001No, it's not Thank you. Okay. And uh we'd like to go ahead and call to order the Henderson County Board of Education meeting for this March 16th, 2026, our regular meeting. Uh before I move along, is there anybody if there is anybody here that needs to address this board for any matter that's not on the agenda, we would appreciate you filling out a form, bringing it to Miss Robin, and we'll give you time on the agenda to address the board. If not, Dr. Lawson, you have some folks that will help get us started this evening. >> I do. Student ambassador, you please stand. student ambassador. Everyone, if you please stand for the pledge. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one
002nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you, Mr. Waller. Just sir, >> just quickly this group um this is our student ambassador group. Each uh month at our board meeting we have a group for our student ambassadors that come and if you don't know our student ambassador program is an esteemed program. These are the students that provide an excellent example about who we are at Henderson County Schools. So tonight I'd like for them to step up here one at a time and tell you a little bit about their high school experience and their plans moving forward. My name is Jack Ryan Rush. I'm a student ambassador here at Henderson County High School and I plan on playing football at Georgetown College and majoring in exercise science. >> Uh my name
003is Alex Bullley. I'm also a student ambassador here at the high school and I plan on attending the University of Kentucky and majoring in accounting. >> My name is Cameron. I plan on attending Bellereman University and studying political science. My name is Sophie Presley. I plan on attending Western Kentucky University and majoring in business with a minor in psychology. >> Thank you folks. We appreciate you being here. We appreciate what you do for our school system and how you represent the school as well as our community as a student ambassador. Thank you so much. Next item would be to approve the agenda. Before we uh move on the agenda, I'd like to uh make a motion that we add or amend item six of the consent agenda to include a fundraiser request for the golf
004team. So I'll go ahead and make that motion include in item six agenda a fundraiser and once we get a second Mr. are purpose of this I think is to get some simulation equipment that will help the golf team as they move along into this season and they have some donations but has to qualify as a fundraiser. So we want to get that included so they can get moving on that. So if you have any other questions with regards to that I'm sure Mr. Grace can answer it just somebody could answer the question. If not, all those in favor signify by saying I please. >> I. So then I need a motion to approve the agenda that's presented. >> Have a motion. Miss Williams, second, Mr. Gar. All those in favor signify by saying I
005please. I unanimous. So now we'll go through this agenda as it is. Next item would be mortise. Oh my. And I tell you what, it's a surprise every time. We are going to have student and staff recognition. That's my most favorite part of the whole dad gum meeting, the student and staff recognition. I'm sure a lot of you here are here for that. So, we're going to start off with Ryan. You're going to deal with all of it. >> Yes, sir. A few of them here. Thank you, sir. We would like to congratulate our aquatic colonels. Uh the Henderson County High School boys team is region champs and state finalist. The the HCHS girls team are region runnerup. And a big congratulations to Melanie Mays, region one boys coach of the year. And so coh
006Dr. Lawson, as you interview these folks, uh we asked them when is the last time we won the region with one and we were runner up with the other. And so we're having a hard hopefully you can find that answer. So as you wait make your way up, give it up for swim team. >> Yeah. Come on up here. Good looking group here. We're all stack in here. We went back to All right. Well, we're going to picture in just a second. I'm going to get So, we have the coach of the year, Coach May's here, and Coach Thompson. So, we're so proud of our swim team. She Coach Thompson's trying to hide, but she's right down there, too. Um, and I asked Coach Maize if we had ever uh been second in one and
007won the region in the other, and she said she couldn't remember a time where we had done that. And so, it just speaks well of the accomplishment of our swim team. We're so proud. Uh, when if you'll look up their swim team, it says excellence in all we do, the top core value. And so, when you achieve something like this, it exemplifies that core value. Thank you for doing that. And coach, you and I were just talking so many times as a spectator or a fan, we see the competition, but there's so much more to achieving a goal like this. And obviously, you have to have a great coach, the coach of the year. We're so proud of you and appreciate all you've done, but maybe if you wouldn't mind, tell us a little bit
008about this team. >> Um, well, they work hard. They work. They practice five days a week from uh we start after fall break. We do some conditioning before fall break and then after fall break we practice five days a week. Um and then start meets right before Thanksgiving. So they're in the pool six days a week after we start meets. So >> So what about um so these kids go to school all day and then they go to practice. Are there any type of summer work or anything like that they do on their own? Um this summer we kind of implemented optional practices two days a week um if they wanted to condition. We were there uh for some dryland work and then for some pool time but that was a few of them came
