Jennifer Perry Middleton /Jefferson Jimplecute
Trustees of the Jefferson Independent School District approved individual campus improvement plans throughout the district and heard an update on the football stadium project during Tuesday’s regular meeting.
Dr. Leah Phillips, JISD director of curriculum and instruction, told the board these plans are worked on throughout the year and that they are also updated at this time each year.
“Every district is required to implement and develop these plans and it’s good to relook at these every year as it relates to academic progress,” Superintendent Rob Barnwell said.
Board President Leah Cooper agreed and commented on the plans’ focus on garnering quality educators for the district. “They are very comprehensive and in depth and with lots of focus on teacher recruitment,” she said. “There’s a lot of work to be done and a lot of good things too.”
Trustees also heard an update on the recent renovations to W.F. Lockett Stadium, with Barnwell telling the board that the project is 99% complete.
“We are working to ensure the stadium lights are properly adjusted,” he said. “We are going to check them with a light meter and go from there.”
Barnwell added that this week’s varsity game is out of town if board members wanted to see a game, but that talk about the stadium improvements have been excellent overall.
“Everything went well and I want to tell you thank you for supporting the project and letting it take place,” he said. “We have gotten lots of positive comments on it.”
The approximately $4 million in stadium updates include a new turf and field, addressing drainage issues, parking lot, press box and fencing. Funding came from excess in the district’s general fund.