The Marietta School Board approved its 2019 legislative priorities Tuesday to be presented to the community and the Cobb delegation.

Testing flexibility is priority one as Marietta is one of the state’s school districts wanting to replace the Georgia Milestones test, and the second is funding for the College and Career Academy. Additionally, they appreciate state support for safety improvements, but Superintendent Grant Rivera expressed the desire to make decisions on how to allocate those resources at the local level.

The fourth and final priority is for calendar-making decisions to also remain at the local level. Senator Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega) currently leads a senate study committee, which includes several representatives of the tourism industry, that is exploring the possibility of a statewide start date after Labor Day.

“I don’t believe that should be micromanaged by the state,” Rivera said.

The board approved several expenditures at the meeting. Ten new Honda Civics will be purchased for $186,330 to replace aging driver’s education vehicles. The Department of Driver Services requires such vehicles to be replaced after ten years. The bid from Ed Voyles Honda was the second lowest, however, it included a decade of free oil changes and wraps and higher safety ratings for the Civic model making it the best value.

Marietta High School will replace two wrestling mats for about $25,000, paid for by the asset replacement fund. Hickory Hills Elementary will receive new paint, carpet and flooring, and roofing repairs at a cost of nearly $144,000. West Side Elementary will also receive a paint job for an additional $29,995. Marietta Middle School’s auditorium will have its audio and lighting upgraded for about $80,000.

The media center at the Marietta Center for Advanced Academics is transitioning into a “Learning Commons,” with moveable furniture and new technology to make it more reminiscent of a college study space at a cost of $56,722.

Marietta High School will receive 120 new Chromebooks, and Park Street Elementary will get 60 for a total cost of $70,435.

The funds for these purchases come from E-SPLOST IV the 2018 Bond Proceeds/E-SPLOST V.