009this summer. Some of them are involved in different sports. It makes it difficult but we do offer if anybody wants to be there I offer my time. So, >> well, we are so proud as a school district. You know, it's our goal to have every kid involved in extracurricular. And not just that, we want to be the best at anything we choose to compete in. So, thank you for all the time and effort you give. Thank you for the pride you take in wearing the Henderson County uh gear and you always make us so proud. Miss Mortis, can we get a picture of this crew? Let's give our swim another big hand. Oh yeah. You know what? I didn't get the group picture. So, let's bring everybody back. Sorry to slow you down. Sorry about
010that. And I know we have some parents here. It takes a team and I missed an opportunity. So, line back up. You know how much you love taking those family pictures. It's kind of like that. So, all the swim parents, any swim parents that are here, if you'd come stand up here with us. >> Mr. Thompson, Miss Thompson, where are I saw a few more, Mr. Maize? Come on, Miss Thompson. There we go. There they all come. >> There we go. Yeah. Squeeze in there. Is that all the parents? >> Can you get us all in here? There you are. Congrats. Thank you to the parents, too. Next item on there would be recognition of judges scholars. That >> I have that. >> Please do. Thank you. >> Tonight we would like to recognize Spotsville
011Elementary School student Fergus McKeler for being selected as a judges scholar. Miss Fleming, if you would like to come forward and Fergus, if you would like to join Dr. Lawson. >> How you doing? Right here. Stand right here. Miss give you a medal. >> Good evening. I am Sarah Fleming, the proud principal of Spotsville Elementary, and it is truly an honor to speak tonight about our remarkable judges scholar, Fergus McCller. I've had the privilege of watching Fergus grow over the past six years into the outstanding young man he is today. Each day he lives out our school's mission and pride expectations. His teacher, Mrs. Kingston, shared that Fergus is the kind of student every teacher hopes to have in their classroom. He is kind, helpful to those around him, and always has a smile that
012brightens the room. He uses his abilities to help and encourage others, approaches challenges with a positive attitude, and leads by example each day. Fergus truly represents everything you'd want in a Spotsville Panther and is a wonderful role model for his classmates. Fergus was also selected as a fifth grade student ambassador this year because of his leadership and integrity. He consistently earns a spot on the all A honor role and meets his AR and weekly academic goals. He is a member of the academic team, placing first in written composition at the district level and second at regionals this year. Fergus also won Spotsville's grandparents essay contest with a heartfelt piece about his wonderful and hilarious grandfather Bruce, who is here supporting him tonight. Outside of the classroom, Fergus stays busy as a member of Spotsville's archery
013team and by playing tennis. He even started a new tradition at school by serving as our flagr runner during the ABA games. Proud proudly representing Spotsville each time they take the court. While it's hard to believe our time with him is coming to an end, we know Fergus will continue to make us proud as he moves on to middle school. Congratulations to our one and only Ferg. We are so proud of you. Fergus, those are some great things that she said about you and so those are some pretty high marks. It's a big deal to be the judges scholar. I know that's quite an honor for you. Uh so what was your favorite part about being judges scholar? >> My favorite part was probably getting to know everyone and look well get getting to know
014what happens in court. Pretty neat stuff, isn't it? Getting to be up there with the judge and the attorney and the magistrate, learning about local government. It's pretty exciting. Well, uh, Miss Fleming, Miss Fleming, mentioned that your teacher, Miss Pinkston, had high marks for you. And I think I saw Miss Pink. Did I see her here somewhere? Thought I saw Miss Kingston. So, and she also mentioned your grandfather. Maybe you have some family here, too, right? So, if we could have your teacher, Miss Fleming, and the family all come up. We'll get a picture of the whole group. Thanks everybody. Put you right in the center. Get everybody around you. Congratulations, Fergus. Tonight, we would also like to recognize South Heights Elementary School student Amari Blight for being selected as their judges scholar. Mr. Black,
015if you would like to come forward and Amari, if you would like to join Dr. Lawson. I am so honored to have Amari Blle with us tonight as she has been recognized as the 1199 South Elementary School's judges scholar. She earned this award for her outstanding achievements, hard work, positive attitude in the classroom, on the court, and all around our school community. Amari's dedication to offering others kindness, accepting responsibility, and respecting others have set a wonderful example for her peers. She consistently strives for excellence, and it is evident that she takes great pride in her education. From her active participation in class discussions, leadership in group activities, and her thoughtful approach to problem solving, she truly inspires everyone around her. She not only has great academic achievements, her hard work as a cheerleader has not
