[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_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":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6062762,"mediaKeyId","3275688-2af5e743f3618d8b94c459347c04c4fb","parentId",3275688,"title","Board renews attorney memorandum of understanding for 2025–26 with no fee change","audioSeconds",79,"startMs",1251000,"endMs",1330000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275688-2af5e743f3618d8b94c459347c04c4fb&start=1251&end=1330","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275688-2af5e743f3618d8b94c459347c04c4fb/thumbnail_1251000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6062762/Mississippi/Board-renews-attorney-memorandum-of-understanding-for-202526-with-no-fee-change","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6062762-5953c435f76660ff714f3f0723a1d131/orig.mp4?Expires=1771115231&Signature=Nbl5phEpKDaqwG4Hfs4TpfufgDEA09DT7Hzz7N4qE6AH3RetsxFe9hw0G6gRFgRVVViD5D1JXBaJK0K8jkt3cccGugVoKLOPPfi9Q0JV0vCp5521PfLTMxJjH9FzesMe2S5qB3Lg2xZXzNwpmFfEJ8bHALandV0s2q6g7qvVNvTM1BK~ZKbu3F-nCZAgo1IeWCcFYAhLkZD2Dgfoe3sTp4NLr4apJbIOfh-Eeuvqe8-3Xe59-0ez2VOtvmZJBkE8Rb9fmWuD7td~a7l7JOt7BGj4vDXcH-w-oGFwJUNqr6GwDf10n9umS~-me318B2k4Y5vB21rmg2mipnbrWkmV6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pascagoula-Gautier School District","date","2025-05-13T11:29:08Z","article","The Pascagoula‑Gautier School District board voted to approve a memorandum of understanding with the board attorney for the 2025–26 term at the May 12 meeting. The proposed agreement does not change current fees.

Board materials cited a local code provision—section 37‑7‑301—that defines the board’s general powers and duties, including the authority to employ legal counsel and set compensation. The district noted the current MOU expires June 30, 2025.

A motion and second were made; trustees voted unanimously in favor. The transcript records a 5‑0 vote to approve the attorney agreement.

No changes to fee structure were included in the proposed agreement as presented to the board.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Pascagoula-Gautier School District Board Meeting 05-12-25","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved a one‑year agreement with its board attorney that keeps fees unchanged; the board cited city code Section 37‑7‑301 governing its duty to employ legal counsel.","taxTitle","PASCAGOULA-GAUTIER SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, Mississippi","taxId",38482,"location","Mississippi","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6062767,"District receives wetlands permit for track project; bids expected to open June 6",56,1192000,1248000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275688-2af5e743f3618d8b94c459347c04c4fb&start=1192&end=1248","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275688-2af5e743f3618d8b94c459347c04c4fb/thumbnail_1192000.jpg","/articles/6062767/Mississippi/District-receives-wetlands-permit-for-track-project-bids-expected-to-open-June-6","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6062767-d87d10642d7276418bfa3854ab93e004/orig.mp4?Expires=1771115231&Signature=aJNhdz~6yDLpz395vOhJQYp7M-Kz5OehfvRWO6p4W-RqUwwLKTDQ157MQ2gEgnWNZlD6pPr2pAm92tNYH9H7jCbz~Uo6q7Hz-10OtiDxlYEmFcdYJrDyAdyNT~7ozamcIdQbY49eyiLLXZkI2oaIB7CVYAEI6i6fZBgP~nhb3Wi~yhjqlllxoWkUzBajQEXtAforOf1Ew5v3XT3bvwH0Y0N1UQ9eO~qrXWzD5xYk5nYofr562ZUxfwUQu~-YjL64UF7h~1rcdbJo8jcuf9rAw7twi1b9OIdzjiQpTxpvksoGSfGLGxc3DuRI93sDaXTB-95iNt5IB6LH-YcdZ3kBBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff reported at the May 12 meeting that the construction team has received a wetlands permit for the track project and is pursuing mitigation credits.

The update said two mitigation‑credit quotes are in hand and the district is seeking a third quote to ensure competitive pricing. Staff said this work is proceeding in parallel with advertising for bids the board previously approved.

Staff reported the plan is to open bids on June 6 so the board can consider them at the June 9 meeting.

