Elizabethtown Independent
September 15, 2014 6:00 PM
Board of Education Regular Meeting
I. CALL TO ORDER
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The September 15, 2014 Regular Board Meeting of the Elizabethtown Board of Education is called to order.

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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" I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL"

III. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF BOARD MEETING AGENDA
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Pursuant to EIS Board Policy 01.45 Board Meeting Agenda, as part of the official agenda for each regular board meeting, the Superintendent shall prepare a consent agenda of routine business items.  Prior to the approval of the agenda the members of the board may request to "pull" any item from the consent agenda and place the item on the action agenda for further discussion and review.

IV. RECOGNITION OF GUESTS AND SPECIAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
IV.A. Students of the Month
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ELIZABETHTOWN HIGH SCHOOL                        AUSTIN KINDER
The EHS student of the month for September is Austin Kinder.  Austin is a senior who represents EHS with the upmost integrity - a model student.  In addition to being a model student, Austin is also a very talented artist.  In the summer of 2013 Austin attended the PreCollege Perspective Program at Ringling College of Art and Design in Florida.  The PreCollege Perspective Program is a four-week intensive, residential program that offers talented high school students the chance to live the art school experience and take on the rigors of a college-level visual arts curriculum all while earning college credit.  Students live together, learn together, and experience a summer of discovery, growth and exploration.  And just this past summer, Austin took art lessons in Louisville for 6 weeks.  After high school, Austin plans to go to art school and study illustration with the goal of being an illustrator and draftsman.
Here are some comments from Austin's teachers:
    Mr. Hinkle: "Austin is soft-spoken, but very thoughtful and willing to add interesting details and insight to class discussions.  He is always thorough in class presentations and does extremely well academically."
    Mrs. Pennington: "Austin is a thoughtful, creataive student.  He hopes to use his art and music talents in the field of animation where he can combine his love for art, drawing, music and film making into one career."
    Mrs. Thompson: "Austin was my student during his junior year.  He would always astound me with the deep thoughts and ideas he expressed about literarture through his writing.  I would see him oftentimes flipping through his textbook just to see what literature was ahead, something that I do not see often from students.  I appreciate his abiity to think about his world in different ways and his genuine desire to learn."
    Mrs. Barcenilla: "Austin is a very polite and very serious young man.  He is a teacher's dream, always comes to class prepared, is never rude and is always pleasant to his peers.  I love him!"
    Ms. Dye: "Austin is interested in a career in the visual arts.  He is very dedicated to his art work and is a member of the Art Club."
EHS is proud to recognize Austin Kinder as the September Student of the Month.

T.K. STONE MIDDLE SCHOOL                             SARAH BEEN
Ms. Melissa Mills, Sarah's Project Lead the Way Teacher wrote this about Sarah:
Sarah is one of my Project Lead the Way students.  I can tell from the short time I have had Sarah in class, she is dedicated to her academic achievement as well as her extra-curricular activities.  She is helpful and very easy to get along with.  I think Sarah will do very well in whatever career she chooses to pursue.  I congratulate her on being chosen as the September Student of the Month.

HELMWOOD HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY                    HANNAH GRAY
Writte by Eric Bristol - Hannah's teacher
I am so proud to recommend Miss Hannah Gray for student of the month from Helmwood Heights Elementary.  Hannah is a 4th grade student in Mr. Bristol's class.  He has had the wonderful opportunity to have Hannah in his classroom for the first month of school and she has been such a blessing to her fellow classmates as well as Mr. Bristol.  She is a leader to her classmates and constantly follows her guidelines for success.  In the classroom she always gives maximum effort and puts forth great problem solving skills to help her and her classmates succeed.  Hannah's classmates see her as someone that is respectful to everyone, has a bright warming smile that makes everyone feel welcome, and is a role model of great attitude and behavior.
Hannah is a wonderful person and is a glowing example of what a Helmwood Heights "Student of the Month" should be!

MORNINGSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL                 ANIKA KINDRED
The fifth grade recognizes Anika for her dedication to following our Guidelines for Success, always being respectful, responsible and cooperative.  When I asked her friend Neveah about her, she said, "Anika is kind because she doesn't just worry about herself, she worries about others.  She makes everyone feel comfortable."  Mrs. Line, the fifth grade writing and science teacher, sys, "Anika is an extremely hard worker, a very good friend and role model.  She is a great representative of what we expect an E'town Panther to be."  Outside of our school school, Anika plays soccer with EYSA.  She loves to read and enjoys watching her brother, Conner, play baseball for EHS and for his travel team with KBC.  Morningside is very proud of Anika and her accomplishments and we know she will continue to be a successful student of Elizabethtown Independent Schools.

