School Board appoints new officers and improves graduation rates at meeting

The Lamar County Schools Board Meeting on January 15, 2025, kicked off with a significant leadership transition as Jeremy Chance was sworn in as a member of the school board for District C. The board unanimously approved his appointment, marking a fresh chapter in the district's governance.

Following the swearing-in, the board swiftly moved to elect its officers for the upcoming term. Ginny Hensarling was re-elected as president, with board members emphasizing the importance of continuity in leadership. Lance Lefan retained his position as vice president, while Shay was appointed as the new secretary, completing the board's leadership lineup.

In financial matters, the board approved several key initiatives, including a $212,000 bid from Coderway Construction for the replacement of the Oak Grove High School volleyball floor. Additionally, they authorized advertising for bids on an E-rate project aimed at replacing uninterruptible power supplies, crucial for maintaining operational integrity during power outages.

Dr. Hipp, the district superintendent, highlighted a notable achievement: the graduation rate has risen to 90.9%, marking the fourth consecutive year of improvement. This statistic underscores the district's commitment to student success and readiness for post-graduation opportunities.

The meeting concluded with plans for the next regular session to be held at Pervis High School on February 10, 2025, at 6 PM, as the board continues to focus on enhancing educational outcomes and community engagement.