At the Simpson County School District’s first meeting of the new calendar year, the board elected Ralph Walker as the new board president. Lillie Hardy remained vice president, and former president Danny Cowart was elected as board secretary.
The board approved the minutes of the past meeting, and Hardy requested that board attorney John Hooks review the minutes to prevent any legal issues in the future.
The board reviewed olicies concerning public relations, organizational relations and education agency relations. The consent agenda was approved.
Following discussion of the 2024-2025 academic calendar, Hardy questioned why it included academic and non-academic days and said the two should not be combined. She suggested removing anything from the calendar that does not have anything to do with teaching and learning. The foundation for the calendar was approved so Superintendent Dr. Paul Lawrence can continue to make changes before presenting a finalized calendar for approval.
The financial report was accepted and the human resources report was approved after some discussion in executive session.
Dr. Lawrence presented an “I am Simpson County School District” video featuring Emily Holder Peacock and Paige Holder Dedmon. Lawrence also discussed various training that took place throughout the district including training on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
The board discussed the location of the next board meeting on February 15. Cowart explained that the board meetings have been taking place at school sites to adhere to the laws requiring the board to spend a day touring each school. The meeting location for February 15 will be determined at a later date.
The board entered executive session to discuss litigation and personnel before adjourning.
