Lawrence County Board of Education
Regular Meeting
LCHS Library
May 15, 2023, at 6:00 PM
The Lawrence County Board of Education meeting was held at Lawrence County High School library on May 15, 2023, at 6:00 PM. Board members Jim See, (Chairman), Barbara Robinson, Garnett Skaggs, and Susie Rice were all present in person. Maddlene Roberts (Vice-Chair), was not present at the meeting.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Jim See. Due to her attendance at a funeral, a motion was made to excuse Maddlene Roberts from the LC Regular Board meeting. The motion was made by Garnett Skaggs and seconded by Barbara Robinson. The motion passed. The next order of business was an adoption of the agenda, which was passed. There were no student or staff presentations or recognitions during the meeting.
In communication, Dr. Fletcher gave the Superintendent’s update. The LCHS Graduation Ceremony is to be held on May 19, 2023, at 7:00 PM. The First State Bank continued the tradition of a luncheon for the Junior Top of the Class students. This tradition has been held for decades for students. There are discussions about the bank internship, student interests, and where students plan to attend college. The LCHS Senior Awards/Scholarship Night will be held on Tue, May 16, 2023, at 6:00 PM. The LCHS Graduates Walk Through the Schools will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2023. LCHS is hosting the 15th Region Tennis Tournament this week. Also, the 58th Baseball and Softball District Tournaments begin May 15th and Regional Track and Field begins May 16th at Magoffin County.
Dr. Fletcher has been nominated to represent KY, TN, VA, and WV as a representative to the US Department of Education Regional Advisory Council. Dr. Fletcher explained there are 10 different advisory councils across the nation. Dr. Fletcher expressed his gratitude for being nominated.
Dr. Fletcher has also been working with other superintendents in providing recommendations to the Local Superintendent Advisory Council concerning the state accountability mode. He is the Chair of this statewide committee. The growth model may change from individual scoring to total group scoring. On May 30, 2023, the council’s recommendations will be discussed with the KY Department of Education.
Dr. Fletcher discussed the possibility of salary schedules for classified and certified employees. This upcoming year there will be a change in funding through the state for the county. However, the LC Board will review the possibility of a pay increase for the following year. They may form a committee to see if it would be feasible for the county’s budget for the following year.
In public comments, several parents discussed bullying issues with the LC Board. Several of the issues have previously been discussed with LC Superintendent, Dr. Fletcher. However, he explained if other issues have happened since their original discussions, the new issues would be investigated. After further comments, Dr. Fletcher also discussed forming a committee to focus on the bullying policy. He invited the parents that had discussed issues to be a part of the process.
In student learning and support services, the LC Board approved the minutes of April 17, 2023, Regular Meeting and the May 8, 2023, Special Meeting.
The LC Board approved the Monthly Financial Report by Finance Officer, Brandi Peters. In the April bank reconciliation report, the beginning balance was $6,038,032. The total revenue was $3,076,713. The expenditure was $2,216,783. The Fund 1 Cash Balance was $2,651,560. The ending balance was $6,905,545.
The date was set for the 2023-2024 Tentative Budget Work Session, for Tue, May 30, 2023, at 6:00 PM at LCHS.
The Consent Agenda items were approved. The annual eStub subscription with PSST from April 15, 2023-April 14, 2024, for a total of $3,316. A contract with Assignment of Personnel, James Ellis, with KEDC for Instructor/Community Education Director from July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024, for a total of $18,000. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Mountain Comprehensive Care Center (MCCC) and LC Schools from August of 2023 to July of 2024.
In construction/building and grounds projects/updates the metal was delivered today for the LC Softball Facility building. It had been delayed due to a paint shortage and had to be sent to CA to be painted. There was a discussion about having inspections completed on the LMS roof this summer. The LC Board approved a Pay Application #5 to CPR Construction for $23,040 for work performed on the LCHS Softball Fieldhouse/Upgrades project.
