In a continuing effort toward creating a collaborative culture, please find a summary of the Scott County Board of Education board meeting on December 10, 2015. This is being forwarded to all employees and parents/community via e-communications. This is merely a summary and not to be perceived as official board minutes.
The Scott County Board of Education met on December 10, 2015 at 6:30pm at the Great Crossing Office Complex. The Northern Elementary School Choir performed several holiday selections under the direction of Music Teacher Rachael Ryster. During the Public Comment portion of the meeting, a parent and volunteer coach discussed the growth and success of the National Archery in School program and the need for paid coaches at the middle school level. Two Scott County High School teachers spoke about the calendar for 2016-2017 under consideration by the board expressing concern for time of rest necessary with stringent academic rigor and expectations for students as well as lack of communication regarding the details of the two calendar options. One parent supported the first day of school being extended to August 11, 2016. A school counselor continued conversation about the need for mental health services for students. A question was raised about voting procedure in the election of the classified employee representative for the Superintendent Search Committee.
In other business, George Sparks from Barnes, Dennis & Co., LTD. shared results of the audit for Fiscal Year 2015 which were favorable with a clean opinion and no adjustments. Sparks complimented the support of Director of Finance Randy Cutright and staff stating the records reflect strong financial management for Scott County Schools. During the Superintendent’s Report, Superintendent Patricia Putty commended the outstanding music education program throughout the district and announced the recent naming of Marie Jones to the Kentucky Teachers Hall of Fame before continuing discussion on the archery program. Another topic of discussion was the recent reauthorization of No Child Left Behind which will grant more state control and will impact the state accountability system. Superintendent Putty also stated that the Kentucky Teacher Retirement System (KTRS) must be a top priority. Next, members approved consent items for minutes, common carriers, donations, fees, fundraisers, items for surplus, and grants as presented.
The Scott County Board of Education continued discussion of the 2016-2017 school calendar but moved to table the final decision until January 2016. Members also discussed the meeting schedule of the Scott County Board of Education for 2016-2017 which is slated for approval in January. The next meeting of the Scott County Board of Education will be on Thursday, January 14th at 6:30pm.