School system OKs legislative positions

Maintaining local control over the school calendar, eliminating the use of schools as polling places, and discontinuing the use of public monies to fund private school tuitions or tax incentives are among the legislative positions adopted by the Cherokee County Board of Education.

The school board on Nov. 15 approved its annual Legislation Partnership Program, outlining requests for the Cherokee legislative delegation to consider in the upcoming session of the General Assembly. Information: https:// bit.ly/2PCh41J

The board said it opposed a tourism industry initiative for a state-imposed school calendar; polling places in schools as a safety and security issue; and public funding for private schools as it erodes funding for public education.

On other matters, the board called for legislation to bring back the career/technical diploma track for students wishing to enter technical college or the workforce; and to revise the state education funding formula to reflect the true cost of school bus transportation.

The board also ca l led for increased support for counselors, social workers, psychologists and school nurses; more funding to help students living in poverty; and ensuring all state teacher salary increases are incorporated into its permanent salary structure.