PANTHER ACADEMY                                            DOMAHNIK NAPIER
Domahnik is most deserving of Student of the Month because he is always willing to help others in class.  He is also compassionate to his friends when he sees they are sad.  This is an outstanding quality of a young preschooler.  Domahnik likes playing with table toys when he is in class and shares well with others!                      

V. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
V.A. Acknowledge Receipt of SBDM Written Reports
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Attached are the SBDM written reports from Elizabethtown High School, T.K. Stone Middle School, Morningside Elementary, Helmwood Heights Elementary and Panther Academy for your review.

V.B. Approve Minutes of the August 19, 2014 Special Board Meeting
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Attached are the minutes from the August 19, 2014 Special Board Meeting for your review/approval

V.C. Approve the District's Technology Unmet Needs Report
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The Kentucky Board of Education and the School Facilities Construction Commission have approved the 2014-2015 technology unmet needs calculated for school districts.  Board approval of our 2014-2015 technology unmet needs is one of the steps required to secure our eligibility to receive 2014-2015 KETS Offer(s) of Assistance.  Upon board approval of the district's technology unmet need, along with receipt of the FY 14 Technology Activity Report (attached) the Kentucky Board of Education with inform the SFCC  that our district is now eligible for another officer of assistance.

V.D. Approve Appointee to the 2014-2015 District Evaluation Appeals Committee
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The state regulations on evaluation of certified personnel, KRS 156.557 and 704 KAR 3:345 require the local board of education to appoint its representative to the Local Evaluation Appeals Panel.

As part of our district's evaluation process, an Evaluation Appeals Panel is established each school year.
The Evaluation Appeals Panel is made up of three members - all certified staff members.  Two members of the three-member team are elected by the certified staff members in the district.  The third is appointed by the Board of Education.
Ms. Cora Wood, Director of Personnel, has provided a memorandum (attached) pertaining to the appointment of certified evaluation appeals panel members (Jack Breunig, guidance counselor at Morningside Elementary, Tabitha Kerr, teacher at Valley View Education Center and Gary Pearman, teacher at T.K. Stone will serve as alternate).
The EIS Board of Education is also required to appoint the third member of the panel and an alternate.  Mr. Jon Ballard, Superintendent would  like to appoint

V.E. Approve Memorandum of Agreement Between EIS and the Hart County Board of Education for Energy Manager Services
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We have been asked to enter into an agreement between EIS and Hart County, Caverna Independent,  Green County Schools along with LG&E to share expenses  and partner together to hire an Energy Manager that would work with each school district.

V.F. Approve Hardship Applicaton for Early Graduation
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Hardship Graduation Requirements
Board Policy 08.1132 states:
"Students who experience extreme health or economic hardship may apply for assistance with graduation requirements for hardship reasons.  In the case of extreme hardship, the District may provide alternative methods for the student to complete District graduation requirements which may allow for early graduation. Methods may include, but are not limited to , regular classroom instruction, alternative classroom instruction, online courses, performance-based opportunities, college programs, consideration of waiver of District requirements that exceed state minimums(the district cannot waive state minimums), or credit recovery.
Application
The student must file a letter with the Principal requesting graduation assistance for hardship reasons.  Ms. Helen Wheatley(GDC teacher) submitted a letter in support of the student.
Graduation assistance for hardship reasons for students not qualifying for the Early Graduation Scholarship Certificate will be considered only in cases of emergency and/or need as determined by the Superintendent."

V.G. Approve Field Trip Requests
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Attached are Field Trip requests submitted by Mrs. Beth Mather, Principal at T.K. Stone Middle School, requesting approval for:
Y-Club Students to travel to Louisville, KY November 13-15, 2014 to participate in Y-Club Convention

Mr. Steve Smallwood, Principal at Elizabethtown High School, is seeking approval for:
the EHS Girls Golf Team to travel to Bowling Green, KY October 5-8, 2014(Via parent private vehicle)to participate in the KHSAA Girls State Golf Championship(contingent upon qualifying to compete at the state level). 
*Attached is a signed statement from each parent stating that they will provide transport for their child
the EHS Boys Golf Team to travel to Bowling Green, KY, October 9-11, 2014 to participate in the KHSAA Boys State Golf Championship (contingent upon qualifying to compete at the state level).

EHS Cross Country Team to travel to Lexington, KY, November 7-8, 2014 to participate in the KHSAA State Cross Country Meet(contingent upon qualifying to compete at the state level)



V.H. Approve Senior Class Field Trip Requeset and Associated Fees
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Mr. Steve Smallwood, Principal at Elizabethtown High School, is requesting approval for a senior class trip to New York City April 23-17, 2015.
The cost of the trip would be approximately $800.00 per student.  The students would travel via Motorcoach.

