001[music] >> We'd like to welcome all of y'all to the April 20th, 2026 meeting of the Henderson County Board of Education. We appreciate all of you coming out tonight. And with that, we're going to go ahead and call this meeting to order. First item on the agenda, Dr. Lawson, you have some folks that are going to help us get started. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Mr. Waller and the board, as we do at all of our meetings, we bring our student ambassadors here, but just wanted to take a second to say thank you to these young ladies for being truly being ambassadors of Henderson County High School and Henderson
002County Schools. This is a very rigorous program, and it's one of which we are beyond proud. It's a lot of work. It's a lot of work. So, thanks again for representing our school district, and if you wouldn't mind maybe telling us a little bit about your high school experience and your future plans. Hi, my name's Reese Findley. I'm currently a senior at Henderson County High School. Um, I am in the health science pathway, and I cheer and I run track. My name is Emma Rutledge. I'm a senior at the high school. I'm involved in clubs such as KYA, Student Council, Ambassadors, and Educators Rising. I'm in the our veterinary science pathway, but I plan on going to Morehead State University and majoring in elementary education. Hi, my name is Anna Plummer. I'm a senior at
003Henderson County High School. I'm in the business pathway, and I'm on the tennis team and swim team, and I plan to attend WKU to major in Hi, I'm Aubrey Woolfork. I'm in the health science pathway. I'm also in clubs such as HOSA, Leo Club, and I'm also on the swim team. After high school, I plan to attend the University of Louisville and major in research psychology. >> [applause] >> We appreciate y'all coming out and helping us get this meeting going, and we appreciate what you do to represent our high school as well as our community. Thank you so very much. Um, before we move along, if there is this board for any matter that is not on the agenda, we'd appreciate it if you fill out a form back there on the back table, bring
004it up here and give it to Miss Robin, and uh we have time in the agenda that will allow you to uh speak for about 3 minutes. So, uh if you haven't filled one out and you're wanting to address this board, fill it out, bring it up here, and we'll give you some time. Next item on the agenda would be to approve the agenda as presented. We have a motion from Mr. Bowers. >> Bowers? Yes, we did. Second from Mr. McGar. All those in favor signify by show uh signify by saying I, please. All right, vote unanimous. I've been outside all day today. All right. Next item would be student and staff recognition. Chrissy Sand, oh, there you are. I was looking right for you. I was I've been outside all day today. Sally worked
005me hard. Go ahead. All right. Well, tonight we would like to recognize Central Academy student Ella Saulvester for being selected as Judges Scholar. Miss Thompson, if you would like to come forward, and Ella, if you would like to join Dr. Lawson. We are proud to present Miss Ella Saulvester as Central Academy's Judges Scholar because she truly represents perseverance and determination. She has been met with a few challenges along the way, but never let those struggles keep her from reaching her goals. Instead, she stayed focused, kept pushing forward, and earned her place at the top of her class. Her determination and growth have made her a great example of what can happen when a student refuses to give up. Thank you, Miss Thompson. Turn this off. I'll just talk like this for now, okay? So, thank
006you, Miss Thompson. So, each time we do this, um we ask the students what it is that they like so much about being a Judges Scholar. So, Ella, would you mind telling the crowd? I'd say my favorite thing about being in a Judges Scholar was being able to sit up there in the stands with them and really learn about what's going on and what's going happening with the fiscal court. Ella, you have someone here with you? I do. This is This is my daughter, Freya. I had her my junior year of high school, and I'm finishing with the e-learning program at Central Academy. Uh well, Ella, congratulations again. It looks like you're going to have trouble keeping that medal for yourself. It's pretty good teething toy there. Um but, what an accomplishment on your part,
007and what a great example you're setting for your little one here. And so, um I'm going to ask Miss Thompson, and this doesn't happen without family support. Do you have some family here with you? I think you have uh some folks we know. If we could bring all those people up here, and we'll all get a picture together. The families have Welcome, Miss Lancaster. Can we get you up here? Come on. I don't know if we got Miss Lancaster, we could maybe get you, too. Let's give Ella a hand. Congratulations. Tonight, we would also like to recognize Henderson County High School student Kennedy Carter for being selected as Judges Scholar. Miss Thomas, if you would come forward, and Kennedy, if you would join Dr. Lawson. Thank you. Henderson County High School is proud to select
008Miss Kennedy Carter as our 2026 Henderson County Judges Scholar. Kennedy's commitment to her education and her career goals is truly inspiring. She's excelled in our pre-law and law enforcement CTE pathways, combining academic diligence with real-world legal experience. Her internships at Vowels Law Office and Deats, Shields, Freeburger, and Darbin have given her practical insight into courtroom procedures, case preparation, and the demands of legal service. It is rare to see a high school student take on such challenging opportunities with the maturity and professionalism that Kennedy has consistently displayed. Beyond the classroom, she has proven herself to be a leader who values civic engagement. Her involvement in SkillsUSA, both locally and at the state level, demonstrates her dedication to leadership and service. As an officer and the state historian, she has not only recorded, but actively shaped the
