Lawrence County Board of Education
Regular Meeting
February 18, 2025
LCHS at 6:00 PM
By Sarah Gauze
March 4, 2025
The Lawrence County Board of Education held its regular meeting at Lawrence County High School in the library on February 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM. Board members Jim See (Chairman), Maddlene Roberts (Vice-Chair), and Susie Rice were all present in person. The board excused Garnett Skaggs and Barbara Robinson from the meeting.
Mr. See called the February 18, 2025, Regular Meeting of the LC Board of Education to order. The board approved the agenda as presented.
In students and staff presentations and recognitions:
- A moment of silence was held in honor of Miss Angel Evans, a BES 7th grade student. Angel was a member of the LMS basketball team, and the BES FCA. Mr. Jennings commented, “Angel attended BES from a preschool age. She was always full of energy and involved in many activities. She was a joy to be around, plus her family has always been helpful and involved in the school.”
- A moment of silence was held in honor of Mr. Ryan Sammons, a teacher at LCHS.
Mrs. Prince, and several other audience members gave fond accounts of Mr. Sammons. Mrs. Prince discussed his work with the golf team, which her daughter is a member. Mrs. Rhonda Colvin commented, “He had a teacher’s heart and was a true asset to our schools.” Mrs. Kristy Sammons thanked everyone for their kind comments, thoughtfulness, and prayers.
- The Louisa West Elementary School highlighted their Math Coach, Mrs. Mary Anne Pack. Mr. Maynard received a grant for (2) Math Coaches in our school district. This position helps to support math teachers, training, and professional learning. Louisa West will host a KY Family Math Night on Thursday, February 6th, from 4:00-5:30 PM.
Mrs. Jennifer Burns, LWES Librarian, discussed the social and emotional learning (SEL) activities through Character Counts. Mrs. Burns and Mrs. Moore, LWES Guidance Counselor, work together, scheduling one week per month. The duo selects a book that will provide students with insight into SEL. The storybook is read to the students, and then they do an activity to reinforce the lesson.
- National FFA Week was February 15-22, 2025. Mrs. Blackburn has asked for the presentations to be moved to a later meeting, due to all the school cancellations because of the inclement weather. The motion to table the FFA presentations was approved.
In communications, Mrs. Webb gave the Superintendent’s update.
- Mrs. Webb welcomed KASA Superintendent Coach Fred Carter, the Director of Coaching and Mentoring for KY’s new superintendents. Mr. Carter discussed his past work experience and complimented Mrs. Webb on doing a fantastic job.
- Mrs. Webb gave the update on SEEK funding and the legislative update. The funding shortfall for SEEK has been funded! The legislature has guaranteed funding toward SEEK.
- Mrs. Webb discussed the school calendar. Our district has used all 10 of our NTI days. We have also had 17 inclement weather days and three delayed days. House Bill 241, which relates to school district calendars. This bill would allow the KY Department of Education Commissioner to grant up to (5) Disaster Relief Student Attendance Days and up to five (5) calamity days. The bill has passed the House of Representatives and has moved to the Senate for discussion.
- Lawrence County School Counselors, FRYSC’s, and SRO’s have had appreciation weeks and days! We want to thank our counselors who work hard for all our students. Thank you to the Family Resource and Youth Service Center coordinators for their work. Our School Resource Officers (SRO) keep our schools, students, and staff safe. Thank you to all these individuals! We truly appreciate you!
- In an update on the KY Governor’s Cup Competitions, Louisa Middle School placed 3rd overall, with three individual students competing at state!
- The Louisa East Boys B and C basketball teams won their Eastern KY Elementary Basketball Conference championship divisions! Congratulations to these students and their coaches.
- The Kentucky School Board Association (KSBA) Annual Conference is scheduled for February 21-23, 2025. The LCHS Choir and JROTC Color Guard are invited to perform at the opening sessions. We are so proud of these students and their instructor, Mrs. Johnson.
In public comments,
- There were no public comments.
In student learning and support services:
- The board approved the Minutes of January 21, 2025, Regular Meeting and the Minutes of January 27, 2025, Special Meeting & Draft Budget Work Session.
