Fentress To Put Innovative Schools Model Grant Funding Towards New Programs

Fentress County School System using its $2.7 million Innovative Schools Model grant towards increasing CTE program opportunities.

Director of Schools Kristi Hall said about $1 million of that will go towards creating welding, cosmetology, and culinary arts programs at Clarkrange High School.

“And in conjunction with building a new vocational building these funds will help us launch the program in the new vocational buildings,” Hall said. “It’s going to be able to support those new curriculums and opportunities for students.”

Hall said another portion of funds will be focused on the lower grade levels. She said this will include introducing career exploration opportunities at an earlier age.

Hall said they hope to put a greenhouse at each school with 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. She said funds will also be put towards additional faculty such as STEAM teachers and an agri-science teacher to better feed students into programs at the high school level.

“Our interest is truly growing with these things,” Hall said. “And what we know now is that we really think our cosmetology program is going to take off and flourish.”

Hall said they hope to implement the programs into the new building this fall.