Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Board of Education met in regular session on Tuesday, March 13th at 6:30 p.m. in the Butler County Education Complex.  Members of the Board who were present were Amy Hood, Delbert Johnson, Debbie Hammers, Ryan Daugherty, and Superintendent Scott Howard.

Board Chairperson Amy Hood called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

The board approved the minutes from the February 13, 2018 meeting.

Chief Financial Officer Eric Elms discussed the month treasurer’s report and bills paid.  Mr. Elms also compared the March 2018 budget to the March 2017 budget.  The board approved the treasurer’s report.

The board recognized the following groups and schools for various achievements:

-BCHS FBLA – Region Gold Chapter – Local Leadership Challenges- Thomas Miller

-Butler County School District Certificates of Accreditation

-Butler County High School Certificates of Accreditation

-Butler County Middle School Certificates of Accreditation

-Morgantown Elementary School Certificates of Accreditation

-North Butler Elementary School Certificates of Accreditation

“I am proud of all the schools and their hard work.  I want to thank Mr. Tuck for his efforts in working with the district and all the schools for receiving their accreditation,” said Supt. Howard. 

The Butler County School District was last awarded certificates of accreditation in 2013.

Supt. Howard informed that board that the major topic of discussion was school safety.  Howard also stated that counties neighboring counties will be attending a workshop at GRECC over the summer to discuss school safety.  He will be asking a team of representatives from the Butler County School District to attend to gather information and report to the district.

Supt. Howard informed the board that the school safety forum was a wonderful opportunity to receive feedback from the community and answer questions about specific drills and procedures conducted within each school.

“This is something we want to implement quarterly so that we can give the parents the platform to ask questions and present us with ideas.  Not only about safety but with instruction and curriculum as well,” stated Howard.

Supt. Howard informed the board that he had the opportunity to visit all three schools during their most recent lockdown drills.  All of these schools conducted the drill during high transition times, and when students were not just in the classroom.

“I want to thank the schools for inviting me and law enforcement into the buildings to view this procedure. I believe this is something we will continue and want to encourage all schools to notify parents when drills are completed.  This will help parents be informed and get a better understanding from the child if they know what to do in case of the event,” said Howard.   

Teacher Jimmy Felty from North Butler Elementary School presented to the board how he uses Google classroom to help close academic gaps, raise achievement, and differentiate instruction.  Mr. Felty also stated that the “Flipped Classroom" is a great way to keep parents involved with grades and progress on a daily basis,” said Felty.

Under the consent agenda the board approved several items, which included athletic overnight trips, school function trips, adult education grant, and funds for project prom.  More specifically, the board was given a recommended option by Supt. Howard and Assistant Superintendent Robert Tuck to move the last day for students to May 30th, closing day for staff to May 31st, and the BCHS High School Graduation to June 1st.  The board approved FY18 School Year Calendar make-up plan.