JCSB Reviews Staffing and Program Updates for 2025-2026

By: Shelia Mader

The Jackson County School Board met Friday at 7:30 a.m. to discuss a range of key issues in preparation for the upcoming academic year, including staffing assignments, program expansions, and anticipated state level policy developments.

A motion introduced by Board member Chephus Granberry focused on the rehiring of high priority personnel, aiming to reinstate essential staff and fill vacant positions critical to school operations. While the motion addresses a substantial portion of staffing needs, the board clarified that further evaluations and recommendations are expected in June. These upcoming evaluations will determine additional staffing requirements, particularly in response to student enrollment trends.

The board emphasized that future staffing decisions will be data-driven. Should enrollment numbers rise, requests for additional teaching staff will be

submitted to ensure resources align with actual student needs. This adaptive approach seeks to maintain both educational quality and fiscal responsibility.

Among the programs discussed, Hope School’s adult services program was specifically addressed. Board members clarified that the current motion pertains only to the section of Hope School serving adults with disabilities, distinguishing it from other parts of the institution.

In Grand Ridge, principal recommendations are expected imminently, and interviews are currently scheduled. The board is prioritizing the expedited placement of new teachers to ensure schools are fully staffed well before the new academic year begins.

Academic performance indicators are trending positively across the district. School grades, anticipated by the end of June, are expected to reflect significant improvements, with double-digit increases reported in both graduation and acceleration rates. In line with these achievements, new initiatives are being launched, including a district-wide driver’s education program and the introduction of a JROTC program at Marianna High School. While the JROTC offering will initially be limited, there are plans for gradual expansion.

In a noteworthy development, Senator Mumford has requested the appointment of Mr. Chris Franklin to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) board. This move is designed to ensure that Jackson County has a stronger voice in statewide athletic and educational policy discussions.

Broader policy decisions remain pending due to delays at the state level. Changes in leadership and ongoing budget discussions in Tallahassee, including a new Commissioner of Education, have created uncertainty around several initiatives, most notably, new cell phone policy guidelines for schools. Despite these challenges, Ellen Folsom is actively working on crafting a budget for the upcoming school year, awaiting clearer directives from state officials.

As the district moves forward, the board’s priority remains to ensure all schools are staffed appropriately and equipped with the resources needed for student success, while remaining flexible to adapt to changes in enrollment and state policy.

Positions announced at Friday’s meeting were: Deputy superintendent, Laura Kent; Director of Finance, Ellen Folsom; Director of Safety, Doug Powell; Director of Facilities, Zane Walden; Director of Transportation, Steve DeWitt; Director of Student Services, TBD; Director of ESE, Kristy Halley; Director of Federal Programs, Michael Kilts; Assistant Finance Director, Lisa Nowell; Administrator Mental Health, Heather Miller; Supervisor Information Technology, Kelly Lanier; Supervisor Student Info Services, Ashley Barber; Sunland/Hope/District, Chris Franklin; Early Childhood, Becky Hart; Malone Principal, Bryant Hardy, Assistant Principal, John Donaldson; Graceville Principal TBD, Assistant Principal Kayla Wilson; Sneads High Principal, Rhianna Dowling, Assistant Principal, Greg Ohler; Sneads Elementary Principal, Amy Allen, Assistant Principal Leslie Linton; Grand Ridge Principal and Assistant Principal TBD; Cottondale High School, Ron Mitchell; Assistant Principal Courtney James; Cottondale Elementary, Mark Brogden, Assistant Principal Jessica Stephens; Hope School, Millicent Braxton, TSA Richard Wheatley; Adult Education, JAS, TAPP, Principal Rex Suggs; Marianna High Principal, Kerry Gilmore, Assistant Principals, LuAnne Law, Travis Blanton, TSA LaDon Clemmons; MK8 Principal, Jessica Larkin, Assistant Principals, Edna Reed, Ashley Johnson, SueAnn Tharp, Thomas Horne, and TSA Rico Williams. Student enrollment as of 5/26/2025 for each school is as follows: CACL, 47; Cottondale Elementary, 502; Cottondale High, 381; Early Childhood Center, 188; Graceville School (PK-12) 414; Grand Ridge Middle School, 354; Hope School, 104; JAS, 23; Malone School (PK-12) 561; Marianna High, 630; Marianna K-8, 1669; Sneads Elementary, 615; Sneads High, 325; TAPP, 3.

All schools will have one SRO with the exception of MK-8 where there will be two SRO positions assigned.

Superintendent Hunter Nolen said interviews are set and will be taking place this week. He and his staff are hopeful to be fully staffed well before the start of the school year.