Michelle Burklow, the supervisor of instruction for Pre-K through sixth grade for the county school system, announced at last week’s school board meeting that the board of education has purchased advertising space on a billboard in Smithville to promote the "Read 20" program. The DeKalb County school system introduced the program, designed to improve reading skills by encouraging parents to read to their children for 20 minutes a day, last June. Officials said that just 20 minutes a day reading aloud with young children strengthens relationships, encourages listening and language skills, promotes attention and curiosity, and establishes a strong reading foundation.