A show of support for local school systems was evident at the May 6 Washington County Board of Supervisors meeting.
Lawrence Hudson, superintendent of Western Line School District, requested county assistance at O’Bannon High School and was thankful for the relationship the county has with schools.
“Thank you to the sheriff for the SRO that has been working hard and we appreciate ensuring trust and safety,” Hudson said. “We have a lot of innovations coming this summer. I think you all will be proud knowing about the improvements we are making for our students.”
The practice football field has become unsafe for students to practice on, Hudson said, also noting old army barracks need to be torn down at the O’Bannon Elementary campus.
Hudson requested dirt for the field and for the county to use equipment to smooth it out.
Supervisor Jesse Amos suggested dirt from a project near a railroad be used to fill in the practice field.
“As soon as it dries out, the county can start hauling it out and bring it over there,” Amos said.
“It is normal for us to assist because of the partnership with the school districts in our county, when they request help, we provide assistance,” Amos said. “WLSD won’t lose funds because they don't have go out and get contractors when we are providing the dirt. It is cheaper for the county because if Leland didn't have anywhere to load the dirt, we would have to go out to the landfill and that cost money to unload it there.”
Supervisors also agreed to demolish and remove the old buildings at the elementary campus.
“The WCBS has been 100 percent supportive of the Western Line School District since my arrival,” Hudson said. “The support we get from the county allows us to provide better opportunities for success to all of our students. The renovations to the practice field will allow our athletes the opportunity to practice on a safe ground which will limit the number of injuries we face. It will definitely increase our competitiveness this upcoming football season.”
