School Board approves working budget
Photo by Eugenia Jones Deslyn Clark, a student at Pine Knot Elementary, led the pledge of allegiance during the McCreary County Board of Education’s September meeting.
The following Pine Knot Elementary students were recognized as ROAR students during the September Board of Education meeting: Respectful-Paisley Strunk, Organized-Gracie Hicks, Accountable-Jacob Gettings, Responsible-Bella Reynolds
Pine Knot Elementary students recognized for their IREADY (reading and math) scores are: Garrett Smith, Camden Neal, Xavier Sammons, Jonah Ball, and Emmett Brown.
McCreary Central High School’s Dual Credit Education class is pictured above. The class is designed to further students’ interest in careers related to teaching and education
Photos by Eugenia Jones Jimmy Duncan and Jennifer Daugherty were recognized for working closely with the transportation department. Superintendent Gunn noted September 26 marked the first day that double bus routes were not required. All high school students riding buses were able to get to their first period classes on time.
The McCreary County Board of Education met on September 26, 2022 to discuss and/or take action on a variety of matters.
In actions with discussion, the Board approved the 2022-23 working budget. Finance Officer Tiffany Duvall discussed the following key points related to budget revenue.
-Since the Board adopted the compensating tax rate in August, the overall income from property taxes and personal property taxes will be consistent with last year at approximately $ 2.04 million.
-SEEK revenues based on KDE’s May tentative calculations stands at approximately $15.7 million.
-Reimbursements from healthcare organizations are projected to provide $392,000.
-For the 2022/23 working budget, federal Grants are anticipated to bring in $3.5 million with state grants providing $575,000.
In other actions with discussion, the Board:
-Approved continuing a contract with current board attorney, John T. Blevins.
-Approved advertising an Architect Request for Proposal (RFP) for the career/technical (vocational) wing project at McCreary Central. The project will be funded through a LABEC grant.
-Approved securing state approval for disposal of the Smithtown Elementary School property. The Board also approved getting an assessment of the property (and contents) to ensure a reasonable minimum price.
-Allocated $10,000 funds for the athletic program to be divided in the amounts of $2,500 for elementary program and $7,500 for middle/high school program. The funding is to help offset any loss of gate revenue since McCreary County students are now given free admission to regular (home) sporting events.
The Board took action on several items by consent, including:
-Approved emergency certification for McCreary County Middle School’s vacant art position.
-Created stipends of $1,500 each for McCreary County Middle School’s Choir and Band positions.
-Approved classified Director of Transportation Services job description.
-Approved independent contractor agreement with Lauren King.
Several students and staff were given special recognition during the meeting, including the Pine Knot Elementary School’s ROAR students and IREADY Top Scorers, McCreary Central High School’s Dual Credit Education Class (who were present to observe a school board meeting), and District employees working closely with transportation- Jimmy Duncan and Jennifer Daugherty.
Superintendent Gunn also shared information about the Christmas Backpack program. David Durham is leading efforts to implement this holiday project.
The next regular meeting of the McCreary County Board of Education will be on Monday, October 24, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. at Whitley City Elementary School.