V.I. Approve Fund Raising Requests
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Attached is a fund raising request submitted by Mrs. Beth Mather, Principal at T.K. Stone Middle School, requesting approval for the TKS Athletic Boosters to hold an "our fund" fundraiser allowing boosters to make an on-line donation to the Booster Club (specifically for Football)

Ms. Michelle Hart, Principal at Helmwood Heights Elementary School, is requesting approval to Jump Rope for Heart.  All money that is collected will go directly to the  American Heart Association.

V.J. Approve Renewal of the Contract for Physical Therapy Services
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Attached is a memorandum from Mrs. Kristin Froedge, Director of Special Programs, recommending that the contract between EIS and  CAM Therapy Services PFC be nenewed for the 2014-2015 school year.
Attached is a copy of Ms. Froedge Recommendation, Memorandum of Agreement and EIS Contract for Physical Therapy Services. 
Funding for these services would come from IDEA-B and General Funds. 

V.K. Approve Textbook Purchasing Plan
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The state has allocated Instructional (formerly Textbook) funds for school districts this year.  EIS has been allocated $61,044.00 which was distributed to each school on a per pupil basis.

School allocations:
EHS    $17,800.00
TKS      14,316.00
HH         9,772.00
MES      12,850.00
PA          6,816.00
VV             733.00
GDC           488.00

Each school has completed a "Purchasing Plan" (attached) that has been approved by their SBDM and are submitting them to the Board for approval at this time.

V.L. Consideration of Approval of the Treasurer's Monthly Financial Report and Payment of Bills and Claims (Those Paid Since Last Meeting, for August 18, 2014)
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Consideration of approval of the Treasurer's Monthly Financial Report and Payment of Bills and Claims (those paid since last meeting, for August 18, 2014 and from Special Accounts).  Attached are the Treasurer's Monthly Financial Report (overview), Balance Sheet, Monthly Report, Cash Flow, Reconciliation REgister, Vendor List and Special Construction Accounts.

V.M. Acknowledge Receipt of the Superintendent's Personnel Actions
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Attached are personnel actions taken since the last meeting of the Board of Education  on August 18, 2014

VI. ACTION ITEMS
VI.A. Consideration of Approval of the 2014-2015 Tax Levy
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Table E

Projected Impact of 2013-14 Proposed Tax Rate

2013-2014 2014-2015 $ Change % Change

Property Value

 

$100,000 $100,000 $0 0.00%

Tax Rate

 

0.699 0.725 0.026 3.72%

Property Tax (Increase/Decrease)

 

$699 $725 $26 3.72%

Aircraft and watercraft should be exempt from taxation because of the equalizing features of

SEEK. With a higher overall assessment that would result from taxing aircraft and watercraft,

the revenue received from equalization on the facility tax would be lower. In order to maximize

state equalization revenue, this property should continue to be exempt from taxation.

The recommended tax rate

does not include a rate subject to recall.

SUMMARY:

The Board may approve a tax levy per $100 of assessed value for 2014-15 up to the following:

Real Estate Personal Property

General Purposes (excluding exonerations allowance) $0.614(cents) $0.614(cents)

Exoneration Allowance $0.001 (cents $0.001 (cents)

Building Fund $0.110 (cents) $0.110(cents)

Total Property Tax Levy $0.725 (cents) $0.725 (cents)

Motor Vehicle Tax of $0.538 (cents)

Three Percent (3%) Utility Tax

The Board should exempt aircraft and watercraft.

VI.B. Consideration of Approval of the 2014-2015 Working Budget
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School Boards are required to submit a Working Budget by September 30 of each school year.  The Tentative Budget was approved by the board in May, 2014.
Mrs. Denise Morgan, Director of Finance, has prepared (attached) information regarding the 2014-2015 working budget.
Ms. Morgan will discuss the working budget and answer any questions you might have.

VI.C. Approve the School Based Allocations for the end of Second Month Enrollment
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At the end of the 2nd month of the new school year, the Board is required to revise the allocation based on the actual enrollment as documented in the Annual Growth Factor Report submitted to the Kentucky Department of Education.  Revisions at the end of the 2nd month also reflect staffing changes from the March Projection date as approved by the Board.

Attached to this enclosure is a complete allocation to all Elizabethtown schools based on the Board's school staffing (SBDM) policy 02.4331 and 702 KAR 3:246.  The allocation formula was applied to the second month enrollment for 2014-15.

This proposed staffing allocation includes an increase of 3 certified positions compared to the Marching staffing allocation.  The 2014-15 allocation provides for full day kindergarten throughout the district.  The 2014-15 allocation is compaired to the March allocation in Table A.  Projected 2014-15 General Fund expenses presented to and reviewed by the Board in September included the additional certified and classified positions.

VII. CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING MATTERS AS OUTLINED IN KRS 61.810 (if needed)
X. ADJOURNMENT