The Brookhaven School Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to allow the district to go forward with plans to improve security throughout the district.

The decision will allow the district to advertise for bids for the project budgeted at $725,000.

“It’s basically composed of replacing doors in the entire district, sensors on those doors and then also a locking mechanism on all the doors that need them,” Superintendent Ray Carlock said. “You’ll have remote access to open and shut those doors, and also cameras.”

The only construction included in this project will be at Brookhaven High School to better limit access to students from the foyer.

This is a smaller project funded by the $8 million bond issue approved by the voters in May 2019. Architect Steve Cox also presented the boards with early plans for major construction projects around the district with a $7.4 million budget.

Projects include a new, larger band hall at BHS, improved bathrooms at King Field, new classrooms at Lipsey and Brookhaven Elementary and a new field house and enhanced vestibule at Alexander Junior High.

In other business:

Vernell Hooker was sworn in as a new member of the Brookhaven School District Board of Trustees to serve the remainder of Willie “Doc” Harrison’s term. Harrison retired in January after 12 years on the board and nearly five decades of service to the district.

The board accepted three donations in the amount of $200, $100 and $200 for a total of $500 to go to BHS to pay for expenses for the Mock Trial team.

The board accepted three donations for $500 each to go to BHS, Lipsey and BES to be used for math or science education.

The board approved an agreement between BHS and Josten’s for the 2020-2021 yearbook.

The board approved wellness plans and a list of student council members for all schools.

The board approved for the district to apply for the Mississippi Department of Education Pre-K Early Learning Collaborative Grant.

The board voted for the district to apply for a Mississippi Community Oriented Policing in Schools grant.

The board approved out-of-state travel for Mamie Martin first grade students to travel to Folsom, Louisiana, in April.

Several fundraisers were approved including:

• Fundraisers for track and field to sell apparel.

• AJH Cheer to sell AJH T-shirts and jackets, candy, chips, spirit ribbons, towels, bracelets, chicken strips, garbage backs and tumblers.

• Lipsey PTA to sell World’s Finest Chocolate.