Several routine matters were discussed during the Picayune Separate Municipal School District Board of Trustees meeting.
During the personnel section of the meeting, board members asked about the status of vacant positions within the district. Assistant Superintendent Brent Harrell said there are currently seven positions open district wide, but expects only two to be a challenge to fill.
Board member Frank Feeley asked about the purpose of the district’s attendance clerk. Harrell said the attendance clerk maintains records concerning attendance and tardiness at the junior high and high schools. Reports are shared with the truancy officer.
During discussion about pay to staff, board member Lori Blackmer asked why personnel selling tickets to sporting events are paid $12 an hour, while substitutes receive minimum wage. Harrell said the only substitutes who receive minimum wage are the short-term substitutes.
During discussion of the summer school programs within the district, Feeley asked if there was a summer school program for the high school. Harrell said there is no need for one since the four-by-four block schedule the high school uses provides students with the opportunity to earn a total of 32 credits. Harrell said 27 credits are required for graduation, so if a student needs to, they have time to retake a class.
The board also discussed retirement of a bond used to build the multi-purpose building at Nicholson Elementary, and convert old cafeterias at South Side Elementary and Roseland Park Elementary into classrooms. Harrell said the bond is expected to be retired by May 1 of 2026.
In a separate matter, the board approved a motion to apply for a Lowe’s Hero Project grant. Harrell said the grant is worth about $2,500. Harrell said if the district receives the grant, the money will fund construction of a gazebo to be used as an outdoor classroom at Nicholson Elementary.
The next board meeting will be June 14 at 5:30 p.m.