The Columbia County school board accepted a $100,000 grant Tuesday from the AT&T Foundation to start robotics and other labs in middle and high schools.

Educators said programs incorporating robotics, desktop publishing, engineering and other math- and science-related tools will inspire pupils to learn more and improve retention.

School officials intend to start talks on purchasing the software and hardware as soon as possible. "(This is) an investment in our future; an investment in the future of our work force," AT&T Georgia External Affairs Manager Stan Shepherd said.

The grant to Columbia County was just a portion of a $300,000 grant from AT&T. The other funds were awarded to the Richmond County Board of Education to support a high-school credit recovery program and to Communities in Schools for computers and educational software.

At the start of Tuesday's meeting, board members Regina Buccafusco, Mike Sleeper, Roxanne Whitaker and Wayne Bridges retook their oath of offices. Each was re-elected in November after running unopposed.

Mrs. Buccafusco, the board chairwoman, thanked the families of the trustees.

"It's not a full-time job, but it's a job that takes a lot away from family time," she said.

The board approved the calendar for the 2010-11 school year, which starts Aug. 9. The full schedule should soon be available on the system's Web site, www.ccboe.net.

Reach Donnie Fetter at (706) 868-1222, ext. 115, or donnie.fetter@augustachronicle.com.