The Pearl River School District’s Board of Trustees met last Thursday August 8.

The meeting took place just a day after the start of the District’s school year.

Superintendent Alan Lumpkin said that during the school board meeting principals from each school, along with the athletics and activities directors, gave presentations detailing plans for the school year.

“There are a lot of exciting activities coming up in August,” Lumpkin said.

“The teachers do great a job of making the first day back fun for students.”

The Board discussed a variety of topics during the meeting, including approval of monthly budgets, and the paying of bills.

This included two pay applications for the bond construction that’s ongoing at campuses within the District.

Lumpkin also gave a report detailing the enrollment numbers for the District.

He said that the student body, on average over the past eight years, has increased by 65 students yearly.

This year the student population increased by 150 kids.

However, Lumpkin said that number will likely decrease by the end of the first month of school.

That is because the students who haven’t come to class for the first month of school for whatever reason will be taken off the list.

The increase in student numbers has placed more pressure on the District to be able to provide educational opportunities for the growing student population, but Lumpkin said it’s a test the board relishes.

“It’s been a challenge, but a welcome challenge, we’re pleased families are choosing PRC to educate their children,” Lumpkin said.

“That’s why it was so important for the bond election, we continue to increase, and so we need to have facilities to provide for the community.”

Another topic discussed during the meeting was the increase in cost of sports passes for both adults and students.

What was previously $50 for adults and $30 for students has been increased to $60 and $40 respectively.

The passes include all sports throughout the year and provides entry to only home athletic contests, excluding playoffs.

Lumpkin said this change was necessary due to an increase in cost for the upkeep of facilities.

The Board also approved the English Learners Plan for the 2019-2020 school year.

The English Learners Program is for students learning to speak English as a second language.

Lumpkin said that it’s important for such programs to exist because it allows students to learn and grow without having to deal with communication issues.

“Our district helps overcome that language barrier, and gives those students the opportunity to be successful,” Lumpkin said.

The District will also be hosting the Meet The Devils event this Thursday where multiple athletics teams, band, cheer, and other organizations will be introduced to the community.