Overton Schools ESSER Spending Plan Approved

The Overton County School System will be using a large portion of its COVID relief funds for HVAC replacements.

The School Board approved the budget and spending plan for the $2.7 million in ESSER, Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief, Funds Tuesday. Interim Director of Schools Donnie Holman said systems in the greatest need will be replaced first.

“2001 when we had the large building program, there was lots of new air conditioners put in at that time,” Holman said. “We’re thinking what if all those air conditioning units went bad at one time. So, we’re trying to get a schedule developed of replacing so many per year.”

Holman said another focus of the funding is purchasing new math and language arts curriculums. Holman said while planning, he wanted to make purchases that would positively affect the school system as a whole.

“We are purchasing lots and lots of curriculum material for our students,” Holman said. “A lot of the CKLA material. For K-8 math, there is a lot of different curriculums, but we are purchasing those. And also, math for the high school. We are spending a good little hand full of money for calculators, as well.”

Over half a million dollars will also be spent on laptops. Holman said the school system is wanting to move towards using Microsoft Surface Gos.

“The teachers have found that those Surface Gos really really work, especially in math classes,” Holman said. “So, we’re trying to get started on those in our school system.”

Holman said he worked with school supervisors and principals for the purchases. Holman said he also took inspiration from other school systems.