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The Polk County Board of Education took time at its February meeting to highlight and celebrate the work of the district’s transportation staff.

During the board’s regular meeting, held at Polk Central Elementary School on February 12, the group honored the men and women who operate and maintain more than 30 yellow and activity buses that travel more than 350,000 miles annually.

The district had a recent state inspection and review that resulted in the Transportation Department achieving one of the top results in the state. That ranking is based on state analysis of budgeting, parts reconciliation, quality and frequency of regular maintenance and how well safety and repair issues are addressed.

The board commended Transportation Director Jackie Crump, the Transportation Department staff, and all bus drivers for their dedication and effort to getting kids safely to and from school and events.

In other business:

 

• Polk Central Elementary students sang the Star-Spangled Banner and delighted the board with a presentation on what they have learned about the solar system.
• Board Chair Mike Ashworth recognized and congratulated Academically and Intellectually Gifted teacher Kendal Stoney for receiving the Janice Anderson Brumley Educator Grant Award to further her AIG education.
• Operations Director Brandon Schweitzer provided an update on the Forbes Preschool Project and discussed the recent Safe Schools grant awarded to the district.
• Curriculum and Instruction Director Jan Crump updated the board regarding summer programming and student performance in early literacy and highlighted the notable work done by each school in making strong proficiency gains so far this year.
• The board approved two requests for reimbursement from the state lottery capital fund to address ongoing capital projects.
• The board approved the submission of the annual Head Start Grant to secure funding for the district’s preschool programming.

 

The next Polk County Board of Education Meeting will be held on March 11.