The Jefferson Davis County School Board met for the first meeting of the year Monday night at the Academic Success Center in Carson. Following the welcome, moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance, the agenda was adopted.

The first item on the agenda was the election of school board officers. Shonda Ard Burre will serve as president, Bobby Wilson as vice-president and Shari Bryant as secretary for the year 2025.

“It will be an honor to serve as the 2025 board president,” said Burre. “I love our children and I love our district. Thank you all so much for giving me this opportunity once again,” she said.

Burre has served as president since 2022.  A full statement from Burre can been read below.

During his report, Superintendent Ike Haynes asked the community to be all-in and to bring compassion and energy to the district with positive attitudes and high expectations.

“It takes all of us, everyone in this county,” said Haynes. “We don’t have all the bells and whistles like the bigger counties, but I do say we have everything we need in the Jefferson Davis County School District to serve our students.”

“We have all the necessary talent in this county to have an A district, we just must have high expectations,” he said.

Jefferson Davis County High School Principal Dr. Spurgeon Banyard has retired after 29 years in education.

Former assistant principal Dr. Andrea Curb has been named interim principal for the high school with an increase in salary for the added responsibility.

The district has also employed John Daley for a minimum of 25 days for principal mentoring and to to assist Dr. Curb with scheduling. JDC Athletic Director Lance Mancuso will assume assistant principal duties and assist with discipline until 1:30 p.m. each day.

“This is how we are going to patch until we can get a long-term team for the high school,” said Haynes.

The board also approved the following without opposition before adjourning:

• Approval of Financial Update/Financial Statements

• Superintendent’s Report.

• Adopt Consent Agenda.

• Approval of out of state trip to New Orleans, Louisiana and Orlando, Florida for JDCHS Beta Club students.

• Approval of funds for after school to hire at Carver, JEJ and JDCMS for After School Program, Federal Programs.

• Approval of instructional pullout and small group student support for 3rd-8th Grade ELA, 3rd-5th Math and 8th Science hosted by Buse Education.

• Approval of instructional pullout and small group student support for 6th- 8th Math hosted by AnB Consulting.

• Approval of annual renewal for Microsoft Education Licenses.

• Approval to request to host high school student bake-off.

• Approval of CTE Community Health Fair.

• Personnel resignation-Karen Echols, Dr. Spurgeon Banyard and Cambre McCullum.

• Personnel recommendations (substitutes): Lisa Hathorn, Mashonda Hinton and Beatrice Hartzog.

• Approval of claims.

Statement from board president Shonda Ard Burre:

“It is with great honor and deep gratitude that I continue to serve as president of the Jefferson Davis County School Board, a role I have proudly held since 2022. Over the past few years, I have witnessed our district rise to unprecedented levels of excellence. For the first time in history, we achieved a B rating—a monumental accomplishment that reflects the dedication and hard work of our superintendent, educators, teachers, parents, and the entire community.

This year, we are focused on being “all in,” as we unite our efforts to provide the best for our students. ‘JDC Strong: United for Excellence, Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders.’ Our district has achieved tremendous milestones across all grade levels. JE Johnson Elementary has proudly maintained a B rating for two consecutive years. Under the exceptional leadership of Vanessa Brown, Carver Elementary celebrated its first-ever A rating, a testament to their dedication and commitment. Our middle school’s remarkable achievement of advancing an entire letter grade in one calendar year demonstrates the hard work and determination of both our staff and students. Our high school has continued its tradition of excellence by upholding its B rating, further proving the dedication of our administrators and educators to academic success.

These accomplishments reflect the strength, resilience, and unity of our district, and together we are shaping a brighter future for all our students. We continue to invest in the success of our district through innovative programs and resources.

The $500,000 RUS Grant has significantly enhanced technology across our campuses, ensuring that our students have access to the tools they need to thrive in today’s world. The addition of the State-Invested Pre-K-4 Program in our elementary schools has further strengthened the foundation of education for our youngest learners.

To ensure continuous improvement, we added a Director of Elementary Instruction and MTSS to our district leadership team.

Initially, I was hesitant about this addition, but the results have left me in awe. This role has proven essential in enhancing instruction and driving academic success, and it reflects our commitment to innovation and excellence. As a community, we have shown that together we can achieve greatness. It is our mission to provide every student with the quality education they deserve, preparing them to succeed at any university, in the workforce, or in any branch of service.

From the classrooms to the boardroom, we are united in our vision to create opportunities for every child. To the community: This is your district. Every decision we make is public, and your voice matters. I encourage you to get involved, stay engaged, and continue supporting our schools. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will achieve even greater success.”