Covington Independent
March 24, 2022 5:00 PM
Covington Board of Education
I. Call to Order
Ms. Sarah Flerlage, Board Chair
II. Roll Call
Ms. Sarah Flerlage, Board Chair
III. Pledge of Allegiance
Board Members
IV. Welcome and Board Chair Comments
Ms. Sarah Flerlage, Board Chair
V. Public Input
Ms. Sarah Flerlage, Board Chair
Rationale

This is an opportunity for the community to provide input and comments on district business. To submit public input, for scheduled virtual meetings email Becky Egan, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent by 3 p.m., one day prior to the scheduled meeting at becky.egan@covington.kyschools.us

Please include in the email:

  • Full name
  • Address
  • Comments you would like addressed to the Covington Board of Education
Members of the public may address the Board during the period set aside by the Board without submitting an item for the agenda. No action shall be taken during this portion of the meeting on issues raised by employees or the public unless deemed an emergency by the Board. Please note: Comments are asked to refrain from personal remarks in which an individual is named. Comments are limited to two minutes unless extended by the board chair. Critical comments or complaints are processed through the District’s complaint procedures. Questions and concerns will be addressed by the Board through various venues, including, but not limited to, the district website and e-mail.

VI. Informational Items (Action Possible)
VI.1. Preschool Cognia Presentation
Ms. Elizabeth Miller, Principal
Rationale

Ms. Elizabeth Miller, Principal will present to the  Board the preschool Cognia report.

Attachments
VI.2. Districtwide Assessment Data ~ Grades K-8
Mr. Scott Alter, Assistant Superintendent of Student Learning
Rationale

Presentation to the board of our common districtwide assessment data for grades K-8.  Data will be shared from STAR CBM and District Benchmark Data.  Data will be shared comparing each schools’ progress from our Fall 2021 testing window and our Winter 2022 testing window.  Each of these assessments are given 3 times per year in the Fall, Winter and Spring.  The following are explanations of the data included in this report:

STAR CBM- STAR CBM is a curriculum based measure which gives schools’ each student’s current reading level K-6.  STAR CBM measures letter names, phonemic awareness, phonics and reading fluency up to 6th grade. 

District Benchmark Data (Transcend)- Our District Benchmark Data (Transcend) assesses our students on the standards being taught to them in our classrooms.  These standards are taken directly from our common district curriculum all of our teachers use daily.  Each District Benchmark Assessment is cumulative and by the end of year assesses students on all of the standards taught in each subject area at their particular grade level. 

Attachments
VI.3. Nutrition and Physical Activity Environments – KRS 158.856
Ms. Taryn Stewart, Director of Nutrition Services
Rationale

KRS 158.856 requires that an annual assessment of school nutrition in the district be conducted by the school food service director and that a written report of that assessment be issued to parents, local board members and site based council members. . KDE recommends the School Health Index Module on Nutrition as an assessment tool.

The report must include:

• an evaluation of compliance with the school breakfast and lunch programs

• an evaluation of the availability of contracted fast foods

• a review of access to foods and beverages from vending machines, stores, etc.

• nutritional value of foods and beverages available to students

• recommendations for improving the school nutrition environment

The statute also requires that districts annually evaluate the physical activity environment within the district. KDE recommends the School Health Index Module on Physical Education and Other Physical Activity Programs as an assessment tool. The results of the evaluation must be reported to the public along with the report on the nutrition environment.  

Attachments
VI.4. Personnel Actions
Mr. Ken Kippenbrock, Executive Director of Human Resources and Operations
Rationale

The personnel actions listed on the exhibit have taken place since the board meeting on February 24, 2022. 

Attachments
VI.5. IMPACT Kentucky 2022 Results
Mr. Bill Grein, Secondary Director
Rationale

Mr. Bill Grein, Secondary Director will present to the board the 2022 Impact Kentucky Working Condition Survey results for our schools.  

Impact Kentucky

The Impact Kentucky Working Conditions Survey is administered to certified educators across the state of Kentucky:

  • All public schools in Kentucky are eligible and invited to participate.
  • The survey window is 6 weeks in length.
  • All schools identify a survey coordinator from among their faculty. This representative is responsible for the distribution of anonymous survey access codes to colleagues.
  • Schools with at least 10 responses and a 50% response rate have a report available to them. 
Creating school environments where educators can thrive is a key focus of the Kentucky Department of Education. Thank you to the 38,194 certified educators across the Commonwealth of Kentucky for elevating their voices and providing feedback about their working conditions. With this data in hand, we know that educators will be able to reflect on the progress they have made and the areas they can focus on moving forward to create the working conditions all educators deserve. 

Attachments
VI.6. Staff Wellness Focus
Dr. Janice Wilkerson, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support
Rationale

With an understanding that we must take care of our staff members' wellbeing, we are making this a focus of our Leadership meetings.  Kate Duell, Intervention Specialist and Mike Shipley, School Counselor will provide a brief overview of our work on this. 

