Students recognized at JMCSS school board meeting

JACKSON Tenn. — It was a night full of recognition, achievement, and reward for scholars throughout the Jackson-Madison County School System.

Thursday, the JMCSS board recognized A.J. Sercy from Liberty Technology High School who’s making history with his acceptance into the inaugural Class for Sale program at UT Martin, which is a state-wide recognition. The board also recognized students in robotics at East Elementary School following their state award in competition. They received a plaque, but were more were more excited about their upcoming pizza party for their hard work.

“It’s the triple ‘A’…academics, athletics, and the arts. It’s those three broad areas I think if you look around you can see where the district little by little over time is making improvements,” said Greg Hammond, Chief Communications Officer for JMCSS.

Leaders with the school district say their goal is to give students varied opportunities especially with STEM motivated programs that are a reflection of book work to real life.

In a major budget amendment, the board discussed a $500,000 capital outlay for repair to the roof of Rose Hill School.

It’s heading to the Madison County Commission in April for approval.

“It’s one of those things that the board was looking at in terms of long term maintenance with the ice that came several weeks ago that really impacted the entire state. As a district, one of the places that we saw the most impact from storm damage was the roof at Rose Hill School,” said Hammond.

Hammond says it’s also a transitioning season of leadership for many faculty and staff at Jackson-Madison County Schools.

“Over the next couple of days you’ll hear announcements about retirement, and principals being named behind the scenes. Of course, the superintendent is resolute in putting in the right people in place to not only educate students, but to support families here in the district,” Hammond said.

This week Superintendent King expanded his ACT Reward Card Program which previously awarded students that scored a ’30’ or higher on the ACT, but now includes students that score a 21 to a 29 on the ACT.

There’s a silver card program and a gold card program that the school district offers for incentives like a free act retakes, and Apple products like Macbooks.

This initiative helps persuade students to not only make the great grades in the classroom, but also on the state and national level as well.