The Poplarville School Board of Trustees handled a series of matters during a short meeting Monday night.

The Board approved a motion to accept a grant from the Mississippi Department of Education that will be used to cover travel expenses for students who will attend any kind of business training, said Superintendent Carl Merritt.

In another matter, Merritt said the contract for services with Will’s Way Pediatric Behavioral psychology was approved. The contract will be used in the event that any student needs more psychological care above and beyond what can be provided by District staff.

Merritt also said a behavioral policy against bullying had to be approved as per state law during Monday’s meeting.

He also said House Bill 263 requires measures to be established that can be utilized to prevent suicide among the student body.

In matters pertaining to education, Poplarville Middle School obtained the 8th highest rank in the state because all students received grades no lower than a B in all subjects.

At Poplarville High School, staff observed an increase in grades of 10.8 points in math and science as compared to last year, ACT scores went up by 8.3 points and the graduation rate increased by another 8.5 points.