In other action, there was a discussion of the review process following the validation/certification of a petition in the recallable nickel tax process. The petition was turned in to the LC County Clerk’s Office on April 28, 2023. The office has 30 days to verify the document. The petition can be challenged within 10 days after certification has been completed to file a challenge. The LC Board will have 15 days from the day the petition is certified to decide if they want to hold a special election that would cost $30,000-$40,000 on the nickel tax. The statute delegates a decision must be submitted not less than 35 days or more than 45 days to send it to the clerk. It could also be added to the general election in the fall. The LC Board decided to table the motion to consider/approve a special election for the addition of a double-nickel tax to improve school facilities/transportation until the next meeting.
The LC Board approved the allocation of $7,500 for the purchase of risers and choir dress apparel for public performances. This would allow the LC Choir to have more performances and be involved in more competitions. Ms. Johnson is very passionate about the program. She would like to expand the program and bring it back to its former glory and beyond. They also approved a $10,000 yearly budget for band instruments, equipment, training, memberships, etc. The LC Board also approved a one-time allocation of $50,000 of ARP ESSER funds for the purchase of band instruments/equipment (pending approval by the KY Department of Education).
The LC Board approved the 2023-2024 LC District and Schools Professional Development Plans. This training is at the district level, where the topics have been reviewed by Dr. Fletcher. These training topics are based on feedback from teachers from within the district. A survey is sent out each year on the current professional needs.
The motion was approved to send Ms. Cindy Queen, a Teacher of the Visually Impaired, to attend the Getting in Touch with Literacy Conference to present “Creating Multisensory Literacy Experiences for All Children.” This will be located at the Tradewinds Island Resort, St. Pete Beach, FL from Nov 28, 2023-Dec 1, 2023. This will include airfare provided by KY School for the Blind (KSB) Charitable Foundation.
The LC Board approved the 2023-2024 National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Intent to Participate, Procurement Certification, and NSLP Indirect Cost Agreement. This agreement allows all students to eat free if LC Schools abide by federal guidelines.
The LC Board approved the recess of the Regular Board Meeting to convene the LC School District Finance Corporation. Once this meeting was adjourned, the LC Board re-convened to the Regular Board Meeting. They approved the LC School District Finance Corporation Annual Report and filing fee of $15.00.
The LC Board approved the personnel abolishment, creation, and changes regarding positions. They also approved the 2022-2023 LC Schools pay scales/salary schedules from previous board action. The motion was approved to appoint Scott Osborn and Pam Puryear as Certified Evaluation Appeal Panel Members and Lisa Withers as a Certified Evaluation Appeal Panel Alternate Member, for a two-year term effective July 1, 2023-June 30, 2025. The LC Board also approved hiring up to 100 emergency substitutes for the 2023-2024 school year. They also approved the 2023-2024 LC Schools Payroll Calendar, which includes the Athletic Extra Duty Payroll Calendar. The LC Board approved the acknowledgment of receipt of the Superintendent’s Personnel Action/Update. A motion was made by Susie Rice to adjourn the meeting, and Garnett Skaggs seconded the motion. The motion passed and the meeting was adjourned.
All residents are always invited to attend the Lawrence County Board Meetings to become aware of the issues affecting our students and schools. The next meeting will be a Special LC Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the LCHS library. The next Regular LC Board of Education Meeting will be held on Monday, June 19, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the LCHS library. 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.
Lawrence County School District Finance Corporation Regular Meeting
May 23, 2023
The meeting of the Regular Lawrence County School District Finance Corporation was called to order by Chairman, Mr. See. In the first order of business, the minutes of December 19, 2022, LCS District Finance Corporation Special Meeting were approved.
Next, the officers and treasurer were approved. They are as follows:
Registered Agent: Dr. Robbie Fletcher, Superintendent
President: James See
Vice-president: Maddlene Roberts
Treasurer: Brandi J. Peters
Secretary: Betty Mullins
Other Directors: Barbara Robinson, Garnett Skaggs, Leneda Susan Rice
The 2023 LC School District Finance Corporation Annual Report and filing fee of $15.00 were approved.
The meeting was adjourned. The Regular LC Board of Education meeting reconvened.