White County’s Cell Policy Fits Within New State Rules
White County School Officials will not make major changes to the system’s cell phone policy entering the new school year. Board members reviewed the policy as part of its annual review of legislative changes. White County Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said phones have not been a major problem. He said he believes last year’s […]
Recess Rule Causing Schedule Issues For White County
White County Elementary Students will use a new schedule this school year after legislators passed a new 40-minute physical activity requirement. Director Of Schools Kurt Dronebarger told the School Board Thursday night the mandate will take time from science and social studies. Dronebarger said it will hurt the education focus. “Those teachers are still graded […]
BonDeCroft Expansion Ready For New School Year
BonDeCroft Elementary has completed its 20,000 square foot expansion and is certified to start the new year. White County Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said school staff have moved into the school and are prepared for students to register Wednesday. Dronebarger said the addition serves as a new main entrance and connects the old building […]
Middle School Greenhouse Set For August Opening
Framing underway and the White County Middle School Greenhouse is on track to be completed before school starts. White County Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said the facility is more extensive than what people might imagine when thinking of a backyard greenhouse. He said the building will have running utilities, electricity, ventilation, and a full […]
End Of School Balancing Act For Educators
These final weeks of school are a balancing act, making the most of valuable instruction time, fun activities and planning for next year. White County Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said school does not end, it just shifts, even after the last day. He said teachers are focused on hitting standards for next year and […]
White School Board Graduates Its First Ever Student
The White County School Board celebrated senior Max Simmons, its first-ever student representative on the school board. Simmons and junior Joy McGill have served on the school board to offer a student’s perspective as the board strives to make decisions that will positively affect them and their classmates. Simmons said he learned a great deal […]
White County To Bring In Behavior Specialists For Elementary
The White County School Board voted Thursday night to insert behavioral health specialists into district elementary schools. Board Chair Bob Young said these would neither be school employees nor contractors. He said the therapists would work with students whose parents requested the service, and the fee would be paid through that parent’s insurance. Director of […]
BonDeCroft Expansion Will Not Be Completed Until Summer Break
The BonDeCroft Elementary School expansion project will not be completed this school year. White County Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger told the School Board Thursday night that the original estimate had the project finishing around the county’s spring break but small delays have pushed the completion date into April. He said that trying to integrate […]
Four Year Extension For White County Director Of Schools
After more than two hours of public comments and debate, the White County School Board agreed to a contract extension for Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger. The contract will run from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2027. Much of the discussion from the board revolved around why Dronebarger needed the contract renewed six months […]
White Co Schools Approve New Smithville Hwy Helipad For Cassville Fire
The White County Board of Education will allow construction of a new helipad for the Cassville Volunteer Fire Department on school property. Director of School Kurt Dronebarger said the helipad will be on a few unused acres between Cassville Elementary and Smithville Highway. He said the helipad will provide support to the fire department on […]
