JACKSONVILLE, AL — The Jacksonville City Schools Board of Education approved the district’s strategic plan, June financial reports and several personnel items during its Aug. 17 meeting, while district leaders also provided updates on the start of the new school year and preparations for accreditation.
The board approved minutes from its July 8, July 22 and July 30 meetings. No public comments were made on agenda items.
During the finance report, district officials reported a combined reconciled balance of approximately $8.36 million as of June 30 across operating accounts, including the two local schools and child nutrition program.
Accounts payable expenditures for June totaled approximately $539,561. Of that amount, approximately $237,399 was funded through state sources, $62,269 through federal sources and $239,896 through local sources. The board approved Jacksonville City Schools’ accounts payable and payroll for June and accepted the month’s financial statements.
Under new business, the board approved the Jacksonville City Schools Strategic Plan, which had been provided to board members the previous month. Superintendent Dr. Micheal Barber thanked those who participated in developing the plan, including board members who served on the committee.
The board also approved personnel items presented during the meeting. Among the changes discussed was the resignation of P. Hunt, who has accepted an elementary school counseling position closer to his home after earning a counseling degree. The district also discussed the return of a former teacher, Elam, who had previously retired.
Barber told board members the district had experienced a strong opening to the school year and thanked faculty, staff, administrators, board members and community partners for their involvement.
He also discussed professional development and academic initiatives underway within the district. Teams from Jacksonville’s elementary and high schools are expected to participate in the Hope Institute this year following a presentation from Liz Huntley during the district’s opening institute.
Jacksonville City Schools is also preparing materials for its upcoming accreditation process, with materials due by Oct. 1. Administrators are conducting classroom visits as part of those preparations.
Academic coaches and math teachers are also preparing for training connected to the district’s “Do the Math” intervention program. Barber said academic coaches are reviewing student data and will work with teachers and students on academic interventions.
District officials also highlighted several upcoming activities, including Meet the Golden Eagles and an open house at Jacksonville High School. Board members additionally discussed community involvement in a recent fireside chat that brought together representatives from the school system, city, churches, students and other community members.
During the meeting, officials were asked about current enrollment. The district typically has approximately 1,700 students, but administrators said enrollment was still fluctuating during the opening weeks of school and declined to provide a final figure. An official enrollment count is expected to be available in September.
The district will hold a budget hearing Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. The next regularly scheduled Jacksonville City Schools Board of Education meeting is set for Sept. 10 at 6 p.m.
