JACKSONVILLE, AL — The Jacksonville City Schools Board of Education approved the district’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget and capital plan during its Sept. 10 meeting, while also hearing details about the next phase of planned facility improvements at Jacksonville High School.
The meeting served as the district’s second budget hearing. Following the hearing, the board unanimously approved the proposed 2026-27 budget. The board also approved the district’s 2026-27 capital plan, which includes additional work by Schneider Electric.
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Representatives from Schneider Electric outlined the next phase of heating, ventilation and air conditioning improvements at Jacksonville High School. The planned work will focus on the cafeteria, remaining areas of the library and several second-floor classrooms identified as priorities by operations staff.
The district previously replaced major components of the high school’s central plant, including the boiler, fluid cooler, pumps, piping and automation systems. Schneider representatives said the next round of work is intended to address high-use and priority areas while continuing the district’s approach of completing improvements as funding becomes available rather than taking on significant long-term debt.
Work included in the newly approved phase could begin as early as this winter. Schneider representatives said equipment would be ordered following approval, with some work potentially taking place during Christmas break and other portions completed on long weekends to minimize disruption to students. The goal is to complete the phase by spring.
A future phase is expected to address the high school kitchen. That project would increase cooling capacity and require electrical upgrades and structural reinforcement. Because the kitchen would need to close during construction, officials discussed completing that work during the summer and temporarily shifting summer food service to Kitty Stone Elementary School. The kitchen phase is expected to return to the board for separate approval.
The board also reviewed the district’s July financial statements. The district reported a combined reconciled balance of approximately $7.94 million across its operating accounts, including the two schools and child nutrition program. July accounts payable expenditures totaled $447,753.27. The board approved accounts payable and payroll for July and August and accepted the July financial statements.
During recognitions, Jacksonville High School Principal Jonathan Skinner recognized two students as “Soaring Eagles.” Junior high student Jamie Smitherman was recognized for her academics, extracurricular involvement, leadership and community service, while 11th-grader Cooper Morgan was recognized for academic achievement, athletics, leadership and community involvement. Morgan maintains a 4.0 GPA and participates in several school organizations and varsity sports.
Superintendent Dr. Michael Barber also highlighted recognition received by members of the Jacksonville City Schools Board for training and professional development. He noted that board member Jeff Gossett had reached Level 4, described during the meeting as the master-level board member designation, and said the full board had received a Team Training Achievement Award.
Barber announced that Jacksonville’s home football game against Sylacauga would include a Sept. 11 remembrance. Veterans and active-duty military personnel will be admitted at no charge and recognized during the event. A veteran with artifacts from the Pentagon who has worked to raise awareness of veterans’ mental health needs is also expected to attend.
The board additionally approved personnel items, including the return of Tessa Harris to the school system.
The next Jacksonville City Schools Board of Education meeting was set for Oct. 20 at 6 p.m.
