White County Schools receive $607,142.86 state high-performing bonus; district reports enrollment and building updates

White County Schools told the Board of Education on Feb. 12 that the district received a state high‑performing bonus of $607,142.86 for meeting state criteria, and staff summarized enrollment, career and technical education participation and ongoing building projects.

District administrator Mister Strombarger reported an estimated total enrollment of roughly 3,600 students (including pre‑K and early graduates) and described a high CTE participation rate — about 82% of high‑school students had taken at least one CTE course. He said the state bonus is awarded to districts where more than half of schools receive an A on the state report card; White County was one of the relatively small number of districts to receive the award.

Strombarger also briefed the board on facility projects. Brick issues at the White County High School Career Academy are under review with the district's insurance carrier and engineers. The Doyle project is progressing — windows have been installed and finishing touches remain, with an anticipated completion around spring break. The district plans to install a paved walking trail at a playground area later in the spring.

(Ending) Board members said they will share the bonus news with county and city leaders; any spending of the bonus was not specified during the meeting and would require further board action.