Keeping in touch seemed to be the theme at Jacksonville's latest Board of Education meeting: the school informing parents, students informing teachers, and one local business owner looking to establish better communications.

The board approved a three-year contract with School Cast, a school communication platform. The system sends out calls, e-mails, and SMS texts to parents and guardians of any or all students. It was designed for use of emergency situations, but it can also be used to inform parents of any last minute changes, safety issues, or to get more involvement for events. Schools like Virginia Tech, Jacksonville State, and Auburn use the same system. The three-year contract will cost the school $2 per child per year. That ends up being around $3,400 which has already been included in this year's budget. According to the board, the system will save on large amounts of paper, keeping the school green and saving the school money.

Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey presented the AnComm system at the meeting as well. AnComm, short for anonymousness communications, allows for students to e-mail or text school teachers or administration without having to use their name. Dr. Mackey used the example of a student wanting to report a fight before it starts. The system has been in place since September and Jacksonville is only the second system in Alabama to have this system. Although the students can choose to send messages anonymously, the servers that run the system do know who sends the messages, just in case there is a threat to the student or to others.

Bob Jaskowski, owner of Stoney Brook Golf Course, talked to the board about some problems he has had that has hurt his business. Jaskowski said that the newest problem is the placement of the softball field.

"It's in the worst place for me. I mean the dugouts and the home plate are right on the property line," said Jaskowski. This means more noise for golfers at Stoney Brook. Dr. Mackey told Jaskowski that he would hope communication would be better and said, "I don't know what to tell you, but I will follow up with you."

In other action the board:

• Approved the recommendation to pursue district accreditation.

• Considered two potential 2010-2011 calendars.

• Saw a presentation of "Next Steps," which included recommendations to give students a "21st Century Education."

• Considered revisions to the visitors policy.