The Poplarville School Board approved a motion on Monday to begin the process of accepting bids to renovate the high school cafeteria and build an off-site soccer complex.

Superintendent Carl Merritt said it was important to begin the bidding process now so construction could begin as soon as the school year ended.

The high school cafeteria is the only remaining cafeteria in the district to be renovated and the work would increase its capacity in case of a possible merger with the Lumberton School District, Merritt said.

Work on the soccer complex would take place after renovation of the cafeteria and is expected to be complete by October or November of 2017.

Meritt said the cost for the project is undetermined at this time, pending further discussion with the architect and the Board.

In other matters, the Board approved to renew a copier service agreement for Poplarville Lower Elementary. The Board also approved a motion to begin negotiations to renew their current Internet contract, which expires June 30, 2017.

In another matter, the Board accepted the resignation of an unnamed teacher and to advertise for a replacement.

New policies and revisions mandated by the Mississippi School Board Association were approved as well as an update to the Board policy.

Finance Director Samantha Sandifer said the financial statements for the District were in order and the auditor was currently looking through District records.

The Board approved consent agenda items presented by Merritt concerning travel, accepting donations, bus turnaround requests and disposing of equipment.

Before adjourning, the Board went into executive session to discuss a student matter.