Jinx Independent Board elects officers, approves draft 2026-27 budget and new dance-team position

At a special meeting on Jan. 29, 2026, the Jinx Independent Board of Education elected new officers, approved routine business including the district’s draft 2026-27 budget and accepted a small facilities grant, and approved creation of a paid dance-team coaching position.

The board moved quickly through organizational items. "I nominate Chris," one member said during the chair election; Paulette was elected vice chair after a nomination and a second, and Rondo and "Mister Johnson" were approved as treasurer and secretary, respectively. All officer appointments were approved by voice vote.

Superintendent (name not specified) used a staff spotlight to thank board members for their role during recent adverse weather and to note facility and staffing improvements. "We've gone from a struggling school district to one that's striving and growing," the superintendent said, thanking staff for running meal services during bad weather.

Administrators presented instructional and operational updates. A district administrator summarized the district improvement plan (CDIP/CCIP), saying the district would not add new initiatives but would refine existing practices to close learning gaps, strengthen Tier 2 instruction, and expand observation and feedback systems for teachers. The administrator said the district is "on track for 100% of our kids to graduate college and career ready," a stated goal from the presentation.

Finance and operations items: the district financial officer reported roughly $2.5 million in cash on hand, described FEMA documentation prepared after prior flood events, and said W-2s and 1099s had been distributed. The board approved the financial reports and the draft budget for the 2026-27 school year; the draft includes a 1% cost-of-living placeholder and is described as an early planning document rather than a final spending plan.

Facilities and personnel actions included acceptance of a Kentucky School Facilities Construction Commission (SFCC) offer of assistance for $14,231 earmarked for projects in the district’s approved facilities plan and approval of a new, paid dance-team coaching position at $2,500 (the same stipend used for cheerleading). The superintendent also announced the retirement of Miss Sally Hubbard after 42 years of service, effective at the end of the month; the board plans to honor her at a future meeting.

Operational details discussed during reports: current enrollment was reported at 449 students and month-five attendance at about 94.06%. Safe-schools inspections at both campuses were reported as passed. The transportation update noted a bus engine failure that required replacement and that additional buses are on order.

The board approved the district improvement plan materials (CDIP/CCIP), the draft budget for 2026-27, the SFCC offer, and the personnel position by voice votes. No executive session was requested, and the meeting adjourned after routine closing motions.

What’s next: the superintendent said the retiring staff member will be highlighted at the next regular meeting; the draft budget will proceed through the normal planning and adoption schedule.