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

The adoption of agenda

Order #977 - Motion Passed:  The adoption of agenda passed with a motion by Ashley Reding and a second by Farrah Pruitt.

ALES BETA

• Burke Phelps
• Brent Rowe
• Nolan Crain
• Maria Wade
• Merin Rogers
• Lorissa Goatley
• Lainie Contreras
• Vivianne Perkins
• Hayden Carlberg
• Riley Benningfield
• Jameson Meyers
• Emma Coy
• Leanna Morris
• Arabella Coyne
• Reese Whitlock
• Hayden Gardner
• Harper Hoehler
• Jax Constant
• Avery Chaudoin
• Grayson Budd
• Preslee Haycraft
• Kalli Nunn – Coach
• Missy Flanders - Coach

ALES VEX ROBOTICS

• Case LaRue
• Espen Tucker
• Caden Buchanan

LCMS 2026 KAAC STATE GOVERNOR’S CUP

• Ashlyn Frank
• Reed Mills

LCMS 2026 STATE MATHCOUNTS

• Cooper Braden
• Anthony Putnam

LCMS SPEECH TEAM

• Madden Davis
• Henry Allen
• Juhie Patel
• Wendy Ramsey
• Kinzleigh Hack
• Alma Mehicic
• Izzy Pierce
• Ainsley Walsh
• Ava Cheeseman
• Adalee Farmer
• Tamryn Miller
• LCMS Speech Team
• Katy Cecil - Middle School Coach of the Year
• Kate McCubbin - Assistant Coach

LCHS FFA

• Cyrus Bivens
• Adam Reding
• Joslyn Hinton
• Bridget Faulkner
• Will Bewley
• Abby Grimes
• Maddox Coffman
• Aeryn Grimes
• Miguel Salazar
• Avery Bivens
• Ariel Butler
• Carson Graham
• Ava Lee
• Ellee Marksbury
• Colleen Miller
• Misty Bivens - Coach

WKU DISTINGUISHED EDUCATOR FINALISTS

• Allison Elmore
• Amanda Bales
• Heather Bewley

2026 FRED FINALISTS AND WINNER

• Karen Miller – COMMUNITY – 2025-26 FRED Winner
• Carly Gilkerson – POCS
• Kasey Klinglesmith – ALES
• Connie Penalvert – HES
• Danielle Allen – LCMS
• Deidre Brooks – LCHS
• Sue Wolford – TRANSPORTATION
• Richie Thomas – MAINT
• Megan Perkins – FOOD SERVICE
• Dylan Derosha – TECH
• Melissa Salsman – CO

• Audience Comments
  There were three signatures on the sign-in sheet. No one requested to speak.
• Board Comments / Updates                                                                                                     Board members Ashley Reding and Farrah Pruitt commented on the positive experiences in working with students recently and seeing the successes of those who have benefitted as a result of the Learner Profile.

• TLC Proficiency Report - D.W. Cruse
• Attendance Report - Chris Price, Penny Cecil
• Communications Report - Caleb Phelps
• Strategic Planning Report -Amanda Reed
• Personnel Report - Cindy Dunn
• ORR Report - Adryanne Warren
• Superintendent's Activities & Comments - Adryanne Warren
• SBDM Reports     LCHS   LCMS   HES   ALES

Approval of the Consent Agenda

Order #978 - Motion Passed:  Approval of the Consent Agenda passed with a motion by Farrah Pruitt and a second by Ashley Reding.

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.

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

A copy of the renewal agreement is attached for your review.

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

Order #979 - Motion Passed:  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 passed with a motion by Ashley Reding and a second by Teresa Gilbert.

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.

Approve the acceptance of a $4000 donation to Abraham Lincoln Elementary School for the Accelerated Reading Program for FY2026-2027

Order #980 - Motion Passed:  Approve the acceptance of a $4000 donation to Abraham Lincoln Elementary School for the Accelerated Reading Program for FY2026-2027 passed with a motion by Farrah Pruitt and a second by Ashley Reding.

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.   

Approve the 26-27 contract with the Central Kentucky Community Action Council and the Larue County School District

Order #981 - Motion Passed:  Approve the 26-27 contract with the Central Kentucky Community Action Council and the Larue County School District passed with a motion by Farrah Pruitt and a second by Ashley Reding.

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).

Approve the 3-year renewal agreement with ParentSquare

Order #982 - Motion Passed:  Approve the 3-year renewal agreement with ParentSquare passed with a motion by Ashley Reding and a second by Teresa Gilbert.

Consideration to approve or deny the proposal from LifeWise Academy.

The recommendation is to deny the proposal from LifeWise Academy for reasons of insufficient information, multiple discrepancies and unanswered questions.

Deny the application from LifeWise Academy

Order #983 - Motion Passed:  Deny the application from LifeWise Academy passed with a motion by Ashley Reding and a second by Farrah Pruitt.

Approve the attached job description for Maintenance/Bus Garage Secretary

Approve the job description as attached for Maintenance/Bus Garage Secretary

Order #984 - Motion Passed:  Approve the job description as attached for Maintenance/Bus Garage Secretary passed with a motion by Ashley Reding and a second by Farrah Pruitt.

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.

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

Order #985 - Motion Passed:  Approve the Nutrition Staff to be paid an additional $5/hr on top of their regular hourly rate for Summer Meals 2026 passed with a motion by Teresa Gilbert and a second by Ashley Reding.

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

LaRue County High School - $49,600.00 "removed"

Hodgenville Elementary School - $32,640.00

Abraham Lincoln Elementary School - $25,280.00

Consideration is requested for all or some locations in the proposal pending review and revised agreement.

