Monday, the Poplarville School Board recognized numerous students for their exemplary behavior while riding the school bus to and from school.
Poplarville School District’s Transportation Director Ed Sternod presented each student with a certificate as well as gift certificates donated by local businesses.
The following students were recognized including, Makayla Bazor, Julianna Dominguez, Persephanie Farve, Tyler Frost, Denasia Fulton, Addyson James, Aritaeus Johnson, Zechariah Landry, Audry Mitchell, Takyla Parker, Craig Stogner Jr., Benjamin Tynes and Alexis White.
Sternod also acknowledged Joy Cooper as bus driver of the year.
In another matter, the board also recognized the lower elementary’s kindergarten program. The school placed second in the state for gains made on their kindergarten assessment tests.
Poplarville Upper Elementary Principal Lynn Payne informed the board that out of 132 third graders, only one did not pass this year’s inaugural third grade reading summative assessment.
Also during the meeting, two track students were recognized for their accomplishments at the MHSAA State Tournament.
Zanashia Turner was the triple jump state champion and Janelle Johnson placed third in the 3,200 run.

In other action:
–– The board set a budget hearing for Monday, June 22 at 5 p.m. in the district office’s boardroom.
–– Poplarville Superintendent Carl Merritt updated the board on the backpack buddies food program. This year, more than 48 hungry children at all four schools were fed. No student was turned away, he said.
–– Merritt also brought before the board a letter from students requesting that jeans be allowed at school on Fridays. The schools currently implement a reward program for jeans on Fridays, Merritt said. The board took no action on the matter.
–– The board approved contract renewals with PRC Center for Alternative Education, SchoolStatus Data services agreement, professional development and consulting agreement and Pickering 2015-2016 asbestos continuing services contract. The board also approved software agreements with South MS Business Machines for printing and copying services at the upper elementary, middle school, federal programs, SPED and central office.
–– The board also approved the request to advertise for proposals regarding the purchase of 325 Chromebooks. There are currently 483 being utilized in the district.
The next board meeting will be held on Monday, July 13 at 6 p.m. in the district office’s boardroom.