AMSTI

Seven local schools were recently added to the list of schools participating in the Alabama Math and Science Technology Initiative. (AMSTI) I'm working on a piece exploring the program's impact in Calhoun County.

ON Anniston BOE matters, there's a new cost-cutting committee of sorts, trying to figure out how to build up Anniston's reserve account. I'm getting all of the important details from Interim Superintendent Joan Frazier and Board President Nathaniel Davis.

County BOE meeting tonight

There's a county BOE meeting tonight at 4 p.m. Additionally, the good folks over at Saks High let me and one of our job-shadower candidates tour the storm damage there. There was visible water damage on the ceiling tile and everything was shrouded in a black tarp, in dark rooms.

Still no word on what fixing that will cost, but hopefully the BOE will illuminate us a bit at tonight's meeting.

For Friday, I'm working on a story about whether Jacksonville State University could save money by outsourcing some of its personnell. JSU already outsources its food service and book store...what else could be on the table?

Why did some schools get more grant money and others get less?

The Star- The state of Alabama gave out millions in grant money to public schools and libraries this year, but two local legislators say political interests muddied the process.

Additionally, a communication error might have caused some local school systems to apply for less money than they could have received.

Some school systems in other counties got much more money than Calhoun County's local K-12 schools when the state Education Department announced the millions in grants this month.

Read more here.

Press Release: Weaver student nominated for U.S. Military Academy

From the Office of Richard Shelby

WASHINGTON, D. C. Wednesday, February 13, 2008--- U. S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today applauded a Calhoun County student who was nominated to the United States Service Academies. The service academies include the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

“Furthering one’s education at our nation’s service academies is remarkable,” said Shelby. “These students have shown exemplary performance in the classroom and in their extracurricular activities. The selection process for the academies is extremely competitive, and I am pleased to be able to nominate a student from East Alabama.”

Service academy nominees must be residents of Alabama and must complete the required ACT and SAT exams. Applicants are also required to provide letters of recommendation, their school transcript, completed medical examination and the required application form.

The following East Alabama student has been nominated:

Elizabeth Allison, daughter of Lacy and Petra Allison of Weaver, and a student at Weaver High School, has been nominated to attend the U.S. Military Academy.

Although Senator Shelby nominated this student, the academy to which she was nominated will make the final selection.

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