that that student can put um their name or identifiable information into an AI platform. And I just want to make sure that's something school district actually wants. I mean, the the concern being that if a student's using it to write an essay for, you know, college acceptance or whatever else, that's probably a bad example, but um using it for research purposes. Um I think that probably it' be better to say any other students identifiable information or or any other student or employee, faculty, staff members identifiable information. Um again, it's just a suggestion. It's really for you to decide what it is that you want out of that policy. Um, and then lastly, the only thing that I
050do think absolutely does need to be stated differently is your technology fee. States that you charge each student a $40 U fee for the Chromebook. And it says this will be assessed to all students. State law doesn't allow you to do that. state law states that if a child qualifies for free or reduced lunch, they're to have a hardship waiver for technology fee or any other elected fee and they're to be told of that when they're enrolling for their fee. And so I quoted that statute for y'all in the email. But I think that needs to be in the policy and it certainly needs to be uh in the made available to the students when they're asked to uh enroll. >> We just have you offer language for police. >> Yeah, he had he gave
051it to us. >> He gave it to us. >> You're referencing uh that in the italics the subsection B is that you're talking about the confidentiality of financial hardship waiver. >> Um well no just I mean I'm not concerned about the confidentiality of the waiver. are more concerned with the fact >> I see I see where you are sorry >> that it's it's not being it's not stated in the policy that that's available to students that qualify for free and reduced lunches. >> So can we re uh re uh on your recommended language? >> So we do that all at one time though because I appreciate that. So, I know you had an issue. You mentioned something about the student handbook, which I know I have some questions about that, but >> yeah, I didn't
052really Yes. Um, student handbook, the AI policy is the same as in your in that policy. So, it's the same question had um >> I think it was about um >> Due process process. >> Thank you. >> Um I know that that's been an issue here. [clears throat] there is confusion regarding due pro the appeals process and what it is and um I know that this is a second reading. So it's it's likely a little late to to really change the meat of that um part of the handbook. But I do think that the handbook would benefit from um short section just clearly explaining the available appeals process for long-term expens suspensions and expulsions as opposed to uh short-term suspensions, those being less than 11 days. Um and then also alternative school placements. And it's
053just a it's a mess. And I mean, as many years as we've been doing this, I mean, we still have to look it up every time it comes up. Right. It can be confusing. >> Well, you know, when I was attending that, you you were um virtual virtually attending a thing and I was in at Jackson or whatever attending it in person and Mr. Keith said, cuz you asked a question about do we have to do this, >> right? >> And he said it's not law. He said, "But it is highly recommended that if a parent wishes to >> appeal to the school board, even though it doesn't have to happen, that you allow it to happen, >> right?" >> So, I don't know. >> I think Mr. West and I talked about that a
054few months ago, too, because he said, you know, do I have to even do that? I don't You don't. I mean, there's a US Supreme Court case, Gossby Lopez, that says that if your child's uh punishment, if your student's punishment is anything less than 11 days of suspension or more um or an expulsion, then you're not entitled to due process at all. Um but schools do it. >> And that's that's the conversation that we had was that everywhere I've been, >> that due process right has been granted even for a suspension of less than 11 or more days. Um it's consideration to give >> to show that you're trying this good faith effort. I guess >> Keith will agree with me though that there's a difference between a due process where uh the students um
055punishment is is appealed to the school board versus a um an actual where you have a hearing a because that is definitely only if it's more than 10 days of a suspension. Um, and luckily we have had very few of those since I've been here. So, yeah, >> we want to keep the triple. >> It's it's a a trending thing to appeal everything, >> right? >> And contest everything. But >> um I guess the difference Sean would be that if they appeal if we grant them due process appeal of a different action that's of less than 11 days, do they have another appeal after that versus because there's one that you can actually take beyond the school board. go to chancery court and and we had a student do that um several years ago. I
056on behalf of the school district and entered a motion to dismiss because I said they had no no grounds for to appeal it to chancery court and chancery court agreed with me and they dismissed the the case. So, um the the thing that is um can get I think problematic and mentioning you know everybody appeals everything all the time whatever is it just opens itself up to inconsistency and then when you have inconsistency you're opening yourself up to selective uh enforcement of your own policies and then that's where you find yourself uh being sued for a violation of civil rights. Well, that's why I think it's so so important to have the verbiage in the policy itself. And and you know in Mississippi you can't find a statute or a case that says that your
