Cartersville Pre-K Readies for Changes

Hinesley updated the on news that Gov. Nathan Deal would sign into law changes to HOPE passed by the House today. The legislation shortens the preschool year to 160 days from 180 days and adds two children to each class.

The school system has established a process to gather input from teachers, parents and others, but preliminary indications are that stakeholders would prefer to start later in the year. Hinesley said that would allow parents to continue summer childcare and children to be involved in spring activities at the .

He added the previous plan to shorten preschool days to four hours would have caused a "major" transportation problem for the system.

The superintendent also updated board members on possible changes to health care funding for state employees, which he said could cost the system up to $500,000, but that's a worst-case scenario. Some of the increased costs would be passed along to employees, but the majority to employers, Hinesley said.

Also during the work session, the board opened bids to replace furniture, carpeting and tile, including the removal of old furniture, at the the primary school. Hinesley said the school has used the existing furniture since opening, which was in the 1970s.

He expects the facelift will cost $400,000 to $550,000 for floors coverings and furniture and $18,000 to $30,000 for removal of the old furnishings.

The board is expected to approve bids at Monday’s regular meeting at 6 p.m. It has been asked to accept a late bid, but Hinesley recommended board members stick to its own policy and not accept the bids received a day after the deadline.

The only committee recommendation up for vote is to place textbook adoption recommendations at schools for public review and comment.