016gone unnoticed. During the season, she never hesitated to stay extra hours or come in on weekends to practice. She is a true definition of a student athlete. We are incredibly proud of everything she has accomplished and look forward to seeing her growth. Keep up the excellent work and remember that your efforts are truly appreciated. Congratulations once again to Amari Black being the judges scholar. >> Congrats, Amari. Mr. Black had so many great things to say about you. And again, it is such an honor to be the judges scholar for South Heights Elementary. What was your favorite part of being judges scholar? >> My favorite part about being the judges scholar is probably getting recognized by many of people that I'm a great student. Oh yeah, she's proud of herself. Yeah. And Mari, I think you
017have some family here as well. It takes a village uh to raise a child and to help nurture them in a way that they're kind and hardworking and all those things that Mr. Black said about you. So, if we could have your family uh Mr. Black and any teachers that are here to come up, we'll all get a group picture. Congratulations, Amario. Ryan, you have the next group. >> Yes, sir. Thank you, >> Danstein. >> Yes, sir. At this time, Mr. Waller. We would like to recognize our Henderson County dance team. They qualified for nationals. And the HCHS dance team has 10 athletes and three coaches. The Colonel finished third at the NDA high school competition in the large intermediate palm category. So, one sidebar I want to mention. So going to the regional basketball
018tournament every halftime, I mean every halftime, the PA announcer said, "And now entertaining the crowd, the Henderson County dance team." Now, the other teams had an opportunity to perform, but our girls were the ones who were disciplined enough to put the shiny uniforms on, the glitter, the makeup, and they represented themselves, the high school, and our community every single time. They could have put their folded the stuff up and been done for the year, but that's the type of commitment and discipline they have. So, give it up for the Henderson County Dance Team. line up right here. So ladies, congrats again. It seems that we're always competitive, even on the national stage. Mr. Rush pointed out during the region tournament, you are one of the highlights. Uh, of course you always entertain our fans, but
019um, and coach Hanley, I know, has done this for a long period of time. We have an esteemed dance program. We have a great leader. Um, but I think she'd be the first to tell you there's a lot more than just the games to this. So, coach, you mind telling us a little bit about the effort these girls put in, the time, and the investment and discipline? >> Absolutely. Um, technically this is their first week off of the season. Um and here we are still um acknowledging them. Um we start triyouts are the end of April. Um we do a little bit of conditioning and then we go into summer camp. Um and then it's just um non-stop from there. These girls get ready for football games um nationals choreography, regionals, state um and then
020nationals. Um this team is I like to call them my niku team. um coming off of last year's win, we had um five members return from the national team and five brand new ones. Um so it took a lot of me as myself and the staff figuring out how to um coach a kind of a brand new team. Um but these girls put in the work and they worked super hard and to end um in third place in the large intermediate palm category was huge. Um the numbers range from 10 all the way up. Normally a 10 is um we go up against small teams. Um but for them to be able to compete against teams that had 17 um and 19 um dancers on the floor was um I was super proud and it
021was incredible for them to finish third place. >> Give a hand. >> We are so proud and again we want to pursue excellence in all we do and you all always make us so proud. Uh, do we have any uh parents here tonight? We get everybody here for the picture. Coach, give me third group picture first. All right. Can we get centered there? Are we good there? All right. Do we have parents here? Let's bring all the parents up. It's such a commitment on behalf of the parents to support these kids. Yeah. Give those parents a hand. You're the one running back and forth. congratulations again. Thank you parents. >> Thank you all. The next group will be the cheer team. You've got them too, right? >> Yes, sir. We also have an elite cheer
022squad and they qualified for nationals. And few things about them. The JV placed fourth in the junior varsity non-tumbling game day category out of 14 teams. And the varsity placed ninth in the varsity non-tumbling game day category out of 33 teams. And my Additional comment on this one. As uh my my friend, coach uh Rhonda Richard, she continued to send me videos of the girls down there. And what was so special about those videos were that the way they were supporting each other. North Middle School was down there, too. And every time the girls got done with their competition, the other group would would cheer them on. And uh we were just you would make you guys so proud. The unity uh that they have was very special. So give it up for our cheer
