The Pearl River County School Board approved a motion to reorganize the Lower Elementary that provides education to grades K-2, and the Upper Elementary covering grades 3-5 into a consolidated Pearl River Central Elementary School that covers all of those grades and is overseen by one principal beginning the 2018-2019 school year.

“This is something we have taken into consideration and thought about doing for the past two years,” PRC Superintendent Alan  Lumpkin said. “Moving forward, this is what’s best for us and will help us to improve our schools.”

The principal for that school has yet to be determined.

In other action during the monthly meeting, the Board approved the creation of a new position, Director of Human Resources and Community Relations.

“We need someone to tell our story to the public and this person is going be huge in helping bridge that gap between the community and school employees,” Lumpkin said.

The Board also acknowledged a monetary donation from the Kiwanis Club of the Greater Picayune Area to the Pearl River Central High School for use in the library to create a Special Education Program. The donation was for $2,700, Director of School Services Mike Posey said.

“We thank you for supporting our children and we can’t thank you enough for this donation. We really appreciate it,” School Board President Jeremy Weir said during the meeting.

Also, the Board acknowledged a grant from International Paper for the Pearl River Central Middle School Junior Cadet Corp Program totaling $2,500.

In other business, the Board heard about School District Food Directors Sheila Amacker, Myra Smith and Tina Farrell recently competing in a yearly food competition where they finished in first place in three different categories. The three categories consisted of storyboard, meal tray and cupcake competitions.