001I'm a thinker. I'm logical. So, I've just got mine on paper for you. I don't have it like laminated on stationary on simple and great minds think a lot. So, >> that was elementary person in there. That's what I thought. >> So, I'd like to just take a moment to recognize Mr. Alvis for his dedicated service to Henderson County Schools as a board member. Mr. Alvis has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to our students, staff, and community. His thoughtful leadership, willingness to listen, and focus on doing what's best for students have had a meaningful and lasting impact on our district. Literacy and reading are especially important to Mr. Alves and the time he has devoted to mentoring students at Jefferson, East Heights, and AKZ has truly changed lives and opened doors for many of our
002students. He understands the importance of investing time and care directly to the success of our children. As a former engineer, Mr. Alves brings a valuable perspective to the board with a strong understanding of the nuances of our facilities and our mechanical systems and the critical role that they play in providing a safe, effective learning environment that support student success. He understands what it takes to lead within a school system and values the principles, teachers, and staff who lead and serve each and every day. Mr. Alves, we thank you from the bottom of your heart for your service to Henderson County students. >> Laminated to go to help. >> Brandy, you drew the you drew the short straw, didn't you? >> I did not. So, I get the pleasure of recognizing Mr. Waller this evening. So,
003um, on behalf of Henderson County Schools, we pause to say thank you for 33 years of service, steady, faithful, and true. Mr. Mike Waller, your leadership guides us every day, supporting staff, students, and families along the way. A steadfast advocate for what is right and fair. You lead with integrity, wisdom, and care. In moments of challenge, in times of great change, your calm, steady presence helps us navigate in a range. The only thing you ever brag about with a smile and good humor is being Sally's husband, a title you cherish with honor. A man of purpose grounded in service and heart with a deep love for Henderson County Schools from the very start. Your children are products of HCS, a legacy strong and true. And now your grandchildren walk these same halls, too. Generations connected
004through learning and pride. Henderson County Schools is always close to your side. Your voice is thoughtful, your service sincere. You listen with purpose and make every concern clear. With students at the center of each decision you make, you help shape our future with every step you take. And when a group needs a meal to bring people together, you step right in, no matter the weather. buying the chickens, seasoning each with care, delivering them ready so others can enjoy fellowship and share. Your commitment and consistency shape who we are, creating a legacy felt both near and far in classrooms and hallways and hopes yet unseen. Your influence lives in all of our schools and community. With community at heart and service as your guide, you walk this journey with humility and pride. We are deeply grateful
005for all for all you continue to do and we thank you Mr. Waller for your dedication through and through. >> Randy and I go back a long way. No poem for you. Just >> I told you >> just a couple heartfelt anecdotal stories to uh exemplify the man that you are. So, uh first of all, Wes Smith is a guy who is a selfless servant. And uh I just have a couple anecdotal stories to prove that. There's many more, but uh this past year Wes's son went on to uh he did great things and hit the big time ACT score and went on to Alabama and uh doing great things. But uh and so he didn't have a son on the football team yet every game uh he purchased the pizzas and he came and
006served the kids the the kids on the away football games and so just that's that's a very selfless act. Appreciate that. The other the other anecdotal story um is that on Saturdays he goes to referee Junior Pro football and uh you talk about a thankless job. You get yelled at by coaches and parents and uh he's not out there for any type of uh recognition, any type of uh monetary gain. He's just doing it because the community needs him. And so, Wes, uh, this board is very lucky to have you and, uh, thank you for your service. Thank you. We appelcome >> Amari. Okay. >> So, these are our two of our leaders. Okay. >> Two of the best. >> And they just wanted to kind of help you out, kind of show you around.
