CLINTON — Members of the Clinton School Board stepped away from the table during Tuesday night’s meeting to look at a 1985 Grand Prix rebuilt by students in the high school automotive technology classes. 

Teacher Wayne Snearly explained how he purchased the vehicle as a project for his 40 students. He said the students built the engine, did body work, built the transmission and more.  

“Everybody worked on it,” he said. 

Snearly showed the students how to do some of the tasks but the students took over and figured out much of the work themselves.  

Board members walked outside the school Tuesday night as two students from the class explained the work and started the car so everyone could hear the engine roar.  

Snearly plans to take the car to a safe drag race in Charleston this summer and give his students the opportunity to drive it.  

Tuesday’s meeting also included presentations from principals at each of the schools.  

Clinton High School principal Jerry Wayne was the final principal to speak and said he found it interesting that each principal spoke about culture and creating a culture within the buildings and community “and whatever it takes to try to help kids be successful.” 

“We live in a blue-collar community with people who get out there and get their hands dirty and do the things that need to be done,” said Wayne, “and our kids need to understand there are great opportunities out there for them.” 

Wayne said he is fortunate to have found “two individuals who can run those classes (automotive and welding) that are getting kids excited.” 

“We have to find ways to help kids in all aspects,” he added. 

In other business, the board: 

• Congratulated Clinton Elementary physical education teacher Tim Evans for his work with the American Heart Association. Evans has helped raised more than $85,000 for the organization and received an award presented by Amy Ensign of the AHA. 

• Approved the employment of the following individuals: Sharon Ceniceros-Meade as unit office administrative assistant; Ben Pertl as the 7th grade boys’ basketball coach; Glennda Knauer, CHS special education teacher; Laury Hubrich, CES special education teacher; Kristi Payne, CJHS intervention teacher; and Abbie Ceres, 2nd grade teacher.