January is “School Board Recognition Month.”  It is an excellent time to show appreciation to our school board members while at the same time showing our community how our board and school district are focused on improving student achievement.  Kentucky law requires school board members to receive professional development annually.  The Kentucky School Board Academy of Studies is a comprehensive school board in-service training organization designed specifically for local school board members.

The Academy of Studies has the following levels of achievement:

           Level I             Basic Studies                                30 hours

           Level II            Advanced Studies                         60 hours

           Level III           Excellence                                   90 hours

           Level IV           Distinction                                   120 hours

           Level V            Certificate of Leadership    

Recognition of the Following Board Members:

Jackie Burnside, Academy Level V

Dr. Burnside was sworn in on March 19, 2001.  She filled the vacancy created when Howard Asher was elected in November 2000 and resigned before taking the oath of office. Dr. Burnside has been subsequently re-elected, and her current term runs from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2026.  She has served on the Board for nearly 24 years.

Tom McCay

Mr. McCay was elected in November 2018 and was sworn in January 1, 2019.  He has been re-elected, and his current term runs from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2026. Mr. McCay also served on the Board from 1995-2002. Mr. McCay has served on the Board for a total of 14 years.

Nathaniel Hackett

Mr. Hackett was sworn in on October 9, 2023. He filled the vacancy when Jarred Penn resigned. He served the remainder of the term, ending December 31, 2024. He has been re-elected, and his current term runs from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2028. Mr. Hackett has served on the Board for over 1 year.

Sarah Rohrer

Sarah Rohrer was sworn in on October 21, 2024. She filled the vacancy left when Rebecca Blankenship resigned. Her current term runs through December 31, 2025.

J Morgan

Mr. Morgan was elected on November 5, 2024, and was sworn in January 17, 2025. His current term runs through December 31, 2028.

According to Board Policy 01.41, the first regular scheduled meeting in January shall be an organizational meeting for the purpose of electing a chairperson and vice chairperson.

Acceptance of nominations and vote for the chairperson to serve during the 2025 term.

Motion Passed:  Acceptance of nomination of J Morgan for the chairperson to serve during the 2025 term passed with a motion by Ms. Sarah Rohrer and a second by Mr. Tom McCay.

Acceptance of nominations and vote for the vice chairperson to serve during the 2025 term.

Motion Passed:  Acceptance of nominations and vote for Ms. Sarah Rohrer to serve as the vice chairperson during the 2025 term passed with a motion by Mr. Nathaniel Hackett and a second by Mr. J. Morgan.

• BOARD REPORT FY 25
• FS REC FY 25

• VII_A_EnrollmentProjections_0 (2)

• DOC011625-01162025125502

• 2.3 BCMS 1-25 School Board Report

• 2.4 BCHS Board Report January 2025.docx

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

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

Approve the minutes of the board meeting on December 16, 2024. Requested by Christine Knight, Secretary, and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

• 3.0 MinuteReport121624doc0_0 (2)

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

• 3.2 Warrant Janurary 2025
• BOARD REPORT FY 25
• DOC011725-01172025150153
• FS REC FY 25

Adoption of schedule for regular meeting dates, times and location for the year 2025.  All meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Kennedy Theater except for work session meetings and those noted which will take place in the Central Office.

2025 Meeting Schedule

Monday, January 27, 2025                   Kennedy Theater

Monday February 17, 2025                  Kennedy Theater

Monday, March 17, 2025                      Kennedy Theater

Monday, April 21, 2025                       Kennedy Theater

Monday, May 19, 2025                        Kennedy Theater

Monday, June 16, 2025                       Central Office

Monday, July 21, 2025                         Central Office

Monday, August 18, 2025                    Kennedy Theater

Monday, September 15, 2025              Kennedy Theater

Monday, October 20, 2025                   Kennedy Theater

Monday, November 3, 2025                Central Office (Assessment – Work Session)

Monday, November 17, 2025               Kennedy Theater

Monday, December 15, 2025               Kennedy Theater

• Superintendent Search General FY25

Motion Passed:  Approve the engagement of a contract with KASA to lead the board throughout the various aspects of the superintendent search process passed with a motion by Mr. Nathaniel Hackett and a second by Ms. Sarah Rohrer.

