LaRue County
April 14, 2026 6:00 PM
April Working Session
1. Call to Order
Rationale

Board Chair Joanna Hinton called the meeting to order at 6 p.m.

2. Sufficient Notice of Meeting
Rationale

All agreed.

3. ABE 93.7/LCS 2026-27 Sports Agreement- Adryanne Warren
Rationale

Cale Tharp is requesting to renew the sports package agreement between LaRue County Schools and ABE 93.7 for the 2026-27 school year in the amount of $3,600. Thee are no changes to the cost or serives compared to last year.

The renewal would begin July 1, 2026 and continue through June 30, 2027. 

A copy of the renewal agreement is attached for review.

Recommended Motion

The approval of the sports package agreement between LaRue County Schools and ABE 93.7 for the 2026-27 school year in the amount of $3,600

4. Donation to ALES - Jessica Castenir
Rationale

According to Board Policy, Gifts and Donations 04.61, donations valued at more than $1,000 must be approved by the Board.

An anonymous donation to Abraham Lincoln Elementary School for $4000 has been received. The donation will be used for the Accelerated Reading Program for FY2026-2027.

5. Central Kentucky Community Action Headstart Contract - Adryanne Warren
Rationale

This contract establishes a partnership for the 2026–2027 school year between Central Kentucky Community Action Council (CKCAC) and the LaRue County School District to implement a blended Head Start program at Preschool on College Street. Through this agreement, 24 Head Start seats will be provided for preschool-aged children. CKCAC will compensate the LaRue County School District in the amount of $192,000 for these services.   

 

6. ParentSquare Contract - Adryanne Warren
Rationale

We need to renew the contract for ParentSquare.  We are required to have a communication platform that tracks communication.  Below are the prices: 

5-Year Agreement (Best Value)

This plan offers the lowest entry price and the most gradual price increases over time. While the total cost grows, it provides the best long-term per-student rate compared to the shorter options.

  • Year 1 Rate: $5.85 /student
  • Year 5 Rate: $6.90 /student
  • Analysis: You save $0.15 per student in the first year compared to the 3-year plan and $0.40 per student compared to the 1-year renewal. This is the most stable option for long-term budgeting.

3-Year Agreement (Most Popular)

This is the middle-ground option, balancing a multi-year commitment with a slightly higher starting price than the 5-year plan.

  • Year 1 Rate: $6.00 /student
  • Year 3 Rate: $6.62 /student
  • Analysis: This plan reaches a Year 3 price of $6.62, which is actually slightly higher than what you would pay in Year 3 of the 5-year plan ($6.51). It is ideal if you want price certainty but aren't ready for a 5-year commitment.

1-Year Agreement

This is the standard renewal option with no long-term commitment. It carries the highest immediate cost.

  • Renewal Rate: $6.25 /student
  • Annual Total: $15,163
  • Analysis: This is a 25% increase over your current rate. Choosing this option means you lose the "introductory" discounts found in the Year 1 rates of the multi-year plans ($5.85 or $6.00).

7. LifeWise Academy - Adryanne Warren
Rationale

Consideration to deny the proposal from LifeWise Academy for reasons of providing false and/or insufficient information regarding program participants, locations, and transportation. Communication attempts for the purpose of asking further questions about the program have gone unanswered.

8. Summer Meals Pay - Stephanie Utley
Rationale

We have consistently had trouble finding food service employees to work during the summer, until we raised the pay rate last summer. Increasing the pay during the summer months will help to retain the previous employees, allowing us to keep the program operational. 

Request the Board approve the Nutrition Staff to be paid an additional $5/hr on top of their regular hourly rate for Summer Meals 2026.

9. Dual Guard Snow Retention Proposal with Revisions - WL Miller
Rationale

Geoghegan Roofing proposal to install Dual Guard snow retention system to the perimeter of buildings:

LaRue County High School - $49,600.00

Hodgenville Elementary School - $32,640.00

Abraham Lincoln Elementary School - $25,280.00

Consideration of all or some locations pending review and revised proposal.

 

10. Digital Classified Evaluation Form - Freddie Newby/Adryanne Warren
Rationale

A digital version of the Classified Evaluation Form has been introduced.  The digital form compares directly to the Procedure form 03.28 AP 2.1 that is adopted by the Board and supported by KSBA.

Minor differences in the language of the document between the digital version and the adopted procedure for the purpose of condensing it. This is acceptable per KSBA.

According to KSBA many school districts throughout the state are using digital forms as a progressive means of efficiency in accessibility and record keeping.

Per KSBA, the digital form needs only “review” by the Board. No formal approval/action is necessary.

Matt Cooper, KSBA Director of Policy & eMeeting Services, has reviewed the digital form. A link to the form has been provided to KSBA for reference.

We may begin using the digital form immediately.

11. Incident IQ - Freddie Newby
Rationale

The district's current IT ticketing and asset inventory system is extremely outdated and will not function with the new statewide system setup called CUES which goes into effect this summer.  Incident IQ offers an up to date cloud based IT ticket tracking and inventory system that will work well with CUES.  

12. Surplus Chromebook Cases - Freddie Newby
Rationale

Need approval to surplus old LCMS Chromebook cases

13. Instructional Material Report: Math - Amanda Reed
Rationale

This is a report. No action is necessary.

