The Christian County School Board approved a start date for the upcoming school year and was presented with allocation budgets from the CARES Act—the federal COVID-19 relief bill.
The district received approximately $3.5 million dollars in CARES funding that can be used to help offset costs caused by the pandemic. The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds also includes allocations for local private schools and home school. Breaking it down into what the district will use the money for is technology for future online teaching needs—including 2,500 Lenovo Chromebooks for high school students—virtual learning content, special education, a COVID-19 nurse coordinator and a contingency for any possible breaks for the pandemic. Newly appointed Superintendent Chris Bentzel says they intend to use this money to make sure their students are prepared for the future while looking out for their safety.
Director of Finance Jessica Darnell says the money can also be used for food services, PPE, staff training and more while funding the virtual learning programs and efforts in the future.
The board approved moving the Christian County Day Treatment Center out of the old Christian County Middle School and into a new location at 502 West Second Street, including a lease of $1,500 per month. Bentzel says the move will save money while also making way for future demolition of the old CCMS.
Approximately 15 students take part in the Day Treatment Center. In other action, the board approved the start date of August 27 for the upcoming school year, with the calendar including spring and fall breaks. Board members said goodbye to outgoing Superintendent Mary Ann Gemmill, who participated in her final meeting Thursday before retirement.