Budget amendments, more on the agenda during JMCSS School Board meeting
JACKSON, Tenn. — Jackson-Madison County School Board members meet for their routine work session and general board meeting.
On the agenda Monday night, members focused on budget amendments, transfers and a proposed bonus for the school superintendent.
The Jackson-Madison School Board meeting began with a visit from south elementary music students and the air force junior ROTC.
Board members were asked to wear Christmas sweaters the celebrate the holidays this month. On the agenda the board approved nine amendments and travel expenses were one of the main priorities.
“For our students to travel the board had to approve it, and most of these students are going to a national competition in robotics. I think it’s like seven or eight schools that are doing it and that’s incredible. Every student has an interest, but every student doesn’t have the same interest. We as adults have to figure out what their interest are, and target that to get them excited about school so that we’ll come to school,” said Harvey Walden, chair of board for JMCSS.
Board members also discussed a bonus for superintendent Dr. Marlon King based on several measurable performance metric qualifications.
Among the top categories dr. King receives $5,000 for a 68.9% increase in ready graduates, $5,000 for a 93.1% increase in graduation rates, and $3,000 for a 6% increase in certified employee retention.
“In 2023-2024 his bonus total was $32,000. According to the 2024-2025 school year, the bonus total will be $25,500,” said Walden.
Here’s what vice chair Jason Compton tells us about implementation and execution of the board’s strategic plan throughout the school system.
“I don’t know how many other districts have a superintendent that will bring the priority school, and under performing schools and parade them in front of our board but Dr. King does. We have real conversations, real candid conversations with how we’re going to improve, and it’s the most meaningful thing that we do. But, to sit there and look at some of those teachers and administrators eye-to-eye in those setting and really listen to what they have to deal with on a daily basis. It’s amazing to see that our numbers are improving and are going to continue to improve,” said Jason Compton, vice chairman of board for JMCSS.
Since 2022 the Jackson-Madison County School System has improved proficiency in every category of education. The five-year strategic plan for the district we be discussed at a later date during the board winter retreat in March.
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