Assistant principal retires, resignations handled and board member announces resignation; special election requested

In executive session June 8, 2026, the Lamar County School Board accepted the retirement of Larry Ainsworth, assistant principal at Oak Grove High School, effective June 30, 2026. The board's vote accepting the retirement was unanimous among members present.

The board considered release requests from two teachers: Calli Stephens (Purvis Upper Elementary) and Elizabeth "Libby" Watson (Lumberton Elementary School). In both cases the board voted to decline immediate release from their 2026'2027 contracts until a qualified replacement is hired; administration will notify the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) alleging abandonment of contract in accordance with board policy.

Separately, Board Member Lance LeFan announced he will step down as the representing board member for District D effective July 1, 2026. The board approved a motion to request a special election for School Board District D. The board recorded the standard votes on personnel and election-request motions (Yea: 4, Nay: 0, Absent: 1).

The board tabled a student zone transfer request (MSIS #001721766) after parents did not appear; administration will contact the parents, and the item was rescheduled for the July 20 meeting to ensure proper notice and participation.

The decisions taken in executive session were recorded as formal board actions when the board reconvened: retirements accepted, contract-release requests declined pending replacement, and a special election request filed to fill the forthcoming vacancy in District D.