023team. You're the Hey, Let's let's split into JV varsity so we can get everybody in the picture. So, let's just have JV first if you guys varsity doesn't care to step to the side and then we'll swap out. All right. Family. All right. parents of our JV team, if you guys want to come up and join for the picture. All right. want to get our varsity parents >> kind of scoot up just Yeah, JC, >> just a quick minute. And I know those take a little bit of time. Uh but I wanted to uh give our coach an opportunity um to brag on our cheerleaders. As I think about cheerleading, um I think about what a long season it is. Much like dance, you guys are there football and basketball seasons. And when I think
024about uh the element that you add in terms of getting our crowd uh excited and the value that adds to the whole experience, the fans, the teams, all that, you all are so committed to to, you know, bragging on other people and lifting them up and then you are excellent at what you do and I know that takes a lot of hard work and discipline. So, Coach Boston, no pressure. I'm kidding with you. not easy to get up here, but I I know she doesn't want to do this, but tell us a little bit about all it takes to be a cheerleader at Henderson County High. >> Um, no, I do not like public speaking, but um, one of our favorite things every year we get is, "Are you excited? You know, have a little
025bit of time off and we always laugh because cheer and dance don't get time off." Um, we're already planning triyouts. We get maybe two weeks plus spring break if that um throughout the year. Um we start triyouts in April and then from there we do open gyms, we do um conditioning throughout the summer and then once we start school we're right back into football season. Um we've got both our JV and varsity team. So we're there every day. Practice Monday through Thursday, game on Friday, and then once competition starts, we're there on Saturdays. Um, so we're there just about every day of the week. Um, no no Sundays, but when competition starts, you know, there's the exception of a Sunday. Um, but it takes a lot of work and a lot of dedication, not only
026from our girls, but from our parents. Um, our parents know coming into it, they're just as dedicated um to the team just as the girls are. So, it takes a lot of heart, a lot of hard work, dedication, love. You have to love what you do to put that much work into something. Um, and that's one thing, um, especially this year, there's been a lot of lot of heart, a lot of dedication. There's been, you know, the struggles throughout the season, but I think this group especially, there's been just so much love, family, and teamwork that it's been a great season. >> Thanks, coach. I know you don't like public speaking. >> Great job. Just uh, lastly though, for all our teams, you know, everything rises and falls on leadership. We have the absolute best
027coaches. Coaching is such a selfless act. You're so committed to supporting these kids. It's such a hard job and we couldn't be more thankful to have great coaches who are great examples, who know their craft, who encourage their the their players, their their people on their teams. And so, just want you all to know how much we appreciate our coaches. Give all our coaches a hand. Yes, sir. Um, this evening, um, we've heard >> a lot from >> Just one second. We've got a lot of youngsters that involved in Walt's practice and some other things at the high. >> It did start tonight >> and it did start tonight. So, they're going to be some of them moving out real quick. So, we don't want to take away from our maintenance group. But, uh, if
028you have the walls practice, be moving. Go ahead. >> Thank y'all. Be careful. >> Thank you, Chad. I'm sorry. >> No, no, you are perfectly fine. Um, we've seen a lot of student groups this evening and we're extremely proud of them, but there's one group that works behind the scenes every single day so that the groups that you've seen this evening have a heated or cooled area or a clean area um to go and practice in so they so they can succeed. And so this evening there's a group that we would like to recognize. That's our maintenance group and we're all homeowners and we know how much maintenance is around our own home. Multiply your house by about a hundred and they take care of 13 schools not counting all the extracurricular buildings and all
029the administrative buildings that we have in the district. So this evening uh we would like to recognize our maintenance department for all of the hard work and dedication they have. Uh they come to work every day for exactly what you've seen up there. Um because it's for our students. It's not for anything else but for our students. So we would like to recognize maintenance this evening. >> Maintenance guys a hand. All the maintenance guys. Come on. >> Yeah. I know he does. Hey, come on in you guys. >> And girl. That's right. lady keeps them all in line. >> Come on in here, guys. Pile in here. Let's scoot on in. Scoot on in. You know, it's kind of fitting that everybody left. And these guys, because these guys seem to always and the, as