14. CDIP Phase 4 Diagnostics - Amanda Reed
Rationale

The Comprehensive District Improvement Plan requires three diagnostics to be completed and approved annually by May 1. This is "Phase 4" of the CDIP requirements. A separate file is attached for each diagnostic. 

1. English Learner Plan

2. Continuation of Learning Plan:  This is our "NTI" plan for 26-27 school year.

--A "supplement" is included with this diagnostic, in addition to the regular file. 

3. Professional Development Plan:  The PD plan template requires two identified priorities for 26-27.

15. FY 2026-2027 Final Allocations - Jessica Castenir
Rationale

702 KAR 3:246 requires local districts to provide school councils a final allocation by May 1st for school staffing for the next fiscal year.  The District’s board staffing policy is contained in board policy & procedures 02.4331; the policy is not to change for school year 2026-2027.  Attached are SBDM Allocations for school year 2026-2027, presented at a 24:1 student/staff ratio.

16. FY2027 Salary Schedules - Jessica Castenir
Rationale

Request approval of the FY2027 Salary Schedules

17. FY2026 Section 6 SBDM Budgets - Jessica Castenir
Rationale

Approval for each School-Based Decision-Making Council to carry unexpended FY26 Budget amounts forward to FY2027 SBDM Budgets.  Maximum amount to carry forward will be 20% of the original FY26 Budget.  

18. Performance Bonds FY2027 - Jessica Castenir
Rationale

Per KRS 160.560 and 702 KAR 3:080, it is the duty of each local board of education to bond their board treasurer and any other school employee who is responsible for board of education funds.   

19. Discussion Only
Rationale

  • Preschool and The Life Connection + Nest – Janet Cruse
  • Special Education – Janet Cruse
  • Exit Interview for students and parents/guardians – Janet Cruse
  • Funding for gutters and guards – Janet Cruse
  • Reorganization/Position Updates – Adryanne Warren                                                        Discussion included the proposed addition of an additional MSD classroom to POCS and the hiring of an additional special education teacher. In addition, the district will hire an additional psychologist. Other changes include adding a secretary position for the bus garage and maintenance. Job descriptions will be created and employment opportunity posted as required.  Finally, the district's Department of Finance will assume all financial duties handled by Booster Club. A bookkeeper position will be created and posted as required.
  • LaRue County Finance Corporation - Joanna Hinton
    The discussion included a recommendation to elect 2026-2027 officers in the following order: Chair: Ashley Reding, Vice Chair: Janet Cruse, Secretary: Adryanne Warren, Treasurer: Jessica Castenir, Directors: Teresa Gilbert, Joanna Hinton and Farrah Pruitt,

20. Adjourn to Closed Session per KRS 61.810(c) for discussion of proposed or pending litigation against or on behalf of the public agency
Recommended Motion

Adjourn to Closed Session per KRS 61.810(c) for discussion of proposed or pending litigation against or on behalf of the public agency

Actions Taken

Order #972 - Motion Passed:  Adjourn to Closed Session per KRS 61.810(c) for discussion of proposed or pending litigation against or on behalf of the public agency passed with a motion by Teresa Gilbert and a second by Ashley Reding.

Member Votes
Farrah Pruitt Yes
Joanna Hinton Yes
Ashley Reding Yes
Janet Cruse Yes
Teresa Gilbert Yes
21. Reconvene to Open Session
Recommended Motion

Reconvene to Open Session

Actions Taken

Order #973 - Motion Passed:  Reconvene to Open Session passed with a motion by Janet Cruse and a second by Farrah Pruitt.

Member Votes
Farrah Pruitt Yes
Joanna Hinton Yes
Ashley Reding Yes
Janet Cruse Yes
Teresa Gilbert Yes
22. Adjourn to Closed Session per KRS 61.810(k) for discussion of Superintendent Evaluation
Recommended Motion

The motion to adjourn to Closed Session per KRS 61.810(k) for discussion of Superintendent Evaluation

Actions Taken

Order #974 - Motion Passed:  The motion to adjourn to Closed Session per KRS 61.810(k) for discussion of Superintendent Evaluation passed with a motion by Ashley Reding and a second by Janet Cruse.

Member Votes
Farrah Pruitt Yes
Joanna Hinton Yes
Ashley Reding Yes
Janet Cruse Yes
Teresa Gilbert Yes
23. Reconvene in Open Session
Recommended Motion

Reconvene in open session

Actions Taken

Order #975 - Motion Passed:  Reconvene in open session passed with a motion by Farrah Pruitt and a second by Ashley Reding.

Member Votes
Farrah Pruitt Yes
Joanna Hinton Yes
Ashley Reding Yes
Janet Cruse Yes
Teresa Gilbert Yes
24. Adjournment
Recommended Motion

The adjournment of this meeting of the LaRue County Board of Education

Actions Taken

Order #976 - Motion Passed:  The adjournment of this meeting of the LaRue County Board of Education passed with a motion by Farrah Pruitt and a second by Teresa Gilbert.

Member Votes
Farrah Pruitt Yes
Joanna Hinton Yes
Ashley Reding Yes
Janet Cruse Yes
Teresa Gilbert Yes