District expands college-credit options, reviews EL supports and approves therapeutic services MOU

District staff presented academic and student‑support items, including expanded dual‑enrollment options, assessment updates and special‑education service arrangements.

Staff described continuing preACT testing for 8th graders as a predictive tool rather than a high-stakes assessment, and noted that some sophomores would be offered targeted opportunities. Director (S6) outlined a prospective agreement with Mississippi Gulf Coast that would let high school students take up to 60 college credit hours on the high school campus if the district chooses to adopt expanded coursework.

On supports for English learners, Director (S6) provided counts and service levels: "This is what's anticipated to be here this year. 59 total; 21 of those are just monitored... The 38 are the ones that we service," he said, explaining that the district integrates EL students into Title-funded programs rather than receiving separate EL dollars. The board discussed monitoring and tutoring supports for those students.

The board also approved educational therapeutic services paid at $1,483.05 per student for the 2026 school year (funded by IDEA Part B) and approved an MOU with Health Connect America to allow in‑school behavioral therapy provided by outside clinicians, with the district supplying space. Staff framed these as efforts to expand on‑campus support without adding direct staffing costs to the district payroll.

The district will continue review of dual‑enrollment operational details and return policy items (including AI use) for subsequent votes as required.