Jackson board approves 2025–26 budget, multiple contracts and property sales; superintendent says school year off to strong start

The Jackson Public School District Board of Trustees on Tuesday approved the district's 2025–26 original budgets and a series of contracts, renewals and property sales and heard from Superintendent Dr. Green, who said the district is off to a strong start to the 2025–26 school year.

Dr. Green, the district superintendent, told the board the district paused student registration during the first week of school to reduce crowding and help staff update records. "Because of the huge difference that we saw in week 1 by pausing registration ... we will continue this practice," Dr. Green said, describing fewer long lines and smoother school starts.

Dr. Green also reported incremental improvements in transportation and said the district operates more than 200 daily bus routes and has been making adjustments to reduce travel times. On facilities, she said the district has invested “tens of millions of dollars” in HVAC projects and that most cooling issues are being addressed, though some schools still rely on classroom-level units that require extra attention.

The superintendent described a recently revised electronic-device policy as having an early positive effect. "The overwhelming majority of our scholars are following the rules," Dr. Green said, adding that some families and students have challenged the change but that the district will enforce consequences when devices are visible: "there's no opt out."

Dr. Green told trustees the administration will return at the board's Aug. 19 meeting with a districtwide improvement plan focused on accelerating scholar achievement, reallocating time and resources and strengthening daily instruction for…