School Programs Get Grants

Business education programs in Stone County schools will be updated next year with the help of two new grants that were recently approved.

Timbo’s business department will receive $42,372.50, while Rural Special High School will receive $24,225.
According to Timbo business education teacher Sara Stumpenhaus, these were two of 58 total awards given across the state through the Arkansas Division of Career and Technical Education Funding and Accountability Department.

Every five years, schools are eligible to change their programs of study through the state department if the students and local community determine that a change is necessary based on changing interest trends of the area. Both Timbo and Rural Special applied and received these grants this year.

Timbo’s program of study is changing from Accounting to Marketing Management, Stumpenhaus said. This new program will change courses that are offered at Timbo High School from Accounting 1 and 2 and advanced spreadsheets and database to marketing business enterprise and small business operations.

“This is an exciting change because it teaches students how to build a small business from the ground up, from understanding how to hire people, do payroll, purchase inventory, run cash registers, promote the store, determine taxes and understand regulations and laws around best business practices,” Stumpenhaus said.

Read the complete story in the Feb. 10, 2021 issue.