Berea Independent
April 15, 2024 7:00 PM
BEREA INDEPENDENT BOARD OF EDUCATION
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I. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
II. COMMUNICATION
II.A. Board Report
II.A.1. Superintendent Report
II.A.2. Financial Report
Attachments
II.A.3. Attendance and Enrollment
II.A.4. CTE - Tim Molton
Rationale

Report from Tim Molton about our CTE Programs

II.B. School Reports
II.B.1. Elementary
Attachments
II.B.2. Middle School
Attachments
II.B.3. High School
Attachments
II.C. Audience Comments
III. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Actions Taken

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

Member Votes
Rebecca Blankenship Yes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Mr. Van Gravitt Yes
Mr. Tom McCay Yes
Mr. Nathaniel Hackett Yes
IV. BUSINESS/CONSENT ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION
Actions Taken

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

Member Votes
Rebecca Blankenship Yes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Mr. Van Gravitt Yes
Mr. Tom McCay Yes
Mr. Nathaniel Hackett Yes
IV.A. Minutes
Rationale

Approve the minutes of the board meeting on March 18, 2024. Requested by Christine Knight, Secretary, and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

Attachments
IV.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 Tony Tompkins, Director of Operations and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

Attachments
IV.C. Facilities Use-Project Graduation (May 17, 2024)
Attachments
IV.D. Student ARC Notice of Shortened School Week - Remainder of the 23-24 School Year
Rationale

Approve request submitted by Jennifer Whitt, Director of Exceptional Children
Services, and the student's Admission and Release Committee (ARC) to 
shorten the school week of a student enrolled at the Berea Independent
School District. The shortened school week is recommended by the student's 
physician as a result of diagnosed medical conditions which negatively impact his 
ability to participate in a full school week at the present time. The school week will be 
shortened by one day per week. The student's weekly schedule will involve 
in-person instruction from Monday through Thursday. This schedule will remain in effect
for the rest of the 2023-2024 school year.
 
The following documents are on file at Central Office:
• Minutes of the Admissions and Release Committee (ARC) meeting
documenting the ARC decision that a shortened school week is needed
• Copy of the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) documenting the
shortened school day
• Copy of the physician’s statement regarding the medical need for a 
shortened school day
 
Requested by Jennifer Whitt, Director of Exceptional Children Services and the
Admissions and Release Committee. Recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett,
Superintendent.

IV.E. Out of State Trip Request - High School Softball
Rationale

Approve the out of state trip for High School Softball to travel to Orlando, Florida April 5, 2025 through April 9, 2025 (this is during Spring Break)  The team would fly to Orlando, stay at Cabana Bay Resort, play other teams from around the country, and participate in team bonding activities.  Requested by Cinda Holland, High School Softball Coach and Kelly Caldwell, Principal and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

 

Attachments
IV.F. Out of State Trip Request - High School Boys Basketball
Rationale

Approve the out of state trip for High School Boys Basketball team to travel to Gatlinburg Tennessee to play in the Gatlinburg Winter Classic December 26-28, 2024.  The area of Gatlinburg offers access to stunning views of the Smoky Mountains, a great history of Smoky Mountain National Park, as well as various historic sites around the area.  Requested by Eric Fields, High School Boys Basketball Coach and Kelly Caldwell, Principal and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

 

Attachments
V. BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION
V.A. Proposed update to the 2024-2025 school calendar for Election Day
Rationale

Background: In alignment Board policies 03.122 and 03.222 (Holidays)the newly designated paid holiday on Election Day, November 5, 2024, it is necessary to update the 2024-2025 school calendar to reflect these adjustments while maintaining compliance with contractual obligations.

Proposal: The proposed update to the 2024-2025 school calendar includes the addition of November 5, 2024, as a paid holiday for all staff in recognition of Election Day. To ensure adherence to the 187-day contractual requirement for staff, it is proposed that the Staff Work Day originally scheduled for August 2, 2024, be eliminated from the calendar.  Requested by Kyle French, DPP and recommended by Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

Attachments
Actions Taken

Motion Passed:  Approve the proposed update to the 2024-2025 school calendar with the change to include the addition of November 5, 2024, as a paid holiday for all staff in recognition of Election Day and that the Staff Work Day originally scheduled for August 2, 2024, be eliminated from the calendar passed with a motion by Rebecca Blankenship and a second by Mr. Nathaniel Hackett.

Member Votes
Rebecca Blankenship Yes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Mr. Van Gravitt Yes
Mr. Tom McCay Yes
Mr. Nathaniel Hackett Yes
V.B. Proposed update to the 2023-2024 school calendar
Rationale

The administration recommends that the Berea Independent Board of Education approve the proposed updates to the 2023-2024 District Calendar to include makeup days as presented, Requested by Kyle French, DPP and recommended by Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

Attachments
Actions Taken

Motion Passed:  The administration recommends that the Berea Independent Board of Education approve the proposed updates to the 2023-2024 District Calendar to include makeup days as presented passed with a motion by Rebecca Blankenship and a second by Mr. Tom McCay.

Member Votes
Rebecca Blankenship Yes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Mr. Van Gravitt Yes
Mr. Tom McCay Yes
Mr. Nathaniel Hackett Yes
V.C. Salary Schedules 2024-2025 School Year
Rationale

Approve salary schedules for the 2023-2024 school year.  Requested by Nathan Sweet, District Finance Officer, and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent. 

Attachments
Actions Taken

Motion Passed:  Approve salary schedules for the 2023-2024 school year. Requested by Nathan Sweet, District Finance Officer, and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent passed with a motion by Mr. Nathaniel Hackett and a second by Rebecca Blankenship.

