Pre-kindergarten classes will once again top the agenda Friday at the Lowndes County School District’s monthly meeting.
Board members agree the program is needed but have hit snags in its implementation, particularly in trying to work out transportation issues and funding.
Elementary Coordinator Robin Ballard has been researching the issue, and she’ll return to the board Friday to present her latest findings.
The most current proposal would offer two pre-kindergarten classes at each of the district’s three elementary schools. Federally-funded classes would be available for children from low income families and single parent households, and a tuition-based class would be offered for other students at a rate of $300 per month.
Superintendent Lynn Wright wanted the board to approve the program at April’s meeting, but board members voted unanimously to table it because they felt there were still too many unanswered questions.
The district’s sex education policy is slated to be removed from the table Friday and is expected to pass. If the board approves the measure, an abstinence-plus curriculum will be offered to students at age-appropriate levels.
The abstinence-plus curriculum promotes abstinence until marriage but also provides information about contraceptives and sexually transmitted diseases. The curriculum has already been approved by the Columbus and Starkville city schools.
The West Point School District in April adopted an abstinence-only curriculum which promotes sexual abstinence before marriage but does not offer information about contraceptives or safe sex practices.
Schools throughout Mississippi are being required by the state legislature to adopt either the abstinence-only or abstinence-plus curriculum before June 30.
The board is also considering a change to the student handbook which would require all students to wear uniforms. Currently, only students at West Lowndes Elementary and West Lowndes Middle School wear uniforms.
Wright said area principals are in favor of the idea, as are students, but board members have suggested parent surveys before any action is taken.
New Hope Middle School teacher Liza Shannon Miley will speak to the board Friday about the policy.
Board members will also receive the annual Safe and Drug-Free School Report from LCSD Assistant Superintendent Dr. Peggy Rogers. The report contains data collected from student and teacher surveys, which were distributed and January and February.
Rogers said the report was a state requirement several years ago, but the district found it so helpful they decided to continue it. The report examines how students perceive safety, discipline and other areas of campus life.
Rogers will also discuss strategies to get parents more involved in the schools.
The county school board meets monthly on the second Friday at 11 a.m. at the central office, located at 1053 Highway 45 S.
A full agenda can be found each month by clicking “Board Book” under the Quick Links section of the district’s website at lowndes.k12.ms.us.
Carmen K. Sisson is the former news editor at The Dispatch.
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