009voice of her peers in community events. Likewise, her participation in Y-Club and mock trial illustrates both her passion for government and her ability to engage in thoughtful, solution-based debate. These experiences have equipped her with skills in communication, critical thinking, and advocacy, qualities that are essential to her chosen path. Kennedy's career aspirations reflect her life goals. She intends to pursue a degree in political science with a minor in pre-law at Kentucky State University, followed by legal studies at the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law. Her ultimate goal of becoming a criminal defense attorney, serving as Kentucky State Representative, watch out, Mr. Payne, and one day holding a seat in the US Senate speaks to her steadfast commitment to justice and public service. In every capacity, Kennedy has shown herself to be disciplined, empathetic, and motivated
010by a genuine desire to advocate for others. I'm confident that she will not only succeed in her academic and professional pursuits, but also make a lasting impact on her community, her state, and beyond. And she has the most gorgeous smile ever. Congratulations, Kennedy. Kennedy, congratulations. As we've said with Ella, it's such an honor to be the Judges Scholar for Henderson County High School. So, what was your favorite part of being Judges Scholar? My favorite part about being a Judges Scholar is all of the people that I got to meet. She is going to be a politician. And a dang good one, I'm sure. Well, thank you for representing our school so well. I think Miss Thomas nailed it. I love when she talked about the solution-based thinking that that you have. So, thank you for
011that. And I Do you have any family here? Yes. Can we ask your family to come up here, and Miss Thomas? Uh any teachers that are here? I think maybe just Miss Thomas is here tonight. We'll bring your family up. An accomplishment like this requires Mr. Payne, come on up. Any of the high school administration? Congratulations, Kennedy. All right. I No introductions. I was waiting for a grand introduction there. No. Um huge congratulations to the Henderson County Middle School Colonel girls wrestling team at the 2026 KWWFC Middle School and youth girls state tournament. The Colonels made their presence felt, racking up a massive 126.5 total team points. We would like to recognize the podium finishers tonight in the middle school division. Uh first up, if you could join Dr. Lawson, first place champion, Eve Hawks.
012So, congratulations, young lady. What an honor. And so, tell us uh So, one thing I always like asking our folks who have achieved something as great as this is, that's the kind of a it's like the pinnacle of something that you're kind of climbing the mountain the whole time. You must have put in a lot of time practicing, and a lot of time doing extra work. Can you tell us a little bit about And if you don't mind, JJ, do you mind coming up here with her? I love seeing our our Colonels for life. Once a Colonel, always a Colonel. Uh JJ Porter is uh one of our staff, and also, but he's one of the He's always been a Colonel wrestler. Maybe you could tell us a little bit about this young lady and
013her journey to where she is. Okay, so she's grown a tremendous amount over the course of this um wrestling season. She's actually This is her first real season of actual competition. Um she is only a fifth grader. I believe she's done youth like year before last, but besides that, this was her first year of middle school competition. Um she did more than just succeed in girls wrestling. Um while she was the uh middle school state champion in her weight class for middle school, she was also a state placer on her boys team as well. Or not state placer, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. State qualifier, I'm sorry. My bad. Sorry. Yeah. Um she was a state qualifier for our boys team as well. Um even going as far going down to Iowa and representing the Kentucky
014um state middle school national team at middle school national dues. So, she's done a lot of tremendous things, a lot of practice. Um everyday she comes in and says she's tired, but then wrestles like she's wide awake. Um has a motor that never quits and never seems like her gas tank is quite empty. Um a lot of hard work. She's earned every single bit of it. >> [laughter] >> Okay, an accomplishment like that takes great coaches. It takes great effort on the part of student athlete and it takes the support of a family. So, if we get your family, all the family members up here and anybody else that was involved. We'll get everybody we'll put her right here in the center of the HC. We'll all gather around her and get a picture. Let's
015give her one more hand. Coach Pointer congratulations on what you want you stay up there because we have to talk about another first place middle school champion. Come on up. Give it up for Serenity Rivera. Congratulations Serenity. Um and so before I get to Coach Pointer, I just always want to make the comment any type of success like this the visible parts are like when you win a tournament or something like that, but all the work that goes into it, that's the pursuit of excellence. Thank you for being the kind of person who does their school work well, who treats people right in the classroom in the school and then after school you're developing your character getting the absolute best out of yourself. With that said, you got a great example to and come here
