Clint Burson, interim superintendent for Jones County Schools, briefed county commissioners on construction, security and program developments at the district’s schools.

Burson said Dames Ferry Elementary is complete and that renovations are underway at Jones County High School, including adding air conditioning to the gym and work on the fine‑arts auditorium. He also said the district plans structural roof work to support large units.

On safety, Burson described the district’s rollout of Syntegix, an alert system that will allow teachers to send an immediate lockdown alert to other schools, teacher computers and local law enforcement; the system also links to external lights that will flash to notify people outside the building that a lockdown is in effect. Burson described the district’s intent to expand video surveillance and monitoring.

Burson said the board approved a new agricultural mechanics building at Jones County High School to strengthen college‑and‑career pathways. He said the district’s five‑year plan includes renovation of Great Station Middle School and that the district is planning for longer‑term facility needs.

Burson noted a state safety grant he described as providing about $61,000 a year per school to support safety work; he said the funding should materially help security investments. He also asked county leaders to coordinate when the schools need county support for manpower or services.

Commissioners and the superintendent discussed athletics and facilities needs, including interest in a certified eight‑lane track to enable home meets and generate revenue. The updates were delivered during the citizen‑comment/department reports portion of the meeting and were informational; the board did not take formal action on district projects at the session.