Ozark and Dale County school system collaborating

OZARK — Ozark City and Dale County school systems are in a joint venture to help cut costs and promote better learning environments.

Both systems’ school boards approved sharing the Ozark City Alternative Learning School (ALC), which Ozark Superintendent Mike Lenhart said could be the first such “academy” he plans as part of a new school concept.

The school will still be behind Ozark Flowers Center and will have teachers as well as extended counseling services, Lenhart said.

The school will also be equipped to handle children as young as third graders, he said.

The facility is able to house 30 students.

“The school was actually designed for both Ozark City and Dale County, but for some reason fell through years ago. Of course we will be limited to how many students we can take, but I’m sure neither Dale County nor us will abuse that,” Lenhart said.

Lenhart said costs will be shared at the school by each system splitting costs and other services, including meals.

Dale County School Board President Bill McSween said the cost-sharing would serve as a benefit, especially because the system did not already have an alternative school.

“Students were previously expelled. This gives them another opportunity as well as help with the collaboration between the two school systems,” he said.

The schools have also agreed to share the Carroll High School Career Center. Lenhart said career centers are designed for at least two schools.

McSween said students at Ariton and Skipperville schools will be able to take courses at the career center. Dale County High School students take similar classes at Wallace Community College.

“These are helping our students with career opportunities,” McSween said.