Lawrence County Board of Education
Special Meeting & Draft Budget Work Session
January 30, 2024
LCHS at 6:00 PM
The Lawrence County Board of Education held a Special Meeting & Draft Budget Work Session at Lawrence County High School in the library on January 30, 2024, at 6:00 PM. Board members Jim See (Chairman), Maddlene Roberts (Co-chair), Barbara Robinson, Garnett Skaggs, and Susie Rice were all present in person.
The meeting was called to order by Mr. See.
In communication and the superintendent's update, Dr. Fletcher discussed his LSAC meeting regarding the state budget. There was discussion that there is a great deal of money allocated toward education in the state budget, however, it may go toward teacher retirement and other educational avenues. Dr. Fletcher is advocating for the fundamental structure of the current Tier 1 funding program to level the field for teacher salary pay scales. In the House budget, the SEEK funding is currently set at $4200 for 2024. The SEEK projections for 2025 are suggested at $4368 and $4455 for the year 2026. In House Bill 6, there is a proposal for $20,000 in funding for SRO’s. The bill also proposes 80% in transportation funding for 2025 and 90% for 2026. (NOTE: The House budget has been amended to include 100% funding of transportation since the special board meeting.)
Mrs. Brandi Peters, LC Finance Officer, reviewed the draft budget projected for the revenues and expenditures for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025. State law requires the local board to review the Draft Budget by January 31st of each year.
There is a required contingency fund of 2%. The LC 2024-2025 contingency fund is budgeted at 3.7%. It is currently at 3.8%.
In personnel, the 2023-2024 LC Schools pay scale/salary schedule update was approved by the board members. The update includes Medicaid billing for the Registered Nurse position.
The LC Board of Education Special Meeting & Draft Budget Work Session was adjourned.
The next Regular School Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at the LCHS library at 6:00 PM. All residents are always invited to attend the Lawrence County Board Meetings to become aware of the issues affecting our students and schools. The meetings may also be viewed virtually through the public viewing link. A copy of the most recent Lawrence County Board agendas and meetings may be found on the current Lawrence County District webpage at www.lawrence.k12.ky.us.