[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":42,"_44":42,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6612994,"mediaKeyId","2878860-7082677f7335cf652748f1812ce74d65","parentId",2878860,"title","Board approves routine agreements, grants and personnel motions in special meeting","audioSeconds",0,"startMs","endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2878860-7082677f7335cf652748f1812ce74d65&start=0&end=0","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2878860-7082677f7335cf652748f1812ce74d65/thumbnail_0.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6612994/Mississippi/Board-approves-routine-agreements-grants-and-personnel-motions-in-special-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6612994-6c23e32a4c698066f2cd3c6feb20aa9b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447538&Signature=W1WwrKYdeSUp8K3n6IP7U~Q6FKkxF9aJSCd5nfpt~4cwabW8xY5nYpmGizolo9RI8eymwjsGDuWLx7tUtf9GtyOK5wTgT0uQPGlVnHcVNpJ7FMn3CTjcW2vZKkteGrLhn3k8Hmzo6CAjcfGThcI9zUSODbz5n1lCgO1iogLXCi04QTabUHsbXVNuOoRnR~8zcLSajHR~69oAyja09Tpr4HiccAtoVvnmaYg41eJHRleCLzYiBR9npd2CA-I3W5eMbrSH9jkdjmKoIeAzMr2bhlzdg2vMrrOdcrcb5glA2Z6GD7GBFpnCaxY2CoqHDld4U4~JJK7BVvIpCkKf-75C9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Jackson Public School District","date","2025-04-04T21:59:53.69Z","article","At its special meeting the Jackson Public School District Board of Trustees approved a series of recommended items and consent motions by voice vote, with no recorded nays.

Key approvals and procedural votes recorded on the agenda included:

- Adoption of the meeting agenda — moved by Trustee Jean and seconded by Trustee Mitch; approved by voice vote.
- Approval of March 18, 2025, board meeting minutes — moved by Trustee Mitch and seconded by Trustee Jean; approved by voice vote.
- Renewal of an agreement with William Carey University to serve as a university partner for JPS’s teacher certification program. District staff said 50 JPS teachers have enrolled in the program since inception; 43 have obtained certification and 34 remain teaching in the district. The item was part of a grouped motion (items a–e) and approved by the board.
- Acceptance of a People’s Garden grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation with $50,000 in funding and support from the Natural Resources Conservation Service to build a garden at the Environmental Learning Center. The project will run through Jan. 2, 2026, and JPS will provide an in‑kind match of $37,500. The grant was approved as part of the grouped items.
- Approval of a revised job description to establish a director role for Wells APAC as the site transitions; the role is intended to serve as site administrator and coordinate arts programming.
- Approval of a Legacy Scholars grant from the Equal Justice Initiative for the Career Development Center to send 40 scholars and four chaperones to the Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery; award amount $7,200.
- Rescindment of the board’s prior acceptance of a proposal for Wingfield High School after the prospective partner notified the district it could not proceed; staff recommended the district reopen the property for other proposals.
- Several consent motions (finance, general and personnel items) were moved and approved by voice vote; individual consent items were not discussed in detail on the record.

Board members moved the grouped items and consent agendas with standard motions (for example, the motion to approve items a–e was moved by Cynthia and seconded by Frank). The board adjourned by voice vote at the meeting’s conclusion.

