ABC pre-school OKd

A preschool will be offered at Pea Ridge schools this next year thanks to a $100,000 Endeavor grant from the Arkansas Department of Education.

There will be room for 20 students for the Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) pre-kindergarten programs. School officials are considering adding 20 positions on a tuition basis.

Keith Martin, assistant superintendent, told board members: "We were fortunate to get the Endeavor grant. Now, I'm working on the license from DHS (Department of Human Services)."

Martin said he'll attend a pre-licensing class on Feb. 17.

"This letter is to provide notice of authorization for Pea Ridge Public Schools to submit the application for child care license/registration," was written on letter head to the Arkansas Department to Human Services Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education and signed by Ann Cato, president, Pea Ridge School Board.

Martin said he, primary school principal Aaron Gaffigan and Bonnie Fullmer will visit the Gravette ABC program.

Space on the Intermediate School campus will be remodeled to provide for the preschool program. Martin said the former art and music rooms have a bathroom attached and will be used for the preschool.

Martin said there are many decisions still to be made, including how the school will handle the applications -- whether on a first-come, first-served basis on or a lottery system.

The board approved advertising for and hiring a pre-k director/lead teacher.