The Slater Board of Education met Tuesday, Feb. 19, to discuss an agricultural grant and act on several other important issues.

A motion to pursue an agricultural education grant was unanimously approved by the board. If obtained, the grant will be used to revitalize the high school's greenhouse.

This grant will cover 50 to 70 percent of the project's expenses. According to Superintendent John McEachern, this would likely leave the district responsible for a maximum of $12,000 to $15,000. The application deadline for the grant is Feb. 29.

The board also passed a motion that will allow Slater High School students to receive embedded credit.

Embedded credit would allow students to take vocational classes while simultaneously earning required high school credits.

For example, a student enrolled in six vocational hours could choose to trade a few of those hours to satisfy a geometry requirement.

The vocational course would have to incorporate a significant amount of geometry to be eligible.

"This is a good opportunity for students to receive more high school credit while going through the vocational system," said McEachern.

In addition to members of the board, American Legion Chaplain Charlie Guthrie was also in attendance.

Guthrie discussed the recent President's Day festivities at Slater High School, which featured appearances by U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) and state Rep. Joe Aull (D-Marshall).

"We had a lot of people here to see what President's Day is about," said Guthrie.

Guthrie also spoke about the conversations he had with students on the importance of voting.

"I talked with them in length about that," said Guthrie. "These young people took it to heart".

McEachern concluded the meeting by requesting board members consider a proposal from the city to put up a new marquee in Slater.

The marquee would be located next to the existing sign near Hwy. 240, and would be primarily funded by the city.

The district would contribute $100 each month to assist in payments for the new sign; in return they would receive free advertising for school-related functions.