MSSD Board Considers Elementary Roof Repairs, Hears 34 Policy Amendments

McKENZIE — The McKenzie Special School District (MSSD) Board of Education faced a heavy agenda Tuesday night, initiating formal discussions on a million-dollar roof replacement for McKenzie Elementary School and approving 34 district policy amendments just hours after the first day of the 2026-27 school year concluded.

Addressing the district's most pressing infrastructure concern, the board voted to begin formal conversations regarding the elementary school roof, which faces extensive leaking and contains asbestos panels. Finance Director Brad Davis estimated a total replacement cost between $1 million and $1.5 million.

The board also prioritized general maintenance, awarding a $33,678 bid to S.M. Lawrence for backflow preventers in the middle school and high school maintenance shop.

Following the infrastructure debate, the board approved, on first reading, 34 amendments to the policy manual to comply with new state laws that took effect July 1.

Among the changes, the board adopted a definition of "sex" as the "immutable characteristics of the person’s reproductive system that identify the person as male or female, as determined by anatomy and genetics existing at the time of birth."

In connection with this, interscholastic athletes are now required to submit birth certificates or medical documentation confirming birth sex.

Other significant policy shifts include a mandate for K-12 instruction on child trafficking awareness. Director of Schools Dr. Justin Barden is currently seeking state-level guidance and consulting with the Carl Perkins Center before finalizing the curriculum.

Additionally, the district introduced a standards-based report card for kindergarteners, and a new policy emphasizes teacher-led instruction over device usage for grades K-5. Dr. Barden stated he is awaiting state guidance on this policy, though some device usage remains permitted for now.

Beginning in the 2027-28 school year, seventh-grade students who excel in state-mandated math tests will be automatically enrolled in high school algebra, with an opt-out option for parents.

Finally, a new rule requires teachers to refrain from sexually-related behavior with students, extending to those who have graduated or withdrawn from school within the preceding 12 months.

The meeting also marked a transition in student leadership. McKenzie High School senior Madelyn Morris, the daughter of Amanda and Marty Morris, was sworn in as the new student representative to the board.

"I love being a part of this school district, and I'm really excited. My mom's a teacher, so it's really important to me just to have communication with everybody here and make sure everything is going smoothly," Morris said.

The night also served as the final meeting for members LaShonda Williams, George Cassidy and Bobby Young ahead of the August 6 election. Each chose not to seek re-election.

Williams, who served on the board since 2018 and held roles as vice chairman and chairman, reflected on her tenure.

"I feel like our school system is in good hands," Williams said, "which makes my leaving easier."

Matthew Lane, Brian Stafford and Brian Winston were elected to fill the vacancies, while Spiridon Roditis was re-elected to his seat.

Fiscal reports presented during the meeting showed a mix of budget amendments, including $20,760 in TISA-related funds, $510.13 from local option sales tax and a $29,440 special education grant, offset by $1,000 in maintenance costs.

Additionally, the board increased the reimbursement mileage rate from 58.5 cents to 76 cents per mile, following IRS guidelines.

In other business, the board renewed its memorandum of understanding with the McKenzie Police Department for school resource officers and appointed Tonya Brown, Josh Kee and Kelly Spivey to the Disciplinary Hearing Authority.

The district also reported 21 confirmed cases of bullying during the 2025-26 school year, with three resulting in suspensions of 10 days or less.

The board’s next meeting is Tuesday, September 1 at 5:30 p.m.