JACKSONVILLE, AL – The Jacksonville Board of Education convened its monthly meeting on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Jacksonville City Schools Central Office Boardroom. The meeting began with a prayer led by Brother Eddie Gooch from New Beginnings Fellowship, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
After calling the meeting to order and approving the agenda, the board conducted its election of officers. Teresa Hall was unanimously elected as the new board president, replacing the outgoing president who thanked Dr. Barber and fellow board members during his comments, noting that three board members are up for re-election this summer. Phyllis Morrison was elected as vice president, also by unanimous vote.
The meeting featured multiple recognitions celebrating student achievements across the district. Mr. Causey presented Kittystone students who excelled at the State Tech Fair, where they dominated the competition with numerous first-place awards in categories including audio production, digital art, video production, website design, and robotics. Ms. Guyton was acknowledged for her dedicated work with these students.
Dr. Waitz recognized Jacksonville High School’s Soaring Eagles (Students of the Month) for March, April, and May. Honorees included Emerson Weaver, Kingston Peeler, Gabriel Cannell, Erin Watts, Jamari Kirksey, and Emma Easterling. Each student’s academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and character attributes were highlighted during the presentation.
Dr. Barber introduced a new initiative to recognize community partners supporting the schools. MAPCO gas station was acknowledged for its fundraising pump that provided over $4,000 to the district, with approximately $2,000 going to the high school for hallway graphics. The Methodist Church’s “Snack Packs” program was recognized for providing weekend food for over 100 students. The Exchange Club received special recognition for regularly celebrating student achievements and providing scholarships.
Due to scheduling conflicts with evening concerts, the Kittystone Singers and Jacksonville High School Chamber Choir could not perform live, but recordings of their performances were shared with the board.
The financial report covered March and April 2025. As of April 30, 2025, the combined reconciled balance across all accounts was $7,393,316.65. The March accounts payable totaled $472,069.69, while April’s reached $579,087.50. A board member noted that the district now has almost six months in reserve funds, a positive financial indicator.
Dr. Barber proudly announced that Jacksonville seniors have received over $3.6 million in scholarship offers so far, with expectations to exceed $4 million. The superintendent also recognized students who have enlisted in various branches of the military.
The board approved several action items:
- The 2025 science textbook and health science textbook adoption aligning with the new Alabama Course of Study
- Extension of bid #2024-02 with Forestwood Farm for milk and produce for the 2025-26 school year
- Surplus of 5th-grade textbooks and removal from inventory
- Personnel items as recommended
The board confirmed its next meeting for June 12 at 3:30 p.m. Board members’ comments included recognition of retiring teachers, congratulations to graduates, and praise for recent school productions including “The Sound of Music” and the third-grade Living Museum.
One board member advocated for building an auditorium as the next major project, noting it was needed to showcase the students’ talents properly. Baccalaureate was announced for Tuesday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, with graduation scheduled for Thursday, May 23 at 8:00 p.m. at the stadium.
