The Jefferson Davis County School Board met for the May meeting Monday at the Academic Success Center in Carson.

After the welcome, moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance, the agenda was adopted, recognitions were made, and departmental reports given.

Jefferson Davis County Superintendent Ike Haynes introduced a new program called the Fresh Start Program. The program targets students in the district that are two to three grades behind. The program prepares older age students to progress to the next grade level to prevent future drop-out. The program was approved unanimously and will begin in the 2023-2024 school year.

Two new administrators were introduced. “After a rigorous process, we have a new

A new Career and Technical Center Director and Principal for Jefferson Davis County High School was announced and introduced.

JDCH Principal is Jackson native Dr. Spurgeon Banyard.

Banyard has 25 years in education including 13 years as a high school principal and six years as a middle school principal.

“I am a person that believes in God and loves the Lord and I also show empathy and sympathy as well,” said Banyard.

“With that being said,  I am a disciplinarian first and foremost. Because without discipline nothing is going to take place in school. You cannot have instruction if you don’t have discipline.”

Other than Mississippi, Banyard has worked in Louisiana and Alabama. Banyard says he took a failing school in all three states and made it successful, the most recent being Peeples Middle School in South Jackson.

“I come to work to do what’s best for the kids every day and I don’t play politics.”

Banyard treats everyone fair, and the same, he says.

“If your child messes up, your child is going to suffer the punishment they deserve. I’m not going to do for one that I don’t do for all.”

Banyard notes he is an academic leader, strategic planner and is organized, structured and accountable. He also believes in an open-door policy for parents and community members.

“We are going to have school. I’ve never ran a school that was out of order. I have taken schools that were out of control and put them in control. I know the problems that the high school is facing and I’m thankful, blessed and happy to be here.”

The Career Center director is Sheila Jefferson.

In other board news, the board approved the following without opposition:

• Approved of Financial Update/Financial Statements.

• Approved of second honoree Fronce Barnes Alumni Hall of Fame

• Adopted Consent Agenda.

• Approved of Bid for Hunting & Fishing S16T8NR19W.

• Approved of Organization Chart 2023-2024.

• Approved to Transfer Funds from 1841 (16th Section Interest Fund) to 1120 (District Maintenance Fund) to cover cost of band equipment (Wright Music Company).

• Approved to Transfer Funds from 1841 (16th Section Interest Fund) to 1120 (District Maintenance Fund) to cover cost of A/C and Heating Units (Jones Mechanical Services).

• Approved of Transfer Funds from 1841 (16th Sectional Interest Fund) to 1120 (District Maintenance fund) to cover cost of helmets (Riddell.)

• Approved to Transfer Funds from 1841 (16th Section Interest Fund) to 1120 (District Maintenance Fund) to cover cost of fencing at JDC High School (Pine Belt Fence).

• Approved to Transfer Funds from 1841 (16th Section Interest Fund) to 1120 (District Maintenance Fund) to cover cost of portable stage JE Johnson (Stage Pro, LLC).

• Approved to Transfer Funds from 16th Section Interest Fund (1841) to District Maintenance Fund (1120) to cover cost of student and computer desk for CES (School In).

• Approved of Transfer Funds from 1841 (16th Sectional Interest Fund) to 1120 (District Maintenance fund) to cover cost of Graduation Stage (J’s Building & Design, LLC).

• Approved to Transfer from 1841 (16th Section Interest Fund) to 1120 (District Maintenance Fund) to cover cost of Band Bleachers (Outdoor Aluminum).

• Approved to Transfer Fund From 1841 (16th Section Interest Fund) to 1120 (District Maintenance Fund) to cove cost of Window Covers at JDCHS (SPF Window Films).

• Approved of Transfer Fund from 1841 (16th Section Interest Fund) to 1120 (District Maintenance Fund) to cover cost of Double Swing Gate (Pine Belt Fence).

• Approved to Transfer from 1841 (16th Section Interest Fund) to 1120 (District Maintenance Fund) to cover cost of 1-7 1/2 ton Condenser and Air Handler Labor and Material (Jordan Brother Plumbing, Inc.

• Approved of Visionary Videography Platinum package for graduation

• Approved of Facility Use Request from Big Brother Society-JDCMS Gym, May 24-July 22, 2023.

• Approved to pay MAAP Data Retention Supplement

• Superintendent’s Actions MS Code Section 37-9-14(z)(Personnel Hire)(GBD/GCD).

• Personnel Resignation-Devontae Thompson, (Exit Interviews).

• Personnel Recommendation-(New Hire) (Renewal Professional) (Substitute List) (GBE).

• Approved claims.