Board approves FY25 contracts, interim superintendent agreements and multiple grant modifications
April 19, 2024 | Department of Education, Agencies, Organizations, Executive, Mississippi
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The Mississippi State Board of Education on April 18 approved a set of FY25 contracts and several grant modifications, including renewals for facility and curriculum services and employment agreements for interim district superintendents.
Dr. Gavin presented the package, which included renewing a facilities contract with Ajax Industrial Cleaning for the School for the Deaf and Blind, continuing a contract with the Research and Curriculum Unit at Mississippi State University, increasing and extending a contract with NMEC, and renewing a partnership with Mississippi Home Corporation that supports teacher housing services. The board also approved employment agreements for interim superintendents: Dr. Cole (Noxubuck County School District), Dr. Jennifer Wilson (Holmes County School District), and Dr. Earl Watkins (Achievement School District, Yazoo).
On grants, the board approved EIRR grants to fund literacy coaches (with a list of districts attached to the board packet), increased funding to cohort 1 of the state‑invested pre‑K program to serve additional classrooms, and modified SIP program grants for cohort 2 for two districts. Board members asked questions and the motions to approve were moved and seconded; each item carried on voice vote.
Board members also approved consent agenda items A through O in a single motion; discussion included a request that staff share a detailed response about educator preparation program concerns with the full board so members can explain actions to their local communities.
What happens next: contracts and grant modifications will be finalized by MDE procurement and finance offices and implemented in FY25.
Dr. Gavin presented the package, which included renewing a facilities contract with Ajax Industrial Cleaning for the School for the Deaf and Blind, continuing a contract with the Research and Curriculum Unit at Mississippi State University, increasing and extending a contract with NMEC, and renewing a partnership with Mississippi Home Corporation that supports teacher housing services. The board also approved employment agreements for interim superintendents: Dr. Cole (Noxubuck County School District), Dr. Jennifer Wilson (Holmes County School District), and Dr. Earl Watkins (Achievement School District, Yazoo).
On grants, the board approved EIRR grants to fund literacy coaches (with a list of districts attached to the board packet), increased funding to cohort 1 of the state‑invested pre‑K program to serve additional classrooms, and modified SIP program grants for cohort 2 for two districts. Board members asked questions and the motions to approve were moved and seconded; each item carried on voice vote.
Board members also approved consent agenda items A through O in a single motion; discussion included a request that staff share a detailed response about educator preparation program concerns with the full board so members can explain actions to their local communities.
What happens next: contracts and grant modifications will be finalized by MDE procurement and finance offices and implemented in FY25.
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