Hamilton County Board of Education backs innovation zone

The Hamilton County Board of Education on Thursday approved a $10.5 million grant application for the creation of its school innovation zone.

The i-zone is designed to turn around performance at Brainerd High, Dalewood Middle, Orchard Knob Elementary, Orchard Knob Middle and Woodmore Elementary. With the state-granted federal dollars, the school system plans to pay teachers more, increase learning time for students and purchase new technology. Principals are finishing up hiring teachers, many of whom were moved as part of the i-zone process. Next, school officials plan to involve community members and parents.

"We are so excited about this opportunity," said i-zone director Le Andrea Ware. "But we also realize it takes a deep, collective effort."

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