The Simpson County School Board met Jan. 15 for its regular monthly meeting, electing new officers for the 2026 calendar year and receiving updates on major facility renovations, academic progress, and district operations.
During the organizational portion of the meeting, Stacey Herrin was elected board president, Terra Mallette was chosen as vice president, and Ralph Walker will serve as board secretary for 2026.
Gary Bailey of Bailey Construction Group later presented an update on upcoming renovation projects across the district. Bailey said the work will be divided into four bid packages, including roofing, HVAC improvements, site development such as drainage, concrete and paving, and a group of priority projects. Roofing work will be advertised as a single contract, with completion targeted before the start of the next school year.
Proposed renovation spending by school includes $938,569 for Magee Middle School, $1,549,515 for Magee High School, $648,428 for Magee Elementary School, $1,433,947 for Simpson Central School, and $5,333,440 for the Simpson County Vocational Center, which will include a new HVAC shop and a facility for the JROTC program.
Mendenhall High School is slated to receive $8,244,389 for improvements, including construction of an 800-seat multipurpose room and an amphitheater located in the center of campus near the student parking area.
Bailey estimated the total cost of the district-wide renovation project at $18.2 million. He also expressed interest in hosting a public meeting with local construction companies to outline the scope of work and explain the legal requirements for bidding, encouraging local contractors to participate.
In response to questions about prior contractor performance, Bailey noted that provisions are in place to reject bidders based on past experience and said that his firm’s responsibility is to ensure quality work and value for the district.
The board approved advertising for bids on Jan. 30 and Feb. 6 and approved the schematic designs presented. Members also approved a lead-based paint inspection for district schools to be conducted by the Pickering Firm.
In other business, the board reviewed Section K of its policies, which focuses on general public relations. Board member Lillie Hardy emphasized that policy reviews are open to public input and noted that policies are available online for community members to review and suggest changes.
The consent agenda was approved in its entirety following a brief discussion on federal funds earmarked for student improvement. The board approved using the funds for tutoring services aimed at improving student growth in state-tested subjects.
Superintendent Dr. Robert Sanders also recognized Tougaloo College for its partnership with the district, noting the institution’s role in supporting dual-enrollment coursework and contributing to improvements in the district’s graduation rate.
The board approved the 2026–2027 academic calendar and agreed to review policies related to earned sick and vacation days. The human resources report was also approved.
During his superintendent’s report, Sanders said staff recently participated in a district convocation focused on reinforcing the district’s mission, strengthening student relationships, and preparing for upcoming benchmark assessments. He reported overall academic growth of 12 points across the district based on the latest benchmark data. By grade level, growth included 14 points in third grade, an 11-point increase in fifth grade, 36 points in sixth grade, 51 points in seventh grade, two points in eighth grade, and 57 points at the high school level.
Exceptional education students showed an 11-point increase, while fourth grade scores declined by 40 points.
Sanders reported that the district’s current graduation rate is 88 percent, compared to the national average of 86.6 percent and Mississippi’s average of 89.2 percent. Magee’s graduation rate stands at 84 percent, while Mendenhall’s rate is 91 percent. Sanders said the district is moving in a positive direction and requested a future meeting to develop a new strategic plan in response to changes in state accountability guidelines.
The board entered executive session before adjourning the meeting.
