The North Pike School District superintendent asked the board to move the January 2026 meeting to Thursday, Jan. 8 at 6 p.m., noting the originally scheduled first Thursday fell during the Christmas break. A board member said the 8th was preferable because a prior Tuesday meeting felt rushed; the motion to change the date was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The superintendent reminded board members that the first walkthrough in a two-part schedule is set for Nov. 20 at 9 a.m. The itinerary for that day includes the maintenance building, transportation and the junior high, with lunch at the junior high; a second walkthrough is scheduled for Dec. 18 for members who cannot attend in November. The superintendent noted that board members are required to complete seven hours of training each year and that the board had agreed to try to be visibly present together for at least one walkthrough annually.

On the district retreat, the superintendent asked board members to consider holding a June 2026 retreat on weekdays (Wednesday–Thursday, Thursday–Friday, or Monday–Tuesday) to ease participation by administrators and assistant principals. The superintendent suggested using the retreat to revisit the strategic plan (currently in effect through 2028) and to remap goals to reflect changes in the accountability model, saying the district might seek assistance from the Mississippi School Boards Association (MSBA) and specifically mentioning Dr. Henderson as a contact.

A motion to hold the retreat in June 2026 was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. The superintendent said an offsite location is preferred to minimize interruptions and allow focused work. Board members were asked to submit topics they would like discussed at the retreat.