Regular Meeting
February 23, 2026 6:00 PM
School Board Room 
118 East Acadia Street 
Dawson Springs, KY
The Dawson Springs Board of Education met in regular session February 23, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the School Board Room, 118 East Acadia Street, Dawson Springs, KY with the following school board members present: Michael Wes Ausenbaugh, Meredith Hyde, Mary Beth Drennan, Christy Winfrey, and Kent Dillingham

1. Call to Order and Welcome  
2. Roll call   
Discussion: None
Also present: Leonard Whalen, Amanda Almon, Jennifer Ward, Larry Cavanah, Kristin Merrill, Todd Marshall, Elijah Dunbar, Taylor Mathis

3. Approval of the Agenda  
Order #7209 - Motion Passed:  Recommendation to approve the agenda passed with a motion by Meredith Hyde and a second by Mary Beth Drennan.  
Michael Ausenbaugh        Yes
Mary Beth Drennan         Yes
Meredith Hyde             Yes
Christy Winfrey           Yes
Kent Dillingham           Yes

4. Recognition, discussion, communication and report items (No Board Action)  
4.A. Recognitions: Fine Art Award Winners: Kason Key, Elementary 2nd Grade, Morgan Anderson, Middle School 8th Grade, Katelynn Wainer, High School, 9th Grade

Recognition of Access Pointe Graduates: 
Kaylin Marie Buchanan and Jacob Dylan Bruce  
4.B. Communications  
4.B.1. Board Member Communications  
4.B.2. Citizens and Delegations: This is an opportunity for any citizen or delegation to approach the Board and be heard on any item/issue on the agenda or not on the agenda. An individual is limited to 2 minutes to speak. Please keep in mind this is not for questions and answers, simply individuals to share information with the Board. (The Board appreciates and anticipates that the building Principal and Superintendent get the opportunity to resolve any issues prior to addressing the Board).  
4.C. Reports  
4.C.1. Preschool Update/Report  
4.C.2. Elementary Principal's Report  
4.C.3. Jr./Sr. High Principal's Report  
4.C.4. DPP Enrollment and Attendance Report  
4.C.5. Current School Year School Calendar Update (if applicable)  
4.C.6. Chief Academic Officer Report  
4.C.7. Superintendent's Report  

5. Action Items (Affirmative Motion needed)  
5.A. Approval of Treasurer's Report  
Order #7210 - Motion Passed:  Approval of the treasurer's report as presented passed with a motion by Kent Dillingham and a second by Meredith Hyde.  
Michael Ausenbaugh        Yes
Mary Beth Drennan         Yes
Meredith Hyde             Yes
Christy Winfrey           Yes
Kent Dillingham           Yes

5.B. Presentation/Discussion/Approval of 2024-2025 Financial Audit conducted by Duguid, Gentry and Associates, P.S.C.   
Order #7211 - Motion Passed:  Approval of 2024-2025 Financial Audit conducted by Duguid, Gentry and Associates, P.S.C. passed with a motion by Meredith Hyde and a second by Christy Winfrey.  
Michael Ausenbaugh        Yes
Mary Beth Drennan         Yes
Meredith Hyde             Yes
Christy Winfrey           Yes
Kent Dillingham           Yes

5.C. Discussion/Approval acknowledging that Graduation will be May 22, 2026. **(The tentative last school day for students is May 21 with Closing Day for staff who do not have make-up days on May 22. The Closing Day and last day for students is not "final" in the event that we have more missed school days prior to the end of the year).  
Order #7212 - Motion Passed:  Approval acknowledging that Graduation will be May 22, 2026 passed with a motion by Meredith Hyde and a second by Kent Dillingham.  
Michael Ausenbaugh        Yes
Mary Beth Drennan         Yes
Meredith Hyde             Yes
Christy Winfrey           Yes
Kent Dillingham           Yes

6. Student Learning and Support Consent Items  
Order #7213 - Motion Passed:  Approval of consent agenda passed with a motion by Meredith Hyde and a second by Mary Beth Drennan.  
Michael Ausenbaugh        Yes
Mary Beth Drennan         Yes
Meredith Hyde             Yes
Christy Winfrey           Yes
Kent Dillingham           Yes

6.A. Approval of Board Meeting Minutes for January 28, 2026  
6.B. Approval of Payment of Bills and Salaries  
6.C. Acknowledge Notification of Personnel Actions:
Hired:	Sam Duke   		Substitute Custodian   		2/4/2026
Amanda Edwards   	Substitute Teacher   		2/5/2026
David "DJ" Thorp  Substitute Teacher   		2/13/2026
Crystal Day   	Substitute Teacher/IA/Cook   	2/16/2026
On Leave: 
#3823   FMLA / Medical     from 11/19/2025 thru 3/3/2026 (60 contract days)
#4338   FMLA / Maternity   from 12/1/2025 thru 3/11/2026 (60 contract days) 
#4353   FMLA / Maternity   from 12/1/2025 thru 3/11/2026 (60 contract days)
#4135   FMLA / Family      from 12/15/2025 (60 days intermittent)  
6.D. Approval of Superintendent expenses  

7. Motion to Adjourn  
Order #7214 - Motion Passed:  Approval to adjourn the meeting passed with a motion by Kent Dillingham and a second by Christy Winfrey.  
Michael Ausenbaugh        Yes
Mary Beth Drennan         Yes
Meredith Hyde             Yes
Christy Winfrey           Yes
Kent Dillingham           Yes

_____________________________________	_____________________________________
Michael Wes Ausenbaugh	Amanda Almon
Chairman	Secretary