Mineral Springs School Board Approves Policy Change, Social Media Lawsuit
The Mineral Springs School Board met in regular session Tuesday, receiving updates on student performance, Title I programs and school improvement before approving a personnel policy change and authorizing litigation against several social media companies.
During public comment, Melissa Billy addressed the board regarding an issue involving the School Resource Officer. Following a brief discussion, Superintendent JonDavid Amerson and Mr. and Mrs. Billy agreed to work toward a solution.
Amerson’s Report to the Public included updates on attendance, graduation rates, expenditures and federal funding. He also discussed Gifted and Talented services, Dyslexia interventions, special education inclusion, transition programs, speech and occupational therapy, and mental health counseling.
Amerson reported improvements in academic performance. The elementary school achieved a C level, with math scores meeting district targets. The high school improved from an F to a high D, with gains in all three areas measured. The district’s overall grade is now a C, and its state classification improved from Level 4 to Level 2. The district is also being recognized as an AR Gem School.
The board also received an update on Title I funding and the district’s School Improvement Plan, which focuses on academic achievement, student support, teacher development, parental engagement, accountability and collaboration. The district has set aside $6,000 for family engagement programs.
Amerson reminded parents that the district’s Parent and Family Engagement Plan and Communication Plan are available on the district website under the “Parents/Students” tab.
The board unanimously approved, 6-0, a personnel policy addendum providing two personal days and establishing procedures for addressing extreme absences.
In the final major action of the meeting, the board voted 6-0 to authorize the district to enter litigation against Meta, Google/YouTube, TikTok and Snap Inc. concerning what Amerson described as the youth social media addiction crisis. The district will be represented by Redick Law and the Lanier Law Firm.