Ventura, G-H Boards move toward sharing

The Ventura and Garner-Hayfield school boards have directed their attorneys to look into the details of drafting a letter of intent to participate in a whole-grade sharing agreement.  The two boards gathered in Ventura Wednesday for a joint meeting.
    The letter of intent must be filed by late October if the two school districts are to proceed with whole grade sharing next school year.

    Ventura and Garner Board members said they felt their respective communities were supportive of the whole grade sharing idea being discussed.  That proposal would have all seventh and eighth grade students attend classes at Ventura and all high school students go to Garner.
    Superintendent Tyler Williams, who is shared between the two districts, said lawyers will help guide the districts through the process legally, using a very open process so that residents in both school districts are aware of the action.  According to Williams, Feb. 1, 2012 is the deadline to file documents with the state to enter into an agreement for the 2012-13 school year. Ninety days prior to that filing, meaning this October, both boards would have to submit a letter of intent to whole-grade share.  Public hearings are also  required in each district, followed by each board voting on the agreement.
    The Boards decided to make the decision now that they intend to share athletics and school activities for grades seven to 12, effective next fall.  High school teams will be known as the Garner-Hayfield/Ventura Cardinals, while junior high teams will be the Ventura/Garner-Hayfield Vikings.

Final Ventura Homecoming will be special

The decision by the Ventura School Board to share athletics with Garner-Hayfield next fall means this Friday will be the final Ventura Homecoming football game.  And the community is hoping to make it the biggest and best.
    An invitation is being extended to all of the past Homecoming Kings and - Read More Via e-Edition