016Coach Pointer. Coach, can you tell us a little about this young lady? Okay, so this one's a this one's a little bit more of a full circle moment. Um I believe it's actually Serenity's freshman wrestling. I was still a senior at the high school, so wrestling on the team myself. And so, I kind of gotten to watch Serenity grow and become the wrestler she's become today. Um it it's it's a great it's a great process to see. Um she's grown much more than just as a wrestler. She's grown as a person. Um I've seen her mature a lot over the last few years. Um but something about Serenity um that I was very very very impressed with this year is that she actually had a slap tear in her shoulder the whole season. Um and
017she's actually she wrestled the whole season with a brace on and she showed um a lot of heart and that's one thing you can't teach um to a kid um as a lot lot of people may know. Um and so because of that and because of everything else I seen the work she put in, I'm so very proud of you. Um and I'm very proud of what you're going to do cuz this ain't it ain't over yet. This is just another step um going up the staircase. So. Serenity, do you mind telling us a little bit about what it felt like to be a champion? I'm going to be so honest. Um I had a little bit of tears come out. I was I was I didn't think it was going to happen. I was
018I looked at the girl. I thought, you know, oh she's she's pretty big. >> [laughter] >> And I just went out there. I wrestled like I knew I could and it was just it was it was very unreal. It was nice. I could say. >> [laughter] >> Well, congratulations. I love that good character that you said even though she was big you still went after it and look who came out on top. Great job. Now, an accomplishment like this requires great coaches, but also it requires support of a family. Do you have some family here? Can we get your dad and grandma, everybody that would come up here and we'll all get a picture together. Give Serenity another hand, please. Mr. Waller, we're going to transition now to the spelling bee winners. Tonight we have
019with us the winners of the Henderson County Schools District Spelling Bee. First up our kindergarten through third grade winner from Bend Gate David Brown. Looks like David might not be with us. We'll get him maybe next meeting. Next we have our fourth and fifth grade winner from Cairo Shiera Littlepage. We'll get her next time, too. And last our middle school winner from South Middle School, Ali Downs. Next time. Yes, sir. Glad to be here this evening. Um always honored to be able to speak on behalf of students in our schools that achieve at high levels and and this evening we have our winner of the Family Consumer Science program recently attended the Kentucky State FCCLA conference. We're so proud of each and every one of our students that achieve at a high level and the
020hard work that they put into their projects. So, a huge congratulations goes to Miley McCarty for earning first place in culinary arts. Not only is she a state winner, she is now moving on to compete at nationals in July. Congratulations. Hey, just quickly before we let everybody go. Our teacher, I know you would want out of here. So, such a big accomplishment. I know Mr. Payne, I know your teacher, I know the whole board we're all so proud of you. And it takes a lot of preparation to accomplish something like this. Can you tell us a little bit about all the work that goes into accomplishing something like this? Uh you know, I just got to I don't know. I just cut things and you know, cook things. So, it it took it took a
021while, but you just read the recipe and it's all there. Sounds like you do that better than anybody else does. And do you have some family here? I bet you started learning this at home. Can we have your folks come up here? Let's ask her family to come up. We'll get a picture. And I missed the opportunity to talk to her teacher here. Can you tell us a little bit about her accomplishment? Uh so, Miley actually competed while we were on NTI. Because for culinary arts they compete for regionals and then if they placed in first, second, or third for regionals, they move on to state. So, she actually got first for our region and for our state. But she practiced multiple times at school. She works at Hometown Roots, so they also let her
022practice and she's a phenomenal student. Fantastic. And I want to ask go ahead and ask Mr. uh Payne and Miss Thomas if you all would come up, too. And we may y'all may as well want to stay up here. I know we've got kind of a list of these. But we want to get a picture with all of them. Congratulations. Also, a big shout out goes to all of the HOSA students who competed at the state leadership competition. But also competing among 2,700 students from across Kentucky these HCHS students truly stood out. So, congratulations to our first place winner in the World Health and Disparities Sonaya Tramil. >> Come on Sanai. How are you? Sanai, congratulations. And would you tell us a little bit about your accomplishment? It took a lot of studying. >> [laughter]
023>> These are issues around the world that I think should be talked about more. So, that's why I chose that as my topic. And do we have a teacher here that can talk about her? Oh, I can say so many things about Sanai. She is a wonderful young lady, an exceptional student, and excels in everything she does. Um in work-based learning, all of her sites, anywhere she's been, they rave about her. But, yes, a lot of studying. Um and like Mr. Thompson said, there were over 2,700 uh participants at the HOSA State Leadership Conference. I'm not exactly how many I don't know exactly how many were in her particular competition, but um you should you should be honored and you should be very proud of yourself. >> [applause] >> Well, thank you very much. And
024it always happens because of a great teacher and great leadership as well. And do you have some family here? Come on, Mom. Let's go all get in here for a good picture. Congratulations. SkillsUSA is the number one workforce development organization for students that empower students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members. This year, we had 48 total competitors at the SkillsUSA State Competition this year. We had 34 total podium placements, or 71% of the competitors. We had 21 first-place finishes this year, which is 44% of our students. And those include the following students that were first place in 3D visual visualization and animation, first place was Lars Galante and Aquin Rivera. Also first place in audio production was Ali Green and Miley Duncan. CNC three-axis milling program, first place went to Wyatt
