MEET THE TEACHER: TUESDAY, AUG. 13
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: THURSDAY, AUG. 15

BUSY SUMMER CAPPED BY BOND ELECTION

With 12 new hires, updates to the auditorium, gymnasium, football and softball fields and plans for two bond issue proposals, Cashion Public Schools has been staying busy this summer, according to Superintendent Sammy Jackson.

“We are repainting the gym,” said Jackson. “We are also going to put in a new scoreboard system with an audio and visual package with projectors and speakers.”

The gymnasium is not the only facility getting upgrades.

By the start of school on Aug. 15, the auditorium will have new carpet, stage flooring, lighting and sound equipment as well as a fresh coat of paint.

Cashion football and softball fans will also benefit from the new scoreboard screens at the fields.

Last year, CPS began implementing all new curriculum and it has completed that process for this year, said Jackson.

The school also has finished purchasing Chrome-book laptops for students and now has a one-to-one ratio of students to Chrome-books.

“We are also in the process of purchasing new Suburbans, utility vehicles and school buses,” said Jackson. “We are very fortunate to have the money to do that.”

Last year, CPS implemented a full-time security officer, a position that will remain in place this year.

Despite updates made this summer, Jackson said more are needed.

That’s why the board of education is asking voters to pass two bond issues to help with other upgrades, renovations and additions.

The first proposal is to renovate the elementary and middle schools.

This proposal will also include a plan to repave the parking lot and add additional spaces.

It also includes a plan for school safety that includes locked and monitored doors.

“We also want to connect the high school and middle school,” Jackson said.

Another addition will be a greenhouse for the agriculture education program.

The $10,865,000 proposal will also add an additional six classrooms to the school which will in turn result in an enclosed courtyard.

The second proposal is for $8,885,000 to renovate the baseball fields and build a track.

The re-positioned baseball field would also include new bleachers, press box, restrooms, concession stand, marking and multi-purpose storage building.

“We would also build a track with a building for concessions, restrooms and dressing rooms,” explained Jackson.

Both bonds call for a 2 percent tax increase, the first for six years and the second for four years.

If both pass, the tax increase will be for 10 years.

A 60 percent “yes” vote is needed to pass bond issues.

The election is Tuesday, Sept. 10.

CASHION'S 2019-20 CALENDAR

Aug. 12-14 - Professional development days

Aug. 15 - First day of school

Sept. 2 - No school, Labor Day

Oct. 8, 15 - Parent-teacher conferences

Oct. 18-21 - Fall break

Nov. 25-29 - Thanksgiving break

Dec. 20 - End of first semester

Dec. 23-Jan. 6 - Christmas break

Jan. 6 - Professional development day

Jan. 7 - First day of second semester

Jan. 20 - No school, MLK

Feb. 17 - No school, President’s day

March 3, 10 - Parent-teacher conferences

March 13-20 - Spring break

April 10 - Good Friday, no school

May 21 - Last day of school

May 22 - Professional development day

May 22 - Graduation