Regular Meeting
June 22, 2026 6:00 PM CT (7:00 ET)
School Board Room 
118 East Acadia Street 
Dawson Springs, KY
The Dawson Springs Board of Education met in regular session June 22, 2026 at 6:00 PM CT (7:00 ET) 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, and Christy Winfrey

1. Call to Order and Welcome  
2. Roll call  
Discussion: None
Also present: Leonard Whalen, Amanda Almon, Larry Cavanah, Kristin Merrill, Jennifer Ward, Elizabeth Robinson, Todd Marshall, Spencer Spratt, Cassie Bruch

3. Approval of the Agenda  
Order #7265 - Motion Passed:  Recommendation to approve the agenda passed with a motion by Christy Winfrey and a second by Mary Beth Drennan.  
Michael Ausenbaugh        Yes
Mary Beth Drennan         Yes
Meredith Hyde             Yes
Christy Winfrey           Yes
Kent Dillingham           Absent

4. Recognition, discussion, communication and report items (No Board Action)  
4.A. Recognitions  
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. Chief Academic Officer Report  
4.C.6. Superintendent's Report (Verbal Report)  

5. Action Items (Affirmative Motion needed)  
5.A. Approval of Treasurer's Report  
Order #7266 - Motion Passed:  Approval of the treasurer's report as presented 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           Absent

5.B. Discussion/Approval of district insurance plans for 2026/2027 as presented:
Property	        	  		$82,283 Chubb
General Liability/Cyber/Law	  	$24,862 Liberty Mutual 
School Leaders E&O	          	$15,753 Liberty Mutual
Crime                             	$   500 Liberty
Auto and Bus Fleet	          	$65,819 Liberty Mutual
Umbrella	                  	$14,732 Liberty Mutual
Deductible Buy Back		  	$23,647 CSU
Total Annual Premium (w/buy down) 	$227,596
Worker's Compensation: KEMI $29,219
Student Accident Insurance:  Zurich Insurance $ 6,554  

Order #7267 - Motion Passed:  Approval of district insurance plans for 2026/2027 as presented:
Property	        	  		$82,283 Chubb
General Liability/Cyber/Law	  	$24,862 Liberty Mutual 
School Leaders E&O	          	$15,753 Liberty Mutual
Crime                             	$   500 Liberty
Auto and Bus Fleet	          	$65,819 Liberty Mutual
Umbrella	                  	$14,732 Liberty Mutual
Deductible Buy Back		  	$23,647 CSU
Total Annual Premium (w/buy down) 	$227,596
Worker's Compensation: KEMI $29,219
Student Accident Insurance:  Zurich Insurance $ 6,554  
Michael Ausenbaugh        Yes
Mary Beth Drennan         Yes
Meredith Hyde             Yes
Christy Winfrey           Yes
Kent Dillingham           Absent

5.C. Discussion/Approval of the Elementary SBDM council to carry over $5,749.09 to 2026--2027 working budget  
Order #7268 - Motion Passed:  Approval of the Elementary SBDM council to carry over $5,749.09 to 2026--2027 working budget 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           Absent

5.D. Discussion/Approval of the High School SBDM council to carry over $21,938.57 to 2026--2027 working budget  
Order #7269 - Motion Passed:  Approval of the High School SBDM council to carry over $21,938.57 to 2026--2027 working budget 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           Absent

5.E. Discussion/Approval to add a $5,000 stipend to the extra service salary schedule for the District Transportation Coordinator position  
Order #7270 - Motion Passed:  Approval to add a $5,000 stipend to the extra service salary schedule for the District Transportation Coordinator position 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           Absent

5.F. Discussion/Approval to continue partnership with Green River Educational Cooperative (GRREC) for 2026-2027 at an estimated total cost of approximately $3,000 which includes being a part of their Grant Writing Consortium  
Order #7271 - Motion Passed:  Approval to continue partnership with Green River Educational Cooperative (GRREC) for 2026-2027 at an estimated total cost of approximately $3,000, which includes being a part of their Grant Writing Consortium, 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           Absent

