Olive Branch School Board approves HVAC project and multiple policy revisions

The DeSoto County School Board convened on May 1, 2025, to address several key issues impacting local education, including infrastructure improvements and policy revisions aimed at enhancing support for students with disabilities.

The meeting began with the approval of minutes from the previous session, followed by the consent agenda, which passed unanimously. A significant focus of the meeting was the HVAC replacement project for Olive Branch Middle School. The board received four bids and ultimately approved the lowest bid from May General and Mechanical, ensuring that the school’s heating and cooling systems will be upgraded to better serve students and staff.

In addition to infrastructure improvements, the board discussed several revisions to existing policies. Notably, revisions to policies concerning students with disabilities were a major highlight. The board approved updates to the policy on grading for students with disabilities, which now includes a Mississippi alternate diploma option. This change aims to provide more flexible graduation pathways for students with diverse learning needs.

Further revisions included updates to the special education graduation policy and the vocational career technical education policy, both of which were streamlined for clarity and effectiveness. These changes reflect the board's commitment to ensuring that all students, regardless of their educational challenges, have access to appropriate resources and opportunities.

The meeting concluded with a series of personnel recommendations, indicating ongoing efforts to support staff and enhance educational delivery within the district. Overall, the discussions and decisions made during this meeting underscore the board's dedication to improving educational facilities and policies, ultimately aiming to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students in DeSoto County.