Anniston, AL – Board also recognizes community-funded athletic improvements and upcoming Special Olympics hosting
The Jacksonville City Schools Board of Education convened its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Central Office Board Room. The meeting opened with a prayer led by representatives from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Pledge of Allegiance, before moving through a full agenda of financial, operational, and personnel matters.
the CFO presented the board with monthly financial exhibits for both December 2025 and January 2026. The combined reconciled bank balance across all Jacksonville City Schools operating accounts — including two local schools and the child nutrition program — stood at $7,344,339.93 at the close of December, rising to $8,809,514.27 at the end of January.
Total expenditures for December 2025 came to $407,975.61, drawing from state, federal, and local fund sources. January 2026 expenditures totaled $299,548.91. The board unanimously approved accounts payable and payroll for both months, subject to audit.
After a process that involved a calendar committee, school-level input, and an individual vote by teachers, the board approved Option B as the Jacksonville City Schools calendar for the 2026–2027 academic year. The vote among staff was described by the superintendent as strongly unanimous in favor of the option.
One notable feature of the approved calendar is a flexible professional development day built into the last week of July. Rather than a mandatory reporting date, teachers will be able to select one day from five available options for a full PD day, allowing the system to deliver professional development at the start of the school year. Board members discussed the calendar’s inclusion of Columbus Day as a Monday holiday and the potential overlap with fall break and the football schedule, which is still being finalized.
The superintendent expressed enthusiasm for a staggered first-day format, in which students with last names A through K attend on the first day of school, followed by the remaining students the next day. “I think the teachers really like that,” noted one board member.
The board voted to award landscaping bid No. 25-26-BOE-01 to AW Lawn Care, the low bidder, effective March 1, 2026. AW Lawn Care has previously provided landscaping services to the school system.
Additionally, the board approved surplusing old floor cleaning equipment at Jacksonville High School that has been out of use for approximately five years. The equipment will be listed for sale on GovDeals.com.
The board approved a revision to the 2025–2026 supplemental pay schedule to reflect a coaching change in the softball program. The previous coach secured a position at the collegiate level, and a replacement has been identified.
The superintendent offered an extended update on facility improvements made possible largely through community support. At Kitty Stone Elementary, approximately 20 trees have been planted as part of a landscaping beautification effort. Students, the superintendent noted with a smile, have been puzzled by what appear to be dormant trees — a teachable moment about plant life cycles.
At the high school, a new indoor batting facility for the girls’ softball team has been completed, fully funded by parents and community members. The project includes new sidewalks extending to the concession area. Nearby, baseball facilities have also seen major improvements: locker rooms have been renovated with labor donated by the community, and new netting and a knee wall are being installed with materials provided by the school system. Mayor Jones was recognized for independently arranging road repairs near the baseball field following a site visit.
The board received positive news on several student and alumni fronts. The girls’ basketball team, which won the Calhoun County Tournament for the first time in 13 years and claimed the Class 5A Area 2 championship, was not present at the meeting due to an ongoing regional tournament appearance. The team is scheduled to play Springville on Friday evening at 6 p.m. The superintendent announced the team will be formally recognized at the March board meeting.
Joel Kim was recognized as the Region 6 Brian Jordan Scholar-Athlete — a distinction that is particularly notable given that Jacksonville City Schools had two regional winners the previous year, an unusual occurrence. Kim participates in three sports.
Marisol Cole, a member of the class of 2024, was recognized for taking her oath of military service. Cole is entering an ROTC program on scholarship, pursuing a nursing degree, with plans to pursue officer training upon graduation.
The superintendent shared several upcoming events of note. An academic honors program is scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m. at Jacksonville High School. Two Black History Month programs will be held Friday morning beginning at 9:15 a.m. for students, with the public welcome to attend. On April 28, Jacksonville City Schools will host the regional Special Olympics, drawing students from across the area. Clubs, organizations, sports medicine students, and city officials are expected to participate.
A mental health training session for pastors and ministry leaders — with an emphasis on youth ministry — is planned for February 26 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the central office, organized by school counselor Ms. McCombs.
The board confirmed its next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. The date was selected to allow the board to address the teacher Bill of Rights before the scheduled deadline of March 19.
