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Polk County Schools’ early childhood program will soon be on the move thanks to a $1.5 million grant that will enable new construction at Tryon Elementary School.

 

During its regular monthly meeting held Monday at Polk County High School, the Polk County Board of Education received news that the district has been awarded a Head Start Construction Grant for its early childhood program. The funds will be used to expand the current K-2 wing on the Tryon Elementary campus to house the school’s preschool students.

 

The new addition will allow all preschool classrooms currently housed in the Forbes Preschool Center adjacent to Tryon Elementary to move to the main campus, improving access to services.

 

Preschool Director Kathy Harding expressed the district’s excitement about the grant and explained how the new facility will benefit the program’s students and staff.

 

In other news:

 

* Board members elected Mike Ashworth as Chair and Rick Covil as Vice Chair.

 

* Assistant Superintendent Dave Scherping presented a list of surplus items, which the board approved for sale.

 

* Scherping also presented an update to the board about the ongoing HVAC project at Polk County High School. That project is scheduled to move into its next phase during the week of October 25.

 

* The board approved two overnight field trips for competitions, one for the PCHS Veterinary Science Team and the other for the FFA Land Judging Team.

 

* Superintendent Aaron Greene updated the Board on current COVID-19 metrics and impacts, and the board voted to continue its temporary face covering requirement for students and staff, with specific exceptions being made for phonics instruction for K-3 students.

 

* The Board approved annual School Improvement and Safe Schools Plans for 2021-2022.

 

* Curriculum and Instruction Director Jan Crump presented the district’s Beginning Teacher Support Plan, which received board approval.

 

* Personnel Director Rachael Haynes-Wood updated the board on changes to FFCRA leave, and the board approved a rate of $25 for certified teacher tutoring pay.

 

The board’s next regularly scheduled meeting will be Monday, Nov. 8 at 6:30 pm.

By Andy Rhinehart