Ten candidates are running for three open seats on the Jackson County Board of Education this spring. Only one incumbent is running, while two other s.
On an unusually warm fall afternoon in the mountains, art class is taking place in the outdoor pavilion at Full Spectrum Farms in Cullowhee. Participa.
Suzette Lowe
As a result of the Jackson County Board of Education’s decision at the May 6 meeting, class size for grades kindergarten-3 will be reduced to no more than 17 students.
Superintendent Blaine Hess and Assistant Superintendent Jay Carnell explained this change was made possible by funding source changes.
“We are able to use Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Fund (ESSERF) for this,” said Hess. “This stimulus money will go to good use in adding additional positions and keeping others.”
The premise behind lowering class size according to Hess is “to recapture learning loss.”
“No matter how good our summer school is, we won’t be able to get these kids totally caught up,” he said. “This will offer a more proactive, long-lasting solution.”