Background:
For the 2024-2025 school year, the district utilized staffing ratios of 22:1 for elementary schools and 25:1 for middle and high schools. However, due to funding constraints and budget considerations for the upcoming school year, the district will strictly adhere to the staff-to-student ratios specified in KRS 157.360:

• Primary Grades (K-3): Maximum of 24 students per class
• Grade 4: Maximum of 28 students per class
• Grades 5-6: Maximum of 29 students per class
• Grades 7-12: Maximum of 31 students per class

This adjustment ensures compliance with state funding regulations and maximizes resources for effective instruction.

Recommendation:
Approve the implementation of staff allocation ratios as specified in KRS 157.360 for the 2025-2026 school year, requested by Nathan Sweet, Finance Officer, and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

• statute Staff allocation.pdf
• VII_C_SBDMStaffingAllocations1_0

Motion Passed:  Approve the implementation of staff allocation ratios as specified in KRS 157.360 for the 2025-2026 school year passed with a motion by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside 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 by Nathan Sweet, Acting Director of Operations, and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

• SBDM Staffing Allocations (1)
• Staffing Allocation notice (1)

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. Nathaniel Hackett and a second by Ms. Sarah Rohrer.

Background:
Following the completion of the Audited Financial Report (AFR) for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, adjustments to the working budget are necessary to realign projected revenue and expenses. These revisions ensure that the budget reflects accurate financial data and aligns with the district’s current fiscal priorities and obligations.

Recommendation:
Approve the revised working budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to reflect the updated revenue and expense estimates based on the audited financial results, requested by Nathan Sweet, Finance Officer, and recommended by Diane Hatchett, Superintendent

• Working Budget Report FY25

Motion Passed:  Approve the revised working budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to reflect the updated revenue and expense estimates based on the audited financial results passed with a motion by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside and a second by Mr. Tom McCay.

Background:
The Comprehensive District Improvement Plan (CDIP) for the 2025-2026 school year has been developed through a collaborative process involving multiple stakeholders. This plan identifies priority needs, resources, and actionable strategies to address these needs in alignment with the district's goals for student growth and achievement.

The CDIP adheres to the requirements of 703 KAR 5:225 and reflects the following Strategic Key Core Work Processes (KCWPs):

• KCWP 1: Design and Deploy Standards
• KCWP 2: Design and Deliver Instruction
• KCWP 3: Design and Deliver Assessment Literacy
• KCWP 4: Review, Analyze, Apply Data Results
• KCWP 5: Design, Align, and Deliver Support
• KCWP 6: Establish Learning Environment and Culture

The plan includes a timeline for progress monitoring and revisions throughout the year to ensure the district continues to meet its improvement goals.

Recommendation:
Approve the 2025-2026 Comprehensive District Improvement Plan (CDIP) to guide the district’s continuous improvement efforts requested by Tim Molton, Director of Academics, and recommended by Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

• Final CDIP 2024 Berea ISD.docx

Motion Passed:  Approve the 2025-2026 Comprehensive District Improvement Plan (CDIP) to guide the district’s continuous improvement efforts passed with a motion by Mr. Nathaniel Hackett and a second by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside.

Approve the proposed auditing contract with Summers, McCrary & Sparks, LLC to include auditing for the 2024-2025 fiscal year at a cost of $18,000.  Requested by Nathan Sweet, Director of Finance, and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

Approve the first reading of the following calendar for the 2025-2026 school year.   Requested by Kyle French, DPP, and the Calendar Committee and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

• Draft 25-26 Calendar (2)

Motion Passed:  Approve the first reading of the following calendar for the 2025-2026 school year 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. Nathaniel Hackett and a second by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside.