A group of teachers at the Pearl River Central School District will create their Common Core pacing guide, a move that will save the district between $15,000 to $20,000.

Curriculum Coordinator Kimberly Alford informed the board, after board member Twila Crabtree asked about the move, that there was a need to update the pacing guide.

Alford said the last time the pacing guide was updated was in 2007.

She said she chose to use teachers to create the guide in order to save the district money.

To use a consultant, as some other districts have, would cost between $30,000 to $45,000, but using teachers would cost the district $13,500, Alford said.

Each teacher participating in this work would receive an extra $500.

The district also intends to implement some wellness programs that will help teachers become healthier and thereby influence their students to do the same.

Alford said the district held a health fair that offered 25 booths and attracted 350 parents, teachers and community members.

The district also intends to hold anti-bullying assemblies district wide.

As part of the passing of House Bill 999, the high school incorporated a sexual education class with the assistance of the school nurse.

To promote a healthier staff, the district held a biggest loser competition, where district employees lost 537 pounds collectively, Alford said.

The district also aims to establish an adult fitness center, without purchasing equipment.

“We are the example that our students see,” Alford said.

The district also started a new purchasing program for employees through Taylor & Sons Insurance and Financial Services. Superintendent Alan Lumpkin said the program allows staff to purchase household items through an online catalog. Lumpkin said purchases are deducted from employee paychecks.

During a section of the meeting  concerning student transfers, Crabtree asked how the process is supposed to work.

She wanted to know if after they transfer, funding would still be provided through the usual outlets.

Lumpkin said once a student is enrolled in the district they are added to the Mississippi Adequate Education Program and the district receives funding as usual.

The difference is ad valorem taxes collected on personal property are not forwarded to the district where the child attends school.

Instead those funds are sent to the school district in which the family lives.

Children of employees are exempt from paying tuition, Lumpkin said.

Crabtree expressed an interest in limiting the admission of employee children to certified teachers.

Her concern was that there were past instances where employees enrolled their child in the district, but after the parent  terminated their employment, the child still attended school in the district.

The matter was tabled until the administration could research the policy further.

The next meeting will be July 24 at 6 p.m.