030she said, and the girl that keeps them all in line, they seem to always be in the background just making sure everybody has what they need. And it's always important um to recognize our maintenance folks. But so many times like because when things are running well, we don't think about the people who are making it run well. I just want you to know how grateful we are. And Donnie, I know uh that coach Boston just now she doesn't love public speaking and I think Donnie might love it even less. So, but Donnie, tell us about your team. >> Well, this is a this is a great team. I mean, all of them, they just jump right in and do whatever whatever is needed. And uh I mean through the snows and just anything that we
031have going, they just they're just every one of them is just ready to to put out everything they have and do whatever's needed to get get the job done. I'm really proud to have this, you know, be part of this team. Great great guys and girls. you keep >> the JD. >> Yeah, I'll say something like I'll say what Donnie said, you know, a great team. We work together, you know. Um it's what we we appreciate what you guys try to do for us, too, you know, and and uh we just I love my job. So, I mean, uh I I'll just say that. And I know Daniel's got something to say here, so >> I'm less than Donnie on that. Well, I'm gonna say something because I'll tell you right now, it's it it
032means a lot to us up here >> to see what goes on in our school district from the students, staff, and when we're able to recognize folks in this meeting, it it just makes us proud. And we all understand and know that our facilities, our grounds, what these youngsters are doing day in and day out would not be possible for without the work and the commitment and dedication that you folks put in to make sure that they have the resources that they need to do what is going to continue through their life from the time they're five or six years old till they're 18 or 19 years old. So, we can't be any more proud of you and what you're doing. Even if it's in the background, the fact of the matter is you folks
033are the foundation and support of what's going on in this school district because you got to have the resources, the facilities, and and what these youngsters need to do what they're able to accomplish. So, thank you so very much. We appreciate you. Mr. Thompson, Mr. Thompson's going to jump in the picture here. Come on, Mr. Thompson. I know, but come on. Mr. Thompson is always bragging on this team. Let's Let's squeeze in here tight, guys. We love our maintenance team. Let's all get in here tight. >> Appreciate you guys. Appreciate you, Miss Simon. >> Thanks, guys. Best part of the meeting, Dr. Lawson, recognizing these youngsters, sport staff, and everybody else working. Thank you. Next item on the agenda is public participation. We have one person here, Mr. Douglas. You want to address this board?
034I want you to know you're on the clock. Three minutes. >> I just like to give a big shout out here today. um you guys seen what was going on here and how everybody's recognized and you know and that and that starts you know with the leadership that we have and I know you guys might hear it and you might not hear it but I wanted you to hear from us you know from from me and others in this department and in the school system I hear it from but I had a significant injury back in October when I had this injury was taken to the hospital and I was there my supervisors Chad and Donnie were out of town I think it's KSPMA or something like that. And when that happened, this man right
035here come over to check on me and it meant the world for the simple fact that I had family there and when they said family could come back, you know, come back to see me. He walked in with my sweetie and my sister and it just I just want to say Henderson County the school is the family and it's you know and he he emphasizes that on a daily basis working with the community and things that he did and I just wanted to personally thank him but let you guys know what kind of person that you have here. I'm not standing up here doing this for brownie points or anything like this because I can retire tomorrow if I wanted to. But you heard me say I love my job. I like, you know, what
036I do in the system and it's for kids. I got grandkids coming up, too. And I like what I do and I'll help any way that I can. But I just wanted to let you guys know if you could clone him or you could have someone like him for another 30 years after that would probably be great. But I mean, I just want to personally thank you, Dr. Watson, for that coming over because my my supervisors at the time weren't there. And and he was there, checked on me a few days afterwards, a week afterwards, just like my supervisor did, Chad did. They all did. And I just like to let you guys know as board members, you don't they you guys not might hear that a whole lot from other people. You know, I
037don't know how many other people come up here and say anything about what these guys do, Donnie, Chad, Dr. Lawson, and then it reflects, you know, and what you guys do, you know, for the community. You know, Henderson's got potential here in the next few years with everything going on to be a great community. And they look at the education part of that and some of the meetings that Dr. Lawson has with leadership that I've been in town with some of them. He emphasizes that, you know, with three blue ribbon schools and other schools. How many other counties in the state of Kentucky say they got three three blue ribbon schools? You know, even though I'm in maintenance, it's still about the kids. I got grandkids coming through the system, you know, and I want
