Board discusses possible athletic facility

Rowe Receives VFW Teacher of the Year Award

By Eugenia Jones

During the McCreary County Board of Education’s January 24, 2022 meeting, Whitley City Elementary School teacher, Bo Rowe, was recognized as this year’s VFW Charles E. Moore Post 5127’s Teacher of the Year.

VFW Commander Garry Galloway and Quarter Master Thomas Corder presented the award to Rowe during the meeting.  In speaking of Rowe, Corder noted the immense amount of love and respect the young teacher receives from his students. 

In accepting his award. Rowe referenced a recent cancer diagnosis, and noted that he had told his wife, Brandi, that he hoped his diagnosis wouldn’t turn him into someone he’s not.

“I’ve always dedicated everything to kids, and I wouldn’t want to teach anywhere else,” Rowe said.  “I’ve been working every day and want to thank the kids, my school family, and the community for all of their prayers and support.”

Rowe passionately shared the impact teachers make on the lives of their students.

“The things we do as teachers make a difference,” Rowe emphasized.  “Small things, big things, they all make a difference.” 

With January being the Board’s yearly organizational meeting, members of the Board unanimously voted to keep the same Chairperson (Braxton King) and Vice Chair (Lori Foster.)  They also voted to keep the same voting/seating order.  The regular monthly Board meeting date remains the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 except in June (the 13th) and December (the twelfth.)   Meetings will be held at the Central Office except during August through December at which time the meeting locations will rotate throughout all of the various school buildings in the district.

In other business, the Board Members and Superintendent Corey Keith discussed the possibility of building an indoor physical education/athletic facility.  Board members discussed the need for students to have a place to practice-especially during the winter months.  During the discussion, board members emphasized the need to have space for all sports including golf, archery, cheerleading, etc. School district officials will continue researching the possibility of building the facility and will explore possible funding sources.  All school board members expressed support for such a project.

“I think we are the only school around here without a facility for winter practice,” Board Member Johnny Barnett noted.  “If we are able to do a facility, it needs to include archery, golf, and all the other sports.”

Additionally, the Board:

-Heard McCreary County Judge Executive Jimmie “Bevo” Greene proclaim January as School Board Recognition Month.

-Approved the McCreary County Middle School Project Design and Development.

-Approved Personal Leave Policies.

-Created a SEL and Behavioral Support Coordinator for McCreary Central for the remainder of the 2021-2022 school year.

-Approved the updated COVID Operations plan which expands the test-to-stay program to include staff.

The next meeting of the McCreary County Board of Education will be February 21, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. at the Central Office.

Photos by Eugenia Jones

During the January McCreary County Board of Education meeting, McCreary County Judge Excecutive Jimmie Greene proclaimed January as School Board Month and thanked local school board members for their dedication and service.  Picture above (left to right):  Board Members Stacey Hammons, Sherry Duncan, Judge Greene, Board Members Johnny Barnett, Braxton King, and Lori Foster.  Below, Whitley City Elementary Teacher Bo Rowe (center) accepts the VFW Teacher of the Year Award from VFW Commander Garry Galloway (left) and Quarter Master Thomas Corder (right.)