KENNETT SCHOOL BOARD LOWERS PROPERTY TAXES

KENNETT -- The Kennett Public School Board lowered the tax rate levy to $3.21 for each $100 assessed valuation at a recent meeting.

"This is a penny less than last year," said superintendent George Byers.

Sam A. Winn, Associates Architectural Services, had his extension agreement extended until December 4, 2000. The firm has extensively studied the facilities and included proposed renovation needs, educational specificiatons and other information.

Members discussed and approved the construction of a new all-purpose room, art room, music room and two additional classrooms at South Elementary School. The estimated cost of the construction will be $423,000.

"The best solution to upgrade the facilities was to replace them," Byers said. "There is a shortage of regular classroom space and the new areas will give more classrooms for the teachers."

A conflict with the next school board meeting was noted as it falls on the same day as the kick-off of the Delta Fair and parade.

"The board decided to change the meeting from September 21 to September 20 at 5:30 p.m.," Byers said. "This will ensure that there will not be a conflict with the parade."

Members discussed the National School Lunch/School Breakfast/After School Snack/Special Milk/Donated Food Programs. After deliberation the board agreed to accept the programs permanent application-agreement and the eligibility criteria for free and reduced price meals for the 1999-2000 school year.

"The reason for the acceptance of the program standards is to be able to provide the lower or free lunches to students," Byers said. "The alternative would be to not participate in the federal programs. If it were not for the programs the district would not be able to serve free or reduced lunches to students.