“Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.”

These are the words of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, distinguished black author, editor, publisher, and historian (December 1875-April 1950). Known as the “Father of African American History,” Dr. Woodson holds an outstanding position in early 20^th Century American History. He wrote numerous books and articles in order to present a more accurate view of African American’s history and accomplishments. Dr. Woodson received his Bachelor of Literature degree from Berea College during the years 1900-1903. In 1915, he co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in Washington, D.C. This organization initiated Negro History Week in 1926. The celebration of African American History Month was proclaimed by President Gerald Ford in 1976 and this year marks the 43^rd anniversary. Schools, churches and businesses celebrate African American culture and contributions during African American History Month.

National School Counseling Week 2021, "Celebrate School Counseling," was celebrated from February 6-10, 2023, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within U.S. school systems. National School Counseling Week, sponsored by American School Counselors Association, highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. National School Counseling Week is always celebrated the first full week in February.  Thank you to our counselors, Cindy Richardson (Elementary School), Mary Lewis (Middle School) and Eef Fontanez (High School).

Mary Lewis and her daughter Chloe  applied for and received grant through the Human Development Institute Project

Officer Brent Bradley

SROs bridge gaps between youth and law enforcement and embrace a triad concept of school policing, serving in informal counseling, education and law enforcement roles to support the students and communities they serve. It also describes SROs as “valuable and essential members of the education community” who “deserve unwavering respect and support from the public in the pursuit of keeping schools and students safe.”

National Public Schools Week February 27-March 3, 2023. Celebrating all the amazing things that happen every day in public schools to promote access, opportunity, equitable outcomes and student success.  We appreciate all that everyone does. It takes a village to educate a child. Sincere appreciation and thanks to board members, teachers, administrators, district and support staff, parents, business, industry, post secondary and community leaders who strive to make a positive impact day in and day out for students.

Family Resource Youth Services Centers across the state are being recognized the week of February 6-10, 2023 (FRYSC Day 2023 is February 8).  These centers are designed to address the needs of children by developing partnerships with school, family and community to help all public school students reach proficiency. Recent surveys report that educators, parents and community partners feel that the Family Resource and Youth Services Centers are a “necessary component of Kentucky educational programming and “a program vital to students, empowering families, and helping to improve schools.”  Thank you to Natasha Johnson and Marilyn Benton for your dedication to our students and families.

Gifted and Talented (GT) Lori McCay

• Treasurer Report FY23 Period 7.pdf

• 2.2 BCES Board Report February 2023

• 2.3 MS Board Report 1 Feb 2023
• 2.3 MS Board Report 2 February 2023
• 2.3 MS Board Report 3 Feb 2023

• 2.4 BCHS Board Report February 2023

Motion Passed:  Approval of the agenda as written was passed with a motion by Mr. Tom McCay and a second by Rebecca Blankenship.

Motion Passed:  Approval of the Business/Consent Items for Board Consideration passed with a motion by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside and a second by Mr. Tom McCay.

Approve the minutes of the board meeting on January 3, 2023 and January 17, 2023. Requested by Kathie Ridge, Secretary, and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

• 3.0 Draft Minutes January 17 2023
• 3.0 Draft Minutes January 3 2023

Approve the financial reports of the Elementary, Middle School, High School, Food Service and General Fund, including the Orders of the Treasurer. Requested by Tony Tompkins, Director of Operations and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

• 3.1 Food Service
• 3.2 Warrant
• 3.3 Visa
• Treasurer Report FY23 Period 7.pdf

Per Berea Board of Education Policy 09.36, approve the 8th Grade students to travel to Louisville, Kentucky April 2 and April 3, 2023.  While in Louisville they will visit the Louisville Slugger Museum, Muhammed Ali Museum, the Science Museum and the Louisville Zoo.  They will travel on a charter bus with Gold Shield.  Approval is contingent upon the receipt of liability insurance from the transportation company.  Requested by Casey Poynter, Principal and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent. 

