Monday, the Poplarville School Board recognized the national achievements of Poplarville High School and adopted the district’s fiscal year 2015-2016 budget.
Poplarville School District Superintendent Carl Merritt presented the board and Poplarville High School Principal Jonanthan Will with a banner and plaque from U.S. News and World Report.
“This award is something that we do not apply for,” Merritt said. “They go to our state department and look at data from all the schools in America and for the third time, our high school has been selected as one of America’s Best High Schools by U.S. News and World Report. I’m very proud of our high school, teachers and children.”
Will thanked the board and Merritt for their support.
“We’ve got great students, parents and teachers,” he said. “They deserve all the accolades.”
In another matter, the board approved the 2015-2016 budget. According to previous Item coverage, the total estimated revenue for the upcoming year is $18.2 million and total estimated expenditures is $19 million.

In other action the board approved:
–– A special events agreement, which allows for increased security at school sponsored events including band concerts and athletic events, Merritt said.
–– Two grants from the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation. Career Development Center Principal Dr. Marlene Cole said the first grant involves a virtual business curriculum, which is administered online and the grant provides funds for a 5-year subscription. The second grant is for the USA Test Prep, which provides assistance to students who struggle with state testing, Cole said.
–– The Back Pack Buddies Program Poplarville Middle School. According to previous Item coverage, more than 48 hungry children at all four schools were fed through this program.
–– The 2016 Consolidated Federal Programs application. Poplarville School District Federal Programs Director Konya Miller said during this process, goals are set to tie into expenditures and money is allocated where best needed.
–– A proposal from IMPACT Education Group LLC, which provides professional development for the English and history department, Miller said.
–– Contracts for the 2015-2016 year with Millcreek, Hattiesburg Clinic for psychological services, Picayune School District Early Headstart, Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, Mississippi Action for Progress, Inc. and Physical and Occupation Therapy Services for 2015-2016. Merritt said these groups provide services the students need.
–– The District Instructional Management System for 2015-2016. “This is how we lay out curriculum standards and plan for doing what we nee to serve our students,” Miller said.
–– The District Homeless Plan, which identifies students not living with their parents, Miller said.
–– The English Language Learners Plan, which is a plan of action to meet the needs of students learning English, Miller said.
–– The 2015-2016 Professional Development Plan, which is planned around a parent and teacher needs assessment, Miller said.
The Poplarville School Board will meet again on Monday, August 10 at 6 p.m. in the boardroom on Julia Street.