News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The White County School System is one of 18 Tennessee schools selected for the state’s new Teaching All Students Initiative.
The program is meant to strengthen instruction for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said the grant money awarded will be used for classroom supplies and technology.
“Special education department is funded on some numbers from way in the past,” Dronebarger said. “There is always a need for extra funding there. It is exciting that our students with disabilities are getting a little influx of money here to help us do a better job.”
About $5.5 million will be distributed between the school systems over the next five years. Dronebarger said the school board will discuss specifics of spending when the budget process begins.
“How are we going to implement more programs,” Dronebarger said. “Is it going to mean more personnel. Is it going to mean more equipment in certain areas. We will lay that out this month as we budget for next year.”
Dronebarger said this money should go into affect this fall. Additionally, selected schools will receive mini-grants for implementation of the initiative.
