The Christian County Board of Education was presented with the Inspire Early Learning Academy preparation progress, further specified the zero-tolerance vaping regulations and discussed the presence of school law enforcement and at Thursday’s meeting.
Screen capture from the Christian County School Board meeting livestream showing the inside of the Inspire Learning Academy.
After approving the establishment of the Inspire Early Learning Academy in December 2022 the School Board received an update with plans for the academy to open for childcare in August 2023.
Academy Coordinator Tina Jarrett and Assistant Coordinator Felicia Chapman provided details regarding the progress that the Academy has made in order for them to open their doors.
Jarrett says the academy is fully staffed and children are enrolling.
Before the academy’s official opening on August 1, Jarrett says she expects more students to register. For its opening year the child capacity for the academy is 120 children and enrollment will cost $150 per week.
Along with creating academic foundations for children, Jarrett says a big focus will be making sure they know how to be kind and successful human beings.
In regards to student safety and rule regulation, Director of Student Services, Kim Stevenson presented preventative measures for the zero-tolerance vaping policy in schools that was enacted on July 10 through a partnership between local government, law enforcement, school system and health agencies.
The “Too Good for Drugs Partnership” is partnership between Christian County Public Schools, Christian County Health and Pennyroyal Mental Health Center.
Stevenson further specified the Bluegrass Learning Academy enrollment periods for students who get into trouble for vaping on school grounds. If their vape only contains nicotine they will be enrolled for an 18-week period, however if their vape contains a controlled substance such as THC or fentanyl they will be enrolled for a 36-week period.
Along with tightening vape regulations, Superintendent, Chris Bentzel requested approval for a renewed agreement between Christian County Public Schools and Hopkinsville law enforcement. Hopkinsville Police Officers and Christian County Sheriffs worked a School Resource Officers (SROs).
The contract for the 15 SROS is nearly $1.6 million. The board unanimously approved the contract.