Director Sends Letter to County Requesting Funding for New Schools

January 13, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

The Director of Schools and Board of Education have now made a formal request to the county commission for funding of the latest school construction plan.

Director of Schools Patrick Cripps delivered a letter Friday on behalf of the school board to County Mayor Tim Stribling and county commission

Cripps had asked the board Thursday night during a work session prior to the regular monthly meeting for authorization to send the letter which states as follows:

“DeKalb County Board of Education voted during a Special Called Meeting, on December 5, 2019, to propose 2 Pre K-8 schools and make renovations to Northside and make it a Pre K-8 with a minimum estimate cost of 48,685,000.00. We are seeking your approval of funding to proceed with land purchase and the school building project. Thank you in advance for consideration in this matter,” the letter concluded.

In other business, Director Cripps updated the Board of Education Thursday night on personnel moves since the December meeting.

Vickey Barrett has been hired as a teacher at DeKalb West School and Michael Shaw will replace Karen Clark as a teacher at DCHS.

Three have been granted a leave as requested, Phyllis Hallum, Melinda Lattimore, and Sandra Saracho.

Ina Paulette McDonald, a Pre-K assistant at Smithville Elementary School has retired and Karen Clark, a DCHS teacher has resigned.

Summer Cantrell, Principal at Smithville Elementary School, addressed the Board saying the school would be celebrating the 100th day of school for the year with several activities.

The Board voted to hold the DCHS Prom off campus at the Capital Theatre, Lebanon on April 3.

Director Cripps also commended the School Resource Officers in conjunction with Police Officers Appreciation Day for the work they do in helping protect the children at school

The Board granted a request from Jason Miller of the Center Hill Soccer Club to allow the Smithville Elementary School gym to be used for youth indoor Futsal league games.

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