057school board if a ca if a disciplined case is referred to the school board or appeal to the school board that the school board is supposed to make sure that due process was provided. Make sure that there was a fair and impartial hearing by the disciplinary panel and that the punishment is within the policies of the school. If those three things are done, school board is supposed to uphold the the uh decision that was made. The school funds if those things weren't done, they're supposed to what's called remand it or send it back down to the u to the [clears throat] disciplinary panel. There are lawyers out there that suing schools is the new like cash cow because they know schools settle fast. They know that you and say there are school there are websites
058I checked today lawyers websites that say if you appeal to the school board the school board is supposed to do everything that I just told you to or change the u the punishment and again there's no case there's no law that says that you're not supposed to do that and so that's why there's the idea that you are supposed to be it's a mess >> technically the board is supposed to either side with the the >> decision that was made or send it back itself does not render agency. >> You know, we didn't think that you you didn't give this child enough time to you didn't tell the student that he had the right to an attorney. You didn't tell the student. We found out that one of the three members that's on the uh
059disciplinary review panel wasn't an independent, you know, person that they actually were the teacher that, you know, got cussed out or whatever. You know, anything short of that, then the school board is, I hate to use the term, and it's supposed to be a rubber stamp. You're supposed to be making sure that your schools are doing what they're supposed to be doing. And unless your schools aren't doing what they're supposed to be doing, then that falls on the superintendent, too. >> Well, I like I like what was just brought up, though, that you take when it comes to the school board, we may if we if we did send something back, we that wasn't even mentioned before. We send it back. We don't make that decision. It's like here, we want you to reconsider. >>
060Yeah. which that that knowing that and if that's written in a policy that would probably stop a lot of people from wanting to try to appeal to a school board. You know what I'm saying? Just because they'll know, oh well, >> doesn't make a decision. That's right. either say yes, they checked all the boxes and with them >> or no, they didn't check all the boxes and we're sending it back to them to make sure they have checked all the boxes. Then they can render a new decision once all the rules been >> and I can tell you I mean as a as a parent of student it's confusing you know I mean you do think oh I have this opportunity to appeal to the board and you know three of them have known me
061since I was this of course they're going to understand that my child you know isn't normally this way or whatever. what you like the where we I love I love the fact that um those hearings are video and we get to see that firsthand. So we're not just like guessing or grasping at straws here. And when you can see how those that meeting took place or what said within that meeting, then it gives the board at least an opportunity to say, "Okay, wait a minute. >> This is what we're see. We can at least offer. we don't make a decision but we can offer a suggestion and this is why so that when we're seeing something so that so that because otherwise people I I don't I don't want teachers uh to think that as
062a school board we're just looking to not to go along with them. You know what I'm saying? They need to know that we're supportive but when we when we can be and that's that's the thing. We want to be able to support what they're what they're recommending. you know, but if we see something differently, it >> so there's a difference between accepting the discipline that was doowled out versus wanting a different decision and following all procedures or not following all procedures. That's that's the board's role is to determine if all proper procedures were followed. >> And if they were, then it it kind of takes it out of your hands. We we have to support we we find no flaw in the way it was managed. >> You're basically making sure the policy was followed
063that that it was followed in every instance from the minute that the punishment was built out within the building to that appeal to a disciplinary review panel to um you and making sure the due process was afforded to the child regardless of the uh punishment. >> Is there any way we can get that garbage in there? in the handbook some way. >> Sean, if you will help me word smmith that >> we can make it as concise as possible. >> Yeah, I want to make it really >> it's a big help to all parties involved. I just put it that way. we can get outside saying. >> So, is [clears throat] it possible that there could be before it comes to the board that somebody has to say, I'm coming to the board because this
064particular part of the policy was not followed or this, you know what I'm saying? It's like before they even come to us, they have to identify like I'm coming here because I believe this part of the policy >> not follow. >> Yeah, I would I would truly love that. But no, um you can't because the the student is afforded to process and that does include the right to appeal to the board, which isn't a mitigated right. It's it's just a right to do. So, I would love it. It would be it could be an option maybe to say if you're appealing this to the school board, do you have a policy that you believe was not followed? >> But when we get it, we are supposed to uh unless we find something that they didn't
