School Seeks Public Input To Help With Grant Application

Officials with the Water Valley School District are seeking public input as part of the application process to compete for a 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant that could provide upwards of a half-million dollars over three years.

If awarded, the money will  be earmarked for programs outside the classroom and after-school hours such as after school tutoring, summer school programs and even adult programs for workforce development to address three areas – student achievement, youth development and family engagement.

Superintendent Dr. Michael McInnis reported public input will help with the application and the school has established an online survey to help identify specific needs in the community.

The survey is only six questions and can be accessed online at https://wwwsurvey

monkey.com/r/H32LYDG or by visiting the school’s website, wvsd.k12.ms.us and clicking on “21st Century Community Learning Center Needs Assessment” at the top of the home page.

Former superintendent Kim Chrestman is also assisting with the grant application as an external consultant as schools compete on a competitive basis for funding through the program.

“If we are awarded we will start in November,” explained the district’s Federal Program Coordinator Kathy True.

True added that the survey will help the school district decide what the community sees as the key issues that could be addressed with the programs.