038them to say, "Hey, papa, I was warm today or I was cold today or whatever. I know it's going to be taken care of because we're going to have the leadership coming through with that, you know, and I just I just want to make that just want to personally thank him, let him know what kind of leadership that we have here. We appreciate it. Thank you, John. Take your time. Come up here and address this for Thank you. >> Next item would be to approve the minutes from our February 16th regular school board meeting. We all got copies of the minutes prior to meeting. Have a motion, Mr. Maggar. Second from Mr. Smith. All those in favor signify by saying I please. I vote unanimous. this next. >> Okay, we're going to try the audit
039report on the virtual basis again. >> Ready, Aaron? >> Got all the time you need. We've got a picture. Mr. White, >> can you hear us? Give us a second. We're Give us a second. We're We're trying to uh hear you. this year to travel down there and work with uh your staff. And uh I really like my staff. I think they do an excellent job and uh they uh had nothing but respect for the way your all staff responded to all their requests and I think everything went really smooth this year. everything to uh January 31st, so that kind of threw everything off. Probably could have done it last month, but I was out of state, so I couldn't uh be uh be here for your meeting in February. So, that's my fault. I
040have to postpone you another another month. But I think we had a really good audit this year and uh I know I spoke to you all last year and uh I think uh the process was really good and I usually just for most boards when I go go visit uh and uh go over just one page in the audit. It summarizes the entire audit report and it's called the schedule of findings and question cost. It's on page 83. if you all do have a uh a document to look at. Uh it basically summarizes a lot of accounting jargon in it. Uh but uh I won't uh I won't go o over all of it. I'll just kind of summarize everything. At the bottom of the page has two really bold lines and it's probably the
041most important thing in the audit. Uh there was no findings at the financial statement level nor at the federal program level. So, uh, if there was a finding in there, you would have to have a corrective action plan. And, uh, so the district had no, uh, no findings. And also too, any communication we had, we did orally. So, we didn't have any kind of management letter, uh, that needed to be, uh, responded to. Also, you see a management letter in there, but everything that we did find, we did communicate orally to whomever it was. So, uh, overall the, uh, audit went excellent and, uh, you had a really good report. Uh, I'd like for, uh, you all, if you would, just to your staff, your finance staff, uh, all the way down to the schools
042and also to your federal programs coordinators. They they really do a good job. Uh, the audit process is a difficult process. We may be down there a few days looking through the uh documents that we can't take out of the a school district, but the audit process goes on for months. We mail them back and forth and uh documents back and forth. Uh everybody seemed like they real responsive and we didn't have any snags during the process. So, everything went really well. We appreciate their hard work and congratulations on a good audit report. Uh if the board has any questions for me, I I'd be happy to answer it. But overall, uh excellent report for your school district. >> Thank you, sir. We appreciate your comments, Dr. Mes. >> Okay. >> Thank you, sir. I
043appreciate it. body. >> Yes, sir. >> Um, hello. >> As Mr. White said, the team did a good job on this and that would be and her last audited last year. So I just more time. >> We appreciate you too, sir. >> Thank you very much. So >> I don't think we have anything we have on record. We appreciate Okay. Thank you. Have a great day. Thank you. Are you nervous? >> Now you feel relieved. >> Okay. Next item would be construction manager for Mr. Miller. I see. Yes. So, I'll keep it short and sweet. At East Heights, we're obviously moving forward. Uh, we plan to have everything turned over this summer to get all that moving and going. As you can see, is what's going on. Obviously outside when you're driving by shingles have
044been on which means everything inside is dried in which is really good for us because probably about the next time we meet we'll be on the cusp of putting flooring down moving into case work things of that nature um for South Middle. I said this in our progress meeting. It's kind of jumping all over the place really. And I say that in a good way because we're getting a lot of things knocked out that I personally did not have shown on the schedule until this summer. And everybody here knows how difficult the summer projects can be. So the more that we can get done now, it's only going to help in the long run. Um, but as far as what's going on there, geothermal drilling going on, uh, and inside, we're starting to move into
