Students praised at school board meeting
By Gabby Hudson

Graduation and student successes were highlighted during the county school board monthly meeting.

Cherokee County School, Superintendent Dr. Jeanette Hedrick told board members that 200 graduating seniors had walked across the stage and received their diplomas.

"Graduating seniors in Cherokee County received threequarters of a million dollars or $750,000 in scholarships," Hedrick said.

Hedrick said that 78 percent of the 2007 graduation class will be going to college or 155 students.

Heritage Partners representative Linda Hurd gave a Power Point presentation concerning a new project of a band shell and the possibility of building the structure on school board property.

The property the is located on Murphy Elementary School property next to Thomas Street across from the footbridge that crosses the Valley River.

Hurd said the band shell would provide a venue for outdoor musical and cultural events. The events could include concerts, annual events, skits, plays, speeches, and ceremonies.

The proposed bandshell dome design might range in size from 40 to 50 feet in diameter and be between 20 and 25 feet tall with a square footage of between 600 to 900 feet.

The cost of the project could be between $65,000 and $90,000.

The board asked for a feasibility study and will make a decision at the next meeting.

School board members also considered a request for Clay County students to attend classes at the Early College.

The Clay County School Board requested that 11 of their students be allowed to attend beginning next year.

Board Chairman Dr. David Ackerman said that he had some concerns about Clay County students taking spots designated for Cherokee County students and about the cost if a student drops out of the program.

Principal Sue Ledford said that when students agree to attend the Early College program they sign a contract stating that they must stay with the program for the year.

School Board Attorney Ellen Davis said there are several things to consider when permitting the students from Clay County to attend the school.

Davis said that Clay County's School Board is not in a binding agreement with Tri- County Community College as the Cherokee County School Board is.

She said that a "memo of understanding" needs to developed between the Cherokee County School Board, TCCC and the Clay County School Board.

The board voted that students from Clay and other participating schools will return to their home school to participate in extra-curricular activities.