No contract awards or final vendor selections were made at the May 12 meeting; the update described permitting and procurement steps underway.","A construction update reported that the district received a permit for wetlands related to a track project, has two mitigation‑credit quotes and is seeking a third; bids are expected to open June 6 for consideration at the June 9 board meeting.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6062772,"District recommends Fred Williams as opportunity center principal; start date July 1, 2025",71,1073000,1144000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275688-2af5e743f3618d8b94c459347c04c4fb&start=1073&end=1144","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275688-2af5e743f3618d8b94c459347c04c4fb/thumbnail_1073000.jpg","/articles/6062772/Mississippi/District-recommends-Fred-Williams-as-opportunity-center-principal-start-date-July-1-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6062772-d4f87e0a19a7c299760484049cf4a6d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771115231&Signature=noES5rvpcCP1cczA475gsxJBRvNR-X0J-5coFcAEW0RDhQw2jd9FcHvp3LV5yX01e6-QGB6fCa0oG~oMUImNZTybzBwPdG02hEeAw5G3Pg2E9RP5ecD1LjbGFUZepthZehTxtpkL2YfRWOAfsDhbE3CBHXAYU3Gd5CXTsSJHQH0D43TV5LjfbiKGzIroVUhlqYUCoweHBAHisD8sQa2yzyK6-0~G859kPwJ5v3C5uVQjO22AgGwxDqC14eq4FnVZDvqn2~1ZNZ3PoKTva80Vadjwfb0p1g7ld-aD12SFqylQu2hV0Fh3jOul1lC3okzE35XGK~rtu379bCzCdc6JlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pascagoula‑Gautier School District presented Fred Williams as the recommended candidate to serve as principal of the Opportunity Center and asked trustees for approval on May 12. If approved, Williams’ start date would be July 1, 2025.

A hiring committee that interviewed five candidates included four district administrators, two principals and one counselor. The committee recommended Williams as the most qualified candidate to meet the duties and responsibilities of the position.

The district said Williams has 20 years of experience in education, including 12 years in the Pascagoula‑Gautier School District as a physical education teacher and head coach for basketball and track, and eight years in a neighboring district, including three years as an assistant principal.

Meeting discussion included a request for a motion to approve the recommendation; the transcript records the request for a motion and a second but does not contain the recorded vote or final outcome.

The recommendation notes Williams’ leadership experience and ties to the community as reasons he would be an addition to the Opportunity Center leadership team.","The district presented Fred Williams as the recommended principal for the Opportunity Center, citing 20 years in education and prior experience within the district; the board was asked to approve his appointment with a proposed July 1 start date (vote not recorded in transcript).",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6062777,"Board approves 2025–26 teacher salary scale amid debate over waiting for state funding",419,610000,1029000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275688-2af5e743f3618d8b94c459347c04c4fb&start=610&end=1029","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275688-2af5e743f3618d8b94c459347c04c4fb/thumbnail_610000.jpg","/articles/6062777/Mississippi/Board-approves-202526-teacher-salary-scale-amid-debate-over-waiting-for-state-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6062777-75a043b07f6e5f947c02e503c17274c3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771115231&Signature=WO5INrNNUwmWK2WUxTfhrYSF7m6fFPI4B8G8tZbZ14aS6THJDZDDAvXb90ZgQCDGCS5yUDi5i0irvvJBc-vIjyeQf5fXxnSxpPb7kPFRUJqJDDTsAAHOd3enSfBhdrpo38TWGk1Bhz0lq-r1TvDpYGIZQ19Gfjb34aX-QFfcymCXxAzXFbpit5z5Gxu82FZ7hauW018lCRJ2jVRAK~wgBR80HmPZukWbdU-8bsBcQ~s7YTkX7qcYOA~q12B45b9a4OBk6zf-RqYzBwy19DczyK48GSJ5ODFOVdVBeJQQRgJ7R2g~USfmQ3r6t8dKnajKGmbg4XHi4vyortrW1WrakA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pascagoula‑Gautier School District board approved the 2025–26 teacher salary scale at its May 12 meeting, with one trustee recorded in opposition.

