Thanks to two grants and a donation, about 60 Pickaway-Ross students will be able to take driver’s education classes.
The cost of classes, a permit and license can be a hindrance for students, which can come out to about $350 per student, said Susan Schwalbauch, academic specialist who coordinates applying for grants.
Becky McKeever, a former school resource officer at the school who now works at Team Driving School, will provide instruction to the kids during the school day and then offer driving time to them after school, at a significant discount, Principal Josh Younge said. The program requires 24 hours of class and driving time.
“This is something that we can provide to a few of our students that will hopefully prepare them for employment,” he said. “Almost all of these students cannot afford the fees for driver’s ed and this could really provide these students with many opportunities.”
Classes began Monday and will run through mid-April. A rotating schedule ensures students won’t miss any one class repeatedly.
Funding to pay for this effort comes from a $10,000 donation given in the fall by Circleville Community United Methodist Church, a $7,000 Innovative Strategies Grant and a $3,000 grant from the Landrum Endowment Fund.