Jones County’s Board of Education had a marathon Monday last week with virtual training sessions held before a budget workshop that started at 5 p.m. followed by a lengthy business meeting at 6 that ended after 9 p.m.
A vote by board members at the conclusion of the June 9 meeting announced more personnel changes for the upcoming school year. Lance Pittman was named Assistant Principal at Gray Station Middle School, Danielle Wheeler was named Assistant Principal at Dames Ferry Elementary School, and Felicia Skinner was named District Accountability and Improvement Specialist.
The budget for the school year ending June 30, 2027, was presented by Chief Financial Officer Tonya Merritt at the 5 p.m. work session. School Superintendent Dr. Jessica Graves noted that the focus of the budget is student safety and personnel. The total estimated revenue for 2027 is $48,956,473, or 73.31 percent, from the state and $17,825,000 from local sources.
Budget changes include a $500,000 increase for school safety, including additional fulltime resource officers and safety and security equipment.
The total of the draft budget is $74,596,752. Merritt said public hearings for the budget are scheduled at 6 p.m. June 18 and 10 a.m. June 23.
Business meeting
Chairman Ginger Bailey called the 6 p.m. meeting to order. In her chairman’s report, Bailey talked about the virtual training session for board members, which saved the community money compared to the expenses of travel and lodging expenses for in-person training.
The chairman stated that the governor signed a lot of bills as a result of the legislative session that will affect education.
Board member Kim Washburn said he usually does not have a report but had something to say. He said he felt blessed to be able to help feed educators and staff at the recent professional learning event.
“I encourage us all to realize we have a lot to be thankful for and encourage us all to act like we are followers of Christ who taught us the second most important commandment, to love your neighbor,” Washburn said.
In her superintendent’s report, Graves spoke about the professional learning event held in the Tri-County EMC Community Room and the coffee truck and lunch provided by local churches. She said the school system will continue to focus on a positive and safe environment.
Graves reported that SPARK Academy participants have been chosen and notified. She added the participants have been given ‘step ahead’ tasks. The superintendent went on to say there had been a celebration of retirees and a Parents Squared app to provide information to parents.
She said Centralized Enrollment numbers continue to soar, and the residency reapplication window is open until July 17. The school choice application window is permanently open.
Graves introduced Gray Police Chief Adam Lowe to talk about the new school initiatives that involve law enforcement.
“We were met with tremendous support by the public. A total of 517 student affidavits were verified in a 17-day period,” Lowe said.
The chief added that some of the student cases remain under investigation.
Information Session
Literacy Specialist Kristen Beaver presented a literacy update that included new literacy data.
“Our new curriculum is making a difference,” she said.
Beaver said the point students shift from learning to read to reading to learn is important, and the data shows the district is headed in the right direction.
JCHS Principal Chance Scott talked about new plans at the high school.
“A lot of traditions need to be kept intact, but we need to move in a new direction in some areas,” he said.
Scott said education is an ongoing process, and he wants to be sure kids are prepared for life after high school. He said that meant having honest conversations.
“A lot of things have happened, but some have fallen through the cracks,” the principal said.
Scott talked about safety improvement and cutting the points of entry down at the high school to three. He also said there are going to be scheduling improvements.
“There are going to be charges for students with vapes, students who fight and students who disrupt school,” the principal stated.
Dr. Trevis Killen said students will be required to attend prevention classes and will be referred to APEX Service when appropriate.
Scott said students can expect 10-day suspensions and alternative school for violations.
Lowe stated there would be testing kits on campus for vapes, and any testing positive for THC would result in a felony charge.
Scott said the possibility of a vape containing fentanyl is a real concern.
“Kids drop dead from that,” he said.
Athletic Director Charles David gave an update on the athletic program and how student conduct and grades would affect eligibility to participate in sports.
Graves said the plan is to be preventative first.
“We are looking at the whole child. Safety has to be our top priority, and we have to be serious in our response,” she said. “This will be our next step, and people need to know that.”
Lowe said all School Resource Officers are going through extensive training.
Killen added that, if terroristic threats occur at schools, there will be follow up.
Scott said the whole child concept would be restructured.
“We have offered too much.” The principal suggested the Chick-fil-A mindset.
“Chick-fil-A has chicken, that’s it. We need to keep our students on campus and focus on accountability. Who is responsible?” he asked.
Scott said the new scheduling plan is designed to decrease the amount of time students are in the hallways. He said less time in the halls will reduce the opportunity for problems.
He concluded by saying attendance matters.
“Those with excessive absences cannot participate in extracurricular activities,” the principal added.
Finance report
Merritt presented the report for the month ending May 31, which marks 91.67 percent of the school year. She said total revenues are $64,042,966 and total expenditures $63,102,426. The total cash in the bank is $25,982,265.
Education Special Local Option Sales Tax collected in May was $326,527, making the monthly average $328,225.
Merritt said the 2025 audit was complete, and JCSS received an unmodified opinion, which is the best possible. She said there was one finding that was corrected.
Comments
Marilyn Norfleet spoke in objection to having law officers enter residences when verifying residency affidavits. She stated she is committed to transparency and feels like without a suspicion of fraud, the practice is unnecessary, unconstitutional and an invasion of privacy.
“It’s a serious intrusion,” Norfleet stated.
Board member Brady Skinner attempted to address the concerns. Lowe was asked how many residents objected to the inspection.
The chief replied, “One.” Adam Bray, pastor of Elam Baptist Church, said he enjoys working in the school system.
“It’s my honor and privilege to help,” Bray said. “I encourage every church in the community to jump on board.”
Action items
Action items recommended by Graves were unanimously approved. The contracts approved included Arts and Letters Language Arts On-Site Coaching Services, Literacy Intervention Systems, Digital Phonics Solutions and 95 Adolescent Word Study Solutions, Synology Services for JCSS and approval of Board Norms and Protocols.
The board approved contracts for 30 ViewSonic Interactive panels and Frontline Central Solutions and applicant tracking management software.
Other contracts approved were for joint funding with the county for the Jones County Library and Operation Early Intervention.
The first reading of the policy for Booster Organizations was approved and the policy tabled for approval at the next board meeting. The policy will be available to be viewed on the BOE website for the next 30 days.
The policies presented at the previous meeting, Homebound Instruction Programs, Suicide Prevention, Student Records, Parents Bill of Rights, Bullying, Transfers and Withdrawals were unanimously approved by board members.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. to enter closed session. It reopened at 9 p.m. Following the vote on personnel items discussed in the session and the announcement of personnel updates, the meeting was again adjourned.
The next scheduled business meeting is Monday, July 13. Beginning in July, the board meetings move from the second Tuesday of the month to the second Monday.
