Jackson‑Madison school board approves $776,498 in budget amendments after debate over Stone River consulting line

The Jackson‑Madison County School System Board of Education voted to approve budget amendments totaling $776,498.53 after a contested discussion about a $90,000 line item to contract with the Stone River Group for strategic‑planning and government‑relations support.

Board members debated whether the Stone River contract duplicates services already available to the district and whether fast‑growth funds should pay for outside consulting. Board attorney Dale Thomas told the board the firm “does not provide the same legal services that I’m able to provide to the board,” describing Stone River as a provider of government relations, public relations and strategic communications rather than local legal representation. Superintendent Marlon King said the consulting relationship would add national and state contacts and specialized services the district does not maintain in‑house, calling the firm a “thought partner” and saying the district would…