VI.7. NKCES Intent to Participate for the 2022-2023 School Year
Rationale

Covington Independent Public Schools intends to participate in the following memberships and programs with the Northern Kentucky Cooperative Extension Services (NKCES) for the 2022-2023 School Year:

  • NKCES Membership and Grants Consortium ($10,500 base plus ADA *.50)
  • Phoenix Program ($26,000 per slot)

  • Challenge Program ($52,500 per slot)

  • Vision Impaired (indicates need for services only)

For the 2022-2023 the district will be requesting eight slots for the Phoenix Program and three spots for the Challenge Program. Funding sources for the NKCES Membership and NKCES Grants Program are district funded. Phoenix Program, Challenge Program and Vision Impaired are funded through Special Education and IDEA-B funds.

Attachments
VII. Report of the Treasurer
Ms. Annette Burtschy, Director of Finance
VII.1. Monthly Financials ~ February
Ms. Annette Burtschy, Director of Finance
Rationale

Budget Narrative for February FY2022 monthly financial statement:

 

  1. General fund (fund 1) – as of 2/28/22, revenue received of 38.2 million with expenses of 21.4 million.
  2. Special revenue (fund 2) – as of 2/28/22, revenue received of 10.1 million with expenses of 10.1 million. Many grants in fund 2 are on a reimbursement basis. Money is requested after the expenses have occurred. There is a delay on receiving fund 2 revenue.
  3. Capital outlay (fund 310) - as of 2/28/22, revenue received of $172,000 with expenses of $0. The state does not provide all the capital outlay funding until the end of the fiscal year. This fund is used to pay the district’s bond payments. Bond payments occur throughout the whole fiscal year under fund 400 (new for FY’13 per KDE).Money will be transferred out of capital outlay into the debt service fund throughout the fiscal year.
  4. Building fund (fund 320) - as of 2/28/22, revenue received of 1.3 million with expenses of $481,000.This fund is used to pay the district’s bond payments. Bond payments occur throughout the whole fiscal year under fund 400 (new for FY’13 per KDE).Money will be transferred out of building fund into the debt service fund throughout the fiscal year.
  5. Construction fund (fund 360) - as of 2/28/22, revenue received of $0 with expenses of $444,000.This fund is used to pay for the district’s construction projects.
  6. Debt Service fund (fund 400) – as of 2/28/22, revenue received of $0 with expenses of $817,000.See detailed explanation under capital outlay and building fund.
  7. Daycare fund (originally fund 50 – switched to fund 52 per KDE) – as of 2/28/22, revenue received of $211,000 with expenses of $143,000.Revenue comes in throughout the fiscal year.
  8. Food service fund (fund 51) – as of 2/28/22, revenue received of 2.6 million with expenses of 1.7 million.
  9. School Activity Fund (fund 25) – as of 2/28/22 revenue received of 299,000 with expenses of -2,900.This fund was set up end of FY20 due to a new GASB standard that went into effect. All Redbook monies have to be entered into MUNIS which is done at year-end in June.

 

Completed 3/1/22 by Annette Burtschy

 

 

Attachments
VII.2. Warrant Expenditure Report
Ms. Annette Burtschy, Director of Finance
Rationale

Pursuant to Policy 04.3111, the treasurer shall prepare warrants or “Orders of the Treasurer” to be acted upon at each regular Board meeting. The Board shall give subsequent approval to all budgeted disbursements made between meetings of the Board. Disbursements shall only be made on invoices for purchases made in accordance with District policy and procedures.

Attachments
VIII. Consent Agenda
VIII.1. Approval of Minutes ~ March 3, 2022 Special Meeting
Attachments
VIII.2. Approval of Minutes ~ March 10, 2022 Special Meeting
VIII.3. Approval of Minutes ~ March 10, 2022 Regular Meeting
Attachments
VIII.4. Northern Kentucky University Young Scholars Academy
Mr. Alvin Garrison, Superintendent
Rationale

Details regarding the Young Scholars Academy program that was initiated during the 2021 school year is a personalized pathway for  juniors/seniors who are academically and socially ready for a full time college experience will be presented to the Board.

VIII.5. District Threat Assessment Training
Dr. Janice Wilkerson, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support
Rationale

The School Safety & Resiliency Act of 2019 requires schools to have threat assessment teams in place.  This contract provides training for new and current school team members.  Funding for this service is provided through the Violence Prevention grant.    

VIII.6. Vendor Change for Emergency Response Software
Mr. Ken Kippenbrock, Executive Director of Human Resources and Operations
Rationale

Due to concerns with our current emergency response app/software and framework provider, a committee was formed with representation from the High School, Middle School, and an Elementary School to review another vendor.

The recommendation of the committee is accept the contract with RAPTOR for emergency response app/software. 

There will be a onetime implementation fee of $6,000 which will be absorbed into this year's existing Director of Pupil Personnel (DPP)/Personnel/Safety budget.

The recurring cost will be $12,600 starting 2022-2023 school year, which will be an annual savings of $7,166 over our current provider. We believe that we can improve emergency response and reduce cost. 

Note: This would not change our threat assessment software provider. 

VIII.7. Summer Program 2022
Ms. Stacie Strotman, Director of Community and Family Engagement
Rationale

Camp Covington will provide a wholistic approach including, academic and social emotional support along with youth development and fitness programming.  All schools within the district will provide programming, including TLC.  The program has been modified based on feedback from staff and students from a six-week program to five-week program.   

