During Thursday’s meeting, the Pearl River County school board approved adding three school days to the end of the school year for students to make up for days missed in January due to icy weather conditions. The make up days apply to teachers and students.

Additionally, the board elected officers for the upcoming year. Jeremy Weir was elected president, Rodney Dyess was elected vice-president and Jeff Jones was elected as secretary.

During the superintendent’s report, Kelli Beech, principal of the Career and Technology Education Center and the school district’s social workers made presentations on what they accomplished.

Beech spoke about some of the school’s upcoming testing and said this is the first year Early Childhood Education students will be tested by the state.

She also spoke about the benefits of the Career and Technology Education classes and showed a video that highlights students’ accomplishments.

After Beech’s presentation, school board member Twila Crabtree commended Beech for her hard work.

“I’m impressed,” Crabtree said. “We’ve come a long way and it’s reflective of the vigor you have and the tenacity you have to keep pushing forward.”

The district social workers, Ginny Downs, Denise Rouse and Paula Russell, gave a presentation on suicide prevention during the superintendent’s report.

Downs said they speak to students and staff about suicide prevention at each school. Russell said at the elementary school level they don’t use the word suicide, but instead encourage students to ask for help if they need it.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death of people between the ages of 15 and 24 in Mississippi.

“All school personnel who interact with students on a regular basis should know the warning signs and importance of sharing their concerns with others,” Russell said during the presentation.

Also recognized during the meeting were Linda Hudson, Parent of the Year for the lower elementary school, and Susie Pagander, Parent of the Year for the upper elementary school. Sabrina Orgeron was Parent of the Year for her work with the middle school, high school and overall school district.

After conducting regular business, which included approving the 2014-15 student and employee calendar, the board went into executive session to discuss a student matter. Student matters are not public record.