Thursday, the Pearl River County School Board kicked off the second half of the 2015-2016 school year by swearing in Superintendent Alan Lumpkin, who begins his second, four year-term as superintendent, and school board member Elaine Voss who represents District V.

Both Lumpkin and Voss were elected to their positions

during the November 2015 election.

After they were sworn in amongst family and friends, Lumpkin gave former district V board member Twila Crabtree a plaque, recognizing her service from 2010-2015.

“My heart is so full. I know our district is heading in the right direction,” Crabtree said.

Lumpkin then welcomed Voss as the newest board member, saying, “I think you’re going to enjoy your time here. We’ve got some great board members; it’s a real family. Welcome to the Blue Devils family.”

Classes resumed on Thursday, and Lumpkin said the first day went smoothly.

“Our teachers came back Tuesday and had a great start with professional classes, and they also had some training,” Lumpkin said. He added, “Our students started today, and at the end of the first day back, no news is good news at the superintendent’s office. We had a great first day back and we’re excited about getting started.”

Also at the meeting, Lumpkin presented two educators from the school district who will receive awards at the superintendent’s banquet later this year. Shari Franklin was nominated by her peers to receive the administrator of the year award for her work as assistant principal at Pearl River Central Lower Elementary, and Missy Holston was nominated to receive the director of the year award for her work as the school district’s assistant superintendent.

“That’s an honor and should mean a lot to these ladies because you’re nominated by the people you serve, including administration, the teachers, support staff, students and parents,” Lumpkin said.

In other news:

—The board approved the Pearl River Central High School drama club to attend the MTA State Festival competition from Jan. 14. to 17 at the MSU Riley Center in Meridian, Mississippi.

—The board approved PRC social workers, Denise Rouse, Kimberly Sauls, Ginny Downs and Paula Russell to attend the NASW 2016 Annual Conference in Baton Rouge, Louisiana from March 15 to 18.