025Holland. Computer programming, first place went to Cash Chandler. Firefighting, first place went to Rylan Trigg. Internetworking, first place went to Brady Galloway. Interactive application and video game development went first place to Carter Carter Seward and Ellie Schmidt. Photography, first place was Nate Gold. In Quiz Bowl, both rounds were 22 to eight and 21 to eight. First place goes to Noah Mills, Brad Haley, Sydney Seeby, Ava Ziegler, Lily Jones, and Deacon Kitchen. Zoe Mills. I saw the Oh, sorry. Zoe. Well, that's what it says right here. Oh, okay. Tactical response, first place Maddock Sony, Landing Gish, Andrew Hendrix, and Tanner Parish. In technical computer applications, first place was Sawyer Wolfe. Okay, I think we've got we've got a good size crowd here. I think we got everybody there, Mr. Thompson? Good. Okay. Um well, I know
026Ms. Thomas is very proud of this group. Um and I know that uh Henderson County High School is proud of this group. And much of this, if not all this, happens with our career and technical education program. So, I'm going to ask Mr. Payne just to tell us a little bit about maybe the program and or the teacher in charge. Yeah, so I'll just say that SkillsUSA is uh probably the most encompassing of our career and technical student organizations, and a lot of our CTE programs fall under the SkillsUSA umbrella. And you can see from the results standing up here how successful uh they have been. And over the last couple of years, their membership and their success has really just exponentially grown, and that's because of our dedicated students and and teachers. Um I
027will say that I got a message from the the state advisor that our SkillsUSA chapter had more first place winners and more uh top three placings than any county, nearly double um near any county uh in the state of Kentucky. So, that's a great great accomplishment. And a lot a lot of that leadership is because uh of our partnerships. I see we've got uh Officer Sheehorn back there and our fire department uh partners to to coach a lot of these teams. And Mr. Enge is our uh kind of head SkillsUSA advisor and coordinates SkillsUSA and organizes. So, I'll let him say a few words. But, man, he puts in a lot of hours uh for these students and their success. Okay, so I'll keep it brief. Uh public speaking is not my strong suit, and
028I don't want to take away from the kids. Um like they said, we did have more first place finishes than any other county that participated at state. Um most of these people are actually going on to compete at nationals this year. Uh last year, we did have excuse me, a national placement, and I'm kind of hoping now that we're taking so many more people that we're going to bring home some more medals. Um not only did we compete with a lot of kids this year, which is, you know, in and of itself good for them, but the way they handled themselves in these settings, the way they like behave and hold themselves to such a high standard while we're at these competitions is really commendable. Cuz I mean, y'all know teenagers don't always act the
029best, especially when they're in a hotel for 4 days. Right? And so, when, you know, we're talking to other advisors and talking to the state representatives and things and hearing about how well-behaved and how excellent our kids are presenting themselves and interviewing and, you know, accepting these awards these awards humbly and gracefully. It's really something to see out of these kids, and it really shows that they're going to do some really great stuff when they graduate. Well, thank you, Mr. Enge. As Mr. Payne said, much of this happens because of great leadership, great teaching. And students, this is a big big deal. Just a second, Ms. Morris. This is a big big deal. You know, I do like the public speaking part, especially when we get a chance to brag on our students. It's such
030a big deal that the mayor of our town wanted to come talk to you all. It is a big deal. So, whenever we meet with businesses that look to come to our area, one of the things that we always talk about is our CTE unit. We talk about how big it is and how much you have there. Uh our police officers and our firefighters have pathways there now, too, and they were awfully proud of the participants for their uh specific pathways. Uh and then the more we dug, we were going to recognize just the police and fire, and we realized that you guys basically set a record this year uh for how well the CTE unit has performed. And so, now you give us something more to talk about. You know, not only do we
031have one of the biggest CTE units in the state, but we obviously have one of the best CTE units in the state. CTE units in the state, and we're we're awfully proud of you. Uh on a monthly basis, the city gives out what's called a Community Spotlight Award. Uh and so, for this month in the month of April, we are proud to present the Community Spotlight Award uh to the Career and Technical Education Department at the high school for your accomplishments, and we're awfully proud of you. Thank you for GOING TO COMPETE. THEY SAID WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO DO LIKE SOMETHING WHERE I HAVE TO STEP UP. TALLER than you. How you doing, Mr. Thompson? Taller than back to the mayor. >> All right, we need one more picture. Let's ask all those families
