School Board OKs trips,early graduation, and new teaching position

Mon, 06/15/2015 - 8:11am — Diane Dyer

The Butler County Board of Education met in a regular session on Tuesday, June 9, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the approval of various student events, special graduation for two students, and the addition of a teaching position at the learning center, among several other issues.
Under Student Support Services, there was a motion made to approve graduation for two students at the Green River School. They would be graduating in less than four years, having received all of their credits.
Concerns were addressed regarding students who have received all of their credits and turn 18 before their four years of high school are completed. Students in this category could move on, join the work force, and not return to receive their diplomas. Allowing these students to receive diplomas when they have completed the requirements of their curriculum could prevent this type of issue.

Superintendent Howard mentioned there was also need to “beef up” the Alternative Learning Center, starting with the motion to create an additional teaching position at the center: “We want students exposed to all [avenues of learning] that we offer at the high school," said Howard. " We haven’t posted that position or anything yet. If [the board] approves that position, we’ll move forward to the next step of trying to get it filled.” The motion was approved.
The treasurer’s report was read, which stated the balance was “$40,000 above this time last year. “
“We recognized a lot of FCCLA students at the May meeting. Every year they have competed at state and done very well at the state level, and we have kids this year going to Washington D.C. to compete at the national level," said Howard.
Superintendent Howard commented that he would be attending GRREC, which will feature the recognition of retirees Vonda Jennings and Ken Reed.
Howard also brought up the Boy’s and Girl’s Club Board of Directors Meeting, and announced that the club will continue to receive their funding.

“My main priority in that is, like I’ve told the board, to start a charter Boy’s and Girl’s Club at North Butler. We’ve been transporting kids from North Butler over here, and if we can get a charter there I think the amount of kids it will serve will be doubled. We’re bringing about 25… they are liable to have 50 it’s easier for parents to pick them up [there]. I’m excited about that [and] hopefully it will be ready to go by August,” said Howard.
Superintendent Howard went on to mention he would be attending the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents Summer Conference as well. 173 superintendents will be attending, and discussing candidates for commissioner.

“We really think it’s important to hire a KY person…” stated Howard, who also mentioned experience as a superintendent would be a plus. He commented that to hire out of state would make “a huge learning curve, and a pretty rough transition…. At least we will get to voice our opinion, that’s what we’ll get to do…. I was appointed to the GRREC Superintendent Advisory Council… there’s three of us: Mr. Lewis of Ohio County, Mr. Salem of Davis County [and I]. We’ll get to travel a few times… to meet with the commissioner face to face and be a voice for this area… I’m excited about that, and I think it [will be an opportunity to] open some new doors for Butler County.”
The board approved the following: