October 17, 2017
Fletcher warns of possible cuts for retirees, other employees; Explains compensating tax rate…
Board approves Zip Zone Classic for another year
LOUISA – October is a month of changing leaves, changing weather, and in education, changing data. In that vein, Dr. Robbie Fletcher, Superintendent of Lawrence County Schools, opened the meeting for October by recognizing teachers across the district whose students had made the greatest gains and obtained the highest average scores in MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) testing during the 2016-2017 school year.
Teachers recognized were: Drew Pack, Stephanie McCoy, Courtney Kingsmore, Chelsee Short, Sidney Alcorn, Lee Ann Cyrus, Melissa Dotson, Lisa Robinette, Sharon Fields, Benji Adkins, Angela Chaffin, and Larisa Skaggs.
The Board also recognized and congratulated Mrs. Kristy Sammons for being hired as the new assistant principal for Louisa Middle School.
In the communication segment of the agenda, Dr. Fletcher and Chairman Heath Preston talked about their interactions with legislators regarding the status of the work on retirement systems for certified and classified personnel. Fletcher indicated that reports are that currently retired educators will likely see an increase in their health insurance costs and possibly a suspension of the cost of living increases afforded them as part of their retirement.
Also, Fletcher stated that there are several changes that could occur for current and future employees and that an official framework should be released this week. Preston encouraged all audience members to contact members of the legislature to request they address the issue for past, current, and future educators.
Dr. Fletcher updated the Board on the status of Lawrence County student participation in the anti-bullying pledge. Last school year, Lawrence County students were among the state leaders in participation in this pledge to treat fellow students and citizens with respect.
Fletcher then updated on the progress of volleyball, soccer, football, academic, and golf teams at the high school level. Hunter Goble competed in the state golf championship, volleyball is in their post-season tournament, the Soccer Dawgs of Lawrence County’s girls’ soccer program won another district title and are in the region tournament, the academic team has had some early season success, and football has an opportunity to host a playoff game if they win in the season finale on Friday.
Dr. Fletcher updated attendees on the progress of development of the drug abuse prevention curriculum and an opportunity for members to attend the KSBA Winter Symposium for Board Members.
In public comment, questions concerning tax rates were raised.
Dr. Fletcher and Chairman Preston pointed out that the Board voted for the compensating rate, not the 4% tax increase in addition to the compensating rate. Fletcher also stated that the compensating rate is the one that the state would assume for property owners if the Board had taken no action on tax rates.
LCHS Guidance Counselor and middle school soccer coach Scott Johnson then took the floor to point out the large amount of community support (many students and parents were in attendance) to begin a soccer program for boys at the high school level. Johnson noted that the middle school soccer team had a 10-1-1 record this season and youth soccer had existed for many years and the time seemed right to bring it into existence as a new team sport.
Fletcher said there would be “hoops that have to be jumped through” in order to enact the establishment of a boys’ soccer program.
Later, Chairman Preston moved the agenda forward in the interest of accommodating parents and kids, to have the official discussion of the establishment of the soccer team begun. He turned it over to Dr. Fletcher, who informed the audience that he had already been in consultation with neighboring school districts that had done this in the past and would be an issue of doing while at the same time not unbalancing issues related to Title IX implementation, which guarantees that opportunities for males and females to participate in educational opportunities at an equitable level.
Fletcher made it clear that while it would be a matter of overcoming some obstacles and that there would be a necessity for a formal survey that indicated sufficient student interest in the sport, those were hurdles he was confident would be overcome fairly quickly.
The Board heard the annual financial audit report from Mr. Darrell Blair of Wells & Company, P.S.C. and received clarifications of some matters within the report and voted to accept it. In closing, Mr. Blair stated that he continues to see improvements in the financial practices of the schools.
Dr. Cassandra Webb and building principals Debbie Delong, Shawn Jennings, Sara Bowen, Anna Prince, Joe Cecil, and Christy Moore presented data on MAP and other assessments from the first of the school year. Items approved included the agreement with Sheldon Clark High School to host the Zip Zone Classic in November at LCHS and the annual LMS 8th Grade Field Trip to Pigeon Forge, TN.
Superintendent’s Personnel Action/Update
October 16, 2017
Hiring: Substitute Teachers
Samatha Penix
Amber Burton
Angela Huff
Resignation
Denise Sanchez – Cook/Baker at Fallsburg Elementary School
Superintendent’s Personnel Action/Update
September 28, 2017
Hiring
Peggy Fisher – FMD Teacher at Lawrence County High School
Bobbie Sue Rice – School Health Nurse / Special Needs Nurse at Blaine Elementary School
Nicole Rickman – School Health Nurse / Special Needs Nurse at Fallsburg Elementary School
Luanna Kehler – School Health Nurse / Special Needs Nurse at Louisa West Elementary School
Change of Position
Kristy Sammons – From Teacher at Louisa West Elementary School to Assistant Principal at Louisa Middle School
