Demopolis Middle School will soon benefit from a $20,000 ADECA grant, which will contribute to funds needed to afford heating and cooling in the school’s gymnasium, according to Superintendent Al Griffin.

“We are very excited about this grant,” Griffin said.

The project has an estimated total cost of about $80-85,000 dollars, but the grant frees up $20,000 of capital outlay money to be used for other needs.

The grant was awarded in the amount of $50,000 last year, but the maximum awarded this year was $20,000. The funds last year went for the newly installed heating and cooling units at U.S. Jones.

Griffin told the school’s principal Blaine Hathcock, he believes, at graduation next year “cold air will blow.”

The model for the project will be similar to U.S. Jones and the school board approved the agreement with ADECA to go through with the grant at the school board meeting Tuesday.

In other business, the school board discusses the following:

•Approved financial statements and payroll for September and October 2012

•Approved request from Douglas C. Null to use “Good news” information from Demopolis City Schools

•Heard updates from local school principals

The principal reports included: Westside will hold Thanksgiving programs on Tuesday, Nov. 19 and Progress Reports for schools will be given out Nov. 29.

U.S. Jones reported they had a successful Geography Fair from Nov. 14-16.

DMS reported their Hawaii 5-0 event was successful. They are excited about basketball season and the students enjoyed the performance by Todd Green, a musical performer.

Demopolis High School reported they are thankful for the support of the county, the school system and community for all the support as they close out a 9-3 season.

The school is also gearing up for basketball season.

DHS principal Leon Clark also encouraged the community to look to the school’s website for a current calendar of events.