Highlights of the Jacksonville Board of Education meet: new officers chosen, students recognized

Jacksonville, Al – The Jacksonville Board of Education convened its monthly session on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Jacksonville City School. The meeting began with a prayer, led by brother Eddie Gooch from New Anfans Fellowship, followed by promise of loyalty.

After the meeting called the meetings to order and approved the agenda, the board carried out his election of the officials. Teresa Hall was unanimously elected as the new board president and replaced the outgoing president who during his comments Dr. Barber and colleagues thanked and found that three board members will be re -elected this summer. Phyllis Morrison was elected vice president, also unanimous.

The meeting contained several recognitions in which the students' services were celebrated in the entire district. Mr. Causey presented Kittypone students who have swapped fairly on the State Tech, where they dominated the competition with numerous first-placed people in categories such as audio production, digital art, video production, website design and robotics. Ms. Guyton was recognized for her committed work with these students.

Dr. Waitz recognized the rising Eagles of the Jacksonville High School (students of the month) for March, April and May. The winners included Emerson Weaver, Kingston Peeler, Gabriel Cannell, Erin Watts, Jamari Kirksey and Emma Easterling. The academic achievements of each student, the extra -curricular participation and the character attributes were emphasized during the presentation.

Dr. Barber hired a new initiative to recognize the partnership partners who support the schools. The Mapco petrol station was recognized for its fundraising pump, which provided the district of over 4,000 US dollars and went to the high school for the high school for hallway graphics. The “Snack Packs” program of the Methodist Church was recognized for the provision of weekend dinner for over 100 students. The Exchange Club received special recognition for the regular celebrations of students and scholarships.

Due to the planning of conflicts with evening concerts, the Kittypone singers and the Jacksonville High School Chamber Choir were not able to perform live, but the recordings of their appearances were shared with the board.

The financial report took into account March and April 2025. As of April 30, 2025, the combined balance in all accounts was 7,393,316.65. The March accounts to be paid amounted to $ 472,069.69, while April reached $ 579.50. A member of the board found that the district has now had a positive financial indicator for almost six months in reserve funds.

Dr. Barber proudly announced that the Jacksonville seniors have received over 3.6 million US dollars of scholarship offers so far, with expectations of over 4 million dollars to be exceeded. The superintendent also recognized students who have joined different branches of the military.

The board approved several objects of action:

• The textbook for science and health science of 2025, which are aligned with the new Alabama course
• Expansion of the BID #2024-02 with Forestwood Farm for milk and products for the 2025-26 school year
• Excess of 5th grade textbooks and distance from the inventory
• Personnel items as recommended

The board of directors confirmed its next meeting for June 12 at 3:30 p.m. board members, who included the recognition of retired teachers, congratulations on graduates and praise for the latest school productions such as “The Sound of Music” and the Living Museum of third grade.

A member of the board was the next main project for the construction of an auditorium and found that it was necessary to present the talents of the students properly. Baccalaureate was announced on Tuesday, May 21, at 7:00 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church, with the degree for Thursday, May 23, at 8:00 p.m. in the stadium.