School district tax rates remain the same
By Eugenia Jones
The McCreary County Board of Education met during their regular monthly meeting to adopt the compensating tax rate for 2022-2023. The compensating tax rate allows a taxing district such as the school district to maintain, as a minimum, the same tax revenue that was produced in the preceding year. As assessments rise, the tax rate is rolled back so that revenue from existing property remains the same. A taxing district would receive additional revenue over the previous year only from assessments on any new property. The compensating rates for 2022/23 in the McCreary County School District are as follows: Real Property-37.5, Personal Property-37.5, Motor Vehicle-46.7, and Utility-3%.
Additional business conducted by the Board included the following:
-approved the BG-3 and revised BG-1 for the McCreary County Middle School Renovation project. The revised BG-1 (documentation) for the project finalizes costs. The project’s original BG-1 was based on an estimate of cost and did not allow for recent inflation.
-approval of emergency certification for a vacant English position at McCreary Central High School died for lack of a second. The matter may be considered again during a future meeting.
-approved a retroactive stipend of $3,000 for the 2022 Summer Food Service Program Head Cook.
-approved the Superintendent’s professional growth plan targeting Standards 1 (Instructional Leadership) and 7 (Influential Leadership).
-Heard a school safety update from Dr. Clint Taylor (Central Office). Dr. Taylor noted safety drills are currently underway in all schools. Dr. Taylor also stated principals and Central Office staff have met with local first responders and are revising emergency operation plans based on feedback from the local first responders. The District is also purchasing RAPTOR-a visitor management system.
-During public comment, the Board heard from local school bus driver, Kathy Worley. Worley discussed her thoughts on the need for increased pay (for bus drivers) and a better bus garage. The Board also heard from Lou Ann Flanagan, KY Education Association Representative.
Representatives from Cumberland Family Medical and the Elgin Foundation spoke to the Board about the ongoing success of McCreary County’s dental services to students.
In student participation, Lelan, Nolan, and Owen Jones led those attending the meeting in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance (Flag). Pine Knot Elementary School recognized ROAR students: Savannah Kidd, Amelia Morales, Callie Siler, and Bravery Stephens. Dr. Jason Creekmore also recognized district-wide Rewards Program Recipients.
The next regular meeting of the McCreary County Board of Education will be Monday, September 26, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. at Pine Knot Elementary, Building 2.
Photos by Eugenia Jones
Lelan, Nolan, and Owen Jones led recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance during this month’s regular meeting of the McCreary County Board of Education.
