The Simpson County School District board met on August 14 to discuss a range of issues, including an offer from the Simpson County Development Foundation to purchase the property that had been bought as the site for a consolidated high school.
Simpson County Development Foundation Executive Director Pat Brown addressed the board at the meeting. He spoke about the state’s Accelerate Program through the Mississippi Development Authority, as well as the career coach program, which is now administered through the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District.
Brown said he has been in communication with the plant manager of Howard Industry’s on Hwy. 49 and is looking for ways to assist the company with workforce training needs. He urged the school board to work with him quickly, saying the plant’s employment levels were higher than originally expected and that meeting workforce demand will require strong local partnerships that could be provided by local schools.
In addition to workforce discussions, Brown went on the record with a formal request on behalf of the SCDF to purchase the property the school board previously bought from Phillip Davis as the potential site for a consolidated high school, which has since been voted down by the school board. Brown offered to pay the exact amount the district originally paid for the property.
“If they will sell it to us, it would be a quick way for them to liquidate that and we could move forward with turning it into economic development.”
Brown explained that he has raised the matter with the board for the past two years, but has now placed the request formally on record. The group was prepared to move forward if the board agreed to the purchase.
School board member Thomas Ray Floyd made a motion to sell the property to the Foundation, but no action was taken.
Brown also spoke about the importance of clear communication between the school board and the Board of Supervisors, particularly on financial matters. He expressed concern that misinformation in the community makes it harder to recruit new businesses to the county.
“It’s not productive to have a conflict between the school board and the county,” Brown said, adding that he hopes to assist the district in addressing concerns publicly if needed.
Brown emphasized that he is working against a timeline as he seeks infrastructure grants tied to the potential development of the property.
Following the property discussion, the school board began addressing a wide range of policy, financial, and operational matters.
The board acknowledged a policy review and approved updates to policies concerning access to public records as well as the transfer and withdrawal of students, aligning with Mississippi School Boards Association legislative revisions.
The board also approved and adopted Policy IU, a new measure covering diversity, equity, and inclusion that is now required under state law.
The consent agenda was approved in its entirety, along with the human resources report. Fund transfers from various accounts were also approved as part of preparations for the FY 2025-2026 budget.
During the financial report, the board discussed a possible budget shortfall after not receiving the full amount requested from the Simpson County Board of Supervisors. Board member Thomas Ray Floyd strongly opposed seeking additional funds and argued there would not be a shortfall. Finance Director Sheilah Copeland, however, outlined the projected deficit and discussed payments on the district’s 3-mill note.
School Superintendent Dr. Robert Sanders emphasized the importance of maintaining strong ties with county supervisors and warned of the consequences of underfunding. “When we start looking at our facilities we are woefully behind, and every dime— we need it,” Sanders said. “We have a responsibility to go do things that have not been done. We have not begun to deal with the needs of our facilities.” Sanders further noted that many of the district’s roofs are currently leaking and in need of repair.
Board member Floyd countered by pointing to high tax levels. “Property taxes are already substantially above what the minimum law requires at 47 mills,” he said. Floyd later voted against adopting a loan resolution for a shortfall promissory note, which the board ultimately approved by majority vote. Copeland explained that without the note, the district would face a $2.7 million budget deficit. Floyd maintained his opposition, stating he did not believe a shortfall existed and warning against placing additional debt on taxpayers.
The use of the Simpson County Technical Center by non-SCSD students was also discussed. Board VP Lillie Hardy expressed concern over costs associated with private school students using the facility without the district receiving funding. “Public school is providing education to students without cost for children who go to the private school,” Hardy said. She believes that the students deserved to use the facility but discussed the cost of maintaining and manning the facility.
Superintendent Sanders said he would explore the possibility of a memorandum of understanding with Simpson Academy regarding the facility’s use. Board member Stacey Herrin noted that parents of non-SCSD students still pay county taxes, and suggested state funding should reflect their attendance at the center.
Hardy added, “People don’t realize that public school is the tide that raises all ships.”
Sanders also reported that his staff is working with booster clubs across the district to ensure all fundraisers are properly approved and reported. He said this step will align club activities with SCSD policies.
In his superintendent’s report, Sanders highlighted a strong start to the school year, with enrollment increasing by 13 students compared to last year. He also announced the launch of the district’s new website and said that a mobile app will soon be available to keep parents informed.
The meeting concluded with the board entering executive session to discuss litigation before adjourning.
