Covington Independent
October 23, 2025 5:30 PM
Covington Board of Education Regular Business Meeting
Return
I. Call to Order
Mr. Tom Haggard, Board Chair
II. Roll Call
Mr. Tom Haggard, Board Chair
III. Pledge of Allegiance
Board Members
IV. Welcome and Board Chair Comments
Mr. Tom Haggard, Board Chair
V. Public Input
Mr. Tom Haggard, Board Chair
Rationale

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 Item (Action Possible)
VI.1. Alma Advisory Group Update on the Superintendent Search Process
Mr. Tom Haggard, Board chair
Rationale

The Board will receive updates from the Alma Advisory Group on the Superintendent Search process.

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

Budget Narrative for September FY2026 monthly financial statement:

  1. General fund (fund 1) – as of 9/30/25, revenue received of 16.5 million with expenses of 8.3 million.
  2. Special revenue (fund 2) – as of 9/30/25, revenue received of 1.7 million with expenses of 2.0 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. School Activity Fund (fund 25) – as of 9/30/25 revenue received of $249,000 with expenses of $5,200. This fund was set up end of FY20 due to a new GASB standard that went into effect.
  4. Capital outlay (fund 310) - as of 9/30/25, revenue received of $147,500 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.
  5. Building fund (fund 320) - as of 9/30/25, revenue received of $362,000 with expenses of $11,700. 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.
  6. Construction fund (fund 360) - as of 9/30/25, revenue received of $80,300 with expenses of 3.1 million. This fund is used to pay for the district’s construction projects.
  7. Debt Service fund (fund 400) – as of 9/30/25, revenue received of $0 with expenses of 1.1 million. See detailed explanation under capital outlay and building fund.
  8. Food service fund (fund 51) – as of 9/30/25, revenue received of $395,000 with expenses of $545,500.
  9. Daycare fund (originally fund 50 – switched to fund 52 per KDE) – as of 9/30/25, revenue received of $16,900 with expenses of $54,800. Revenue comes in throughout the fiscal year.

Completed 10/1/25 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 ~ September 25, 2025 Regular Business Meeting
Rationale

Pursuant to CIPS Policy 01.4, Meetings; the minutes of Board meetings shall constitute the official written record of Board deliberations and actions. Board minutes shall only become official after they have been approved by the Board at a subsequent meeting and immediately thereafter have been signed by the secretary and the presiding officer. However, prior to approval of the minutes, the Board may amend or correct them in order to assure they are accurate.

 

Attachments
VIII.2. Approval of Minutes ~ October 9, 2025 Regular Working Meeting
Rationale

Pursuant to CIPS Policy 01.4, Meetings; the minutes of Board meetings shall constitute the official written record of Board deliberations and actions. Board minutes shall only become official after they have been approved by the Board at a subsequent meeting and immediately thereafter have been signed by the secretary and the presiding officer. However, prior to approval of the minutes, the Board may amend or correct them in order to assure they are accurate.

Attachments
VIII.3. Fundraiser Request ~ Holmes High School Cheerleaders
Rationale

Pursuant to CIPS policy 09.33 Fund Raising Activities, Board approval is required for all school-wide fundraising activities.  Funds raised will be used to buy team spirit wear, team pictures and senior night gifts.

Attachments
VIII.4. Leave of Absence Request ~ Employee #7314
Mr. Ken Kippenbrock, Executive Director of Human Resources
Rationale

Employee 7314 is requesting a leave of absence beginning 10/17/2025 and returning 12/01/2025.  Leave will be partially paid. 

VIII.5. Leave of Absence Request FMLA ~ Employee #6761
Mr. Ken Kippenbrock, Executive Director of Human Resources
Rationale

Employee 6761 is requesting a leave of absence (FMLA) beginning 09/09/2025 and returning 09/29/2025.  Leave will be partially paid. 

VIII.6. Leave of Absence Request FMLA ~ Employee #6131
Ken Kippenbrock, Executive Director of Human Resources
Rationale

Employee 6131 is requesting a leave of absence (FMLA) beginning 10/08/2025 and returning 01/5/2026.  Leave will be fully paid. 

VIII.7. Leave of Absence Request FMLA ~ Employee #6525
Ken Kippenbrock, Executive Director of Human Resources
Rationale

Employee 6525 is requesting a leave of absence (FMLA) beginning 10/07/2025 and returning 12/22/2025. Leave will be fully paid. 

VIII.8. Leave of Absence Request ~ Employee #6977
Ken Kippenbrock, Executive Director of Human Resources
Rationale

Employee 6977 is requesting an intermittent leave of absence (FMLA) beginning 09/23/2025 until the end of the 2025-2026 school year.  Leave will be partially paid. 

VIII.9. Leave of Absence Request FMLA ~ Employee #5533
Ken Kippenbrock, Executive Director of Human Resources
Rationale

Employee 5533 is requesting a leave of absence (FMLA) beginning 09/02/2025 and returning 09/15/2025.  Leave will be fully paid. 