Approve the Dual Guard Snow and Ice Retention System proposal with revisions as presented

Order #986 - Motion Passed:  Approve the Dual Guard Snow and Ice Retention System proposal with revisions as presented passed with a motion by Farrah Pruitt and a second by Ashley Reding.

Approve upgrades to LaRue County softball concession stand to be completed by parents. 

LaRue County Softball parents would like to make upgrades to the softball concession stand with new sinks and updates to the electrical by installing some new breakers. 

Approve the upgrades to the LaRue County Softball field concession stand

Order #987 - Motion Passed:  Approve the upgrades to the LaRue County Softball field concession stand passed with a motion by Farrah Pruitt and a second by Ashley Reding.

Need approval to surplus old LCMS Chromebook cases.  

Declare old LCMS Chromebook cases surplus

Order #988 - Motion Passed:  Declare old LCMS Chromebook cases surplus. passed with a motion by Ashley Reding and a second by Farrah Pruitt.

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.  

Approve the purchase of a 3-year agreement with Incident IQ for their cloud based ticketing and asset management software

Order #989 - Motion Passed:  Approve the purchase of a 3-year agreement with Incident IQ for their cloud based ticketing and asset management software passed with a motion by Ashley Reding and a second by Farrah Pruitt.

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.

Approve the CDIP Phase 4 Diagnostics as presented

Order #990 - Motion Passed:  Approve the CDIP Phase 4 Diagnostics as presented passed with a motion by Farrah Pruitt and a second by Ashley Reding.

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.

The approval of the Final SBDM Allocations for FY2027 and the approval of a staffing policy with a 24:1 ratio for grades kindergarten through twelve

Order #991 - Motion Passed:  The approval of the Final SBDM Allocations for FY2027 and the approval of a staffing policy with a 24:1 ratio for grades kindergarten through twelve passed with a motion by Ashley Reding and a second by Farrah Pruitt.

Request approval of the FY2027 Salary Schedules

Approve a 1.5% salary increase for certified and classified employees for FY2027

Order #992 - Motion Passed:  Approve a 1.5% salary increase for certified and classified employees for FY2027. passed with a motion by Farrah Pruitt and a second by Ashley Reding.

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.  

Approval for each School-Based Decision-Making Council to carry unexpended FY26 Budget amounts forward to FY27 SBDM Budgets, at a maximum of 20% of their FY26 budget

Order #993 - Motion Passed:  Approval for each School-Based Decision-Making Council to carry unexpended FY26 Budget amounts forward to FY27 SBDM Budgets, at a maximum of 20% of their FY26 budget passed with a motion by Ashley Reding and a second by Farrah Pruitt.

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.   

Approval of the Performance Bond for Jessica Castenir, Board Treasurer, for the penal sum of $400,000; Amy Fortner for the penal sum of $300,000; and Cassandra Matthews for the penal sum of $300,000

Order #994 - Motion Passed:  Approval of the Performance Bond for Jessica Castenir, Board Treasurer, for the penal sum of $400,000; Amy Fortner for the penal sum of $300,000; and Cassandra Matthews for the penal sum of $300,000. passed with a motion by Farrah Pruitt and a second by Teresa Gilbert.

Approve the Audit Contract for the FY2025-2026 audit with Montgomery & Company PLLC as presented.

This item was tabled until the May 18 regular meeting.

The motion to recess as the LaRue County Board of Education and convene as the LaRue County Finance Corporation

Order #995 - Motion Passed:  The motion to recess as the LaRue County Board of Education and convene as the LaRue County Finance Corporation passed with a motion by Teresa Gilbert and a second by Ashley Reding.

The annual election of LaRue County School District Finance Corporation officers was turned over to District Finance Corp. Chair Farrah Pruitt who called for a motion.

The approval of the LaRue County School District Finance Officers as follows: Chair: Ashley Reding, Vice Chair: Janet Cruse, Secretary: Adryanne Warren, Treasurer: Jessica Castenir, Directors: Teresa Gilbert, Joanna Hinton and Farrah Pruitt

Order #996 - Motion Passed:  The approval of the LaRue County School District Finance Officers as follows: Chair: Ashley Reding, Vice Chair: Janet Cruse, Secretary: Adryanne Warren, Treasurer: Jessica Castenir, Directors: Teresa Gilbert, Joanna Hinton and Farrah Pruitt passed with a motion by Joanna Hinton and a second by Teresa Gilbert.

Reconvene as the Board of Education

Order #997 - Motion Passed:  Reconvene as the Board of Education passed with a motion by Farrah Pruitt and a second by Joanna Hinton.

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

Order #998 - 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 Farrah Pruitt and a second by Ashley Reding.

Reconvene to Open Session

Order #999 - Motion Passed:  Reconvene to Open Session passed with a motion by Ashley Reding and a second by Teresa Gilbert.

approve and authorize execution of the proposed Settlement and Release Agreement and the Restrictive Covenant Agreement by and between the Estate of Carl Howell Jr. and GBT Realty Corporation, with Tractor Supply Company as a joinder party, with the following modification to exhibit D, item 2A: adding Friday pick-up hours from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Order #1000 - Motion Passed:  approve and authorize execution of the proposed Settlement and Release Agreement and the Restrictive Covenant Agreement by and between the Estate of Carl Howell Jr. and GBT Realty Corporation, with Tractor Supply Company as a joinder party, with the following modification to exhibit D, item 2A: adding Friday pick-up hours from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. passed with a motion by Farrah Pruitt and a second by Ashley Reding.

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

Order #1001 - 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 Teresa Gilbert.

Reconvene in open session

Order #1002 - Motion Passed:  Reconvene in open session passed with a motion by Farrah Pruitt and a second by Ashley Reding.

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

Order #1003 - 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.