Board approves employee benefit plan, beverage contract and residential leases

The Lamar County School Board on July 15 approved several procurement and property items, including an employee benefits proposal, an exclusive beverage service agreement and residential lease releases for district land.

The board voted to accept a benefits proposal from American Fidelity to provide ancillary employee insurance (dental, vision, cancer and other supplemental policies) intended to improve recruitment and retention for teachers and staff. The motion passed by voice vote.

Board members also approved an exclusive beverage service bid from Hattiesburg Coca‑Cola, with discussion noting Alabama/Mississippi contract rules that limit a district to a maximum four‑year contract; board members said the contract term will be clarified in writing before execution. The motion to accept the Coca‑Cola bid passed by voice vote.

Under land matters, land manager Mr. Norton presented two lease actions. The transcript records that Josh Williamson sought release of a two‑acre parcel on Newcamp Road to build a house; the board approved a 40‑year residential lease for the parcel at $900 as described in the minutes. A second parcel (referred to in the minutes as 'partial two') was also approved. The motions were moved, seconded and recorded as passing.

These procurement and property items were presented and approved without detailed roll‑call votes in the public transcript. The board moved later to accept the consent agenda and then to consider an executive session for one personnel matter and two student matters.