JPS board approves contracts, MOUs and consent agendas; adopts minutes and agenda

The Jackson Public School District Board of Trustees voted on a number of contracts, memoranda of understanding and consent items during its July meeting.

Key approvals and actions:

- Adoption of the meeting agenda: moved by Mitch, seconded by Cynthia Thompson (teleconference); approved by voice vote. - Approval of minutes: board approved the regular meeting minutes from June 17, 2025 and special meeting minutes from June 30, 2025; motion moved by Mitch, second by Miss Taylor; approved by voice vote. - Renewal of AMR contract for standby ambulatory services: the athletics department recommended continued AMR standby coverage for athletic events and other district activities; presented by Kenneth Green (executive director of athletics) and reviewed by the board (review presented; formal approval recorded as review). - Memorandum of agreement with Digital Promise and the Center for Inclusive Innovation: Amanda Thomas (executive director of climate and wellness) presented a review of a proposed MOA to join a national community of practice on school condition measures; item presented for review and intended for board consideration at a future action if required. - Renewal agreement with Walden University: renewed MOU to continue field experience, student teaching, and internship opportunities through spring 2028 and a 10% tuition discount program for district employees; presenters said no current student placements are active but renewal ensures future placement availability. - Contract award for single-audit services to Brown CPA PLLC (Clint Brown): administration recommended a one-year engagement for the FY2025 single audit; the board reviewed the recommendation and authorized the contract. - RFP 2025-11 awarded to Fisher Construction for large-scale tree and debris removal at the Environmental Learning Center; funding source identified as 16th Section property funds. - Discovery Education agreement: Dr. Smith presented an agreement for Discovery Education to provide supplemental online instructional resources and professional learning for K–12; board approved the agreement by voice vote. - Consent agenda approvals: the board approved the consent agenda items for finance, general and personnel after prior review; motions were moved and seconded and approved by voice vote. - Motion to close the meeting for executive session: board approved the motion to go into executive session; movers and second recorded and voice vote carried.

Most motions were approved by voice votes with no recorded nays during roll calls in the meeting. Where a mover and seconder were recorded, the meeting transcript shows consistent "aye" responses and no nays.

The board also heard reports on school leadership appointments, ribbon-cutting and open-house dates for consolidated campuses (Bailey APAC and Obama Magnet at the Northwest site), and operational items such as an RFP for tree removal at the Environmental Learning Center.

Votes at a glance (items with clear recorded motions and outcomes in the transcript): - Agenda adoption — approved (moved Mitch; second Cynthia Thompson). - Minutes (06/17/2025 regular and 06/30/2025 special) — approved (moved Mitch; second Miss Taylor). - Discovery Education agreement — approved (moved Frank; second Mitch). - IdentiMetrics attendance system — approved (moved Mitch; second Frank). - Policy JCBAAA (electronic devices) — approved (moved Frank; second Mitch). - Brown CPA single-audit contract (FY2025) — approved for 1 year (review/award recorded). - RFP 2025-11 to Fisher Construction (tree removal at Environmental Learning Center) — approved (funded via 16th Section funds). - Consent agenda: finance, general, personnel — approved.

The administration said additional documentation and implementation plans will follow for contracts and technology procurements.