LOUISA, Ky. — A special meeting of the Lawrence County Board of Education was held at Lawrence County High School in the library on January 31, 2023, at 6:00 PM. Board members Jim See (Chairman), Maddlene Roberts (Vice Chair), Garnett Skaggs, and Barbara Robinson were all present in person.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jim See. The first order of business was to appoint an individual to fill the unexpired term for the board member vacancy for District #4. The position was vacated on December 31, 2022, with the resignation of D. Heath Preston. A motion to appoint Mrs. Susie Rice was granted by Barbara Robinson and seconded by Maddlene Roberts. The motion passed unanimously and Mrs. Rice was sworn in as the LC District #4 Board Member.
In the Superintendent Communication portion of the meeting, Dr. Fletcher presented information on several meetings and speaking engagements. Dr. Fletcher spoke at a press conference in the Capitol Rotunda on behalf of the Coalition to Sustain the Education Profession. The topics included teacher pay and recommendations put forth by the Coalition. Dr. Fletcher attended a Teams Meeting with Senate Leadership to discuss the priorities of this legislative session. Issues discussed included teacher pay, working conditions, and the issue of teacher shortages. Dr.
Fletcher also serves as chair of the Local Superintendent Advisory Council, with ten other superintendents to discuss recommendations to the Commissioner and the KY Board of Education on proposed regulations. The latest regulation proposed adding college and career readiness indicators through internships and apprenticeships.
In student learning and support services, the Board approved the claims and orders of the treasurer. The Board also approved the consent agenda items. Some of these items included an annual price adjustment of an additional $9.82 to bring the total to
$206.26 for the DC Elevator. The LCHS Tennis Team requested permission for a sporting event and out-of-state trip to Pigeon Forge, TN during spring break for the dates April 2 through April 5, 2023. There was a use of facilities request by the Lawrence County Youth Soccer for FES, LEES, and LCHS gyms and the LCHS soccer field.
In construction-related action, Mr. Paul Christy, DFP facilitator, was present at the board meeting to discuss the District Facility Plan (DFP) from the Local Planning Committee (LPC). In this plan, the construction of a new Louisa West Elementary School has been proposed. The estimated renovation of this school exceeds 80% of the amount it will cost to build a new school structure. So, KDE will not allow major renovations due to this rule. Therefore, the plan lists Louisa West Elementary School as a top priority. Fallsburg Elementary School and Blaine Elementary may receive renovations to their gymnasiums, and new cafeterias may be constructed for the
schools. There would be a reorganization of the grades throughout the schools if a new Louisa West Elementary is constructed. Louisa West may become a preschool through second grade. Louisa East Elementary may become a third through sixth grade. Fallsburg and Blaine Elementary Schools may become a preschool through sixth grade. Louisa Middle School will then be renamed Lawrence County Middle School with all 7th and 8th-grade students in the county attending. The Louisa Middle School also needs roof renovations or a full roof replacement. The Lawrence County High School will remain with ninth through twelfth grades. There are plans to add vestibules to those schools that presently do not have them at their entrances for added safety measures.
In the discussion of the Vocational Education Center (LAVEC) renovation and expansion, the board concluded the grant money of 8.6 million dollars could draw
$28,000- $29,000 in interest per month if they invested the money. The Codell construction company’s earliest expected start date would be September 2023, allowing for at least seven months of investment time. At the current rate, an invested
8.6 million may provide approximately an additional $200,000 that could be used toward the greenhouse construction project. The LC Board is looking for ways to increase the grant money because the building materials and labor costs have significantly increased since the money was presented to LC Schools for the project.
The 2023- 2024 Draft Budget Work Session was discussed by Dr. Fletcher and by Finance Officer, Ms. Brandi Peters. Dr. Fletcher discussed Lawrence County Schools being fiscally responsible. Currently, this year the state provided full funding for kindergarten classes. However, there has not been a statute added, stating this will be the case for the upcoming year. In the past, the state has only provided fifty percent of funding for the program. If the state does not fully fund the program, then the LC Schools will have to budget for the remaining half-day of kindergarten. Also, transportation is another area in the budget not fully funded by the state. Dr. Fletcher commended the LC Board for covering the gas-related expenses for school groups’ regularly scheduled activities, athletic uniform rotations, and academic team shirts.
The Board also commended Ms. Kyla Farley for the excellent management of finances in the food service department.
Ms. Peters discussed the 2023-2024 proposed draft budget. There was a discussion of Safety Resource Officers (SRO) being hired within the district. There is $140,000 reserved for these positions. The SRO officers must be hired through the local police department. The proposed budget has a breakdown with three buses at $170,000, and a construction savings fund of $125,000. There is currently a contingency fund of 3.8% when the state only requires 2%. This allows a greater safety net for the school district. The breakdown of the proposed budget for LC Schools breaks down to 73% for salaries and a 7% increase in the allowance for water and gas. The County
Employee Retirement System (CERS) has also decreased to 23.34%, which is a decrease of 3.45%. There will be more substantial numbers once the legislative sessions begin and they disclose their intentions for program funding in the school districts.
In other action, there was a motion made to approve a Shortened School Day Waiver Request for two students due to extenuating circumstances. Both motions were seconded and approved.
The meeting entered Executive Session for the purpose of a Student Discipline/Expulsion Hearing. Once the meeting returned to an Open Session, there was no new Personnel or Superintendent’s Personnel Action/Updates. The meeting was adjourned.
The next Regular School Board Meeting will be held Tuesday, February 21, 2023, 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 & meetings may be found on the current Lawrence County District webpage at www.lawrence.k12.ky.us.
I completely disagree moving all 7th & 8th to the Louisa middle school. It is a huge mistake. Making for larger class rooms, more exposure to troubled kids, and I am sure will become another reason to spend d money to expand the current middle school. Leave Blaine and fallsburg alone.
It would n’t be Lawrence County if somebody didn’t disagree!
Go to board meetings and raise hell. Bring all the hellraisers you can find.