During the May Big Lake School Board meeting, Activities Director Mark Kuisle gave his update on the activities department. 

A Big Lake student, Carson Gellerman, won the statewide wrestling championship this last winter. Also representing the school at the state level were student athletes from the boys cross country team, the girls diving team and the gymnastics team. The visual arts club also represented the district at state this year. 

Athletic fees for middle school athletes will be increasing this upcoming school year from $99 to $125. In the 2026-2027 school year, the district intends to increase the rate further to $150. The change is to keep up with the fees charged by other Mississippi 8 schools. The high school fees will not change. One board member raised concerns about the increase, not wanting to create a barrier to entrance for young students who eventually go on to join the high school teams. Kuisle said the rate could be adjusted back down again if needed. Free and reduced programs are also available to low income families. The board discussed it further, and wished to prioritize communication of these programs. 

There will also be a change to ninth grade teams. Before, middle school students could be put on the ninth grade team for a time and then sent back to the middle school team. This will no longer be possible - middle school students put onto the ninth grade team will not later be allowed to compete at the lower level again. 

Kuisle showed the board some statistics on the activities participation rates and ticket sales for games over the last several years. Those slides are available by visiting BigLakeSchools.org/about/school-board. Kuisle said there has been an upswing in younger student participation, which is excellent. 

Open Forum

Kimberly (last name not given) spoke during open forum as a mom and a teacher of the district. She said her family toured seven different high schools before moving to Big Lake to find the right fit for their teenage son, and she was very impressed with what she saw from the district. After living and teaching in the district for a year, she wanted to appear before the school board to sing the praises of the district and discuss some of her favorite programs the schools offered. 

Curriculum Presentation

The Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Minda Anderson, gave a presentation on curriculum updates. She started with the updates to the English and Language Arts (ELA) curriculum. Anderson explained the process of selecting the curriculum to be used district-wide, and the ultimate selection of Amplify ELA, which is a continuation of the curriculum program taught to K-5 students. 

The curriculum committee also presented a new Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program and changes to the Q-Comp program (a teacher evaluation and support program).  

In Other Business, the Board: 

• Heard the financial report;

• Accepted a new contract with Vision Transportation for bus services at increased rate.