The Martinsville City School Board voted to approve the submission of an application for the federal Perkins Grant during its regular meeting on April 14. The board also approved several policy amendments aimed at improving operations in schools and board meetings.
The Perkins Grant is a federal funding program that supports career and technical education (CTE) at the secondary and post-secondary levels. Director of Technology Shauna Hines presented details about the grant application to the board.
A total of $83,255 is being requested, with $42,420 allocated for professional development.
“One of our new classes we will be providing is cybersecurity operations and cybersecurity foundations,” Hines said.
The district’s welding program has also been expanded to accommodate five students, up from four. An additional $9,000 will support a career counselor at Martinsville High School, with a focus on promoting CTE opportunities for special populations and non-traditional students.
Among the procedural changes approved during the meeting, the board voted to allow students to speak at future school board meetings. Students must show valid identification proving they are enrolled in Martinsville City Schools.
The board also approved a policy allowing three designated individuals to sign documents in the superintendent’s absence. These designees must be approved in advance.
In addition to the grant and policy updates, the board heard presentations from Carter Bank and Trust and on the New Accreditation Model, Part II.
Other policy revisions included an update to the procedure for removing a board member and the addition of hazing prevention language to policy CLA – Reporting Acts of Violence and Substance Abuse. The board also reviewed a first reading of proposed changes related to electronic or remote participation, which would allow board members to join meetings remotely.
