“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 49th anniversary. Schools, churches and businesses celebrate African American culture and contributions during African American History Month.

Motion Passed:  Appoint Board of Education Member, Nathaniel Hackett, to the Superintendent Screening Committee passed with a motion by Mr. J. Morgan and a second by Ms. Sarah Rohrer.

Motion Passed:  Add statements to the Superintendent Search Survey, including "The Berea Superintendent has experience as a superintendent" passed with a motion by Mr. Nathaniel Hackett and a second by Ms. Sarah Rohrer.

• 2.1 balance sheet jan 25
• 2.1 BOARD REPORT FY 25 (1)
• 2.1 Treasurer REPORT JAN 25
• 3.1 Food Service REC FY 25

• 2.2 Board Meeting_ Attendance and Enrollment (1)

Recognize Maya Richardson

• Copy of Berea Elementary School February Board Report (1)

• Berea Middle School Board Report (1)

• BCHS February Board Report

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

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 27,2025. Requested by Christine Knight, Secretary, and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

• MinuteReport 1-27-25.doc

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, Finance Director, and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

• 2.1 balance sheet jan 25
• 2.1 BOARD REPORT FY 25 (1)
• 2.1 Treasurer REPORT JAN 25
• 3.1 Food Service REC FY 25
• 3.2 FEB 2025 Warrant
• 3.3 FEB 2024 Visa

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 03.28, approve Nathan Sweet to serve as the board appointed member of the Classified Evaluation Appeals Panel. Requested and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

Approve the out of state trip request for High School Academic Team students attending the National Championship Tournament in Chicago, IL, April 24-27, 2025. Requested by Travis Blankenship, High School Academic Team Coach, Kelly Caldwell, High School Principal, and recommended by Dr. Hatchett, Superintendent.

Approve the Senior Trip to Cincinnati, Ohio on May 10. The students will travel by Berea Independent School buses to Cincinnati to visit attractions such as the zoo, bowling or arcade, and Riverboat.  Requested by Roger Trussell, Kelly Caldwell, High School Principal, and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent.

Recommend that the KASA Gold contract be selected for the Superintendent Search. The reason for the recommendation is that the virtual option was designed for Covid and the in-person option provides the opportunity for the consultant to meet face to face with the screening committee and board. This better ensures all questions/issues are addressed in real time with transparency and confidentiality upheld to the KASA Gold standard. Requested and recommended by Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent 

• Superintendent Search contract for Berea Ind. (gold) copy copy

Motion Passed:  Approve the KASA Gold Contract for the superintendent search passed with a motion by Mr. Tom McCay and a second by Mr. Nathaniel Hackett.

• Berea Ind. Supt. Search timeline

Motion Passed:  Approve KASA's timeline for the superintendent search passed with a motion by Mr. Nathaniel Hackett and a second by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside.

Motion Passed:  Approve KASA's timeline for the superintendent search passed with a motion by Mr. Nathaniel Hackett and a second by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside.

• Screenshot 2025-02-17 110323

Motion Passed:  Approve the use of a survey for staff, parents, and community members (posted on the website and in the community) passed with a motion by Mr. Nathaniel Hackett and a second by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside.

Approve the second 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 second reading of the following calendar for the 2025-2026 school year passed with a motion by Mr. Nathaniel Hackett and a second by Mr. Tom McCay.

Rationale

Recommendation for Approval of Purchase of 120 New Chromebook Devices and 2 Chromebook Holding Carts for Each School

Background:

As part of the district’s ongoing commitment to enhancing student learning through technology, Berea Independent Schools has been awarded funding through the GearUp program, facilitated by the Appalachian Educational Service Agency Supplemental Award. This funding will allow for the purchase of 120 new Chromebook devices and 2 Chromebook holding carts for each school. The devices and carts will be essential in supporting student engagement, digital learning, and providing efficient management and storage for the Chromebooks.

Proposal Overview:

The funds from the GearUp program will be used to purchase the following:

• Berea Community Middle School:

  • 60 Chromebooks at a cost of $22,798
  • 2 Chromebook holding carts for $X (Cost included in total)

• Berea Community High School:

  • 60 Chromebooks at a cost of $24,000
  • 2 Chromebook holding carts for $X (Cost included in total)

The total expenditure for these devices and carts will not exceed $48,000, as outlined in the attached quote.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the Berea Independent Board of Education approve the purchase of 120 new Chromebooks and 2 Chromebook holding carts for each school, as outlined in the attached quote, through the GearUp funding awarded by the Appalachian Educational Service Agency Supplemental Award. This purchase will support the district's efforts to provide students with the tools necessary for academic success in the digital age, while ensuring proper storage and management of the devices.

Recommendation by:
Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent
Nathan Sweet, Director of Operations
Daniel Montoya, District Technology Coordinator

• Berea Supplmental _Dec24
• Quote# E132381 - BEREA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT - 100E G4 - Qty 60 w. Wired Carts (1)

Motion Passed:  Approve the purchase of 120 new Chromebooks and 2 Chromebook holding carts for each school, as outlined in the attached quote, through the GearUp funding awarded by the Appalachian Educational Service Agency Supplemental Award (contingent upon receiving funds from GearUp) passed with a motion by Mr. Nathaniel Hackett and a second by Mr. Tom McCay.

Rationale

Recommendation for Approval of Purchase of 60 Windows-Based End User Devices and 2 Device Carts for Berea Community High School

Background:

As part of its commitment to providing students with access to advanced educational technology, Berea Independent Schools has been awarded funding through the GearUp program, facilitated by the Appalachian Educational Service Agency Supplemental Award. This funding will be used to purchase 60 Windows-based end-user devices and 2 device carts for Berea Community High School. These devices and carts will help improve student engagement and provide efficient storage and management of the devices, supporting high school students' academic success.

Proposal Overview:

The GearUp funding will be used to purchase the following for Berea Community High School:

• 60 Windows-based end-user devices at a total cost of $59,297
• 2 device carts for storage at a total cost of $3,000 ($1,500 per cart)

The total expenditure for this purchase will not exceed $63,000, as outlined in the attached quote.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the Berea Independent Board of Education approve the purchase of 60 Windows-based end-user devices and 2 device carts for Berea Community High School, as outlined in the attached quote, through the GearUp funding awarded by the Appalachian Educational Service Agency Supplemental Award. This purchase will provide students with the technology they need for academic success while ensuring proper storage and management of the devices.

Recommendation by:
Dr. Diane Hatchett, Superintendent
Nathan Sweet, Director of Operations
Daniel Montoya, District Technology Coordinator

• Gearup60k
• VI_C_BereaSupplmentalDec24_0

Motion Passed:  Approve the purchase of 60 Windows-based end-user devices and 2 device carts for Berea Community High School, as outlined in the attached quote, through the GearUp funding awarded by the Appalachian Educational Service Agency Supplemental Award (contingent upon funds being received from GearUp) passed with a motion by Mr. Nathaniel Hackett and a second by Ms. Sarah Rohrer.

Requested and recommended by J. Morgan, board chair that the Berea Board of Education approve the Churchill's contract for the BCHS junior/senior prom to be held on May 3rd. 

• DOC121724-12172024112119 (3)

Motion Passed:  Approve the Churchill's Contract for the BCHS junior/ senior prom (contingent upon parents providing supplemental liability insurance equivalent to what has been used in the past for Project Graduation) passed with a motion by Mr. Tom McCay and a second by Ms. Sarah Rohrer.

Motion Passed:  Approval to adjourn the meeting passed with a motion by Mr. Nathaniel Hackett and a second by Ms. Sarah Rohrer.

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