5.G. Discussion/Approval of contract with Three Corners Employment to provide pre-employment transition services to eligible students for the 2026-2027 school year  
Order #7272 - Motion Passed:  Approval of contract with Three Corners Employment to provide pre-employment transition services to eligible students for the 2026-2027 school year passed with a motion by Mary Beth Drennan and a second by Meredith Hyde.  
Michael Ausenbaugh        Yes
Mary Beth Drennan         Yes
Meredith Hyde             Yes
Christy Winfrey           Yes
Kent Dillingham           Absent

5.H. Discussion/Approval of a one-time, $1,500 stipend pay to Elementary certified teachers who have completed the BloomBoard or LETRS program in the FY2025-2026 school year  
Order #7273 - Motion Passed:  Approval of a one-time, $1,500 stipend pay to Elementary certified teachers who have completed the BloomBoard or LETRS program in the FY2025-2026 school year 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           Absent

5.I. Discussion/Approval of 1st Reading of the following KSBA updated Board Policies (these will take a second reading at next meeting to become policy)- 
Policies: 01.0, 01.11, 01.111, 01.41, 01.411, 01.42, 01.44, 01.83, 02.12, 02.131, 02.423, 02.4242, 02.442, 03.11, 03.121, 03.1311, 03.1321, 03.1324, 03.19, 03.21, 03.211, 03.2321, 03.2324, 03.29, 04.1, 04.31, 04.311, 04.32, 04.91, 05.4, 05.48, 06.2, 06.31, 07.111, 07.13, 08.1, 08.13, 08.1341, 08.1346, 08.215, 08.231, 08.2323, 08.2324, 09.12, 09.211, 09.2211, 09.227, 09.3, 09.425, 09.43, 09.435, 08.136
Respective procedures related to these polices will be passed at the next meeting with the second reading/final approval of the policies: (Procedures- 03.19 AP .23, 04.1 AP .11, 04.1 AP .2, 04.32 AP .1, 07.13 AP .1, 08.231 AP .21, 08.2324 AP .1, 08.2324 AP .2, 09.12 AP .1  
Order #7274 - Motion Passed:  Approval of 1st Reading of the following KSBA updated Board Policies (these will take a second reading at next meeting to become policy)- Policies: 01.0, 01.11, 01.111, 01.41, 01.411, 01.42, 01.44, 01.83, 02.12, 02.131, 02.423, 02.4242, 02.442, 03.11, 03.121, 03.1311, 03.1321, 03.1324, 03.19, 03.21, 03.211, 03.2321, 03.2324, 03.29, 04.1, 04.31, 04.311, 04.32, 04.91, 05.4, 05.48, 06.2, 06.31, 07.111, 07.13, 08.1, 08.13, 08.1341, 08.1346, 08.215, 08.231, 08.2323, 08.2324, 09.12, 09.211, 09.2211, 09.227, 09.3, 09.425, 09.43, 09.435, 08.136 Respective procedures related to these polices will be passed at the next meeting with the second reading/final approval of the policies: (Procedures- 03.19 AP .23, 04.1 AP .11, 04.1 AP .2, 04.32 AP .1, 07.13 AP .1, 08.231 AP .21, 08.2324 AP .1, 08.2324 AP .2, 09.12 AP .1 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           Absent

5.J. Discussion/Approval, per KRS 160.570 and in accordance with KRS 41.240, to continue with Planter's Bank as our bond of depository for 2026-2027 school year.  
Order #7275 - Motion Passed:  Approval, per KRS 160.570 and in accordance with KRS 41.240, to continue with Planter's Bank as our bond of depository for 2026-2027 school year 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           Absent

5.K. Discussion/Approval of the 2025-2026 final amended school calendar as presented.  
Order #7276 - Motion Passed:  Approval of the 2025-2026 final amended school calendar as presented 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           Absent

5.L. Discussion/Approval of 2026-2027 district employee pay dates from July 1, 2026 until June 30, 2027 as presented.  
Order #7277 - Motion Passed:  Approval of 2026-2027 district employee pay dates from July 1, 2026 until June 30, 2027 as presented 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           Absent

