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 25 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 15 years.

Sarah Rohrer

Ms. Rohrer was sworn in on October 21, 2024. She filled the vacancy left when Ms. Blankenship resigned. Her current term runs through December 31, 2026. Ms. Rohrer has served on the Board for over 1 year.

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. Mr. Morgan has served on the Board for 1 year.

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 2026 term.

Motion Passed:  Acceptance of nominations and vote for J Morgan to serve as the chairperson for the 2026 term passed with a motion by Ms. Sarah Rohrer and a second by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside.

Acceptance of nominations and vote for the vice chairperson to serve during the 2026 term.

Motion Passed:  Acceptance of nominations and vote for Sarah Rohrer to serve as the vice chairperson during the 2026 term passed with a motion by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside and a second by Mr. J. Morgan.

See Board Policies 03.131-03.1313 "The Superintendent shall make all appointments, promotions, and transfers of certified personnel for positions authorized by the Board and, at the first meeting following the actions, shall notify the Board of same. Such notification shall be recorded in the Board minutes."

• II. C. 2. BALANCE SHEET DEC 2025
• II. C. 2. Book Balance
• II. C. 2. FIN REPORT DEC 2025
• II. C. 2. Treasurer's Monthly Report

• II. C. 3. Berea Community Schools Enrollment and Attendance Report
• II. C. 3. Student Withdrawal Analysis 2025-2026

• II. D. 1. Board Report January - Elementary School
• II. D. 1. Elementary School Important Dates 25-26

• January 2026 Board Report - Middle_High School

Berea Independent Board of Education welcomes public comment during all regular meetings. Generally, School Board members do not respond to public comment during a meeting. The public comment period should not be viewed as an opportunity for questioning of board members or administrators, or for back-and-forth discussion or debate. It is an opportunity for members of the public to express their views regarding matters which are within the scope of the Board's decision-making authority.

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

Motion Passed:  Approval of the Business/Consent Items for Board Consideration passed with a motion by Ms. Sarah Rohrer and a second by Mr. J. Morgan.

Approve the minutes of the board meeting on December 15, 2025. Requested by Christine Knight, Secretary, and recommended by Dr. Ryan Neaves, Superintendent.

• MinuteReport 12-15-25.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, Director of Operations, and recommended by Dr. Ryan Neaves, Superintendent.

• IV. B. Food Service Report (2)
• IV. B. Visa Report (1)
• IV. B. Warrant (1)

Approve the SFCC Offer of Assistance dated January 6, 2026. Pursuant to KRS 157.622, the School Facilities Construction Commission (SFCC) has extended an official Offer of Assistance to the Berea Independent Board of Education. This offer, in compliance with House Bill 6 of the 2024 Session of the General Assembly, includes an annual debt service amount of $8,642. These funds are designated for construction or major renovation projects as outlined in the district's most recent approved facility plan. Requested by Nathan Sweet, Finance Director, and recommended by Dr. Ryan Neaves, Superintendent.

Approve the 2026-2027 Draft Budget. Requested by Nathan Sweet, Finance Director, and recommended by Dr. Ryan Neaves, Superintendent

• Berea Ind FY27 Draft Budget - Detail Report
• Berea Ind FY27 Draft Budget - Summary Report

Motion Passed:  Approve the 2026-2027 Draft Budget review passed with a motion by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside and a second by Mr. J. Morgan.

Background:
The Comprehensive District Improvement Plan (CDIP) for the 2026-2027 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 2026-20267 Comprehensive District Improvement Plan (CDIP) to guide the district’s continuous improvement efforts requested by Tim Molton, Director of Academics, and recommended by Dr. Ryan Neaves, Superintendent.

• V. B. Berea ISD CDIP 2025-2026

Motion Passed:  Approve the 2026-2027 Comprehensive District Improvement Plan (CDIP) to guide the district’s continuous improvement efforts passed with a motion by Ms. Sarah Rohrer and a second by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside.

Approve the first reading of the following calendar for the 2026-2027 school year.   Requested by Kyle French, DPP, and the Calendar Committee and recommended by Dr. Ryan Neaves, Superintendent.

• V. C. Berea Independent 26-27 Calendar (1)

Motion Passed:  Approve the first reading of the following calendar for the 2026-2027 school year passed with a motion by Mr. Tom McCay and a second by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside.

Executive Session per KRS 61.810 (1)(f) to interview applicants and discuss appointment of a Board Member to fill our School Board vacancy.

Motion Passed:  Go into Executive Session per KRS 61.810 (1)(f) to interview applicants and discuss appointment of a Board Member to fill our School Board vacancy passed with a motion by Ms. Sarah Rohrer and a second by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside.

Return to Regular Session

Motion Passed:  Return to Regular Session passed with a motion by Mr. Tom McCay and a second by Ms. Sarah Rohrer.

Motion to appoint _____________________ to serve as Board Member until the election in November 2026

Motion Passed:  Motion to appoint Jenny Hobson to serve as Board Member until the election in November 2026 passed with a motion by Mr. J. Morgan and a second by Ms. Sarah Rohrer.

Motion Passed:  Approval to adjourn the meeting passed with a motion by Mr. Tom McCay and a second by Dr. Jacqueline Burnside.

2026 Meeting Schedule

All meetings will take place at 7:00 PM in the Kennedy Theater.

Thursday, January 15, 2026*                  Kennedy Theater

Monday, February 16, 2026                  Kennedy Theater

Monday, March 16, 2026                     Kennedy Theater

Monday, April 20, 2026                        Kennedy Theater

Monday, May 18, 2026                         Kennedy Theater

Monday, June 15, 2026                        Kennedy Theater

Monday, July 20, 2026                        Kennedy Theater

Monday, August 17, 2026                     Kennedy Theater

Monday, September 21, 2026               Kennedy Theater

Monday, October 19, 2026                   Kennedy Theater

Monday, November 16, 2026               Kennedy Theater

Monday, December 21, 2026                Kennedy Theater

Thursday, January 14, 2027*               Kennedy Theater