The Quitman ISD school board meeting began on a high note as the Quitman Elementary Choir, led by choir teacher Ben Graves, opened the evening with a lively performance. The room was packed with parents, staff and community members, and the students’ enthusiastic energy and upbeat song selections had many in the audience tapping their toes and smiling.

Following the performance, the board recognized the Quitman Lady Bulldogs varsity basketball team with the district’s “Top Dog Award” for its successful season. Board members praised the players and coaching staff for exemplifying the work ethic, character and integrity associated with the Bulldog program. Head Coach Blake Hamrick highlighted the group’s resilience, noting the Lady Bulldogs overcame an early-season losing record before finishing strong.

Board members heard updates on enrollment, finances and operations. Superintendent Chris Mason presented information in his monthly superintendent report addressing enrollment, attendance, and expenditures. District enrollment currently stands at approximately 1,190 students, above the projected 1,098, with 217 total staff members. Administrators reported a fund balance of just over $9.1 million. Monthly expenditures are about $1.58 million, with an average monthly spending rate near $1.7 million, leaving the district with approximately 5.35 months of operating funds.

Attendance averages 95.68 percent, slightly below the district goal of 96.5 percent. Superintendent Chris Mason noted the lower attendance in early grades was due to seasonal illness, but he expects improvement during the final grading period.

Facilities updates included an upcoming groundbreaking for a project behind the high school, with site preparation already underway. Maintenance crews also addressed storm-related wind damage that removed an awning; they are planning repairs in early April for a water leak at the secondary campus.

High School Principal Jeffery Tittle gave a presentation on College, Career and Military Readiness (CCMR) and the CTE program. Out of QHS’s 84 seniors, 63 have earned, or are on track to earn, industry certifications, and several students have taken or will take the SAT this spring. Tittle expects Quitman ISD to again exceed the state benchmark of 90 percent of students in CCMR readiness.

Assistant Superintendent Bryan Hurst presented the 2026–2027 academic calendar, which was selected through staff input and approved by the board.

Board members also approved the purchase of a 2024 Ford Transit passenger van for $49,975.75 to assist with student transportation during busy activity seasons. Funding will come from transportation and athletics budgets along, with previously allocated funds.

Finally, the board granted the superintendent authority to hire and issue contracts to certified staff between March 17 and Aug. 31 to streamline the hiring process. The board later entered a brief executive session. When the board reconvened, they approved motions to allow Mason to pursue the negotiation of real property on the district’s behalf, and to approve teachers’ contracts as discussed in executive session.