Education

The School Board of Levy County is discussing whether or not to participate in the Race to the Top fund, a federal competitive grant program designed to reward states for high performance in education.

Meeting last Tuesday with the school board, teachers' union and administrators, Superintendent said that the district was still in the opening phases of examining and planning for the fund.

"Right now, we've just got more questions than answers," he said.

• GED prep starts now

Central Florida Community College encourages adults who would like to earn a GED to prepare now.

Before beginning the General Education Development Test program, students must complete the 12-hour introduction to adult education course, which helps them identify strengths and set educational goals. All adult education programs are free.

It was more like a family reunion than a ceremony for 21 graduates receiving their General Equivalency Diploma.

Janet Williams, a mom, may have outscored her son and fellow graduate, Alex Bolinger, but she was proud to hug him, pose for a photo and admire his diploma.

Bessie Ezell sat in the audience rather than donning the blue cap and gown, and let husband and fellow graduate Rickey Ezell hold the spotlight.

Everyone knows college can be an expensive proposition for parents.

The tuition. The textbooks. The living expenses. Over four years or more, it adds up quickly.

But for Levy County students, the Levy County Schools Foundation can help students — and parents — with some of the costs of higher education.

Coordinator Angela Johnson said that the foundation provides much needed financial assistance to Levy County students. Though the scholarships don't cover all higher education costs, every little bit helps.