032to come up and fill in. Takes a lot of support from families. Everybody let's step up one step and we'll get our families right in behind you. We'll get one more picture. Thank you again to the families. Dr. Lawson, this is obviously the best part of our meeting. If you uh kind of glean through it, we've had academic, athletic, we've had support from our uh student ambassadors to start this meeting off and uh we appreciate everything y'all do and what you've done to support our community. Mayor, we appreciate you being here and recognizing them and uh I think that's the end of our recognition. So, anybody that uh needs to go somewhere else, you can uh go ahead and exit real quick and we'll carry on with the rest of the meeting. Thank you very
033much. Again, Dr. Lawson, favorite part of the meeting. Next item on the agenda is public participation. We have two people that uh want to address the board with regards to uh some items in special needs and special education. Same time. Miss Allison Williams, we'll give you 3 minutes to address this board. I'm I'm a little short for that. Um >> [clears throat] >> Do you just want me to read through all this instead instead of doing it back and forth type of situation? Okay. Um hello. My name is Ally Williams. I have a couple questions. I have reached out to you guys before regarding TBJ and the preschool program. One of my biggest concerns with special education, I don't feel like it's being taken seriously. It's obvious the elementary schools will not be able to
034accommodate preschoolers with special needs and they shouldn't be unable to attend because the school system hasn't or can't be accommodating in those areas. We need clear answers on how this is being handled and the public needs more information regarding special education as a whole to be made more accessible. Special education is constantly put on the back burner, especially with preschool, and early intervention is extremely important at the 3 to 5 year old range for children with special needs. Um I have twin 4-year-old twins with autism, so special needs is also something that's extremely important to me. Um I do feel that combining 3 and 4 year old rooms is not development developmentally responsible. Um I've expressed this concern before and I want to know we all want to know why there are no longer separate
035classrooms regardless of space concerns within the county schools. And then of [clears throat] course there's been the talk of the significant tuition increase within the preschool program and we just want to know why there was such a significant increase and is there going to be any type of flexibility with it? And then um is TBJ going to be optional when the 20 kid limit has exceeded in the county district schools? And why has it been rumored teachers are being let go and job titles removed when the preschool program is being extended? I do have more concerns, but due to time these are the ones that I have decided to bring forward and I do hope that deep consideration is put into each of them. Thank you. Thank you, ma'am. We appreciate you taking the time
036to come out here and address this board. We'll take all your comments under advisement and Dr. Lawson or the appropriate staff member will get back with you. Thank you. Miss Taylor Chase. Dealing with safety of special needs and inclusion. So, you have 3 minutes. Hello. I have a couple questions tonight. My first question is what steps are in place to make sure that special needs students are included and what should parents do if they report that I didn't feel like my child wasn't included or treated properly and to my knowledge nothing was done and that's very disheartening to me. Um I also have concerns about the media outcry and public comments that have been made about a certain principal in our county and I have concerns about her uh excuse me. of inclusion. >> We're
037not going to address personnel. The Board of Education does not have any oversight over personnel. So, if you have anything you want to address with personnel, it will be done in private with Dr. Lawson privately. So, Yes, sir. I have emailed multiple times. >> me. If anything else in your comments have to do with personnel, I'm going to shut you off right now. That's fine. It doesn't. I just want to make sure that I understand what the policies on inclusion and non-discrimination are and an example of what it is. That way I know if someone is not following the guidelines. >> have with regards to policies and personnel are directed by Dr. Lawson and our human resource director, Ms. Ginger Carter. If you have any questions with regards to personnel, all you have to do
038is address that with either one of them. We're not going to address personnel issues in public. That's it. Okay, so last question. Is there a specific time frame that I should expect answers back when I do try to email or get in contact with the superintendent or the HR, I'm sorry, I didn't remember what you said her name was. >> Ms. Carter. Yes, I have emailed before and there is a couple emails I have not received any feedback on. And I just didn't know if there was a I tried to look it up in the handbook and it didn't say specific time. It just said that I should expect it in a reasonable matter. I don't know when you sent those in, but I can assure you that you will get a response. No, there's
039not a specific timeline, but I'm sure you will get a response. Thank you. And again, we'll take your comments under advisement. We'll discuss this with Dr. Lawson and I I assure you somebody will get back with you. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. I have a Ms. Allison Clark, is that correct? With regard I can't I just says East Heights, but I'm to tell you before we get started, if you're going to hear come up here to address personnel issues or anything to do with personal personnel issues, you will not address this board. We have no oversight over personnel and it will not be discussed in here. If you have something specific with regards to personnel, it needs to be directed to Dr. Lawson or our human resource director, Ms. Ginger Carter. I'm sorry.
