The Simpson County School Board met Nov. 13, receiving an extensive facilities update, financial planning report and several announcements from Superintendent Dr. Robert Sanders.
During board comments, Board President Ralph Walker reported that Delores McNair, president of the Mississippi School Boards Association, recently toured the Simpson County School District. Walker noted that SCSD was the first district to invite her for an in-depth visit.
“I’m excited she chose to come and see what SCSD is doing,” Walker said.
Gary Bailey of Dale/Bailey Architects Associates presented an overview of proposed upgrades across all district campuses. The work, still in the estimating stage, totals roughly $18.6 million.
Priority items include roof replacements, security fencing, restroom upgrades and major HVAC improvements. The HVAC project alone is estimated at $1.1 million.
Estimated at $3.5 million in needs, Mendnehall High School would require complete renovation of the band hall, new perimeter fencing, restroom upgrades and improved parking lots. Bailey also recommended exploring partially closing the public streets that run through the campus to enhance safety. Installing LED lighting at the football field also made the priority list.
Mendenhall Elementary & High School
Mendenhall Elementary requires roof repairs, while Mendenhall High School faces “substantial work,” including fencing, drainage repairs, paving improvements and converting the old band hall into middle school classrooms with added office space. A proposed multipurpose building—by renovating the former bus barn—would require further study. The campus may also see a small student amphitheater. Parking recommendations included keeping student parking outside the main perimeter fencing. The total for improvements to Mendenhall High School were estimated at $8.7 million.
Simpson Central School
Roofing needs at Simpson Central are estimated at $657,000.
Career & Technical Center (Vo-Tech)
A major expansion is proposed, including a new HVAC shop and a JROTC building as extensions of the current facility. Secured entry fencing, paving work and drainage improvements bring the total estimate to $4.3 million.
Bailey also recommended demolishing the old junior high gymnasium for approximately $100,000.
He suggested dividing the work into four bid packages: roofing, HVAC improvements, site development (drainage, concrete, paving), and priority projects. Roofing work is expected to be advertised as a single contract, with completion set for before the next school year. Priority packages would extend through 2027. The next step, Bailey said, is conducting surveys of all affected areas.
A proposed policy to provide paternity leave for district employees was discussed but tabled after the board attorney advised additional review.
District Finances Support Renovation Plan
Financial Director Sheilah Copeland presented a funding proposal estimating $20.1 million available for renovation projects.
The funding breakdown includes:
•$5 million from district maintenance
•$2 million from Sixteenth Section funds
•$7.5 million from District Infrastructure
•$5.6 million from the Capital Projects 3-mill account
The board approved the proposal.
Following the vote, Superintendent Sanders remarked, “We are in good shape to do what we need to do, but we still have more needs than we have money.”
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Sanders introduced Kenny Divine as the new director of the Career Technical Center.
He announced that the First Lady of Mississippi would visit the district to read to pre-K students.
Sanders reported that the district’s District of Innovation application is underway for the 2026 cycle. He highlighted examples from other districts, such as flexible, non-traditional scheduling models like a “WIN Academy,” which allows students to attend school at times that best suit their needs.
He also noted:
• Magee’s campus has received its new driver’s education vehicle.
• Mendenhall’s vehicle will arrive in December due to dealership delays.
• Booster clubs will now submit monthly financial statements to improve transparency.
• SCSD is fully accredited for the 2025–2026 school year.
• The district is partnering with Accelerate MS for senior and recent graduate opportunities in HVAC and fiber-splicing training through the Reconnect program.
Executive Session
The board entered executive session to discuss litigation and property matters.
