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Pocahontas board approves EAST STEM initiative at junior high; $115,000 grant covers most costs, district to pay $25,000
Summary
The Pocahontas School District board unanimously approved implementing the EAST project-based STEM program at the junior high after hearing a presentation from Miss Miller; a roughly $115,000 grant will cover equipment and half the professional development, with a one-time district payment of $25,000 this summer.
The Pocahontas School District board voted unanimously to implement the EAST (Environmental and Spatial Technology) initiative at the junior high beginning next school year after a presentation on the program and funding.
Superintendent Dr. Arbuckle introduced the program and invited Miss Miller to describe how EAST courses work. Miss Miller said the program is “project-based” and “STEM based,” where students cycle through monthly modules (photography, website design, Adobe Lightroom, 3D printing and other technology) and tackle real-world projects for school or community impact. She noted the program includes a state competition and opportunities for student entrepreneurship and community service credit.
According to materials presented to the board, a grant of about $115,000 will cover classroom technology, equipment and approximately half the professional development costs. Miss Miller and the superintendent told trustees the district would pay a one-time implementation cost of $25,000 this summer to cover local setup and initial expenses. Miss Miller said she expects classes of 15–20 students and hopes to run four or five sections initially; expansion to senior high is planned as capacity grows.
Board members pressed on staffing and facilities. Miss Miller said the program is designed so one teacher can act as a facilitator while delivering rotating modules, minimizing new hires; she added that EAST has specific facility requirements and the district has identified a suitable room. The superintendent said the board would revisit expansion if demand exceeded capacity.
A motion to approve implementation of EAST at the junior high passed 4–0. The board will record the one-time cost in the summer budget and monitor enrollment and facility needs going forward.