065follow, then we have to pretty much rubber stamp it, right? >> Yeah. >> And that's even what our discipline committee is supposed to do, right? They are supposed to govern whether or not the school that the school administration has followed all district policies. They're not supposed to technically uh amend anything although that you know they can make a recommendation for a change but it has to be >> I think that's supposed to make the recommendation because that it puts us in an awkward very awkward situation. Um but it also I I think that they should be able if if if the parent if we say oh you can say that this is what policy wasn't thought they're going to look they may see it through their their eyes only you know what I'm saying or
066we're seeing as we just saw this you know because sometimes they see it with blinders what it's always biased from a perspective it's personal >> and and I I can understand that but Yeah, >> I make a suggestion or >> Yeah. >> So, Mr. Courtney, number one, if you've got concerns about any of these things, I've got concerns, too. So, I appreciate that. But along the line, the problem in my opinion is the parents are thinking one thing that they have the right to appeal and the board can just change everything. That's not going to be changed until the school speaks to every parent till every parent understands that. Could not. I like what Miss Bond says, but and I know we can't make the parent do that, but during if there's an appeal, could
067we not have a pre-written letter that says, "Thank you for we your opportunity to your appeal. These are the three things that we're looking for. Could you identify which of these three did the school not follow suit with?" Like just a a pre >> a prefab letter. basically >> prefab that the president of the school board would then follow and then >> okay that that means then we're doing the same thing in every situation. >> That's right. That's exactly like that's a good idea >> because most people just don't understand that we are limited in what we can do and they think they can appeal to us. And then when the school board, if the school board says everything was followed, >> the parents might not like it, but they at least understand our position
068that we're in. >> Yeah. >> Okay. That that I think would help alleviate a lot of problems. >> And so we're not denying anybody their due process rights, >> but we are putting some guard rails around what the the board can can do and can't do. Well, I think that and and it's to limit expectations because I think that there there's an idea that there's an expectation or an idea that that things can be solved differently at the board than they were at the hearing or at the building level. And that's really not what the board is for. So, >> the board may make if the board, let's say the board made a recommendation to not agree with what was and and state XYZ, this is why It's up to that committee then to decide
069if they want to accept the recommendation of the board. >> But can the board do that? Can we >> I mean if you find the policy wasn't followed. Right. That's what I'm saying. But that's if something wasn't followed. If we saw something through the video session >> and that's what the purpose of that letter would state. If the board sees that policy was not followed, then the policy would then the board would send it back to the committee to review. >> Right. >> If the board views that the policy was followed, then it will accept the recommendation of the school >> and that should be read at the very beginning like you said to here's the expectation. >> You know, we could we could even have at [cough] the first board meeting of the school
070year. Well, and >> so that people know where where they listen >> technically. >> I mean, the same expectations are in front of the the discipline committee. >> Right. Right. >> That they're not there to be judge and jury. They're there to make sure that we're compliant. >> Right. >> Correct. And then if if they feel that to get to the board, it would have to mean that they feel that the school was not compliant nor was the committee compliant in applying policy accurately. >> Consistent. >> The way to think about it is, you know, we use the phrase due process all the time. That's really what it's a process. If the process is fair, then it's due process. If it was administered unfairly, that's when it's, you know, it has to change. People have
071to um parents have to understand that we have limitations there. Um a lot of parents think because that we can change things and um it's not >> there are only so many things we can do. That's correct. >> Manage it. So >> that's right. >> And that's in your first letter of accreditation. accreditation level one if the board is not to involve itself in day-to-day >> right >> you know decision making within the school district >> some of them would fall there >> so but I will be happy to email Missland some some verbiage tomorrow thank you maybe maybe >> do we still need to vote or leave this open right now >> we have do we we do need to vote tonight is that correct and so we can just say is it okay
