Dr. Ayers opened the informational portion of the meeting with several back-to-school updates: the first day for students is Wednesday, Aug. 13, and the district remains short a few exceptional children (EC) teacher positions. To recruit EC teachers the district is offering a $2,500 sign-on bonus.

Dr. Ayers also announced logistics and community events: the district’s Back-to-School Bash will be Saturday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Culley Recreation Center. The event is free to JCPS students and families; supplies including backpacks and school materials will be distributed while supplies last, haircuts will be offered, and a free meal will be provided through community donors. Monetary donations were being accepted through Wednesday, July 30; Dr. Ayers listed contact names Emily Buchanan and Core Fields for donation coordination.

Dr. Ayers thanked the Jackson County Board of Commissioners for funding universal no-cost breakfast and lunch for students and for providing supplemental pay increases and funding support for the JROTC program.

Ending: Dr. Ayers said district and school leadership have been meeting for summer planning and invited community participation at the Back-to-School Bash.