040Okay. I just kind of got added on to the docket because there were other parents that were going to come and speak. So, I was not really prepared to do this, but I have a major situation a problem with the safety of my child on a bus. And um there's been two separate problems and I don't really know I I'm not I'm not from Henderson. I'm from Evansville. The way we they do stuff at EVSC is completely different than Henderson. And when I tried to address the situation, I was told to call bus transportation. I I did call bus but I just I don't really know how to go about it, but I'm just really nervous about the safety of my child on the bus. And I feel like 14 News had to come out
041and make a report before we were as parents were notified. Not me per se because my child came in hyperventilating on three separate occasions off the bus. She's in the first grade. So, um I just I guess my question is is, you know, I've been told that the the safety of of our children is of your highest priority. I feel like I'm questioning that because of the bus. Yes, ma'am. I appreciate you taking the time to come out here ask the question. I can assure you we'll take these comments under advisement. Dr. Lawson or the appropriate staff personnel will get back with you specifically with whatever your concerns are. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Can I ask you one question? Yes. I'm sorry. I um When when a child comes off the bus and says
042there's a problem and you as a parent I chased down the bus and I communicated with the bus driver and it was, you know, filled in that my sometimes a first grader has quite a vivid imagination and sometimes she can have an imagination, but you know, I went straight to the bus driver. I like she ran almost a block down the stopped the bus and what she was telling me was true and the bus driver did kind of confirm that, but I had you know, there's been talk about that, you know, they shouldn't communicate stuff like that, but it was communicated by my child. So, I guess my question is is I guess if we if your child comes in after school school lets out at 2:25. My my child doesn't get off the bus
043till 3:10. If she has an issue on the bus, everybody at school is gone by this time. So, I can't call in right now and say, you know, when at the moment when she's coming in telling her story. So, I don't really know how to go about We have your name. We have your address. If you want to leave your phone number with Dr. Lawson, I'm sure that he will get back and give you specific directions as regards who you can address that with. Okay. Thank you so much. >> so much. Next item on the agenda would be approved the minutes from prior meeting. That would be the March 16th, 2026 regular meeting of the Board of Education. Unless there's any questions or concerns or changes with those minutes, I'd entertain a motion to accept
044the minutes. Have motion from Mr. Alvis, second from Mr. McGaw. All those in favor signify by saying I, please. Thank you. Mr. Colton Miller, I think you're up next with regards to our construction report. Yes, I'll keep it short and sweet today. So, at South Middle, the main topic there is we met our goals. We had a couple deliverables we wanted to meet over spring break and we did meet that. We got a lot of ceiling grid in. If you've been in the building, there's MEP going everywhere above ceiling. A lot of that is coming along nicely. So, we hit all our goals over spring break, which has really set us up for here in about 2 weeks we're going to have our summer kickoff meeting to make sure we're ready for everything going into
045that phase. Everything's going well there. Just a quick recap on outside on stuff that people can see driving by. The geothermal drilling on the football field is done. The people come to town ladders will be there next week. So, all that will be wrapping up. You should start seeing grass and things on that once we get into about mid-June. So, you'll start seeing sod go back down there. East Heights, everything is rolling along there really nicely. Um we've done as much as we can to make up the time we lost in the beginning. We're finally at the point where the past two meetings, the dates we have talked about as far as handing everything over have stayed the same. So, I think we have a plan there between Chad and that team and the principal
046and everything. Again, outside there, one high note there is we have technically started part of phase four ahead of schedule. So, some canopy footers have started going in and again, same thing there. So, we talked about a lot of summer items there today and I feel a prompt and prep there to have me start start coming in here telling you guys we're ahead of schedule on some things there instead of behind. So. Sounds good to us. I didn't we Anybody have any questions with regards to Mr. Miller on on either one of the construction projects? Going well. Do you have a couple of change notices? Yeah, I'll I'll address those if you don't care. We do have two change orders in front of you. Um first change order is change order 14-4 and also the
047um the ASI and the change order for East Heights on the signage change. So, we had to move some we got to dig in into East Heights and we have to reconnect and run some new electrical lines with between the pod and the other and then also looking at the signage for the building. So, you have two change orders before you for consideration this evening. Change order number 10 is for $4,858.92 and also a change order number 14-4 in the amount of $8,305. And these are both for the East Heights project. Any questions with regards to the change orders that have brought in? Have entertained a motion from Dr. Lawson. Yes, sir. I'd recommend a motion to approve change order number 10 in the amount of $4,858.92 and change order number 14-4 in the amount