Board members discussed whether to wait for the state to finalize its education budget before changing the local supplement. One trustee urged caution because the local supplement cannot later be reduced if the state appropriation falls short. Another trustee and district staff said they monitor peer districts and do not want to fall behind local market changes.

The recommended scale includes a new stipend for teachers in high‑needs inclusion classrooms, in addition to the regular salary scale. A trustee said the district had not increased its local supplement since 2021 and emphasized the goal of retaining and supporting staff.

During the discussion, a district official reported there are about 650 certified employees and estimated the proposed supplement increase would total roughly $350,000 including benefits (an approximate figure provided in discussion).

Motion to approve the salary scale was made and seconded; the vote passed 4 to 1 with Mr. Johnson recorded as opposed.

Trustees said the board can revisit the supplement in future meetings if state funding or district data warrant changes.","The Pascagoula‑Gautier board approved the teacher salary scale for 2025–26 with a 4‑1 vote after discussion about timing relative to the state education budget and a new stipend for inclusion classrooms.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6062782,"Parent urges stricter cell‑phone limits; trustees say policy changes are being refined",451,27000,478000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275688-2af5e743f3618d8b94c459347c04c4fb&start=27&end=478","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275688-2af5e743f3618d8b94c459347c04c4fb/thumbnail_27000.jpg","/articles/6062782/Mississippi/Parent-urges-stricter-cellphone-limits-trustees-say-policy-changes-are-being-refined","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6062782-f589fb156b507475ba52c9273b2d7f24/orig.mp4?Expires=1771115231&Signature=X2v7xoaB1Oubc4jC0fsmpQVD2V0A1leIojy8k1GyFMWUq-Gjt3QcoV3dvICoa867Cq1UJCH~FkzAI96JAf-c~c7ylnx9zAwjd4unf~HagZWDs~rMonAkNtspQYH1JTFlgznx9zSFJv44jt7g5jH0tYG6b3e0Af26D8tctz6C0Z6ptCZ~-pLJa5nbuOh1hwc1XkPHYS8ksUgfj1ATfY0qeeKRCn7MuC2u1Gws3nNVWkcZ5gI09JHuJDFg99do62UvtadxSwvijBWcYhF6iq7TCbt0eWR48kHO89O8lS9GEfS6yPs6kpsdMvqOIvk~eE2cbaLoRF8USgXSW2EAqcKsNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Aubrey Watkins, a Pascagoula‑Gautier parent and minister, told the school board on May 12 that he wants the district to adopt stricter limits on student cell‑phone use, saying phones correlate with rising adolescent mental‑health problems and interfere with classroom learning.

Watkins said he applauds steps the administration is planning but called the current policy inadequate. “Phones are the best correlation we have with the rise of mental health problems among our adolescents right now,” he said, and added that classroom environments are affected even when students do not actively use devices.

Board members acknowledged the comment and described the district’s history with cell‑phone policy. One board member said the district previously had a zero‑tolerance policy but that it proved difficult to enforce and produce the intended outcomes. That member said the district is attempting to “dial in” an enforceable policy and that proposals are under consideration to remove “red tape” educators face when enforcing rules.

Board members and administrators discussed the tradeoffs between strict, hard‑to‑enforce rules and policies that teachers can consistently apply. The board did not take a formal vote or adopt a new policy during the meeting; the discussion was part of public comment and board response.

Watkins offered to help organize parental support for stronger rules. Board members said they had heard similar concerns from parents and staff and reiterated that policy revisions and additional enforcement steps are being considered for the coming year.

The meeting record contains no formal motion or vote on cell‑phone policy during this session.","At the May 12 Pascagoula‑Gautier School District board meeting, parent Aubrey Watkins urged stronger restrictions on student cell‑phone use, citing research on youth anxiety and classroom disruption. Board members said the district is pursuing policy adjustments but that past zero‑tolerance rules produced enforcement problems.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board renews attorney memorandum of understanding for 2025–26 with no fee change

District receives wetlands permit for track project; bids expected to open June 6

District recommends Fred Williams as opportunity center principal; start date July 1, 2025

Board approves 2025–26 teacher salary scale amid debate over waiting for state funding

Parent urges stricter cell‑phone limits; trustees say policy changes are being refined