The meeting commenced with a detailed presentation on the accomplishments of Monaceel’s sports teams. The activities director shared that the spring sports season had been particularly successful, with numerous athletes and teams achieving significant milestones. The adaptive bowling team had a standout season, sending eight athletes to the state competition, with two achieving medal placements. The boys’ tennis team secured third place in the Mississippi Conference, with two players advancing to the doubles tournament finals. The trap shooting team also excelled, with a member achieving a perfect score, placing him among the top shooters in a field of over 10,000 participants.

The baseball team continued its dominance by winning the Mississippi A Conference for the second time in three years. The boys’ lacrosse team, despite undergoing a rebuilding phase, managed to secure a notable victory against a strong opponent. Meanwhile, the girls’ golf team celebrated its best season in decades, winning all conference meets and advancing to the state tournament. The boys’ and girls’ track teams had impressive performances, with the boys finishing third overall at the state tournament and several athletes setting new school records.

In addition to the athletic achievements, Cindy Fashing was celebrated for her long-standing dedication to the district. Recognized for her contributions to teaching and learning, Fashing’s impact was described as reaching every classroom, teacher, and student. Her leadership in curriculum development and support for staff was highlighted as integral to her identity in the district. Although the superintendent was absent, words of gratitude were shared on behalf of the entire school board, culminating in a presentation of a plaque and gifts symbolizing growth and community. Fashing expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work in Monticello and her passion for supporting struggling students.

The board also turned its attention to financial matters, with the director of business services providing an overview of the 2025-2026 budget. The budget, reviewed in segments during previous months, included minor adjustments due to legislative changes, notably a 2.74% increase in general education aid. An additional $100 million in one-time funds for summer unemployment was also featured, aiding the district in the upcoming summers. The board was reassured about the district’s financial practices, noting that consistent aid payments had allowed them to avoid short-term borrowing. Investments remained conservative.

The meeting also addressed the approval of various handbooks for the upcoming school year. Efforts were made to align these handbooks across different school levels, focusing on areas such as food services language and cell phone policies. The elementary, middle, and high schools were working towards greater consistency, with the elementary principals successfully collaborating to unify their handbook. The high school handbook was still undergoing revisions due to structural changes and legislative considerations. After a brief discussion, the board approved the proposed handbooks.