Mississippi / School Districts / VICKSBURG WARREN SCHOOL DIST
School leaders reported benchmark proficiency, growth and attendance data for multiple schools; superintendent warned recently released preliminary state cut scores will make it harder for schools to retain A/B ratings under the new accountability model.
Mississippi / School Districts / VICKSBURG WARREN SCHOOL DIST
Trustees introduced Maurice Gillum as incoming technology staff, honored retirees (including Nurse Drew Holderness) and approved two personnel items to add an administrative secretary (I9) and a technical maintenance worker (I10).
Mississippi / School Districts / VICKSBURG WARREN SCHOOL DIST
Trustees approved two vendor awards Dec. 18: Delta Waste Solutions for waste services (with letter explaining why lowest bid was not chosen) and Mills Construction for a baseball/softball project after reference checks; motions were seconded and approved by voice vote.
Mississippi / School Districts / VICKSBURG WARREN SCHOOL DIST
Special projects coordinator Mark Hughes told the board FreshStart Academy and related programs helped at-risk students recover credits, enabled four juniors to graduate last year, and provides adult diplomas and online instruction for students with medical needs.
Mississippi / School Districts / VICKSBURG WARREN SCHOOL DIST
The Vicksburg Warren School District board approved its November financial report and a correction to activity/fund 72-11’s beginning balance after staff identified a reporting glitch; board members discussed cash-stabilization use, tax timing and EV charger expenses.
Mississippi / School Districts / VICKSBURG WARREN SCHOOL DIST
The board approved an 18‑year lease (Jan. 1, 2026–Dec. 31, 2040) described as Owensville Communications (likely a radio‑tower lease) and approved related agreement language to include a rate‑adjustment clause.
Mississippi / School Districts / VICKSBURG WARREN SCHOOL DIST
Board members identified unusually large utility charges across district accounts — including entries of $6,701, $7,000 and $30,000 — and asked staff to verify which facilities and meters are tied to those lines and whether leaks or misallocations are occurring.
Mississippi / School Districts / VICKSBURG WARREN SCHOOL DIST
Doctor Watkins presented October performance metrics — math proficiency 34%, science 42.6%, daily attendance 93% and chronic absenteeism 24.58% — and the board discussed instructional initiatives and how a new state accountability model will be retroactively applied.
Mississippi / School Districts / VICKSBURG WARREN SCHOOL DIST
District staff told the board that a fencing contract with Timbose Construction is delayed after a subcontractor was fired; three gates were installed but only one is fully operational, and staff are sourcing a new subcontractor to complete hardware installation.
Mississippi / School Districts / VICKSBURG WARREN SCHOOL DIST
The board read and approved two resolutions memorializing Hazel Lee Richardson Bale (d. 08/03/2025), a longtime third‑grade teacher, and Dr. John E. Walls Jr. (d. 08/25/2025), a longtime district administrator and deputy superintendent; both resolutions will be presented to families and included in the minutes.