Mississippi / School Districts / DESOTO CO SCHOOL DIST
The DeSoto County School District recognized its Teachers of the Year and heard a presentation on the New Teacher Academy and mentor program, which presenters said served more than 230 attendees this year and provided $25 Walmart gift cards to participants at a January session.
Mississippi / School Districts / DESOTO CO SCHOOL DIST
During public comment, Katie Sassa accused board member Michelle Henley of writing a character letter on behalf of a convicted predator named in the comment and urged Henley to resign; the comment prompted no recorded response from the named board member and was scheduled for executive-session follow-up where personnel or student matters apply.
Mississippi / School Districts / DESOTO CO SCHOOL DIST
The DeSoto County School District board approved minutes and a broad consent agenda that included architectural and construction contracts, awarded HVAC bids via reverse auction, and accepted January revenue and expenditure reports showing a drop in collections compared with FY25.
Mississippi / School Districts / DESOTO CO SCHOOL DIST
The DeSoto County School District paused its meeting for School Board Appreciation Week, honoring Marsha Foster as the district's first School Counselor of the Year and recognizing students and seniors from multiple schools with brief performances and photo opportunities.
Mississippi / School Districts / DESOTO CO SCHOOL DIST
Board members approved architectural and construction contracts, the award of a furniture bid, reimbursements and personnel items; the transcript records motions passed by voice vote but does not include numerical tallies.
Mississippi / School Districts / DESOTO CO SCHOOL DIST
The DeSoto County School District board approved the agenda and a bundle of consent items including construction contracts for school renovations and athletic-field drainage, adopted the 2026–27 academic calendar and accepted December financial statements. The superintendent recognized facilities staff for winter-storm preparedness and cleanup.
Mississippi / School Districts / DESOTO CO SCHOOL DIST
During public comment at the DeSoto County School District meeting, Jay Robert argued that the terms 'education' and 'indoctrination' are often conflated and framed his concerns in religious terms, urging acceptance of his faith-based conclusions. The board did not respond in open session.
Mississippi / School Districts / DESOTO CO SCHOOL DIST
During public comment, speakers urged the board to adopt a policy barring board members and staff from supporting people charged with offenses against district children; a board legal responder said state law and a recent Supreme Court decision limit what rules can be imposed on elected officials.
Mississippi / School Districts / DESOTO CO SCHOOL DIST
At its meeting the DeSoto County School District board approved multiple contracts — including athletic fencing, playground additions, hydroponic systems and E-Rate rewires — authorized payment of late invoices, and approved personnel-leave and temporary positions.
Mississippi / School Districts / DESOTO CO SCHOOL DIST
At a Sept. 17 special meeting, the Desoto County Board of Education approved several personnel actions and the hiring of Jessica Atkinson as principal of Chickasaw Elementary; Superintendent Austin also announced Principal Dr. Crystal Robinson will relocate after Christmas.