Berea Independent
May 18, 2026 7:00 PM
BEREA INDEPENDENT BOARD OF EDUCATION
I. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
II. RECOGNITION
II.A. Student Recognition-Million Cans Challenge
Rationale

Our school placed 2nd in Kentucky in our school size division, and through our recycling efforts we have raised over $1,100 for our school that should arrive over the summer! We will receive $780 for the cans we collected, along with an additional $400 for our 2nd place finish. 
 
From October 1 through April 30, our students recycled an incredible 45,500 cans (1,300 pounds)! This accomplishment wouldn't have been possible without the dedication and leadership of our recycling superheroes on the 3rd Grade Leadership Team-Ethan Combs, Haley King, Gavin Partin, Ariana Pugh, Edwin Royse, Eden Minter, Malakai Young, Eden Martin, Ivor Wheat, and Roy Isaacs.
They put in a tremendous amount of hard work, time, and effort throughout the entire challenge. From collecting and organizing cans to encouraging participation across the school, they truly took ownership of this project and made a meaningful impact. 
 

II.B. Anchor of Excellence (Staff Recognition)
Rationale

The Anchor of Excellence recognition honors Certified and Classified employees each month who exemplify dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to our students, colleagues, and school community.

This recognition is intended to celebrate the everyday excellence that keeps our district moving forward, including both highly visible contributions and the important work that often happens behind the scenes.

Certified Staff: Lori McCay and Aaron Stepp

Classified Staff: Marilyn Benton and Christine Knight

Retirees: Julie Guthrie, Wendy Satterthwaite, and Linda Williams

 

III. COMMUNICATION
III.A. Board Report
III.A.1. Superintendent Report
Rationale

See Board Policies 03.131-03.1313 "The Superintendent shall make all appointments, promotions, and transfers of certified personnel for positions authorized by the Board and, at the first meeting following the actions, shall notify the Board of same. Such notification shall be recorded in the Board minutes."

III.A.2. Financial Report
Attachments
III.A.3. Attendance and Enrollment
Attachments
III.B. School Reports
III.B.1. Elementary
Attachments
III.B.2. Middle School/High School
Attachments
III.C. Audience Comments
Rationale

Berea Independent Board of Education welcomes public comment during all regular meetings. Generally, School Board members do not respond to public comment during a meeting. The public comment period should not be viewed as an opportunity for questioning of board members or administrators, or for back-and-forth discussion or debate. It is an opportunity for members of the public to express their views regarding matters which are within the scope of the Board's decision-making authority.

IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Actions Taken

Motion Passed:  Approval of the agenda as written was passed with a motion by Ms. Sarah Rohrer and a second by Ms. Jenny Hobson.

Member Votes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Ms. Jenny Hobson Yes
Mr. Tom McCay Yes
Mr. J. Morgan Yes
Ms. Sarah Rohrer Yes
V. BUSINESS/CONSENT ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION
Actions Taken

Motion Passed:  Approval of the Business/Consent Items for Board Consideration passed with a motion by Ms. Jenny Hobson and a second by Ms. Sarah Rohrer.

Member Votes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Ms. Jenny Hobson Yes
Mr. Tom McCay No
Mr. J. Morgan Yes
Ms. Sarah Rohrer Yes
V.A. Minutes
Rationale

Approve the board meeting minutes from April 20, 2026 and April 28, 2026, requested by Ms. Knight, Secretary, and recommended by Dr. Neaves, Superintendent.

Attachments
V.B. Financial Reports
Rationale

Approve the financial reports of the Elementary, Middle School/High School, Food Service and General Fund, including the Orders of the Treasurer. Requested by Mr. Sweet, Director of Operations, and recommended by Dr. Neaves, Superintendent.

Attachments
V.C. Superintendent Travel Reimbursement
Rationale

Approve reimbursement to Dr. Neaves, Superintendent, for travel expenses, totaling $36.09 incurred during May, requested by Mr. Sweet, Director of Finance, and recommended by Mr. Morgan, Board Chair.

 

V.D. Football Training Camp
Rationale

Approve the overnight football training camp at Berea College on July 10-12. The Berea Football Boosters will cover the costs. The costs include rooms and meals, with an estimated total being $2,610. There is no cost for the Alumni fields or any of the outdoor spaces. Requested by BCHS Football Coach, Mr. Atkins, and recommended by Superintendent, Dr. Neaves.

V.E. Procedure 09.36 AP. 2-School-Related Student Trip Transportation Agreement
Rationale

Approve Procedure 09.36 AP. 2, requested and recommended by Dr. Neaves, Superintendent.

Attachments
V.F. Elementary Section 7 Allocation Request
Rationale

Approve to amend the Section 7 allocations provided to the elementary school as shown:

Certified Staff: 

1 Principal 

1 Guidance Counselor 

.3 Librarian/Media Specialist 

.3 Assistant Principal 

.3 GT Coordinator

1 Certified Physical Education Teacher

1 Certified Music Teacher

Requested by Elementary SBDM Council and recommended by Dr. Neaves, Superintendent.

