The Simpson County School Board met in regular session Thursday, April 9, at 5 p.m. at the district office, addressing a range of issues including budget concerns, construction updates, and district policy.
During board comments, board member Thomas Ray Floyd spoke about ongoing concerns from residents regarding rising school budgets despite declining student enrollment.
“For several years Simpson countians have been asking why the school budget continues to increase even though enrollment has drastically declined,” Floyd said. He commended Superintendent Dr. Robert Sanders for efforts to reduce costs and align the district’s financial situation more realistically. Floyd added that he hopes savings realized in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2027 budget could result in lower school taxes for local residents.
The board also received an update from Bailey Architects regarding ongoing building upgrade projects. Officials reported a potential budget overrun of up to $1.4 million. Approximately $900,000 of that increase is tied to expanded plans for a new multi-purpose building at the Mendenhall campus.
In addition to cost concerns, the board was informed that preliminary testing indicates the City of Mendenhall’s water system may not provide sufficient volume to operate required sprinkler systems for both the new multi-purpose facility and the planned addition to the district’s Vo-Tech building. Bailey Architects plans to conduct further testing to determine whether additional infrastructure, such as water towers or wells, will be necessary.
Board members also discussed Policy “MO,” which outlines the district’s relationship with home-schooled students. Floyd introduced a motion to amend the policy by adding language affirming parental rights in education. The proposed addition stated that the district recognizes the rights of parents to direct their children’s education and that nothing in the policy should interfere with that right. Floyd cited federal court rulings supporting parental authority and emphasized his belief that such rights are fundamental. The motion failed due to a lack of a second.
Financial Director Shelia Copeland presented the district’s financial report, including results from the 2025 independent audit conducted by McKenzie CPA LLC. The district received a positive audit, which board members acknowledged and praised.
In personnel matters, the board approved a Human Resources report presented by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Furlinda Travis. The report included several classified staff changes for the current 2025–2026 school year, including child nutrition workers at Mendenhall Elementary and Mendenhall High, a substitute custodian for the district, and an instructional assistant at Magee Elementary.
Looking ahead to the 2026–2027 school year, the board approved multiple certified staff recommendations, including teacher hires, replacements, and license renewals across campuses such as Magee Middle School, Magee Elementary, Mendenhall Elementary, Mendenhall High School, and the Achievement Center. Positions included classroom teachers and a dyslexia therapist.
Additionally, the board approved 30-day employment authorizations for several staff members currently serving in child nutrition and support roles.
The meeting concluded with approval of the claims docket and other routine business items.
