Lawrence County Board of Education
Regular Meeting
May 20, 2024
The Lawrence County Board of Education held its regular meeting at Lawrence County High School in the library on May 20, 2024, at 6:00 PM. Board members Jim See (Chairman), Maddlene Roberts (Vice-Chair), Barbara Robinson, Garnett Skaggs, and Susie Rice were all present in person.
The meeting was called to order by Mr. See.
In the student/staff presentations and recognitions, a moment of silence was held in honor of Mr. Clyde Holt, Jr. Mr. Holt was a LC bus driver and custodian. Mrs. Myran Brady shared her fond memories of Mr. Holt, explaining he always displayed kindness to the students.
In communications, Dr. Fletcher gave the Superintendent's update.
· Administrators feel confident that test scores will continue to move in a positive direction. Last year, test scores placed LC elementary schools in the green, middle schools in the yellow, and the high school placed in the green. Overall, LC Schools placed high within in the 15th and 16th regions.
· It is believed for the first time, LCHS hit all 7 of the performance indicators for the KY CTE programs.
· LC Schools will be part of the statewide computer science pathway pilot for the 2024-205 school year.
· Our Community Partner, the Lawrence County Public Library, has continued donations to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. LC Schools thanks them for their generous donation of $5000. Over 500 LC children have signed up for the program and have received free books!
· Governor Beshear has appointed Ms. Lindsey Case to serve on the KY Council of Post-Secondary Education.
· LCHS had 5 students sign the Educators Rising National Letter of Intent. These students included Emma Isaac, Lacie Elkins, Riley Sammons, Chrislyn Stafford, and Kaison Ward.
· Chief Academic Officer, Ms. Webb, along with the District Resource Team have been selected to present at the KASA Leadership Institute this summer.
· The LCHS held an amazing commencement ceremony for the 2024 graduating class. The board thanked all those who contributed, prepared, and helped to execute the ceremony.
In public comments, LC BOE Member, Ms. Skaggs, provided information on the community of Blaine, KY. A study provided by the University of Louisville stated that Blaine was in the top 10% of growing communities within the state of KY.
In student learning and support services, the board approved the minutes of the April 15, 2024, Regular Meeting and the minutes of the May 8, 2024, Special Meeting. The board approved the Claims and Orders of the Treasurer. Ms. Brandi Peters discussed the MUNIS Balance Sheet and the Monthly Financial Report. The beginning balance was $6,097,584. Total revenue for January was $1,486,409. Expenditures for the month totaled $2,763,484. Fund 1 cash balance for the month was $1,512,399. The Ending Balance of all funds was $4,730,013.
In the Consent Agenda, there were many items requested. There were many renewals, subscriptions, memberships, MOU’s, and Use of Facilities requests to approve for the upcoming summer and school year. Mr. Wes Kingsmore from the Louisa Tourism Board, was present and discussed the SOAR concert event happening on July 13th, the presentation of the Country Music Highway Tribute Show. The tourism board is requesting the use of several buses to transport concertgoers to the event. (This is contingent upon providing the required insurance documentation.) There were also requests for elementary schools to apply for the Math Achievement Fund Grant for school math coaches. Requests for assistance with the FES STLP team and chaperones to the ISTE Conference in Denver, CO were also approved.
In construction/building and grounds projects/updates an invoice for the amount of $3,902.61 was approved for the LCHS LAVEC renovation and expansion. The Codell Construction Pay Estimate 6 for a total of $364,911.96 was also approved. The payment to Solid Ground Consulting Engineers was also approved in the amount of $5,650.
In building/grounds maintenance and upgrades, the board considered and approved the districtwide bleacher repair estimates from Bleachers and Seats of Nashville, TN in the amount of $28,712.26. There was an invoice approved for RossTarrant Architects for the Softball Facilities Project in the amount of $249.40.
In other action, the board approved to amend the 2023-2024 calendar, which will be sent to KDE for approval. The 2024-2025 District and School's Professional Development plans were also approved. The LC Board also approved the purchase of a 2014 Ford Edge vehicle to be purchased using ESSER Funds. The vehicle purchase price is $41,135.50 from Bill Cole of Ashland, KY. This vehicle may be used by the district's FRYSC teams and principals for student home visits. The ESSER funding must be used by September 30th. The rest of the ESSER funds may be used for the water waste project upgrades at FES and BES.
The LC Board recessed the LC Regular Board Meeting to convene the LC School District Finance Corporation. The 2024-2025 financial officers were approved. A filing fee of $15 was approved along with several other financial necessities discussed and approved.
The LC Board entered into an executive session for the purpose of a Student Discipline/Expulsion Hearing. Once the hearing closed, the board approved to return to Open Session.
The board approved the abolishment, creation, and changes regarding positions. The LC Board approved the 2024-2025 salary schedule. They also revised numerous job descriptions, effective July 1, 2024. The board also approved the acknowledgment of receipt of the Superintendent’s Personnel Action/Update.
The LC Regular Board meeting was adjourned.
The next Regular School Board Meeting will be held on June 17, 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.