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Test scores, energy concerns, lunch charges among topics discussed at Board of Education meeting

The Butler County Board of Education met in regular session on Tuesday, November 11, at Butler County Middle School.  Chairperson Karen Evans called the meeting to order and the Board got down to business.  After approving the minutes from the previous meeting, Eric Elms gave the treasurer’s report:
Beginning Balance: $1,500,258.25
Expenses:  $1,542,865.90
Receipts:  $1,510,859.20
Ending Balance: $1,468,251.55
The board was entertained by the Butler County High School students qualifying for All-State Choir.  The choir was directed by Travis Lowe. Each of the students was then presented with certificates from the Board:


Jacob Clark

Trevor Howlett

Bailey Hunt

Hannah McKinney

Issac Pendley

Hannah Renfrow

Wyatt Southerland

  Sean Whittinghill


Butler County Middle School Librarian Latisha Cardwell and teacher Pam Fazel were recognized by the Board for receiving a grant from the Kentucky School Library Association.  Cardwell and Fazel gave a presentation of their work developing Virtual Books with sixth grade students. 
Lanny White of Carr, Riggs and Ingram, CPAs, presented the 2014 Butler County Schools Audit Report to the Board. 
“The district is in good shape, there were no findings, you have good internal control,” said White during his presentation.
White did caution the Board about new policies concerning retirement benefits for classifieds employees and a trend of a 5 to 6 percent decline in participation in the school lunch program.
Next, Jimmy Arnold presented the quarterly Energy Report for the district. 
“Currently, we have saved $55,615 this fiscal year, savings since 2010 is $399,105,” said Arnold.  The two schools causing energy problems are BCMS and MES. They are using too much gas. BCMS needs a new chiller to work efficiently, but right now we can’t afford to put a new one in.”   
Arnold also reported on the technology upgrades for the district. 
“We have upgraded all the computers in the libraries and the teachers’ computers at MES,” said Arnold.  The other schools will be upgraded nest.” 

Food Service Director Kaitlin Harrison reported to the Board concerning the $78K owed by students and staff for food charges.  She presented the Board with correspondence from five districts relating to their policy on charges. Grayson, Ohio, Logan, and Edmonson County all had different policies from no charges to the threat of legal action.
“We have had some people come in and pay their bill since the last board meeting. Some have filled out the paperwork and have qualified for free or reduced meals,” said Harrison. 
The Board took no action but talked about not allowing students to walk the line at 5th and 8th promotion, as well as high school graduation if money was owed. Supt. Howard asked to Board to be prepared to voted on polices for collecting the outstanding money at its December meeting.

Supt. Howard asked the board to approve the repair or replacement of the PA system at Butler County High School Gym. The microphone did not work properly during the Veterans’ Program and Howard received several complaints. 

The board approved the following:
•    Repair and /or replace the PA System at the BCHS Gym
•    FY 14 Butler County Schools Audit Report from Carr, Riggs and Ingram CPAs
•    BCHS Senior Beta Club Trip Request to Attend Senior Convention in Louisville, Kentucky on January 25th – 27th, 201
•    BCHS FFA Trip Request to Attend the State Horse Judging, Horsemanship, and Veterinary Science Career Development Events at Murray State University on November 18th-19th, 2015
•    Request for Shortened School Day for One (1) Butler County Middle School Special Needs Student
•    Requests for Shortened School Day for Two (2) Morgantown Elementary School Special Needs Students
•    FY 15 School Facilities Construction KETS First Offer of Assistance in the Amount of $17,736
•    Fund 2 Projects 348A, 350A, and 401A Budget Revisions

Butler County High School Principal Patrick O’Driscoll reported to the Board on the KPrep scores.  Butler County High ranked 193 out of 228 schools and is classified as a Needs Improvement and Focus School.  Last year the school’s score was 60.9 and this year it improved to 64.8.
Achievement Points
                                    2012         2013                   2014
Reading                         45.2            56.5                   53.7
Math                               68.3           61.4                  76.7
Science                           55.7          50.8                   49.3
Social Studies                  44.9          58.8                    62.1
Writing                            60.4          63.8                    52.9
Language Mechanics         64.4          66.0                    56.7

O’Driscoll discussed the strategies to improve the scores and dropout prevention programs to help students graduate.

Butler County Middle School Principal Robert Tuck reported on the K-Prep Scores. "We are very proud of our students as they continue to improve," said Tuck
                                     2012         2013            2014
Reading                         55.7           67.1             66.3
Math                              50.7          57.7             58.5
Science                         75.8           88.0             78.1
Social Studies                56.3           77.2             86.8
Writing                           51.8          61.4             63.0
Language Mechanics       53.7            51.3            52.4
 
Tuck addressed concerns with gap scores and his plan to improve scores at Butler County Middle school.

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