The Poplarville School Board handled a series of routine matters during a short meeting Monday night. Board President Tommy Strahan was absent.
The Board approved the amended budget and transferred funds to cover the year’s expenditures to conclude the 2016-2017 fiscal year on June 30.
Finance Director Samantha Sandifer said some funds were transferred from the 16th section budget into the general fund, a matter previously approved by the Board, to cover revenue shortfalls.
However, Sandifer said the District was “well within” the annual budget for the year and commended the administration and staff for their efforts.
In other matters, the Board approved a request from School Resource Officer Rossie Creel to apply for a Mississippi Office of Homeland Security Local Grant.
Superintendent Carl Merritt said the District now qualifies for the grant because of its campus’ law enforcement presence. The grant would help fund necessary equipment and programs, he said.
The Board also approved a new online program to pay referees. Sandifer said the new program is approved by the Mississippi High School Athletic Association and will reduce the amount of hands a check has to go through after each game.
In a separate matter, the Board approved applying for Mississippi IDEA funding for the preschool and special education departments. Assistant Superintendent Konya Miller said the District receives about $15,000 in funding for pre-K and $416,000 for special education.
The Board also approved a motion to allow three teachers to attend the Barksdale Reading Institute to continue communications training. Merritt said once the teachers complete the program, they will be able to train others in the District.
Before adjourning, the Board entered into executive session to discuss a piece of donated property.
More information from Monday’s meeting will be published in Wednesday’s Item.