By: Jeremy Handel, Staff Writer
jeremy@thewoodrufftimes.com
The Career and Technical Education (CATE) program in Woodruff will be getting new computers after the District Four Board of Trustees approved the purchase at their February meeting. The Board also approved an easement for Duke Energy at the new high school site to ease future equipment relocations and repairs.
The CATE program computers had reached the end of their effective life and were in need of replacement. The Board approved the purchase of new computers for the program from Y&S Technologies for approximately $67,310. The funds for the purchase come from state and federal CATE funding and does not impact the district’s budget.
In other business, the Board approved an easement agreement with Duke Energy to allow the power company to conduct work on the site of the new high school more efficiently. Superintendent Dr. Rallie Liston told the Board that the project has already required the relocation of some light poles, and they expected more would be necessary. With the broader easement in place, administrators can directly approve Duke Energy to come on-site and conduct the work without having to get Board approval each time.
During department reports, Trustees were presented with a list of proposed expenditures for the coming year’s Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) funds. The bond funds are approved every year to address equipment, maintenance, and other capital spending. The proposed expenditures will come to the board for a vote at the March meeting.
Among the major expenditures proposed is:
$115,000 in technology costs
$100,000 for HVAC upgrades
$100,000 for new weight room equipment
$60,000 in athletic support funds
$60,000 in security upgrades and equipment
$60,000 in furniture and supplies for the new high school.
In total, the District has $700,000 in BAN funds available for the coming year.
In-school reports:
Woodruff Primary School reported that students and staff are collecting items for the Agape Care Center with a goal to collect 500 items.
Woodruff Elementary School reported that students, faculty, and staff celebrated the 100th day of school by dressing in their favorite 80s style, and students meeting their stretch goal for the year enjoyed an ice cream party.
Woodruff Middle School reported that the boys’ basketball team finished undefeated in their division of the Foothills Conference and runner-up in the tournament; the girls’ team finished third in their division.
Woodruff High School reported that seniors took their annual bowling field trip to Paradise Lanes with 143 participants; the Art Society held their annual Empty Bowls fundraiser; and Mrs. Murrell took home first place in the annual faculty and staff Soup-er Bowl contest for her chicken fajita soup.
The Board of Trustees meets on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the district office. The meetings are open to the public, and the next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 4.
Author: Tracy Sanders