Approve the Senior Trip to Cincinnati, Ohio May 12 and May 13, 2023.  The students will travel by Berea Independent school busses to Cincinnati to visit the zoo, go bowling, BB Riverboat for dinner and then Kings Island.  Requested by Roger Trussell, Senior Sponsor and Emily Reed, Principal and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

Approve the Board Contribution of $500 for the Senior Trip to help pay for bus driver(s) and the fuel for the trip.  Requested by Roger Trussell, Senior Sponsor and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

Per Berea Board of Education Policy 03.18, approve Jennifer Whitt to serve as the board appointed member of the Certified Evaluation Appeals Panel. Requested and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

Per Berea Board of Education Policy 02.4331, approve the staffing allocation in order to be compliant with KRS 157.360 and KRS 160.345.  Requested and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

Approve the first reading of the following calendar for the 2023-2024 school year. Requested by Kyle French, DPP and the Calendar Committee and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

Motion Passed:  Approve the first reading of the following calendar for the 2023-2024 school year passed with a motion by Mr. Tom McCay and a second by Rebecca Blankenship.

Approve the contract with Laurel County for Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Examinations.  Requested by Charlie Owens, Director of Transportation and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

Motion Passed:  Approve the contract with Laurel County for Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Examinations passed with a motion by Rebecca Blankenship and a second by Mr. Tom McCay.

Per Berea Board of Education Policy 02.4331, approve the staffing allocation in order to be compliant with KRS 157.360 and KRS 160.345.  Requested and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

Motion Passed:  Per Berea Board of Education Policy 02.4331, approve the staffing allocation in order to be compliant with KRS 157.360 and KRS 160.345 passed with a motion by Mr. Tom McCay and a second by Mr. Jarred Penn.

IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Berea Board of Education authorizes Superintendent Diane Hatchett to take all necessary steps to support the Council for Better Education, Inc. ("CBE"), in its legal challenge to the unconstitutionality of House Bill 9, and the payment of $998.01 in dues or assessments related to this school district's membership in CBE or its support of the referenced legal challenge.

Requested and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

Motion Passed:  IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Berea Board of Education authorizes Superintendent Diane Hatchett to take all necessary steps to support the Council for Better Education, Inc. ("CBE"), in its legal challenge to the unconstitutionality of House Bill 9, and the payment of $998.01 in dues or assessments related to this school district's membership in CBE or its support of the referenced legal challenge passed with a motion by Rebecca Blankenship and a second by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside.

Approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program for the Middle School for the 2023-2024 school year  The JAG program provides $40,000 funding to hire a Certified Teacher or $35,000 for an Adjunct Instructor qualified to fulfill the responsibilities of a JAG Specialist.  Requested by Jennifer Whitt, Director of Exceptional Children and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

Motion Passed:  Approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program for the Middle School for the 2023-2024 school year The JAG program provides $40,000 funding to hire a Certified Teacher or $35,000 for an Adjunct Instructor qualified to fulfill the responsibilities of a JAG Specialist passed with a motion by Mr. Tom McCay and a second by Mr. Jarred Penn.

Approve the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program for the High School for the 2023-2024 school year  The JAG program provides $40,000 funding to hire a Certified Teacher or $35,000 for an Adjunct Instructor qualified to fulfill the responsibilities of a JAG Specialist.  Requested by Jennifer Whitt, Director of Exceptional Children and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

Motion Passed:  ApproveApprove the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program for the HighSchool for the 2023-2024 school year The JAG program provides $40,000 funding to hire a Certified Teacher or $35,000 for an Adjunct Instructor qualified to fulfill the responsibilities of a JAG Specialist passed with a motion by Mr. Tom McCay and a second by Mr. Jarred Penn.

Motion Passed:  Approval to adjourn the meeting passed with a motion by Mr. Van Gravitt and a second by Mr. Tom McCay.

2023 Meeting Schedule

All meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Kennedy Theater with the exception of the work session meetings and those noted which will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the Central Office.

Tuesday, January 27, 2023           Central Office (5:30 p.m.)

Monday, February 20, 2023           Kennedy Theater

Monday, March 20, 2023              Kennedy Theater

Monday, April 17, 2023                 Kennedy Theater

Monday, April 24, 2023                 Central Office (5:30 p.m. Budget- Work Session)

Monday, May 15, 2023                 Kennedy Theater

Thursday, June 22, 2023               Kennedy Theater

Monday, July 17, 2023                  Kennedy Theater

Monday, August 21, 2023             Kennedy Theater

Monday, September 18, 2023       Kennedy Theater

Monday, October 9, 2023              Central Office (5:30 p.m. Assessment -Work Session)

Monday, October 16, 2023            Kennedy Theater

Monday, November 20, 2023         Kennedy Theater

Monday, December 18, 2023         Kennedy Theater

Tuesday, January 2, 2024             Central Office (5:30 p.m. Elect Chair and Set Meeting Dates-Work Session)