• Food Service Report FY25 Period 1.pdf
• III_A_2_TreasurerReportFY25Period1pdf_0 (1).pdf

• 2.2 Elementary Board Report August 2024

• 2.3 BCMS Board Report August 2024
• 2.3 Middle School Important Dates 24-25

• BCHS Board Report August 2024

• 1.0 Agenda (1)

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

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

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.

Approve the minutes of the board meeting on July 15, 2024. Requested by Christine Knight, Secretary, and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

• Minute Report 7-15-24

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.

• 3.2 Warrant August 2024
• 3.3 Visa August 2024
• Food Service Report FY25 Period 1.pdf
• III_A_2_TreasurerReportFY25Period1pdf_0 (1).pdf

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Berea Independent School District Board of Education approve the Subaward Agreement between the Berea Independent School District and the Appalachian Educational Service Agency (AESA) for the 2024-2025 school year.

BACKGROUND: The Appalachian Educational Service Agency (AESA) is the fiscal agent for the GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) Partnership Grant, which aims to implement early college preparation and awareness activities for low-income students. The agreement details the terms under which AESA will provide funding and support for various services and programs to benefit eligible students, their families, school district faculty, and community members.

SUMMARY:

• Agreement Parties: Appalachian Educational Service Agency (AESA) and Berea Independent School District.
• Duration: October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.
• Financial Details:
  • Direct Service Reimbursements: $30,000
  • Staff Support Reimbursements: Not to exceed $241,920
  • Matching Contributions from School District: $804,420 per academic year
• Services Provided: Direct services to eligible students, families, faculty, and community members; support for school staff; and potential supplemental funding for additional goals and objectives of the GEAR UP grant.
• Monitoring and Compliance: AESA will monitor the School District’s performance to ensure compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Grant.

IMPACT: The approval of this agreement will facilitate the implementation of the GEAR UP program within the Berea Independent School District, providing significant educational and preparatory resources to students in need. The partnership with AESA will help the district meet its goals of enhancing college readiness among its student population.

ACTION: Approve the Subaward Agreement between Berea Independent School District and Appalachian Educational Service Agency (AESA) for the 2024-2025 school year requested by Tim Molton, Acting Director of Academics and recommended by Diane Hatchett Superintendent.

• 2024-2025 Berea Independent MOA-AESA.pdf

Background: The Berea Board of Education, in collaboration with the City of Berea, has developed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish and support the Fire Science Career Pathway for Berea Independent Schools. This MOU outlines the responsibilities of both the Board and the City in providing necessary resources, including classroom space, educational materials, and qualified instructors. It also details the financial obligations, indemnification, and other critical terms necessary for the effective operation of this educational program.

Recommendation: It is recommended that the Berea Board of Education approve the attached Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Berea for the Fire Science Career Pathway. This agreement is integral to offering students a specialized career pathway in fire science, providing them with valuable skills and training.

Financial Implications: The District agrees to share the cost of the instructor’s salary, beginning with 50% in year three and increasing to 75% in subsequent years. Invoices for these costs will be received by May 31st each year, aligning with the District's fiscal year-end.

Action Required: Approval of the attached Memorandum of Understanding between the Berea Board of Education and the City of Berea Requested by Tim Molton, Acting Director of Academics and Recommended by Diane Hatchett Superintendent

• MOU - Fire Science.docx 24-25.docx

IDEA Admissions and Release Committee Chairpersons
Approve the following positions to serve as Admissions and Release
Committee chairpersons:

• Director of Exceptional Children
• Elementary School Principal
• Middle School Principal
• High School Principal
• BCS Assistant Principal
• Elementary School Guidance Counselor
• Middle School Guidance Counselor
• High School Guidance Counselor
• Director of Academics

Section 504 Chairpersons
Approve the following positions to serve as 504 chairpersons:

• Director of Exceptional Children
• Elementary School Principal
• Middle School Principal
• High School Principal
• BCS Assistant Principal
• Elementary School Guidance Counselor
• Middle School Guidance Counselor
• High School Guidance Counselor
• District Social Worker

Background: In accordance with KRS 160.470 (House Bill 44), the Berea Independent Board of Education has proposed a General Fund tax levy for the fiscal year 2024-2025. The proposed tax rates and expected revenues have been calculated and are detailed below.

Proposed Tax Rates:

• Real Property: 84.5 cents per $100 of assessed value (including 0.2 cents for exonerations)
• Personal Property: 87.8 cents per $100 of assessed value (including 0.2 cents for exonerations)

Expected Revenue: The proposed tax rates are expected to generate $2,800,214.96 in revenue, of which $259,145.40 is derived from new and personal property.

