PINEVILLE - Among the announcements at the meeting of the Bell County Board of Education on Tuesday night was the exciting news of a $4.2 million grant that will allow an expansion of Bell County High School to include some of the programs that are now being taught at the old Bell High facility on U.S. Hwy. 119.

After this announcement, there was the establishment of several new positions that might be up for the taking.

The board dismissed bids from two different contractors to build Bell County High School's new baseball press box and concession stand. Both bids were for almost $30,000. Kenneth Sams, board chairman, and George Thompson, Superintendent of Schools, agreed that the job did not warrant such a high price tag. The board may consider other bids soon.

The board approved a motion to establish their “Extended School Academy” teacher positions. These are auxiliary positions for after-school tutoring. There was even talk of allowing this program to replace the summer school program. Finally, the board elected to reestablish cook and lunchroom manager positions due to the retirement of a lunchroom manager in the district. Meaning that in the near future, a position will open up.

In other business, the board discussed the preschool unit that will soon be at Bell Central. Thompson said that installation should begin sometime next week. This unit will make available two rooms inside of Bell Central's existing building. Bell Central Principal Greg Wilson made the comment that it will give the “cart people” (teachers that house their supplies on carts) a permanent home.

Parent Stacy Slusher requested that the board vote on an individual waiver of their policy that prohibits the early exit of a high school student. She requested this on behalf of her son, Brent Slusher. Brent's athletic scholarship offer would allow him to enroll in classes for the upcoming spring semester. Superintendent Thompson indicated that board does not make individual exceptions to their policies. No vote was placed in the case.

The board approved several grant applications, they approved a revised Wellness Policy with few-to-no revisions, and approved the 2006-20007 District Fitness and Nutrition Report Card.

Lastly, the board voted to swear-in newly elected board members, Kenneth Sams and Shelby Stewart, on Thursday January 4, 2007, at 7 p.m.

Brandy L. Murray is a Staff Writer for the Daily News. She can be reached via e-mail at editor@middlesborodailynews.com.