No roll‑call tallies or formal recorded votes were entered in the transcript; approvals were recorded as voice votes with unanimous “Aye” responses and no nays reported.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board Meeting for Jackson Public Schools, 4/3/25","oneSentenceSummary","The Jackson Public School District board approved multiple recommended items by voice vote, including university certification partnership, a People’s Garden grant, a Wells APAC director job description, Legacy Scholars grant, rescindment of a Wingfield proposal, and consent agenda items.","taxTitle","JACKSON PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, Mississippi","taxId",12967,"location","Mississippi","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_44":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":84,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":85,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72},6612998,"JPS students describe Global Citizenship Project trip to Nigeria and Washington, D.C.",317,1148000,1465000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2878860-7082677f7335cf652748f1812ce74d65&start=1148&end=1465","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2878860-7082677f7335cf652748f1812ce74d65/thumbnail_1148000.jpg","/articles/6612998/Mississippi/JPS-students-describe-Global-Citizenship-Project-trip-to-Nigeria-and-Washington-DC","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6612998-d6023ed26d729218833af969a3c8f1ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447538&Signature=X0qwB6XVhtX2YzQZ0efo-M0E0eT~2g7gmfezpzyi6eZHdGKeS~fUc4O0dIxFHijkV2kxR1HwOosE3mnTylHtG7eSNU-1XbyrUNf~jst~z5h4rCI-NhXo-meqUY7wp-MvOSGshMY2htIwnkJ-9WdeeA82ExNsSGrQv8Seg6bwfU3NMZwP~H1eJXEQOuQ7XfCJ35AQJ-gMAlhnTae1CTs4yinA9v6Ink4XYhkrOKz75iqTDDqU~c4JhonzZovEr3Lu4FGwTGEuap3NVcaYKUlFB8e0fBywCEkY11K82utxZu1an6pAjGdX2l1XDOUN2HEtMuqU7lHqWeOYzCVtvfHtoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jackson Public Schools presented students and managers from its Global Citizenship Project, an eleventh‑grade exchange program that included virtual sessions with peers in Abuja and Lagos, study visits to the Smithsonian and HBCUs in Washington, D.C., and a trip to Abuja and Lagos in March.

Program manager Jana Williams introduced the students and said the program pairs Jackson scholars with students in Nigeria and includes domestic study trips; she announced that applications for the next cohort were open through April 21.

Students described the program in their own words. Cambry Spires (Tougaloo Early College/Murrah High School) described museum sessions and virtual peer meetings that allowed the group to exchange social‑media handles and build relationships before traveling. Toni Caldwell (Murrah/Early College) recounted visiting the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, touring Howard University, and meeting with staff for Congressman Bennie G. Thompson. Avery Johnson described meeting with the mayor before the Nigeria trip and said talking with a Nigerian friend of the mayor helped prepare students for cultural expectations.

Travis Collins summarized the visit to Abuja and Lagos: “We got to learn about our homeland… We got to learn about how it affected Africa as well.” Program managers said a public showcase is scheduled for May 14 where students will present projects and scrapbooks; Williams encouraged eligible juniors to apply.

Board members and the superintendent praised the scholars and thanked the Kellogg Foundation for support. No formal board action was requested or taken; the presentation was informational.","Eleventh‑grade scholars and program managers described exchanges with students in Abuja and Lagos, a trip to Washington, D.C., and an upcoming showcase; staff encouraged more applications for the program.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_44":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":96,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":97,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72},6613003,"JPS reports steady 83.7% graduation rate for 2024–25; dropout rate falls to 13.9%",464,3324000,3788000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2878860-7082677f7335cf652748f1812ce74d65&start=3324&end=3788","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2878860-7082677f7335cf652748f1812ce74d65/thumbnail_3324000.jpg","/articles/6613003/Mississippi/JPS-reports-steady-837-graduation-rate-for-202425-dropout-rate-falls-to-139","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6613003-9cd99508e2517183c7bcc9288c2e1236/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447538&Signature=kaaaMT-Ad73x6Fg3CtB-sMSqpaamxXhbJTC5qxqIAGS2zbEMx3AvXuJhEKab3gumiw7Gx4PHN9fS4VmgW-3vpLTR-FhoeBc-qLybTGPDCNyfvyoTi6j~0Sb3HZsiAbruSTTkvr6YEIn0I~ia6HelScoBU47F-x4sqnDf4SFavMSbihGBePD~7jVEBCATO1BNigWZQaUvGYANU6K8nPFZ2xYuJRJWzOk-PRa5GuaCsvG1WQSEXyKEFzlic13FvWC-o0wiJcXUm-F0ufRx7KJeC2OfJLSZQbEjPC-bzhj9SoTpokaYWVacaA53VBxxeiMSuJLRwGXXsfK0sqLGVnVZMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff reported to the board that Jackson Public Schools’ four‑year graduation rate for 2024–25 held at 83.7%, the same as the previous year, while the district dropout rate decreased to 13.9%.

The presenter gave trend data comparing the district to state averages, noting that while the state’s rate dipped slightly (from 89.4% to 89.2%), JPS maintained its rate. The district said it set a strategic‑plan target of 90% by 2029 and had aimed for an interim 84% this year; staff said the current cohort was short by five graduates to meet the 84% mark.