Compensating Tax Rates:

• Real Property: 81.1 cents per $100 of assessed value
• Personal Property: 84.3 cents per $100 of assessed value

These compensating tax rates are projected to produce $2,693,994.47.

Motion Passed:  Approve the proposed General Fund tax levy of 84.5 cents on real property and 87.8 cents on personal property for the fiscal year 2024-2025 passed with a motion by Rebecca Blankenship and a second by Mr. Tom McCay.

Purpose:
To set the motor vehicle tax rate for the fiscal year 2024-2025 in compliance with KRS 157.440 and other applicable regulations.

Background:
The motor vehicle tax rate for the previous year was set at 59.1 cents per $100 of assessed value. The proposed rate for the fiscal year 2024-2025 will be 59.2 cents per $100 of assessed value, as calculated under KRS 157.440.

Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Board approve the motor vehicle tax rate of 59.2 cents per $100 of assessed value for the fiscal year 2024-2025, as outlined in the report generated by the Kentucky Department of Education.

Action:
Approve the motor vehicle tax rate of 59.2 cents per $100 of assessed value for the fiscal year 2024-2025M requested by Nathan Sweet Finance Officer and Recommended by Diane Hatchett Superintendent.

Motion Passed:  approve the motor vehicle tax rate of 59.2 cents per $100 of assessed value for the fiscal year 2024-2025 passed with a motion by Mr. Nathaniel Hackett and a second by Mr. Tom McCay.

Background: The existing policy on student absences and excuses, Policy 09.123, has undergone a review to ensure it aligns with current educational requirements and best practices. Several updates and revisions have been proposed, which are highlighted in yellow and marked in red text in the attached policy document.

Summary of Changes:

1. Mental or Behavioral Health:

   • The policy now explicitly includes mental or behavioral health as a valid reason for an excused absence, recognizing the importance of students' mental well-being alongside their physical health.

2. Parent Notes:

   • The number of absences and tardies that can be excused using parent notes is now capped at two (2) tardies and four (4) absences per semester. This aims to provide a balance between parental discretion and maintaining consistent attendance.

3. Medical Excuse Form:

   • Up to ten (10) days and/or tardies per school year may be excused with a health care provider’s note.
   • Absences or tardy events exceeding ten (10) days for medical reasons now require the completion of a Medical Excuse Form.
   • The Medical Excuse Form must be submitted within five (5) days of the student’s return to school for the absence to be considered excused.

4. Excessive Tardies:

   • Disciplinary action is now specified for students who report to school more than twenty (20) minutes late or are late without a valid excuse to the first class of the day or after lunch.

5. Unexcused Absences and Extracurricular Activities:

   • Students with six (6) or more unexcused days will be ineligible for extracurricular activities, such as athletics and dances.
   • Twelfth-grade students with six (6) unexcused days will not be allowed to participate in high school graduation ceremonies.

6. Makeup Work:

   • The policy clarifies that students are responsible for makeup work and establishes a maximum of three (3) days for the completion of such work after an absence. Teachers may use discretion to allow work for unexcused absences to be made up.

Rationale: These revisions are intended to:

• Clarify and enhance the criteria for excused absences, particularly concerning mental health and medical needs.
• Ensure that the policy is equitable and supports the overall academic and behavioral expectations of the district.
• Provide clear guidelines for parents, students, and staff on the management of absences and tardies.

Action Requested: The Board is requested to review and approve the proposed revisions to Policy 09.123 - Absences and Excuses.

Attachments:

• Revised Policy 09.123 with highlighted and red text changes.

Action Required:

Approval of Revisions to Policy 09.123 - Absences and Excuses as outlined above, Requested by Kyle French, DPP, and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

• VI_D_AttendanceExcusePolicydocx2Bereapdf_0.pdf
• VI_D_MedicalUseForm202425docx_0.docx

Motion Passed:  Approve Revisions to Policy 09.123 - Absences and Excuses passed with a motion by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside and a second by Mr. Nathaniel Hackett.

Amend agenda to accept Board Member Rebecca Blankenship's resignation. Requested by Rebecca Blankenship and recommended by Van Gravitt

Motion Passed:  Amend agenda to accept Board Member Rebecca Blankenship's resignation. Requested by Van Gravitt and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett passed with a motion by Mr. Nathaniel Hackett and a second by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside.

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

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                        Central Office

Monday, July 15, 2024                         Central Office

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)