V.G. Procedure 03.121 AP.23-Certification of Time
Rationale

Approve revised Procedure 03.121 AP.23, requested and recommended by Dr. Neaves, Superintendent.

Attachments
VI. BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION
VI.A. Renewal Agreement with Kentucky Educational Development Cooperation (KEDC)
Rationale

Approve renewal of agreement with Kentucky Educational Development Corporation (KEDC) for the 2026-2027 school year. Approval of this agreement entitles us to the following: Networking and professional development opportunities; communication/marketing blitzes; advice and limited legal services; advice and information services; instructional support services; grant opportunities; PurchasePros membership; salary surveys and ranking reports; and minority recruitment advertising. The cost for the 2026-2027 school year is $3,328.42. Requested and recommended by Dr. Neaves, Superintendent.

 

Attachments
Actions Taken

Motion Passed:  Approve renewal of agreement with Kentucky Educational Development Corporation (KEDC) for the 2026-2027 school year passed with a motion by Ms. Sarah Rohrer and a second by Ms. Jenny Hobson.

Member Votes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Ms. Jenny Hobson Yes
Mr. Tom McCay No
Mr. J. Morgan Yes
Ms. Sarah Rohrer Yes
VI.B. Renewal of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) JAG Program - High School
Rationale

Approve the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program for the High School for the 2026-2027 school year. Requested and recommended by Dr. Neaves, Superintendent.

Attachments
Actions Taken

Motion Passed:  Approve the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program for the High School for the 2026-2027 school year passed with a motion by Mr. Tom McCay and a second by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside.

Member Votes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Ms. Jenny Hobson Yes
Mr. Tom McCay Yes
Mr. J. Morgan Yes
Ms. Sarah Rohrer Yes
VI.C. Tentative Budget 2026-2027 School Year
Rationale

Per KRS 160.470, a Tentative Budget has been developed for board review and approval by May 31, 2026.  The Tentative Budget is a “best-estimate” of revenue and expenditures.  Requested for approval by Mr. Nathan Sweet, District Finance Officer, and recommended by Dr. Neaves, Superintendent.

 

Attachments
Actions Taken

Motion Passed:  Approve the 2026-2027 Tentative Budget passed with a motion by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside and a second by Ms. Jenny Hobson.

Member Votes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Ms. Jenny Hobson Yes
Mr. Tom McCay Yes
Mr. J. Morgan Yes
Ms. Sarah Rohrer Yes
VI.D. Capital Funds Request
Rationale

The General Assembly continues to allow flexibility in the use of school district capital funds without forfeiting the district’s eligibility to participate in the School Facilities Construction Commission (SFCC) program.  To exercise that flexibility, a district must submit a Capital Funds Request (CFR). The attached list of items for consideration will be subject to KDE approval of a request to transfer up to $158,000 from the district's capital outlay fund to the general fund. Requested by Mr. Nathan Sweet, District Finance Officer, and recommended by Dr. Ryan Neaves, Superintendent.
 
 KRS 157.420(7)   
"Upon approval of the commissioner of education, these funds may be used for school plant maintenance, repair, insurance on buildings, replacement of equipment, purchase of school buses, and the purchase of modern technological equipment, including telecommunications hardware, televisions, computers, and other technological hardware to be utilized for educational purposes only."

 

 

Attachments
Actions Taken

Motion Passed:  Approve requesting any/all of the listed items for transfer via KDE's CFR procedure passed with a motion by Ms. Sarah Rohrer and a second by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside.

Member Votes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Ms. Jenny Hobson Yes
Mr. Tom McCay Yes
Mr. J. Morgan Yes
Ms. Sarah Rohrer Yes
VI.E. Salary Schedule 2026-2027 School Year
Rationale

Approve salary schedules for the 2026-2027 school year.  Requested by Mr. Nathan Sweet, District Finance Officer, and recommended by Dr. Neaves, Superintendent.

Attachments
Actions Taken

Motion Passed:  Approve salary schedules for the 2026-2027 school year passed with a motion by Ms. Jenny Hobson and a second by Mr. Tom McCay.

Member Votes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Ms. Jenny Hobson Yes
Mr. Tom McCay Yes
Mr. J. Morgan Yes
Ms. Sarah Rohrer Yes
VI.F. District Technology Plan for 2026-2027
Rationale

Approve the District Technology Plan for the 2026-2027 school year. Requested by Mr. Nolan Sweet, District Technology Director/Chief Information Officer, and recommended by Dr. Neaves, Superintendent.

Attachments
Actions Taken

Motion Passed:  Approve the District Technology Plan for the 2026-2027 school year passed with a motion by Ms. Jenny Hobson and a second by Mr. Tom McCay.

Member Votes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Ms. Jenny Hobson Yes
Mr. Tom McCay Yes
Mr. J. Morgan Yes
Ms. Sarah Rohrer Yes
VI.G. Policy 04.3122-Internal Petty Cash
Rationale

Approve the first reading to rescind Policy 04.3122-Internal Petty Cash, requested by Mr. Nathan Sweet, District Finance Director, and recommended by Dr. Neaves, Superintendent.