048of $8,305 for the East Heights Elementary renovation project as presented by Mr. Thompson. That's superintendent's recommendation. Have motion Mr. Alvis. Second Ms. Williams. All those in favor signify by saying I, please. Vote unanimous. Next item would be student overnight trip, Dr. Lawson. Um yes, sir. So, >> [clears throat] >> um we don't have any local trips that are submitted. However, I would ask the board approve a student overnight trip request for the Henderson County High School FFA chapter. They would like the opportunity to travel to Belgium and that is scheduled for spring break 2028. But obviously for a trip like that, they kind of have to get some wheels in motion if you guys approve this. So, my recommended motion is a motion to approve a student overnight trip request as presented. Any questions with
049regards to this? So, you've heard superintendent's recommendation for trip in 2028 to Belgium and the Netherlands. Entertain a motion to accept superintendent's recommendation. Have motion Mr. Smith. Second. Second Ms. Williams. All those in favor signify by saying I, please. I. Vote unanimous. Next item, Mr. Grace, athletic report. Good evening. >> [clears throat] >> Um for this April meeting, we have a real short just update here. So, we kind of finished up our winter sports. Um our basketball teams had another tremendous year. Uh you'll see on the report there that our boys basketball team finished with 26 and five record. Again, they won the sixth district tournament and was runner-up in the second region in a tough heartbreaking overtime loss. Uh but a well put together we're we're on after years and years of we're there.
050We're right there at the edge. We're we're battling and and it's we're seeing great things at school um in the off-season. So again, we're excited for our boys program. But we'll move on to the girls program who can sit contestant consistently reloads every year. So again, for the eighth year in a row they made it to Rupp um did not the outcome was not what we wanted when we got up there. Uh but 24 and 10 season again, uh what can you say about that program? Just historically doing what it it takes to get it done. Um our archery program is leaving out in the morning. Uh Ms. Thomas today we had our uh kind of our senior send-off our archery send-off for state. We have a kind of do a walk-through if you've never
051experienced that. Our band leads them through the halls. All of our students come out usually right but we try not to avoid losing any class time. So any instructional time we come out right at a passing period. Um and so again, the kids love getting out and supporting the other students but just to see the faces as they walk the hall there. They act like they don't want to do it but when it's all said and done they're pretty excited. So we're sending uh 12 archers on the female team uh to Lexington tomorrow to Rupp Arena to compete and then we had one male archer and you again you'll see that Ellen Chaney was our regional runner-up and Abe Moore was our boys region winner um for the first region and they combine that a
052little different than the basketball region. So you generally we would say region two is what you hear. Uh but several sports were in region one such as wrestling and archery and and then swim. Um our baseball team again is doing well this year. We're on the uh second year under coach Arnett. Uh we're nine and four as of again, these are snapshots in time. So when I put this together last week we were nine and four. Uh tonight we are playing Crittenden County. We have Union County tomorrow and then again on Thursday. So we're into that district play. We are hosting Uh I attached the uh Rick the uh post-season calendar for you. So in case you're interested in what our state and regionals were competitions. I also highlighted the ones we would be hosting.
053So we are hosting some regional competitions. Uh we hosted archery of course. Uh we're hosting the track and field on May the 9th. We're hosting then district uh softball and baseball the week of graduation. We will have those specific dates uh after we convene this week at our AD's conference in uh Louisville. And again, the softball team currently was ranked third in the state uh in the coaches poll. Uh we what can we say? Our our female athletes are just superior right now in terms of uh their programs. So again, we have tremendous coaches but the athletes themselves when I run our weekly uh eligibility report I'm seeing very few if not the girls programs usually have no one on there that's failing a course. Our standards are a little bit tighter than the state
054standard. State says you can be failing two courses. We at the high school say you can only be failing one course. Uh generally we have nobody failing. So that's a good thing. Um So again, 11 and three ran into some tough competition in Castle but again back on the playing Webster tonight and into district play. Um tennis is doing well. We had some uh results of the state indoor track meet. You can see there that we had a one runner-up King Combess in the 55-meter dash. Uh and then again, every the rest of them are in our top 10 placements. So do you have any questions for me? Any questions for Mr. Grace with regards to athletics? Thank you very much. >> Thank you so much. Appreciate it. Thank you. Dr. Lawson. Just a big
