By HOLLY GASKILL
The Southern Wells School Board gave their blessing to move forward with looking into options for a community preschool.
United Way has outlined Southern Wells as a “childcare desert” by the state. Consequently, the district made adding a preschool a goal in 2018.
The preschool would potentially operate three days a week — Monday, Wednesday and Friday — with morning and afternoon sessions.
Kim Conner, Southern Wells Junior-Senior. High principal, visited Jay County Junior-Senior High School to observe how their preschool incorporates into their high school building. She believes Southern Wells could convert existing space within the building for classrooms, kitchens, and observation areas.
Funding for this addition would potentially come from a series of grants. However, with the board’s approval, they have just begun the process of planning. Conner said they will begin surveying interest from the community or gathering quotes for the construction.
Conner said they would look to add a preschool restroom, playground and fencing, in addition to purchasing new classroom materials. They would also renovate some of the existing space and technology. Conner said she anticipates incorporating the construction and design trades classes in this process.
The preschool would also include the addition of a preschool teacher and aide. Conner plans to connect the preschool with a high school early education pathway so students can gain real-world experience.
Outside of this conversation, the school celebrated another season of high test scores and athletic achievement.
School SAT scores were above the state average for the first time with universal testing and ILEARN scores in the middle school improved. AP English testing scores also returned with over half of the class eligible for college credit, significantly above average. For the first time in school history, the girl’s golf team also won ACAC.
The board also accepted three donations: $200 (anonymous) to the athletic department, 50 $10 gift cards from Wings, Etc. for high school staff birthdays and $8,364.84 from Ryan Beavans for work on the softball field. Interim Superintendent Steve Darnell noted Beavans’ donation in addition to equipment and time.
“I’m sure, right now, that this is a $30,000 project that he’s done,” Darnell said.
In other business, the board members:
• Discussed the cost of fuel and drivers for athletic events, expected to be up $3,300.
• Learned from Conner about the possibility of installing HALO sensors in bathrooms. Last year, there were 11 instances of vaping at school, some of which involved marijuana. These sensors would detect vapors, excessive noise and calls for help. However, they cost $1,000 each.
Conner said the district hopes to purchase 17 for the high school’s restrooms and locker rooms, as well as two in the elementary across from the gym. She is looking into various grants for these sensors
• Held a public hearing for the 2023 budget. There were no comments.
holly@news-banner.com