Actions Taken

Motion Passed:  Approve first reading to rescind Policy 04.3122-Internal Petty Cash passed with a motion by Ms. Jenny Hobson and a second by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside.

Member Votes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Ms. Jenny Hobson Yes
Mr. Tom McCay Yes
Mr. J. Morgan Yes
Ms. Sarah Rohrer Yes
VI.H. Policy 03.1231-Personal Leave (Certified Personnel)
Rationale

Approve the first reading of the revised Policy 03.1231, requested by Mr. Sweet, Director of Operations, and recommended by Dr. Neaves, Superintendent.

Actions Taken

Motion Passed:  Approve the first reading of the revised Policy 03.1231 passed with a motion by Ms. Jenny Hobson and a second by Ms. Sarah Rohrer.

Member Votes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Ms. Jenny Hobson Yes
Mr. Tom McCay Yes
Mr. J. Morgan Yes
Ms. Sarah Rohrer Yes
VI.I. Policy 03.2231-Personal Leave (Classified Personnel)
Rationale

Approve the first reading of the revised Policy 03.2231, requested by Mr. Sweet, Director of Operations, and recommended by Dr. Neaves, Superintendent.

Actions Taken

Motion Passed:  Approve the first reading of the revised Policy 03.2231 passed with a motion by Ms. Jenny Hobson and a second by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside.

Member Votes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Ms. Jenny Hobson Yes
Mr. Tom McCay Yes
Mr. J. Morgan Yes
Ms. Sarah Rohrer Yes
VI.J. Policy 03.125-Expense Reimbursement (Certified Personnel)
Rationale

Approve the first reading of revised Policy 03.125, requested by Mr. Sweet, Finance Director, and recommended by Dr. Neaves, Superintendent.

Actions Taken

Motion Passed:  Approve the first reading of revised Policy 03.125 passed with a motion by Mr. Tom McCay and a second by Ms. Sarah Rohrer.

Member Votes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Ms. Jenny Hobson Yes
Mr. Tom McCay Yes
Mr. J. Morgan Yes
Ms. Sarah Rohrer Yes
VI.K. Policy 03.225-Expense Reimbursement (Classified Personnel)
Rationale

Approve the first reading of the revised Policy 03.225, requested by Mr. Sweet, Finance Director, and recommended by Dr. Neaves, Superintendent.

Actions Taken

Motion Passed:  Approve the first reading of the revised Policy 03.225 passed with a motion by Ms. Sarah Rohrer and a second by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside.

Member Votes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Ms. Jenny Hobson Yes
Mr. Tom McCay Yes
Mr. J. Morgan Yes
Ms. Sarah Rohrer Yes
VI.L. Closed Session - Personnel
Rationale

Go into Closed Session for the purpose of Personnel (Superintendent Evaluation-Assessment Development), requested and recommended by Mr. Morgan, Chairman.

Actions Taken

Motion Passed:  Go into Closed Session for the purpose of Personnel (Superintendent Evaluation-Assessment Development) passed with a motion by Mr. Tom McCay and a second by Ms. Sarah Rohrer.

Member Votes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Ms. Jenny Hobson Yes
Mr. Tom McCay Yes
Mr. J. Morgan Yes
Ms. Sarah Rohrer Yes
VI.M. Return to Regular Session
Rationale

Return to Regular Session, requested and recommended by Mr. Morgan, Chairman.

Actions Taken

Motion Passed:  Return to Regular Session passed with a motion by Ms. Jenny Hobson and a second by Ms. Sarah Rohrer.

Member Votes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Ms. Jenny Hobson Yes
Mr. Tom McCay Yes
Mr. J. Morgan Yes
Ms. Sarah Rohrer Yes
VII. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Actions Taken

Motion Passed:  Approval to adjourn the meeting passed with a motion by Ms. Sarah Rohrer and a second by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside.

Member Votes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Ms. Jenny Hobson Yes
Mr. Tom McCay Yes
Mr. J. Morgan Yes
Ms. Sarah Rohrer Yes
IX. 2026 Meeting Schedule
Rationale

2026 Meeting Schedule

All meetings will take place at 7:00 PM in the Kennedy Theater (except the April 28th Special Called Meeting).

Thursday, January 15, 2026*               Kennedy Theater

Monday, February 16, 2026                  Kennedy Theater

Monday, March 16, 2026                      Kennedy Theater

Monday, April 20, 2026                        Kennedy Theater

Tuesday, April 28, 2026 5:30 PM*         MS/HS Library (Special Called Meeting)

Monday, May 18, 2026                         Kennedy Theater

Monday, June 15, 2026                        Kennedy Theater

Monday, July 27, 2026*                       Kennedy Theater (Special Called Meeting)

Monday, August 17, 2026                     Kennedy Theater

Monday, September 21, 2026               Kennedy Theater

Monday, October 19, 2026                   Kennedy Theater

Monday, November 16, 2026                Kennedy Theater

Monday, December 21, 2026                Kennedy Theater

Thursday, January 14, 2027*               Kennedy Theater