Jackson County Schools board approves 2026 calendar, $70,000 in metal detectors and multiple personnel actions

The Jackson County Schools board approved a series of routine and safety‑focused measures, including the 2026–27 school calendar, a $70,000 purchase of metal detectors and a contract to fund a full‑time pre‑employment transition specialist for students, board members said.

The board opened the meeting with a prayer and a request to keep "Bella" — a Skyline student injured in a recent car accident — and her family in the community's thoughts, Unidentified Speaker 1 said. "So, certainly keep Bella and and her family in your prayers," the speaker added.

In its business session the board approved reconciled bank statements and financials for October 2025. Unidentified Speaker 1 reported total payroll expenditures of $4,803,168.89 and nonpayroll expenditures of $1,790,110.09; the financial statements were approved by motion and voice vote.

The board adopted calendaring Option A for the 2026–27 school year after Unidentified Speaker 1 said the option had approximately 75% support in the referenced polling. The board also approved a contract with Allied Department of Rehab Services (Voc Rehab) to provide one full‑time, 10‑month pre‑employment transition specialist, effective Oct. 1, 2025, through July 31, 2026.

On school safety, the board authorized a purchase from S and W Integrated Safety Solutions for metal detectors totaling $70,000. "This gets us up to a total of 6 sets," Unidentified Speaker 2 said during discussion, and the motion to buy the additional sets passed by voice vote.

The meeting included a package of personnel actions taken in grouped motions. The board approved multiple retirements: Nia Stivers, teacher at North Texas High School, effective Jan. 1, 2026; Trent Gillett, countywide maintenance worker, effective June 1, 2026 (transcribed as June 01/01/2026); Scarlett Mitchell, teacher at Pisgah High School, effective Jan. 1, 2026; and Melissa Swain, countywide special education aide and school bus aide, effective Jan. 1, 2026. The board accepted listed resignations, approved two employee transfers, and approved employments listed as items a–j.

Athletics personnel actions included a supplemental coaching contract for Joe Hollis (paid by North Jackson High School for the 2025–26 school year), a $500 cheer supplement for Coy Bridal to be paid by Pisgah High School and a $5,000 track and cross‑country supplement for Gus Henry to be paid by Pesco High School. Each motion was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Board members closed with announcements about January board meetings, a principals meeting in North Sand Mountain (weather permitting), and county basketball tournament schedules; an adjournment motion was made and seconded and the meeting was closed.

The board took no additional policy votes or contested actions during the session.