Lawrence County Board of Education
Special Meeting
March 4, 2024
LCHS at 6:00 PM
The Lawrence County Board of Education held a special meeting at Lawrence County High School in the library on March 4, 2024, at 6:00 PM. Board members Jim See (Chairman), Maddlene Roberts (Vice-Chair), Barbara Robinson, and Susie Rice were all present in person. Ms. Garnett Skaggs was absent from the meeting.
The meeting was called to order by Mr. See.
In the student/staff presentations and recognitions, the Louisa East Elementary staff presented summaries of classroom and student activities. Ms. Jessica Delong, Sarah Blevins, Shellie Graves, Jessica Helton, and Jenna Compton are some of the teachers at the LEES, who presented to the board. Ms. Delong discussed they have a student who went forward into the conservation art contest. The students will also be working on a landscaping project in the spring. The students have also been working on artwork in the Picasso style during their Spanish artist unit. They also have some students who may be performing in the District 8 choir. Ms. Helton discussed the Christmas play and musical, where all the students in the school performed for their families and community. She discussed that they are possibly hosting a variety show for students who enjoy performing and can showcase their talents this upcoming spring. Ms. Blevins is the STEM teacher for the East. She discussed how the students are working and performing in the Typsey program. They have had students compete in the program at the national level. The STEM students will be presenting at the State STEM competition on March 27th. Ms. Shelly Graves is the health and physical education teacher for LEES. She discussed her goal of providing students with a solid foundation for their health early in life. She was excited to mention how LEES participates in the Heart Challenge and how many students set outstanding goals. Ms. Graves has also introduced the students to yoga, which helps to promote calming and coping skills. She says she can tell the students have benefited from the new program. Ms. Jenae Compton is enjoying her new role as the LEES librarian. She managed her first book fair this year, raising $4000 in funds for the school. She enjoys collaborating with classroom teachers to provide enrichment activities to students. They recently completed a project where students used encyclopedias instead of the internet to research topics. She also discussed their success using the Typsey program. Ms. Misty Burton, the LEES guidance counselor, provides enrichment lessons to students. She is constantly working to promote and instill practices from the Character Counts program. These ladies delivered a thorough presentation full of the wonderful achievements of their students. They also discussed how the staff works seamlessly together for the success of all of their students.
In the Superintendent’s communications and updates, Dr. Fletcher discussed:
· The LCHS’s girls' and boys’ basketball games in the Super Regional Tournament.
· The Governor’s Cup State Academic competition is being held at the Galt House in Louisville, KY over the weekend. LC Schools have students participating from LCHS, LMS, FES, and BES. It has been nine years since the LMS academic team has progressed this far into the competition. Dr. Fletcher provided praise to students and the coaches, who have moved on to this level of competition.
· The Tier 1 Bill could potentially help rural counties concerning funding, in comparison to more urban counties, such as Jefferson.
In the claims and orders of the treasurer, Dr. Fletcher discussed some of the pending items. The transportation department requires funding for new bus radios. They tested radio units, which provided GPS tracking for the garage and parents. However, there were too many dead spots when the buses tested the product on their routes. They have found a radio system that has its own wavelength, is very clear, and is a much better product than the radio systems previously used on the buses. There is also funding required for repairs to the elevators and fire alarm systems. We have five LC Schools (LEES, FES, BES, LMS, LCHS) that will be presenting at the STLP state competition in Lexington, KY at Rupp Arena on March 27, 2024. Also, we have four LC Schools (LCHS, LMS, FES, BES) that will go to the Governor’s Cup State Competition this upcoming weekend. The board regularly helps to assist in funding for t-shirts and reservations for these groups.
In the consent agenda, the LCHS Vocational programs will be receiving an increase in funding, due to increased enrollment. The previous amount of funding was $410,018 and the new funding amount will increase to $453,375. The use of facilities requests was approved for the Annual 2024 Eastern KY Fire School, which will be hosted by the Louisa Fire Department at LMS. Also, the 1964 60th Reunion Celebration on June 7, 2024, at LEES was approved. The Annual Conservation Essay and Poster Winners Banquet was approved at LMS for March 28, 2024.
In the discussion of the LC Schools 2024-2025 school calendar, a survey provided feedback stating that 73% of staff and 60% of parents were in favor of Calendar Option 1. LC Superintendent, Dr. Fletcher, recommended Option 1 to the board for approval based on this survey data. Calendar Option 1 has a full 5-day Fall Break, a 3-day Thanksgiving Break, and the first day of school for students beginning on August 14, 2024. The board also updated the current 2023-2024 school calendar, so that the last day of school will be on Friday, May 17, 2024.
In the LMS Roof Replacement Project, the board considered using a Construction Manager for the project, even though it is not required by KDE. The previous construction projects have operated smoothly, with less disorder, and were completed faster when using a construction manager.
The LC Board discussed the bids on a utility vehicle for the Building/Maintenance department. The previous quote ended up having additional fees added on after the quoted amount, so the decision was made to revisit the quotes. The best quote is now through Extreme Power Supply offering a quote of $13,648 for the utility vehicle.
In districtwide safety and security, the board approved bleacher inspection services by Bleachers and Seat with an estimate of $3,960.
The next item of business included the proposals for E-Rate wireless access points. This upgrade does not come out of general funds. This technology is upgraded in a five-year cycle that is financed through federal and technology funds. The lowest quote was offered by RTI with a proposal of $179,857. Mr. Burns discussed that the technology is state-of-the-art, and the price includes access points, management, and licensing for the technology.
The LC Board approved permitting to seek bids for grass-mowing services.
The LC Board approved entering into an executive session for student discipline/expulsion hearing.
The LC Board approved returning to an open session.
In personnel, the board approved to acknowledge receipt of the Superintendent’s Personnel Action/Update.
The next Regular School Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Blaine Elementary School at 6:00 PM. The LC Board members are excited to visit the students and staff at BES. 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.