Attachments
VIII.8. Fundraiser Request ~ Latonia Elementary Popcorn Fridays
Ms. Maranda Meyer, Principal
Rationale

Pursuant to CIPS Policy 09.33 Fund Raising Activities, Board approval is required for all school-wide fundraising activities.

Latonia Elementary is requesting approval to offer Popcorn Fridays. Students pay .50 for bag of popcorn. Proceeds cover the cost of popcorn and related supplies. Money is deposited into LES general activity account each Friday.

Attachments
VIII.9. Fundraising Request ~ Student Council Fundraiser for 2021-2022 Prom
Ms. Ashley Gallahar, Assistant Principal
Rationale

Pursuant to CIPS Policy 09.33 Fund Raising Activities, Board approval is required for all school-wide fundraising activities.

Holmes High School Student Council would like to raise money for the 2021-2022 Prom by selling tickets and donations.

Attachments
VIII.10. Leave of Absence Request ~ Employee #6484
Mr. Ken Kippenbrock, Executive Director of Human Resources and Operations
Rationale

Employee # 6484 has requested FMLA beginning 02/15/2022 and returning 05/17/2022.  Leave will be part paid and unpaid. 

VIII.11. Leave of Absence Request ~ Employee #6496
Ken Kippenbrock, Director of Human Resources and Operations.
Rationale

Employee # 6496 has requested FMLA beginning 03/11/2022 returning 04/18/2022.  Leave will be fully paid.

IX. Individual Approval Agenda Items
IX.1. Teacher Retention - BloomBoard
Mr. Ken Kippenbrock, Executive Director of Human Resources and Operations
Rationale

The Continuing Education Option (CEO) supports teachers in achieving Rank I or Rank II through
individualized, research-based job-embedded professional development plans. A teacher may use the CEO for achieving Rank I or Rank II, but not both. Rank change is recognized only in Kentucky and though it is not a master’s degree, it does meet statutory requirements for continuing education (KRS 161.095).

Teachers benefit from increased knowledge and skills along with increased pay based on improving Rank in the salary schedule. 

The program includes Mentoring, a Capstone, and Job-embedded PD via Microcredentials.

The program takes on average, 2-3 years to complete but can be completed no more quickly than over a one year period of time. 

The cost of this program through BloomBoard is approximately $6,000. The cost of a Master of Art's in teaching in this area is between $14,000 and $18,000 plus. 

In order to improve teacher retention, we are requesting the Board of Education authorize the Superintendent or his Designee to form procedures to reimburse teachers who participate in and successfully complete this program at a rate of $1,000 per year for six years to pay for up to the $6,000 cost of the program. Total cost would be capped at $50,000 per year. This would allow up to 50 teachers to participate in each co-hort. The participating teacher may advance through the program at a faster pace, but would only be eligible for up to $1,000 per year reimbursement for each year of service to the district including the time they participate in the program and any years of service up to a total of six from the date they enter the program.  

Employee participating in the program would be responsible any interest charges.

Attachments
X. Addendum Agenda (Action Possible)
X.1. School-Related Student Trip ~ SkillsUSA Competition
Mr. Dave Hartman, Assistant Principal
Rationale

Pursuant to CIPS Policy 09.36 School-Related Student Trips, Holmes High School is requesting Board approval for an educational trip.

State SkillsUSA Competition, April 13-16, 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky.

The estimated expenses for 7 students and 3 advisors to go to the State SkillsUSA competition are as follows:

Student registration   7 x $100                                        $     700.00

Student Hotel/3 Rooms  $127.02 x 3 nights                   $  1,143.18

Adviser Registration   3 x $100                                       $     300.00

Adviser Hotel/3 Rooms $127.02 x 3 nights                     $  1,143.18

Ground Transportation (milage for teachers)                  $     229.32

Temp Duty for Advisers/Teachers                                   $     322.00

 

Total estimated expenses:                                               $  3,837.68

 

All money will come from the SkillsUSA budget.

XI. Report of the Attorney
Ms. Mary Ann Stewart, Board Attorney
XII. Further Discussion and/or announcements by the Board of Education
Ms. Sarah Flerlage, Board Chair
XIII. Upcoming Events
Ms. Sarah Flerlage, Board Chair
Rationale

April 27 ~ Excellence in Education Celebration, Receptions in Erlanger, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

April 7 ~ Regular Board Meeting, Covington Board of Education at 5 p.m.

April 11-15 ~ Spring Break, School Closed

April 28 ~ Regular Board Meeting, Covington Board of Education at 5 p.m.

May 14 ~ TEAM Foundation Golf Outing, Devou Park @ 9 a.m.

July 18 ~ Covington Partners Golf Outing, Traditions Golf Club, 10:30 a.m.

Download the district app or visit our website for a complete athletic schedule.

XIV. Executive Session
Rationale

Pursuant to KRS 61.810 (1) the Board may go into executive session.

XV. Adjournment
Ms. Sarah Flerlage, Board Chair