045some of the hydronic piping inside of the school itself. So, and again, can't stress that enough. It's been great working with the staff over there and everything. It's just a lot of jumping around, but again, I mean that in a good way. >> Anybody have any questions? Dr. Lawson, any comments? >> Really appreciate you updating us. It's so nice to see all the progress as you mentioned at East Heights and um then South Middle is is kind of one of those projects where it's not as visible, but you guys are really doing a great job. In fact, um Miss Fish has bragged on you all in terms of the way you've worked so well with her. I know Miss ODM is is so happy about the progress East Heights and so we just appreciate all
046your work. >> We appreciate you all. Thank you. With regards to the change orders, Chad, you're going to deal with those. >> Yes, sir. Uh before you this evening, we have two change orders. One is change order um 5-1 for BG25-225. That's for the South Middle School uh HVAC renovation project. uh when we got in there um and took out the old ceiling, then we had we had to lower the ceiling just a little bit to get all of the duck work and get all the the uh piping in there. And so there was a there's a smaller change order there. Uh then we also have another change order for the culinary renovation uh and the parking lot asphalt. We had to relocate a fresh air uh intake uh when we were putting the penetrations
047in for uh the hoods and the air out there. And then we also extended a wall that separated the two. And you'll see some pictures here um in just a moment. So, I would ask for your consideration of approval uh of the change order 5-1 for BG25-225 and change order uh number 01 for BG25-430. I'd request the board approve those change orders as presented by Mr. Thompson. >> Any questions with regards to either one of the change orders? So, entertain a motion. >> I'll make a motion to approve. >> Have a motion, Mr. McGar. Second. >> Second, Miss Williams. All those in favor signify by saying I, please. >> I votes unanimous. >> Next item would be strategic plan update with regards to the facilities. >> Yes. And Robin has a little video because we
048wanted to show you just a little just some pictures and a little bit of video of what the inside of East Heights is looking like. And also in culinary um you can go to uh South Middle and right now just see there's not any ceilings and there's some piping. So I'll let uh Miss Robin kind of play the video. probably tow. Yeah, and that's what I was getting ready to say when when when Mr. Waller and Miss Williams were in here about probably a month ago. Uh, currently on the inside, we have the first coat of paint uh on every wall. All the door jambs are painted. Um, all of the sheetrock in the main office um is up and mudded. Um, I had to go. For some reason, Miss Miss Odum doesn't like to
049go in there. Um, I don't know why. I think she's afraid she's gonna fall in love with it too early, uh, and freak out about the process that's coming this summer. U, but, um, I went and got her the other day because once you go in, you start to see the sheetrock up and you start to get the walls up, then you really start to get an idea of the space and how it's going to feel. So, since they have got the roof on and dried that in, they have really, really made a lot of progress. a lot of progress to the point that I'm hoping we can move in a little bit faster this summer, but that's all on Colton. Uh, no pressure. Um, and then as far as culinary, um, they're Oh, he's
050gone. I I'll have to tell him. Um, so, um, as far as culinary, right now we're on track, uh, for that to be finished. probably about I think June 5th is the timeline to have that uh substantially complete and get a partial and get equipment moved in. Um we met Mondays are always meeting days. We have all the construction meetings on Mondays before um before our board meeting. And so they're going to start the paving work. Um, I'm hoping they're going to start that end of June during dead period and start out in the back parking lot where the football or back there at the football stadium. Get that. I told them today I wanted them to start that piece first. Uh, but right now all of the paving is slated to be done no
051later than July 20th. Um, so I'm hoping that they can get on that a little bit earlier and get that taken care of and then move up to the bus lane and get that taken care of. >> So, questions. >> Thank you, sir. Any questions regarding big projects we have going on. Mr. Thompson or Dr. Lawson questions. Thank you all so very much. Next item would be the student overnight trip information. >> Dr. Lawson. >> Yes, sir. Those trips listed there um are the ones that are beneath the 250 mile threshold and so don't need board approval on that. Just wanted you all to be aware of those. As we go down to the Can I move on down to the next one here, sir, please. >> Uh the overnight uh student overnight trip request
052that is over 250 miles that will require action. >> Just a little over 250. >> Yeah, we really had to measure this one out. Um we have uh Miss Grace here tonight who this is not her first time taking students or or staff either internationally on international trips. So, uh, what we're requesting here is international travel for the summer of 2028, uh, to Dublin, London, and Paris. And at this point, uh, they're mostly asking for the use of communication to students and parents about this extraordinary educational opportunity. >> Anybody have any questions? I mean, obviously, this is going to take a lot of planning and there's still plenty of time before 2028. if something were to change, but I'm sure that they'll bring a lot more specific information in and uh let us know even
