On Thursday night, Jackson school leaders visited Siwell Middle School in West Jackson to share their achievements following a critical state audit that saw the district lose its accreditation status. Cedrick Gray, the superintendent, shared with principals and parents that the district was reorganizing its record-keeping, replacing school buses with fire extinguishers and ordering new ones. They also discussed how they are trying to build a stronger relationship with Jackson County and Hinds County police. The board refinanced the district’s debt and has $4 million in savings that it can use to address the issues found in the state audit. These funds will be used to purchase new school buses, air conditioner replacements and repairs, and other large expenses. A state education department audit of 22 schools in Jackson Public School District found issues regarding school safety, facility safety, transportation, and graduation requirements. The audit found that 25 of 193 seniors who graduated in 2015 did not meet graduation requirements. The audit found that “a lot of records do not contain documentation that proves students have passed the four subject area tests at the end of their course.” This is a prerequisite for graduation. Freddrick Murray, Jackson’s Chief Academic Officer, stated to the crowd that all JPS students who have received diplomas from schools meet the graduation requirements. Murray explained that the audit revealed that the files of students were missing and incomplete, but that all the information on the state’s electronic student records was correct. Murray stated that it was far from true that students don’t meet graduation requirements. Audit also found that the district didn’t inspect school buses on a regular basis and that no documentation was available to show that bus drivers had attended the required professional development of two hours per semester. The audit also found that school buses were late taking students to school. Derick Williams, JPS’ executive director for transportation, stated that four new school buses have been ordered. One of them has been delivered, and three more will be delivered within the next two weeks. Gray stated that at least 10 school buses will be ordered. Gray stated that if one bus has problems, another bus will be available to replace it. This will not affect students’ ability to get to school. All buses are equipped with GPS devices. Williams stated that this will allow them to ensure scholars get to their destinations on time and help staff see where they are failing. Gray and others noted that fire extinguishers were ordered and some have already been replaced by outdated ones. According to the head of the district’s campus enforcer, members meet regularly with the Jackson Police Department as well as the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office in order to exchange information about what’s happening in schools and how it affects their communities. Officials from the district also stated that they have assigned a school resource officers to each secondary school, and that “more people” are present at each school’s front. The entire district plan must be submitted to the state to address the deficiencies by Oct. 20. Gray stated that the enhancements have already begun and that the board of trustees has already prepared a draft response. On Tuesday, Forest Hill High School will host the next town hall meeting.