VIII.10. 2025 Fall Surplus Bid Results
Ms. Susan Marksberry, Purchasing Agent
Rationale

Fall 2025 surplus items were recognized and advertised to staff via email, on the district website and local newspapers. Additional invitations were sent to companies that had requested to be included. Five bidders participated and the items awarded as indicated. Total bid award to be collected is $3,998.29. 

Attachments
VIII.11. ADM Cares Grant
Ms. Ashley McClure, Director of Family Engagement
Rationale

Covington Independent Public Schools respectfully requests $10,000 in grant funding to support the implementation and expansion of healthy cooking and nutrition education programming during out-of-school time (OST) at seven school sites across the district. This initiative will engage students in grades K-12 in hands-on, age-appropriate culinary activities that promote lifelong healthy eating habits, nutritional literacy, and family engagement. With grant funds, we aim to expand existing successful programs with current community partners and launch new programs at additional sites.

Attachments
IX. Individual Approval Agenda Items
IX.1. Amendment for Additional Services with SHP to support the Covington Master Facilities Plan
Rationale

  • The Board will consider approval of two additional studies with SHP - Study 2:  Conversion of the 9th District to Preschool and Daycare and Study 3: Latonia Elementary School Renovation and Replacement.

    • IX.2. Collaboration on Industrial Revenue Bond (IRB) Projects ~ Memorandum of Understanding
    Mr. Tom Haggard, Board Chair
    Rationale

    As recommended by the Superintendent and the Board Chair, the board will consider approval of the MOU regarding collaboration on Industrial Revenue Bond (IRB) projects with regional partners. 

    Attachments
    X. Addendum Agenda (Action Possible)
    X.1. School-Related Overnight Trip ~ DECA Conference
    Ms. Payton Mullins, Holmes High School Teacher
    Rationale

    Pursuant to 09.36, School-Related Student Trips, prior Board approval is required for out-of-state trips. 

    When: January 28- February 1, 2026

    Where: Orlando, Florida- Universal Studios and Cabana Bay Beach Resort
    Costs: Registration of $330 per attendee (includes access to exclusive programs and guest speakers), $149/ night hotel rooms, flights TBD, food TBD. All costs will be covered by funds accessed by CTE. 

    What: The DECA Sports and Entertainment Marketing Conference allows for students to experience behind the scenes experiences at one of the most marketable and profitable companies in the world. Universal Orlando marketing executives pull out all stops to show DECA members the behind-the-scenes activities that it takes to be a leading theme park and resort. Not to be outdone, Floridasports and entertainment executives show their efforts to make Florida a leader in their industries. It’s a perfect blend to complement the classroom.

    Classroom connection: This trip covers 9 National Curriculum Standards for Business Administration. They are listed in the registration guide. 

    Furthermore, this trip allows for students to be conscientous collaborators with other DECA students and marketing executives. Students can be Lifelong Contributors as they gain the skills they need to be successful in the nationwide marketing and business industry. Students have already demonstrated their Ambitious Achievement as they have campaigned, written letters, and demonstrated the entire portrait of a learner to be eligible for this trip. 

    The funds that it will be taken from will be:

    Greater Cincinnati Foundation Funds (Available via a grant and open fro DECA use) 
    Chapman Career Technical Student Organization Funds (CTSO)
    Perkins Travel (Adult/Chaperone Travel/Lodging Costs)
     
    Estimates of costs are as follows: 
    Registration- $4,950
    Hotel- $3,750
    Travel- Approximately $3,000
    Students have also participated in fundraising and an additional funding can be used from fudraisers if necessary. 

    XI. Report of the Attorney
    Ms. Aaren Meehan, Board Attorney
    XII. Board Member Discussion/Comments
    Mr. Tom Haggard, Board Chair
    XIII. Upcoming Events
    Mr. Tom Haggard, Board Chair
    Rationale

    October 29 ~ Softball Field Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, 4 p.m.

    November 3 ~ Staff Planning Day, No School for Students 

    November 4 ~ Election Day, Schools Closed

    November 6 ~ Covington Board of Education Regular Meeting, 5:30 p.m., 25 E. 7th Street, Covington

    November 7 ~ NAACP 24th Annual Freedom Fund Gala, 7 p.m., The Madison Event Center

    November 11 ~ Parent Cafe for EL Families, Sixth District, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

    November 14 ~ Ninth District Game Night, 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

    November 20 ~ Covington Board of Education Regular Meeting, 5:30 p.m., 25 E. 7th Street, Covington

    November 26 ~ Professional Development Day, Schools Closed

    November 27 ~ Thanksgiving, Schools and Offices Closed

    November 28 ~ Schools and Offices Closed

    December 4 ~ Covington Board of Education Regular Meeting, 5:30 p.m., 25 E. 7th Street, Covington

    December 11 ~ Santa Paws Family Literacy Night, Ninth District, 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

    December 18 ~ Covington Board of Education Regular Meeting, 5:30 p.m., 25 E. 7th Street, Covington

    March 13-15 ~ COSSBA Conference, Louisville 

    Visit EventLink.com for all athletic schedules. GO BULLDOGS!

    XIV. Executive Session
    Rationale

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

    XV. Adjournment
    Mr. Tom Haggard, Board Chair