Lawrence County Board of Education February Minutes & Highlights

Lawrence County Board of Education

Regular Meeting

February 20, 2024

LCHS at 6:00 PM

Official Minutes

The Lawrence County Board of Education held its regular meeting at Lawrence County High School in the library on February 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. The first order of business was to amend the agenda, which was approved.

In the student/staff presentations and recognitions, the LCHS teachers and students presented some of their exciting projects happening and the technology being used within their programs.  The JROTC program helped to begin the meeting with the Presentation of Colors.  The students displayed the American flag, while the audience recited the Pledge of Allegiance.  The JRTOC students also presented the Kentucky state flag, while Mrs. Johnson’s choir sang the selection My Old Kentucky Home.  Mrs. Johnson announced the Music in Our Schools performance is scheduled for March 21, 2023, at 10:00 AM.  Both groups of LCHS students displayed great talent. Mr. David Prince and his STLP team discussed their projects.  The group has been working on visiting Lawrence County historical sites and making QR codes, which highlight the history of each location in detail.  Next, the BioMed students, Kylie Mills, and Hannan Delong presented the Anatomage table to the LC Board members and audience.  They discussed how this supercomputer displays various cadavers, along with many selections of animal anatomy.  The computer allows students to view the various layers of the cardiovascular, muscle, and other various body systems.  Mr. Bradshaw’s senior carpentry students discussed with board members about several of their most current projects.  Mr. Bradshaw explained that students use actual math concepts in their classes.  Students used applications such as rise/run, etc., and applied them to real-world construction problems.  Some of the projects the class has completed include the installation of the new flagpole and doghouse at the football field.  They also worked in collaboration with the engineering class and heavy equipment to complete the JROTC obstacle course. Carpentry students receive their OSHA 10 cards and can work toward more carpentry certifications.  The agriculture and FFA students also presented at the board meeting.  Some of the projects the students have completed include providing 50 chickens for the Farm-to-Table dinner.  The students also worked as servers at the event.  They have learned to operate and grow lettuce in their new hydroponic system, which was on display.  The students are constantly competing in regional and state competitions.  Each of the groups did a fantastic job in presenting for their programs.

In communications, Dr. Fletcher gave the Superintendent’s update.

• HB6, with amendments, provides $4368 per pupil and 80% transportation funding for FY25 and $4455 with 100% transportation funding for FY26.
• The LC Board previously approved the funding for classified positions. The plan will be to maximize the additional funding for certified raises.  An estimated 1% raise in CERTIFIED salaries costs approximately $120,000.  Currently, LC Schools rank #140 in teacher salaries. There are also high hopes the KY legislature may provide funding for raises.
• The Local Superintendents Advisory Council (LSAC) met with the Senate Education Committee on January 29, 2024. Fletcher currently serves as the chair of LSAC. The primary focus included conversations on funding needs.
• The United States Department of Education (USDOE) recently published a compilation of the 10 Advisory Committee reports. Dr. Fletcher was the chair of the Appalachian Reginal Advisory Committee, representing KY, TN, WV, and VA. Issues included teacher retention, and family engagement, along with other pertinent issues.
• Webb and Mrs. Brady, along with the LCHS staff continue to find ways to increase apprenticeship opportunities for our students through the TRACK program. Some of the programs include the new educational program, aviation, a new computer science pilot program, and the Dataseam program.
• The 58^th District Basketball Tournament will begin for the LCHS girls’ team on Monday, February 26, 2024, at 6:00 PM. The LCHS boys’ team will play on Tuesday, Feb 27, 2024, at 6:00 PM.  Both games are against Prestonsburg.  All LC students will have fee admittance into the games!
• Fletcher continues to serve on the Board of Directors for the KY Rural Education Committee. The groups discussed the need for heavy-duty buses in rural communities.
• The KY Center for School Safety’s representative, Dan Orman, is scheduled to attend the next LC Board meeting to share the positive points they discovered through the safety audit of LCHS and LMS.
• In academic team news, LMS had their quick recall team, along with several individuals, who will compete at the Governor’s Cup State competition. BES’s Future Problem-Solving team will also be competing.  There is also one student from LCHS and two students competing from FES.

There were no public comments.

In student learning and support services, the board approved the minutes of the January 20, 2024, Special Meeting in Lieu of the January Regular Meeting, and the minutes of the January 30, 2024, Special Meeting & Draft Budget Work Session.  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 for January was $6,420,930.  Total revenue for January was $2,656,479.  Expenditures for the month totaled $2,784,017. Fund 1 cash balance for the month of January was $2,291,843.  The Ending Balance of all funds for January was $6,229,543.  The balance sheets reflect the balance for each fund as of January 31^st.  Expenditures exceeded the revenues due to bond payments.

In the Consent Agenda, there are many items requested.  The first items included the Arbiter Sports/Arbiter Pay Unlimited-Officials 1-year subscription service and training from Feb 1 to Jan 30, 2025, in the amount of $1,390.   There were several motivational assemblies contracted for the FRYSC centers for LWES and LEES. There were several contracts, MOUs, and out-of-state school-related trips.  Ms. Moore-Frame, the FES Library media Specialist received permission to apply for the Steele-Reese Grant of $30,000.

In construction/building and grounds projects/updates the invoice for professional services by RossTarant Architects for the LCHS LAVEC Phase 1 of the new Carpentry & Greenhouse for $3,902.60 was approved.  The Codell Construction Pay Estimate 3 for $472,662.07 was also approved toward the work on the LCHS Vocational Education Center.

In the Louisa Middle School Roof Replacement Project, the invoice for professional services by RossTarrant Architects for $24,650 was approved. This project will be a complete roof replacement project and is estimated to be finished in late September 2024.  The construction documents for the LMS roof replacement project were considered and approved. The SPIN invoice to LE Gregg Associates for the LCHS Softball fieldhouse invoice was approved for $385.

In building/grounds maintenance and upgrades, the board approved to update for repairs for the Wastewater Treatment Plants for BES and FES.  The board also approved to accept bids for the plant repairs at BES and FES.

In other action, there was a discussion regarding the LC District Calendar.  Dr. Fletcher recommended Option #1 for the 2024-2025 school year.  A survey was sent out to families and staff to determine and calculate their preferences on the issue.  The highest percentage selected Option #1, which would place the opening day for students on August 14, 2024.  The beginning day for students has not yet been finalized by the board for the 2024-2025 school year. The topic was only open for discussion during the meeting.

The LC Board approved an update to the name change of the district’s Portrait of a Graduate to Lawrence County Schools Portrait of a Learner.  The presenters felt this name unified all LC students.  This name also focuses on elementary, middle, and high school student readiness and accountability. Not only do our students need to be proficient at their grade level, but also provide other benchmarks, such as placing a high importance on serving others and fostering relationships.

There was no new business to discuss.

The board approved the abolishment, creation, and changes regarding positions.  They also approved the acknowledgment of receipt of the Superintendent’s Personnel Action/Update.  The position of a Music Interventionist for LCHS, LMS, and BES was discussed between the members.

The LC Regular Board meeting was adjourned.

The next Regular School Board Meeting will be held on March 18, 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.