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JPS board approves FY26 school‑improvement plans, E‑Rate network upgrade and several service agreements
Summary
The board adopted FY26 school improvement plans with CSI and TSI allocations, approved an $857,852 E‑Rate‑funded network modernization (district share about $128,678), and authorized service agreements including Freedom Schools, Bean Path and ACT support.
At its meeting, the Jackson Public Schools board approved a package of instructional and operational items: FY26 school improvement plans and allocations, a network modernization contract using E‑Rate funds, and multiple service agreements to support summer programming and student services.
School improvement: Dr. Knox presented FY26 school improvement identifications and allocations, explaining ESSA evidence requirements and the district’s prioritization. The board learned that Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) schools received allocations of $93,211 each and Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) schools received $37,284 each. Selected strategies include hiring interventionists/intervention assistant positions, partnering with lead partner organizations, targeted professional development and increased learning time (after‑school and Saturday programs). The administration will submit plans to the Mississippi Department of Education and begin implementation and monitoring if approved.
Network modernization and contracts: The board approved awarding RFP 2026826 (Network Modernization) to Tech Links/Ceasefire for $857,852 to replace aging multimode fiber, cabling, racks and UPS systems across the Jim Hill feeder pattern. The project is E‑Rate eligible; the district’s expected 15% share is approximately $128,677.80. Trustees requested that the full contract package — including the original vendor quote and a negotiated addendum — be included in the board minutes; administration confirmed the missing documents would be reposted and the motion to approve the full contract package carried.
Service agreements and grants: The board approved a service agreement with New Horizon Ministries to run a six‑week Freedom Schools program for 100 scholars funded by a Southern Poverty Law Center grant (four weeks at Bates Elementary, two weeks at the New Horizon campus). The board also approved an eight‑week Bean Path summer program at Lanier Junior Senior High and an ACT support agreement with Browwood Arts Center for 50 scholars. The assignment and assumption of the district’s 16th Section lease involving BASF Corporation and BASF Catalyst LLC was also approved as an information action.
Consent agenda and next steps: Trustees approved consent agenda items for finance, general business and personnel and moved to enter an executive session to discuss a personnel suspension. Administrators said school improvement plans will be submitted to the state for approval and implementation will be monitored districtwide.