- The Claims and Orders of the Treasurer were approved. A $278,000 bond payment and a $35,000 payment sent for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library are included in the approved items.
- Mrs. Brandi Peters presented the Monthly Financial Report
Beginning Balance: $7,580,889
Total Revenue for Aug: $2,458,046
Expenditures for Aug: $3,800,110
Fund 1 Cash Balance for Aug: $2,339,299
Ending Balance for Aug: $6,372,727
Balance sheets reflect the balance of each fund as of January 31, 2025.
- Expenditures exceeded revenue due to three payrolls in January.
In the Consent Agenda:
- Updated the locally operated MNA Program Clinical Education Memorandum of Agreement between LCHS and The Jordan Center.
- An elevator maintenance contract for LEES for $227.40, an increase of $10.83.
- A letter of Agreement with The Jordan Center for the use of facilities in the case of emergency resident evacuation. Mrs. Webb discussed this with Mr. McKenzie from The Jordan Center. There were concerns about whether water levels would rise and the need for an emergency plan for their residents. Mrs. Webb saw this as “a neighbor helping neighbor” plan.
- BES requested permission to apply for the FRYSC AmeriCorps grant onsite worker position to help address issues with food security, complete a service project, and learn about community needs and career skills at no cost to the district.
In Construction/Building & Grounds Projects/Updates,
- An invoice for $1,561.04 for professional services by RossTarrant Architects for the new carpentry building and greenhouse.
- Approved a pay application to Codell Construction for $193,887.30 for work performed on the LCHS Vocational Education Center Renovations & Expansion.
- An invoice for the special inspection services by Solid Ground Consulting Engineering (KY) for $7,050.00.
- An invoice for the professional services by RossTarrant Architects for $1,956.97.
- Approved a pay application to Codell Construction for $300,565.46 for the LMS Roof Replacement.
In Other Action:
- The LC Security Committee held its second meeting. The members brainstormed ideas for new safety measures that may be implemented within the school district. The group will also visit other school districts to observe the functionality of vestibules and metal detectors. The committee comprises parents, certified and non-certified staff members, community members, and Safety Resource Officers.
- The current school year’s projected adjustments are set for the last day for students on June 10th. However, if Bill 241 passes, this end date will change.
- The District Calendar Committee has recommended the Superintendent regarding the 2025-2026 School District Calendar. The committee recommended Option 1 based on public preference. This option selects the new school year beginning on August 13th for students. This meeting had no action or vote on this recommendation, and this calendar has not yet been approved.
- The board approved participating in a class action litigation/settlement with Cintas regarding invoicing for amounts exceeding authorized pricing.
- A revised LWES, LEES, and LMS bell schedules were approved, adding ten minutes to each school day.
- The board approved permission to seek bids for grass mowing services.
In New Business:
- There was no new business.
In Personnel:
- Approved the abolishment, creation, and changes regarding positions.
- Approved updated pages to the 2027-2025 LC Schools Salary Schedule from previous board action regarding Math Achievement Fund MOA.
- Superintendent Professional Growth & Evaluation: Katie H. Webb
Standard 4: Human Resource Leadership
Mrs. Webb discussed the Leadership Retreat held with administrators at the beginning of the school year. The TARGET program also has a mentorship program for first—and second-year teachers or veteran teachers from other school districts. This program helps these teachers adjust to protocols within our district and provides new teachers with one-on-one coaching. LC Schools also offer the Aspiring Leaders Academy, hosted by Mrs. Brady. This program builds the next generation of leaders. Leaders build other leaders! District Manager Administrators Principals (DMAP) meet once a month. This meeting is designed for regional managers and principals and helps define the significant needs of the school district. Central Office Communication and Accountability (COCA) is the district administrators’ meeting. COCA minutes/records are kept on a Google form by each administrator. The group discusses the district needs, and discusses their responsibilities for the upcoming week
- Approved acknowledgement of receipt of Superintendent’s Personnel Action/Update.
Mr. See adjourned the meeting.
The next Regular School Board Meeting will be held on March 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Blaine Elementary School. 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.