Member Votes
Rebecca Blankenship Yes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Mr. Van Gravitt Yes
Mr. Tom McCay Yes
Mr. Nathaniel Hackett Yes
V.D. Tentative Budget 2024-2025 School Year
Rationale

Per KRS 160.470, a Tentative Budget has been developed for board review and approval by May 31, 2024.  The Tentative Budget is a “best-estimate” of revenue and expenditures.  Requested for approval by Nathan Sweet, District Finance Officer and recommended by Diane, Hatchett, Superintendent.

 

Attachments
Actions Taken

Motion Passed:  Per KRS 160.470, a Tentative Budget has been developed for board review and approval by May 31, 2024. The Tentative Budget is a “best-estimate” of revenue and expenditures. Requested for approval by Nathan Sweet, District Finance Officer and recommended by Diane, Hatchett, Superintendent passed with a motion by Mr. Nathaniel Hackett and a second by Mr. Tom McCay.

Member Votes
Rebecca Blankenship Yes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Mr. Van Gravitt Yes
Mr. Tom McCay Yes
Mr. Nathaniel Hackett Yes
V.E. First Reading amended Berea Board of Education Policy Update Travel 03.125 AP.22
Rationale

Approve the First Reading of amended Berea Board of Education Policy 03.125 AP.22 (Personnel: Travel Claim).  Requested by Tony Tompkins, Director of Operations and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

Objective: To review and approve the proposed adjustments to the Travel Policy Claim (03.125 AP.22), ensuring alignment with current cost-of-living standards to adequately support staff travel expenses.

Background: In light of the recent fluctuations in the cost of living, including transportation, accommodation, and daily expenses, it has become necessary to re-evaluate the travel allowances provided under Policy Claim 03.125 AP.22. The proposed adjustments aim to reflect current economic conditions, ensuring that staff are fairly compensated for travel-related expenses incurred during the performance of their duties.

Attachments
Actions Taken

Motion Passed:  Approve the First Reading of amended Berea Board of Education Policy 03.125 AP.22 (Personnel: Travel Claim) passed with a motion by Rebecca Blankenship and a second by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside.

Member Votes
Rebecca Blankenship Yes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Mr. Van Gravitt Yes
Mr. Tom McCay Yes
Mr. Nathaniel Hackett Yes
V.F. First Reading of amended Berea Board of Education Policy Update 03.125 (Personnel: Expense Reimbursement)
Rationale

Approve the First Reading of amended Berea Board of Education Policy 03.125  (Personnel: Expense Reimbursement).  Requested by Tony Tompkins, Director of Operations and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

Objective: To review and approve the proposed adjustments to the Travel Policy Claim (03.125), ensuring alignment with current cost-of-living standards to adequately support staff travel expenses.

Background: In light of the recent fluctuations in the cost of living, including transportation, accommodation, and daily expenses, it has become necessary to re-evaluate the travel allowances provided under Policy Claim 03.125. The proposed adjustments aim to reflect current economic conditions, ensuring that staff are fairly compensated for travel-related expenses incurred during the performance of their duties.

Attachments
Actions Taken

Motion Passed:  Approve the First Reading of amended Berea Board of Education Policy 03.125 (Personnel: Expense Reimbursement) passed with a motion by Rebecca Blankenship and a second by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside.

Member Votes
Rebecca Blankenship Yes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Mr. Van Gravitt Yes
Mr. Tom McCay Yes
Mr. Nathaniel Hackett Yes
V.G. First Reading of amended Berea Board of Education Policy Update School Facilities 05.31 AP.21
Rationale

Approve the First Reading of amended Berea Board of Education Policy 05.31 AP.21 (School Facilities: Application and Agreement for Use of District Property: Fee Schedule). Requested by Tony Tompkins, Director of Operations and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

Objective: To review and approve the proposed adjustments to the School Facilities Fee Schedule (05.31 AP.21), ensuring alignment with current cost-of-living standards to adequately support staff compensation and facility maintenance.

Background: In light of the recent fluctuations in the cost of living and utility costs, it has become necessary to re-evaluate the fee schedule provided under Policy 05.31 AP.21 The proposed adjustments aim to reflect current economic conditions. 

Attachments
Actions Taken

Motion Passed:  Approve the First Reading of amended Berea Board of Education Policy 05.31 AP.21 (School Facilities: Application and Agreement for Use of District Property: Fee Schedule) passed with a motion by Mr. Tom McCay and a second by Mr. Nathaniel Hackett.

Member Votes
Rebecca Blankenship No
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Mr. Van Gravitt Yes
Mr. Tom McCay Yes
Mr. Nathaniel Hackett Yes
VI. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Actions Taken

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

Member Votes
Rebecca Blankenship Yes
Dr. Jacqueline Burnside Yes
Mr. Van Gravitt Yes
Mr. Tom McCay Yes
Mr. Nathaniel Hackett Yes
VIII. 2024 Meeting Schedule
Rationale

2024 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.

Monday, January 22, 2024                   Kennedy Theater

Monday February 19, 2024                   Kennedy Theater

Monday, March 18, 2024                      Kennedy Theater

Monday, April 15, 2024                        Kennedy Theater

Monday, May 20, 2024                         Kennedy Theater

Monday, June 17, 2024                        Kennedy Theater

Monday, July 15, 2024                         Kennedy Theater

Monday, August 19, 2024                     Kennedy Theater

Monday, September 16, 2024               Kennedy Theater

Monday, October 21, 2024                   Kennedy Theater

Monday, November 4, 2024                  Central Office (5:30 p.m. Assessment – Work Session)

Monday, November 18, 2024                Kennedy Theater

Monday, December 16, 2024                Kennedy Theater

Monday, January 6, 2025                     Central Office (5:30 p.m. Elect Chair and Set Meeting Dates-Work Session)