LINDEN &045; During the superintendent’s report at the Marengo County Board of education meeting yesterday, Luke Hallmark told the board of several grant opportunities the school system is pursuing.

One of the most significant grants pursued by Hallmark would provide $1 million worth of funding for the school system. The money, pursuant to the grant stipulations, would be used in the preschool programs for the system.

Hallmark also said his office is pursuing a grant to purchase equipment for the system. The equipment would be utilized to reduce and regulate the power surges in the facilities of the system.

Hallmark said there was a grant request being complied for an At Risk Intervention Grant. He said by attaining the grant the system would be able to use the funds to help prevent at risk children and reduce the class sizes in several classrooms.

Hallmark said the system also received several donations that, while not grants, would cut the costs of the system by providing equipment needed. He said these donations cover the costs of things that would have been purchased if not donated.

In other happenings, the board, while looking at old business, approved the proposed 2007-2008 school calendar. The issue had previously been discussed by the board but was tabled for further discussion.

In new business the board approved the seven items presented by Hallmark with little discussion. The board approved the financial reports and bank statement reconciliations for January.

The members also approved a 2007-2008 partnership with the Dallas-Selma Community Action. A joint copier paper bid was passed as well.

The board passed a review of several revised files and a review of a proposed new file.