Officials said the cohort included 1,690 students with 1,450 completers; district staff calculated that adding 39 more graduates next year would move the district toward an 86% goal. The presenter also showed school‑level results: several schools (Callaway, Forest Hill, Jim Hill) improved their rates while Lanier, Murray, Provine and Wingfield showed slight declines. The presenter said only Provine currently falls below the state’s 85% requirement and therefore is listed in restructuring.

Subgroup data showed mixed results: the graduation rate for male students fell from 80.8% to 78.8%; students with disabilities declined slightly (67.5% to 66%); English learners, homeless students and White students saw increases; Hispanic/Latino students saw a decline. The presenter noted subgroup counts and that a minimum of 10 students per subgroup is required for reporting.

District staff summarized five primary reasons for dropout identified through data review—academic challenges (including end‑of‑course exam failures), family issues, employment needs, school environment and personal circumstances—and outlined interventions: MTSS early identification, content and credit recovery, family engagement such as a family/parent academy, fast‑track and REAP programs for overaged students, expanded mental‑health and SEL services, and partnerships for behavioral health on campus.

Board members asked follow‑up questions about mental‑health screening and supports; staff described screening, referral pathways, on‑site partners such as Marion Counseling and Heinz Behavioral Health Services, mandatory SEL curriculum in secondary opportunity blocks, and training for teachers to identify students at risk. No formal vote was required on the informational report.","District officials reported the 4‑year cohort graduation rate held at 83.7% for 2024–25, with the dropout rate declining to 13.9%; staff described targeted initiatives to improve outcomes and said only one school remains under state restructuring.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_44":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":108,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":109,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72},6613008,"Student board representative proposes dismissal policy changes to boost parent notifications",353,2724000,3077000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2878860-7082677f7335cf652748f1812ce74d65&start=2724&end=3077","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2878860-7082677f7335cf652748f1812ce74d65/thumbnail_2724000.jpg","/articles/6613008/Mississippi/Student-board-representative-proposes-dismissal-policy-changes-to-boost-parent-notifications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6613008-e2edb0586268e8c778eefc28238df044/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447538&Signature=KkAOyiWR1Mnh13I74av8PoOOrwEZAk4djWTpEGkr8zOYc0mjcI1RuiwCP0jctN5qlid9atfBZRbLLDLF8lgcXfq4tkpL3QeVA1SJFWoAIMn2Nl6INN7J5SrPCiw7y42AVcpZNeg74kqRNK9ITGcDK0VWozNruq5-0jd-bTP9ro4VcxaRWSR0~R4nbYBmDWu8EjGR21LWfh8CjnL93m3-svOuQYpTU2gTOTDpYAY~lpsWdWb3PIeS22D-QkwrmjeRffJNlS5vJ2Pali8xTJ0Ef-nYsq0VPtWFhjHJHDVP8Or530ct2EfvStWyDVA-Z~uywbEuEMouX6lrgbS6zjaFPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Malcolm Wilson, the student school‑board representative and a senior at Provine High School, proposed revisions to the district’s dismissal procedures aimed at improving parent notification and verification during early dismissals.

Wilson told the board he gathered input from classmates and recommended amending Policy JDG to expand use of automated notification systems, require periodic parent contact updates, restrict unscheduled dismissals by phone unless prearranged, and pilot a QR/PIN‑style verification for guardians who cannot approach school entrances.

Wilson said the recommendations grew from student concerns that parents sometimes do not know when a child has left school. “By using approved notification, parents can receive notifications about car rider and early release dismissals, including reminders of when dismissal occurs,” Wilson said. He suggested updates to contact‑information procedures so parents would verify new numbers with a government ID or photo for virtual processes.

During board Q&A, Trustee Mitch and other members asked about technical feasibility and whether the district’s SchoolStatus system could send direct notifications to multiple guardians. Wilson said SchoolStatus can mass‑send and — in some configurations — send direct messages to individual contacts. A district official added SchoolStatus can place recorded calls through a district number to document outreach.

