Houston County School Board applies for new driver’s ed car

Although proration is putting the squeeze on many schools’ elective programs, driver’s education remains alive and well in the Houston County Schools.

The Houston County School Board on Monday voted to apply for Alabama Department of Education funds to buy another car for its driver’s education program. The grant would pay for 80 percent of the car’s cost, which will likely be around $9,000. The car will be purchased from the state vehicle pool.

Houston County School Superintendent Tim Pitchford said driver’s ed is one of the most popular elective courses in the county schools, and that he doesn’t see it going away any time soon. Nearly every high school student takes the course, which is offered during the regular school year and in the summer. During the school year the course costs $30 to take. In the summer it costs $50.

“There’s a big interest in it,” he said.

Clay Ingram, a spokesman for AAA, said driver’s ed courses are valuable to young drivers because they help them develop the skills and confidence necessary to operate a car or truck.

Ingram said most schools in Alabama offer driver’s ed. In addition to the benefit of learning from a professional teacher, driver’s ed courses can help students get cheaper insurance coverage.

“You can get about 10 to 25 percent off the premium,” he said.

At Monday’s school board meeting, the board also recognized former superintendent Louie Sellers. Sellers, who recently died, was superintendent from 1981-85 and worked in the Houston County Schools for more than 30 years.