WAFC Local News – February 18, 2026, 8:32 AM
Transcript
I’m Charles Murphy reporting. The Henry County School Board is considering changes to the Inclusion Pre-K program and the Montour Early Learning Center. The Inclusion program includes 33 staff members, but it is not reimbursed by the state or federal government. The staff costs the district $814,000 a year. They are considering a $100 weekly fee per student. They’re also interested in offering career and technical education to private school students, but there will be a charge. They could also close the Montour Early Learning Center and send the students to Clueston. They’re considering a $25 fee for voluntary pre-kindergarten. Superintendent Michael Swindle went into the goal of these programs. What we’re trying to do is we’re trying to juggle, do a great juggling act of finances and then what’s best for students. Attendance has improved in Henry County schools this year, but the district wants to increase the numbers. All perfect attendance for students each month can qualify for a $100 drawing. Superintendent Swindle says Henry County has the safest district in the state. The groundbreaking for the new LaBelle High School will be held on March 10th at 10 a.m. School board member Stephanie Bueschen had some concerns about notifying parents when their children receive mental health services and counseling. She wants to keep parents informed. Belle Glade commissioners hosted a community revitalization meeting to improve Avenue A. They’re seeking grants to add parking, new pavement, sidewalks, pedestrian crosswalks, and improve lighting. They have saved funding to use along with grants to get the work done in the next couple years. Business owners say the downtown area has fallen into disrepair with many old buildings. Council member Robert Reese says the city has skin in the game and that’s a priority. I too have been disappointed with what has happened in our downtown area. When I came back here 20 years ago, even before then, I saw how downtown looked and I wanted to see something different. Mayor Steve Wilson wants to support those that made investments on Avenue A. Years ago, absolutely right, I can recall in the early 70s, that was the hub of this community. And you guys’ families, two and three generations, stood tall on it. Zaytick Marin with the city says when you help local businesses, you help local people. I’m a huge advocate about supporting local. Every dollar that’s spent in Belle Glade, if you spend a dollar in Belle Glade, especially with locals, 67 cents comes back. If you go and you spend that at Starbucks, nothing comes back. You order online, nothing comes back. You gotta support local. Keith Schreiner told the commission that the improvements will not happen overnight. So part of this study and this workshop is to check some boxes so we can get grants. So we’re gonna go after design grants so we can actually get this thing going in motion. You know, this would probably have to be phased, potentially in four phases, do one block at a time. Pahokee learned that bids for a July 4th fireworks show this year will range between 22,000 and 35,000 for a 20-minute show. Pahokee did not have fireworks last year. Palm Beach deputies continue to probe a homicide in Belle Glade. It happened on February 7th at 623 Covenant Drive, apartment number B. The victim was identified as 35-year-old Jawan R. McLaurin. I’m Charles Murphy, WAFC News.
Recorded from the WAFC daily newscast (Glades Media).