Board members and staff responded positively to the student’s initiative. No formal change to Policy JDG was voted on at the meeting; Wilson’s presentation was received as an informational proposal for staff review and potential policy drafting.","Student representative Malcolm Wilson presented recommended changes to Policy JDG (dismissal) including automated notifications, periodic contact updates and a QR/PIN system for early release.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_44":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":120,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":121,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72},6613013,"Jackson Public Schools outlines $2.4 million McKinney‑Vento expansion funded by ARP to support unhoused students",680,387000,1067000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2878860-7082677f7335cf652748f1812ce74d65&start=387&end=1067","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2878860-7082677f7335cf652748f1812ce74d65/thumbnail_387000.jpg","/articles/6613013/Mississippi/Jackson-Public-Schools-outlines-24-million-McKinneyVento-expansion-funded-by-ARP-to-support-unhoused-students","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6613013-8054390ce043ee52bdcc87bba34100f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447538&Signature=WqrRBO3U~Uwd8JHqFwoxGicUJl7qHQ~QeXelceQziGOY5buP7MjJu9R-Av~nCnX~zAQJCJlUNZudzD26UNpKT6vHcYVZo0mrUUwWRXnHLOOogrlhdJp-drVPIZvkhf8na2rbQRQcltpVaUE-yNHNUOTfHJaPW3qCLnjjFT1lvY5iyzusMz~V~sS9QHljZoZEPlX97tCjBvq7nz0DzIWw6-6RIn96DqE2eMhNDU6OIMLzfbL2xEpIVcWnqHy75W2yAiVcGsFhc8Sb2JBuw6HM8SrIgJE2VS-ZgoBpvsiX-Klr6nH9NhREE7j6lYbRusnyuH3ScywKu8upOqvjNtmi3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jackson Public School District leaders told the board that the district used McKinney‑Vento and American Rescue Plan (ARP) homeless‑focused funds to expand services for scholars experiencing homelessness, including creating learning spaces inside shelters and funding extended tutoring and home‑visit work.

The district presented details of the program during a special board meeting. Tiffany Jones, JPS’s McKinney‑Vento manager, said the district received “a little over $2,400,000” from ARP homeless allocations and combined those with regular McKinney‑Vento grant resources to buy supplies, personnel time, training, equipment and technology.

Jones said roughly $1.7 million of that total was spent on supplies, divided into instructional supplies placed in schools and shelters and “essential supplies” such as cleaning supplies and clothing for graduating seniors. She described using district staff and transportation crews to pack, load and distribute the materials.

The expansion also funded stipends for four dropout‑prevention staff to conduct earlier home visits (after five missed school days rather than waiting until 10–12), hired additional tutors whose work extended into the summer, and paid for targeted training for McKinney‑Vento team leaders. Jones said the funds also purchased equipment and technology for McKinney‑Vento social workers to support their work.

Jones described creating “learning labs” in three shelters—Matt’s House, Lizzie’s House and the Jackson Resource Center—by installing desks, chairs, bookshelves, whiteboards, bulletin boards and affirmation posters. She said the district conducted resource walks with shelter directors to identify needs, and relayed direct feedback from families: “When it’s too cold outside, I go to the learning lab. I can do my homework, read a book, and play my game, and be comfortable,” Jones quoted a JPS scholar as saying.

Board members applauded the presentation. Superintendent Dr. Green thanked Jones and the team and noted the presentation “warms our hearts” and highlights community involvement. Board members asked questions at a high level about distribution and partnerships; no formal board action was taken on this presentation.

District officials said the shelter work is intended to strengthen partnerships between JPS and local shelters and to provide immediate educational supports for students living in unstable housing.

Looking ahead, Jones said the McKinney‑Vento services funded with ARP would remain in place while the district continues to pursue regular McKinney‑Vento grant funding and other supports for homeless scholars.","JPS presented how McKinney‑Vento and American Rescue Plan funds were used to expand services for students experiencing homelessness, including shelter learning spaces, supplies, summer tutoring and stipends for home visits.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves routine agreements, grants and personnel motions in special meeting

JPS students describe Global Citizenship Project trip to Nigeria and Washington, D.C.

JPS reports steady 83.7% graduation rate for 2024–25; dropout rate falls to 13.9%

Student board representative proposes dismissal policy changes to boost parent notifications

Jackson Public Schools outlines $2.4 million McKinney‑Vento expansion funded by ARP to support unhoused students