5.M. Discussion/Approval of the 2026-2027 Certified Evaluation Plan for Teachers and Other Professionals as presented with changes.  
Order #7278 - Motion Passed:  Approval of the 2026-2027 Certified Evaluation Plan for Teachers and Other Professionals as presented with changes 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           Absent

5.N. Discussion/Approval to add a $875 stipend per dual credit course taught to the extra service salary schedule.  
Order #7279 - Motion Passed:  Approval to add a $875 stipend per dual credit course taught to the extra service salary schedule 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           Absent

5.O. Discussion/Approval to pursue Ricoh copier lease agreement beginning in 2026-2027 school year  
Order #7280 - Motion Passed:  Approval to pursue Ricoh copier lease agreement beginning in 2026-2027 school year 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           Absent

6. Student Learning and Support Consent Items  
Order #7281 - 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           Absent

6.A. Approval of Board Meeting Minutes for May 18, 2026  
6.B. Approval of Payment of Bills and Salaries  
6.C. Acknowledge Notification of Personnel Actions:
Hired:	Madeline Back   		Elementary Instructional Assistant  7/1/2026
Keyli Blair   		Elementary Instructional Assistant  7/1/2026
Stevon Brown   		Wrestling Head Coach   			7/1/2026
Kevin "Scott" Clark   	HS Girls' Basketball Asst./JV Coach 7/1/2026
Stephanie Clayton   	Wrestling Assistant Coach (Girls)   7/1/2026
Makenna Davis   		HS English/LA   				7/1/2026
Samuel Dunn   		Middle School Math Teacher   		7/1/2026
Matt Elam   		Wrestling Assistant Coach (Boys)   	7/1/2026 
Emerson Englebright   	Elementary Teacher   			7/1/2026
Kala Ford   		HS Agriculture Teacher   		7/1/2026
Halyn McKnight   		FRYSC Assistant   			7/1/2026
Scott Raup   		AM/PM Route Bus Driver   		7/1/2026
Lori Scott   		Elementary Teacher   			7/1/2026
Brooke Sherrill   	HS FMD Instructional Assistant   	7/1/2026
Michael Worton   		MS Social Studies & HS Boys 
Basketball Head Coach   		7/1/2026

Resignation Rescinded:  Tamara Rice HS Math Teacher

Internal Transfer: Sam Duke   	Student Custodian to FT Custodian   6/1/2026
 J. Robert Davis  Student Custodian to Sub Custodian  6/1/2026
On Leave:

Resigned:	Kati Griffin   HS English   6/30/2026
Dylan Simpson   HS Business Ed, Boys XC, Track   6/30/2026

Retiring	Ladonna Pace-Hooper 	Transportation Coordinator/Bus Driver
Concessions Coordinator, Assistant Athletic Director   					7/1/2026
Rhonda Simpson   		Library Media Center   			8/1/2026  
6.D. Approval of Superintendent expenses  

7. Motion to enter closed session per KRS: 61.810 (f): Personnel to discuss Superintendent Evaluation  
Order #7282 - Motion Passed:  Approval to enter closed session per KRS: 61.810 (f): Personnel to discuss Superintendent Evaluation 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           Absent

7.A. Motion to exit closed session and resume regular open session  
Order #7283 - Motion Passed:  Approval to exit closed session and resume regular open session 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           Absent

8. Public review of Superintendent Evaluation  
After review, the board declared the Superintendent Evaluation for 2025-2026 as exemplary.

9. Motion to Adjourn  
Order #7284 - Motion Passed:  Approval to adjourn the meeting passed with a motion by Christy Winfrey and a second by Meredith Hyde.  
Michael Ausenbaugh        Yes
Mary Beth Drennan         Yes
Meredith Hyde             Yes
Christy Winfrey           Yes
Kent Dillingham           Absent

_____________________________________	_____________________________________
Michael Wes Ausenbaugh	Amanda Almon
Chairman	Secretary