Ashe County Board approves pre-K contract, calendar draft and a series of grants and contracts

The Ashe County Board of Education on March 3 approved a package of personnel, budget and program actions and heard updates on school construction and grant activity.

Superintendent Dr. Lisa Cox opened the meeting by highlighting district communications and student successes, then detailed the new pre‑K classroom the district will open in West Jefferson. "Children must be 4 years old on or before 08/31/2025," Cox said, and enrollment information will be available through the district early learning center. The new classroom will operate 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; the current monthly cost is $800 and subsidies may be available. A kindergarten readiness screening is scheduled for March 17.

The board voted to approve a two‑year contract allowing a local "partnership" to operate summer and after‑school services at the pre‑K site, with the partnership paying summer staff wages under the grant. Board members clarified that the partnership's grant funds will cover summer staff and that family fees will offset some costs during the summer months. The board approved the contract by motion and voice vote.

The board also approved a tentative 2025–26 calendar (draft 2) as recommended by the curriculum committee, with an explicit, conditional change: the district will shift start dates earlier if the General Assembly adopts language granting an additional week weather waiver that would permit an Aug. 12 start. Board member Miss Ward moved the calendar approval; Miss Jones seconded. During discussion, members debated…