The Newton County School System has been approved for a continuation of the 21st Century Learning grant, which funds after-school programs for hundreds of students in the school system.
According to Superintendent Gary Mathews, the county has been approved to receive $372,495 in federal grant money. The grants funded after-school programs last year for about 250 students at five different sites: Porterdale Elementary (60 students); Middle Ridge Elementary (75 students); Liberty Middle (60 students); Challenge Charter Academy (20 middle school students); and the Washington Street Center (35 elementary and middle school students).
The program operates Monday-Friday at Porterdale, Middle Ridge and Washington Street and Monday-Thursday at Liberty. The program has been discontinued this year at Challenge Charter because of low participation.
Newton principal search on track
The search for Newton High School’s new principal is on track, and school officials expect to make a hire before the end of the month.
The Newton County School System had 31 applicants for the position. The field was narrowed down by a screening committee on Monday. Interviews of finalists are set to begin Monday, with the final nominee to be presented to the board of education Tuesday night at the board’s monthly meeting which begins at 7 p.m.
The principal position became available after Dr. Roderick Sams resigned Sept. 1 citing "personal issues."