053more before now. We just need to give them the approval to get started on that. So, any questions up to this point? Not questioning whether you can go west. Okay. So, I'd entertain a motion that we give Miss Grace the uh approval. Dr. Lawson, I'm sure you have a recommendation. >> Yes, sir. Just request the board approve uh this international trip as presented. >> Heard superintendent's recommendation. Have a motion. Mr. McGar, >> second from Mr. Smith. All those in favor signify by saying I please. >> I votes unanimous. Forward that. Next item, Dr. Lawson, would be the policy for volunteers. Yes, sir. So, in an effort to uh reduce any barriers between us uh getting volunteers in Henderson County Schools, we're we are um requesting a change in our policy. And the simple of it
054is is that uh volunteers would no longer have to pay for some of the background checks and things like that that the district would incur this cost. uh you know, we have a lot of folks who want to help and so by doing this, it just kind of removes that barrier. We we want to try to make sure that we're a welcoming place and we believe this is a step in that direction. Miss Bird is really, you know, her and Miss Carter are policy experts. Miss Bird, am I leaving anything out here? >> I think you covered it. You know, the issue came up and actually I think it was brought to Dr. attention and been actually my attention as well just because there are people that are volunteer coaches or volunteer in the elementary
055schools and to to be able to give their time. They're also being asked to pay for these background checks. So, you know, hopefully it will help strengthen some of those community partnerships and bring more people in to help with with the kids and programs that need a little extra help. So we we did revise the policy just to reflect um a change in the number of so that they're not required to do it every year. Um and the can background checks can be done at any time as long as there superintendent approval for the cost of those. >> So I'd request the board approve the first reading of policy 3.6 for volunteers as presented. Heard superintendent's recommendation to entertain a motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Mr. Gar, >> second for Mr. Smith. All
056those in favor signify by saying I, please. I vote unanimous. Thank you very much. >> Next item would be the consent agenda. We have nine items on there. Transportation request, media library approvement for one-year certification, disability leave request, parental leave request, agreement with Campbellville University, activity fundraiser request, bid recommendations, and uh can't read my own writing, but anyway, internal connection bids for the archery building as well as the uh 2627 technology plan. Is there any item on the consent agenda that needs to be pulled for further discussion? Not I'd entertain a motion to accept the consent agenda as presented. >> I'll make a motion to accept. >> Have a motion. Mr. McGar. >> Second, Miss Williams. All those in favor signify by saying I please. >> I votes unanimous. Next would be the financial report.
057Mr. Stokes >> test. Thank you, Mr. Chairperson, and thank you, Dr. Lawson, and members of the board. For the month of February 2026, Henderson County Schools had total receipts of 7,66,215. Our expenditures were $9,14,825 which gave us a net change for the month of negative1,948,69. >> Dr. Lawson, >> if there are no questions uh regarding the treasures report, I'd request the board approve the treasures report as presented by Mr. Stokes. >> Superintendent's recommendation. Any questions are contain the motion to accept the recommendation as presented. Motion, Mr. McGar, second to Mr. Smith. All those in favor signify by saying I. I vote unanimous. Now you laughed at me last time. Did I do something funny or I miss something? >> I heard y'all laughing. >> I think they were laughing because I had to test the
058mic because I was pretty loud earlier. >> Okay, go ahead. I thought it was me because I'm always pretty funny about something. Next item will be paid warrant report, please. >> Thank you again, Mr. Chairperson, and thank you, Dr. Lawson, and members of the board. For payments made between February 17th of 2026 and March 16th of 2026, our warrant total was equal to $4,436,791.93. >> There are no questions. I'd request the board approve the paid warrant report as presented by Mr. Stokes. >> Any questions on any of the bills? Superintendent's recommendation? Entertain a motion. Motion, Mr. McGar. >> Second, Miss Williams. All those in favor signify by saying I, please. I votes unanimous. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Robin. Would you let the uh record reflect that we've received the personnel action since the last
059board meeting from Dr. Lawson? And at this time, unless anybody wants to stick around and do anything different, we'll just go ahead and adjourn. >> I think you need a motion to adjurnn. >> Is that your motion? I have a motion, Miss Williams. We adjourn. I'll second. >> Second, Mr. McGar. >> All those in favor? It doesn't matter. We're leaving anyway. Thank you all so very much for being here. Appreciate your time and energy >> and appreciate what you do every day for our youngsters.