GAINESVILLE - A $1.7 million grant will fund after school programs for Fair Street and Centennial Elementary school children over the next five years in Gainesville.

School grant writer Christine Brosky told school board members Monday night she teamed up with the YMCA and Parks and Recreation to secure the 21st Century grant.

"We have been fortunate that the YMCA was willing to take the lead and be the financial agent," Brosky said. "Gainesville City Schools and Gainesville Parks and Recreation worked together to put together a narrative and a budget to help students over the next five years."

The grant will support after school child care, sports and recreation, and extended education programs for an estimated five hundred children.

Brosky also announced a separate $75,000 grant to buy 28 lap top computers for teachers at Fair Street School.

TEACHER STUDENT TESTS

Gainesville School Board members indicated a preference for locally prepared tests that measure elementary teacher and student performance during Monday night's meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Steve Ballowe said the tests more frequently and accurately measure teaching and learning than state required tests.

"It's fair for our teachers because they're being tested on standards that they know they will be held accountable for," Ballowe said.

Ballowe added the local tests indicate progress and identify weaknesses to work on better than the state required tests.