The Simpson County School Board met March 19 for its regular monthly meeting, when members voted to accept a bid for surplus property, received updates on district construction projects, and discussed academic priorities as the school year enters its final stretch.
The board opened bids for surplus land previously purchased as the proposed site of a consolidated high school. The district received a single bid of $551,000 from AirSouth. Board member Thomas Ray Floyd moved to accept the bid, seconded by Lillie Hardy. The motion passed unanimously.
Despite seconding the motion, Hardy voiced reservations about the decision.
“I don't think that this is in the best interest of our school district moving forward, but it is what the board is going to do,” Hardy said. “I’m making a motion that we accept this bid, not because I think it’s the right thing to do, but so we can move forward instead of staying on it for a while.”
Floyd suggested the proceeds from the sale be placed in a special account for emergencies. The board is expected to discuss options for the funds at a future meeting.
During board comments, members reflected on insights gained from a recent conference. Hardy emphasized the broader role of public education in the community.
“We need to be a lighthouse for our community,” Hardy said. “Public education is a ship that raises all. Without a strong public education system, our community will not be as educated as it needs to be.”
Board President Stacey Herrin also called for the district to explore implementing a policy addressing artificial intelligence, noting the importance of educating parents about potential risks for students.
The board also received a detailed update from Luigia Hodge of Bailey Construction regarding ongoing and upcoming facility projects. Hodge said the district’s roofing and mechanical upgrades are expected to cost approximately $5 million, with bids scheduled to open March 31. Additional renovation and construction projects—including a new multipurpose building, band hall renovations, and a career and technical education (CTE) addition—are projected at around $9 million.
Overall, the district’s building projects are estimated at $16 million, with total project costs, including fees, reaching approximately $18 million.
Hodge noted rising construction costs could impact the scope of work.
“Contractors are now notifying us that costs are going up really bad,” she said, estimating a potential 3 to 5 percent increase. “The thing that’s good for us is to hurry up, get the calls in, get a contract in, and get those dollars committed.”
Construction timelines will require coordination with schools, as work is expected to take place while students are on campus.
Superintendent Dr. Robert Sanders confirmed that one anticipated project will not be completed in time for the upcoming football season.
“It’s not going to happen,” Sanders said. “The football stadium lights at Magee High School will not be ready by this fall. If it turns out to be something else then we will all be glad, but as of now that’s what it is.”
In his superintendent’s report, Sanders said the district has entered the final nine weeks of the school year and is preparing for state testing. He emphasized the importance of focusing on student progress and responding to benchmark data.
“We still have a little time to diligently get what we need done with our children,” Sanders said. “We have to be intentional.”
Sanders also cautioned the board about upcoming changes to the state’s accountability model, which will raise expectations for school performance.
“We’re working diligently to ensure that all of our children are moving forward,” he said, noting that even gains in performance may not immediately reflect in improved ratings under the new system.
Additionally, Sanders said the district is considering formalizing its graduation seating procedures into board policy to avoid inconsistencies. He hopes to present the policy for approval at the April meeting.
The superintendent also announced plans for a series of community meetings to update residents on upcoming renovations and district initiatives. Proposed meetings are scheduled for April 14 at Simpson Central, April 16 at Magee Elementary, and April 21 at Mendenhall Elementary, all at 6 p.m.
“These meetings will give our community an opportunity to see what’s coming and understand what’s happening,” Sanders said. “We want to be clear and build trust.”
Looking ahead, Sanders recommended the board hold a strategic planning session in the coming months to establish a three- to five-year vision for the district under its current leadership.