072if we make the that we >> approve everything pending tonight >> in order to be printed in time for the school year. >> So if we approve it tonight with the revisions that as recommended by Mr. Courtney >> that's fine. >> Yeah. >> And I'll send you those revisions before they >> Right. Right. Right. Right. Right. Yeah. Absolutely. Yeah. >> The policies aren't as big a deal as policies can >> come by. [clears throat] >> So in that process that we were just talking about with the letter that we can maybe have that as part of the process on every every situation that wants to come to the >> we can put that language in the letter that goes to the student's parent. >> Yeah. >> Good idea. Says you know here's what it is
073and here you go. You know this >> put it in both letters. It's the one that goes to them regarding their discipline committee hearing and it's the same thing. >> Yeah. I mean, it's it's not going to be but more than three sentences. >> That way they have it ahead of time as well. >> May change their mind. >> Probably not. But anything else I have Mr. Wagner, did you have any >> else? Good. >> Okay. I'm going to bring this up one more time. And I don't mean beat a dead horse here. Um, do we have is there anything that we can add verbiage-wise that makes something a little more clear from a fight? Whether if if somebody has punched and punched and punched on somebody, how long do we expect a student to
074just take that before it's considered to be self-defense? Because the way the policy is current is is is saying I got tired and I hit them back. I need them to stop and they've got to go too. They got they're get going to get the same punishment as the person that's been beating the heck out of the person. I just I wish there's there's got to be a lot. >> So I I shared that matrix. >> I like that. >> I wrote you back over. >> Yeah, I did see that. Let me >> see if I can pull that up. >> I missed that. I'm sorry. It's been a little bit ago. >> Okay. >> Because I had to I said I know he sent us something for it with >> Well, Mr. West, I'm
075sorry. I didn't >> No, that's that's okay. >> Look, I can pull it up. It's on the email. >> So, in the in the fight determination decision matrix, um number one says, was there a means to escape? So the student had a clear path to walk or run away but chose to stay versus student was back into a corner pinned or physically obstructed. Verbal escalation student used fighting words. Student attempted to deescalate. Portality student continued striking after the threat was neutralized or uh aggressor retreated. Uh student used only the force necessary to break free or stop the immediate assault. So, if that's the case, that's self-defense. So, in the matrix, um, it talks about a fight, self-defense, [clears throat] and this will be at the site level. >> Will that show up anywhere in the
076handbook or not? >> We're going to address it. We didn't want to publish it. >> I got [clears throat] you. >> But, Coach Wagner said, this is something that needs to be made clear. It really >> every teacher, every student, >> uh, every first faculty meetings that needs to be over. And then when the students are in the gym on the assembly, >> roleplay it, >> right? >> And let them see this is you're protecting yourself. You're trying to get away. This is you trying to save face and make yourself look real tough in front of everybody. And then you run away and there's a difference there. I'll tell you, it's still the hardest thing in the world for a teenage kid to get hit and not hit back because everybody's around crowded going. >>
077Well, some of us like to scrap [laughter] that's okay. >> Scrap your hamburger. >> You didn't just go there. >> I did. I'm sorry. go to some people like every I tell kids all the time that that and it's usually after the fact because it's when they're in my office. I'm like, you know, was one of your families lies in in imminent danger and and was there a million dollars on the line? If the answer to both those is no, you shouldn't have fought cuz I you you should fight for your family. >> You should fight for a million dollars. Other than that, >> that's going to help tremendously. I love it. I love it. >> I'll share this out again just so >> it was I thought it was very good for administrators to
078be able to, you know, sometimes >> Oh, it was tough. I was administrator. It was tough. >> Difference between the fight versus push, >> right? Push. >> It's a push shove, but it's not a fight. Mhm. >> Exactly. >> Okay. So, they're all happy with each other. Yeah. I mean, >> sometimes people need to know what the consequences are of not doing what they're supposed to do. And let's say, let me introduce you to, >> you know, another school situation, you know, where they're, >> you know, not in with everybody else and they're separated or they're excluded, you know. And we're in a different day and time now >> that people don't conform to everything as they once did. Uh and they will, but they will. It just may take a little long. So, we
079may have to take extra steps. >> These kids are different. That's >> okay. We ready to vote? So >> any any questions? Good. All in favor of approving tonight's policy readings. Uh please and including the student handbook, please say I. >> I. I. >> I. >> Motion carries. This time I'll consider like to have a motion for consideration of close session. >> You have a second. >> Second. Uh, all in favor please say I. >> I. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much. Um, Miss Hardy, I do need for you to stay. Please can you session at this time. That brings us to the conclusion of this meeting. I want to thank y'all for a very productive meeting and entertaining. And at this time, I'll entertain a motion to adjourn. >> So moved. >> Have
080a second. >> Second. >> Any time. All in favor, please say I. I