055shout-out to Mr. Grace and all those that it takes to make our all of our extracurricular programs go. We are um widely recognized uh with a fantastic athletic and academic brand. Uh so excellence in all we do. Uh moving on down the agenda here uh just to make a note uh speaking of our high school as the end of the year approaches, it seems we have an event on almost every night. It's I'm I can move down to new business here Mike is that where I am? Is that okay? Okay, just making sure I can. Um so with that in mind, our town really has a great time celebrating the parade. And that parade is scheduled uh on the Monday of our next board meeting in May. That's parade scheduled for May 18th. So at
056the request of our our high school um I would um I've talked with each of you and so we will move that May 19th Board of Education meeting to I'm sorry, May 18th Board of Education meeting will be moved Tuesday, May 19th. Thank you all for your flexibility there. Okay, so we need a uh motion to uh change that meeting. So moved. I might have to drive something in that parade. So we're going to have the meeting for May on May 19th instead of May 18th. Yes, sir. I agree as so be it. Thank you all. I was going to make a motion. Well, I have a motion from Mr. Williams and I'll second it. All those in favor signify by saying I please. I it's unanimous. Thank you, Tracy. Hey, just quickly that's a
057big deal. Uh just appreciate our board always being flexible and you know supporting our students community in that way. It's a big deal to move the board meeting so that our students and town can celebrate our seniors. Thank you. Ms. Casey Farmer Wolfe. Good evening. Um I as you may or may not know on March the 20th we had to do an early release for East Heights due to a water main break. And um so what I'm asking for the board from the board this evening is I have to have a request from the board to formally order me to um place a um request with the Kentucky Department of Ed to be able to um get an emergency waiver for that day. If I can get the emergency waiver which I have no doubt
058I will be able to, what happens is it will not require East Heights Elementary to make up their instructional time that was missed that day due to the emergency. Um the way it currently stands they would have to make that up um individually. But um like I said, um this kind of waiver is meant for individual schools and individual situations which happens. Um so I would just ask that um the Board of Education order a school emergency day waiver be requested for East Heights Elementary. Dr. Lawson. Thank you, Ms. Wolfe. Yeah, during the construction there was a a water main hit and it was out of everyone's control. Just want to do a really quick shout-out to the administration at East Heights for the way they handled that. Did a fantastic job all the teachers
059and staff and thank you to all the parents and families for their flexibility that day. Again, it was something that no one could control but it showed great partnership among all those and so um I would recommend a motion to order request to be sent to the Kentucky Department of Education for the approval of a school emergency day waiver as presented by Mrs. Wolfe. I receive Superintendent's recommendation. Have motion Mr. Alvis. Second from Mr. McGar. All those in favor signify by saying I please. I vote unanimous. Thank you. Thank you. Next item is consent agenda. We have 11 items on the consent agenda includes uh grant application approval, No Kid Hungry grant uh second reading of our volunteer policy emergency certificate for substitute teaching, transportation request during the summer uh school activity fundraiser uh bid
060recommendations, independent auditor's contract uh disability leave requests retirement retention request and a salary schedule amendment for 25-26. Is there any item of these 11 need to be pulled for specific discussion? I don't want to pull it but I want to say changes in the volunteer policy. Thank you, Mr. Alvis. So with that I'll make a motion that we accept the consent agenda as presented. Have a second from Mr. Alvis. All those in favor signify by saying I please. I vote unanimous. Next item would be the financial reports. Mr. Stokes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Superintendent, members of the board. The report on the financials for March of 2026 we had total receipts in $5,348,729. And our total expenses were $8,532,399. That gave us a net change of a negative $3,183,669. Any questions with regards to
061treasurer's report? Dr. Lawson. I have no questions. Um I'd request the board approve the treasurer's report as presented by Mr. Stokes. I receive Superintendent's recommendation. Have motion Mr. Alvis. Second from Mr. Smith. All those in favor signify by saying I please. I vote unanimous. Next item is paid warrant report. Thank you again, Mr. Chairman and thank you again, Dr. Lawson, members of the board. The paid warrant report for payments made between March 17th of 2026 and April 20th of 2026 totals $5,339,287.04. Any questions with regards to any of the items on the paid warrant report? The milk? All right. It is. That's right. We we paid for it. We're going to pay for the milk. >> kids have it. That's right. Dr. Lawson. >> If there are no questions, I'd request the board approve the
062paid warrant report as presented by Mr. Stokes. Ms. Williams, do you want to make a motion we pay for the milk? >> [laughter] >> Thank you. I have a motion Ms. Williams. Second from Mr. Smith. All those in favor signify by saying I, please. I vote unanimous. >> Thank you. Ms. Robin, would you let the record reflect that we've received the personnel actions since our last meeting. Dr. Lawson. And at this time I'll make a motion that we enter executive session pursuant to KRS 61 .810C and KRS 61.810F. Have a second to that motion? Second Ms. Williams. All those in favor signify by saying I, please. I vote unanimous. We'll be moving into executive session. Thank you.