007And then at the end, >> got something special for you. >> Something that I don't know how many G F E R Ser. I'm a ma'am if you don't mind. >> That was a surprise and special. Thank you. Well, just quickly uh just want to conclude that and say we're so fortunate to have these people serving us as a board and uh to all of our students out there. Uh these are the folks that are making it possible for our students when we have the over here is our mission to provide extraordinary educational opportunities to every student. That starts with our board to be a national innovative leader. That starts with our board. If you all wouldn't mind the audience, if you look over to the right, you'll see the district's core values. If you
008look in the center, you'll see that genuine relationships are the foundation of everything we do. And that begins with our board being very genuine people and caring. We've had a lot of great board members in our district. We've in our history. Uh and we've got a great board now. We're thankful for you. And if you all don't mind, we're going to take I know that you all are so excited about taking this picture together, but I'm going to ask our board members if you wouldn't mind. >> Could I could I interrupt just one minute because where you at, Ben Johnson? This is only fitting. He wanted to address the board due to board appreciation month and so forth. And Ben is a a former board member and community leader and I told him that we
009do have a spot on here where the public can address, but if you'd let me kind of move it around to this point, Ben, I I would appreciate it if you'd come on up. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. U Well, I I'm satisfied after what I just saw. I'm extremely illprepared. >> You don't have a poem? >> No, I don't have a poem. But but here's what I do have. Um have a heart for each of you schoolboard members. Uh most of you know 12 years and six years as chairman. I've lived what you did and I've come to the realization you don't like this community. You don't like the system. You don't like the children. You love them and you love them every day. And you come and do what you do. You spend the
010time and energy to be prepared to make the right decisions and it is appreciated. It's appreciated by many. You don't often get the thanks you should. Uh you get plenty of snippets and complaints and there's always these people. I got an email I read the other day from Tom after a board meeting many many years ago. I I won't read it, but it was good. I want to I want to say something. I decided I was going to come and uh and see what was going on at the school board. So, I sat right about where Steve Yeah. Steve. >> And my first meeting, they're all around there like that. I started raising my hand. I didn't know about this sign up business. Shot the whole the whole meeting. I I what how many questions
011did I ask? Four or five? >> Seven. >> Brought the whole meeting to a stop and he was kind enough and patient enough to give me credence to the point where they were answering questions. Of course, there was a lady that came after him that got a hold of me by the the the scruff of my neck and said, "You ain't gonna do that again." >> Well, I just uh it's a special time and I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I understand what you do, what you live. Uh and it is appreciated by many, many that'll never tell you or take the time to do it. Y'all make a difference in this community. Thank you. And you're loved. >> Thank you, sir. Appreciate it. >> The board of
012graduate over here. Let's grab this right here. All right, we got to get some of y follow. Thank you. I'm going to say tonight we want to recogize Ask Cairo Elementary School student Na Burn for being selected as judges scholar. Miss Wilson if you'd like to come forward at this time. And is it Nia? >> Nia if you'd like to join Dr. Lawson. And then after Nia we'll get your picture. We'll have your family join you. Miss Wilson if you'll come forward. >> It is my honor to celebrate Nia Burn tonight. She was chosen as the CRO judges scholar for this school year and she is an amazing young lady. This award is meant to highlight students who exemplify good character and hard work and the Henderson County Judge Executive honors only one per school
013each year and Nia is ours. When you think about the qualities that we want our children to have to show good character and be good humans, Nia seems to have a grasp on them all. She's kind and can She's kind and respectful to everyone, even those who may not respond in the same manner. She always affords them that grace. She wants to be a helper to anyone who needs it. And she wants everyone to win, except of course when she's playing on the basketball court, basketball court, and she's playing her heart out. She's a true cheerleader on the court and off the court. Nia is a friend to all. She wants everyone, excuse me, she is a friend who everyone wants to have around because she's fun. She's compassionate friend who just gets it. She
014shares in her friends sadnesses and in their joys. She's very empathetic. She lifts everyone's spirits. She knows when she can be silly and yet she knows when to get down to business. Nia is a hard worker and she loves to learn. She's eager to learn in class and she takes an active role in her learning. She's also a leader among her peers and across the school. She holds leadership jobs and is a solid example of the work work ethic it takes to do your best even when it's hard. Nia has the courage and the grit to take accomplish to take and accomplish anything she sets her mind to. And we couldn't be more proud to announce her as our judges scholar. She's a true picture of what a Kairo owl should be and is more
015deserving of this honor than anyone I know. Congratulations, Nia. Nia, as Miss Wilson was describing you, wow, that's quite an honor. It's easy to see that uh you are aspiring to do things the CRO way, doing a great job out there, and becoming a judge scholar is really an honor. So, what is your favorite part? What is what was your favorite part of being the judges scholar? >> Um, probably being able to know that people like know that I'm a good person like in a good student. >> Oh, that's great. That's fantastic. Well, you are a good person. You are a good student as Miss Wilson described and we know uh much of that comes from your family and your teachers and all those around you, your coaches too, right? So, if we If we
016could, I'd love to get all the CRO folks up here and her Nia's family up here and we'll get a picture. Congratulations, Nia. Tonight, we want to recognize East Heights Elementary School student Hannah Grove for being selected as the judges scholar. Miss ODM, if you'd like to come forward, and Hannah, if you'd like to join Dr. Lawson. Well, good evening. It is my honor to be able to introduce East Heights Elementary's judges scholar, Miss Hannah Grove. Hannah truly embodies what it means to be a Hawk, having been a proud member of the East Heights community since kindergarten. She consistently demonstrates perseverance, dedication, and a genuine love for learning. Hannah is a diligent worker who takes pride in doing things well, asks thoughtful questions, and actively participates in class discussions. She approaches challenges with a positive
017attitude and never gives up even when learning feels difficult. Hannah works well with any student and has a remarkable ability to balance staying focused with enjoying moments of fun. She interacts respectfully and confidently with both adults and peers, showing maturity beyond her years. Her quirky sense of humor brings laughter to those around her and makes others eager to be near her. Hannah sees the world through kind eyes and an open heart, and her compassion and positivity make our classroom, our classrooms, and school a better place each day. One of Hannah's teachers shared, "Hannah is the perfect balance of hard work and fun. She has an incredible school spirit and participates in a variety of clubs and activities, including cross country, cheer, and girl scouts. She maintains a positive outlook, is friendly to all, and shows
018great perseverance in overcoming obstacles, always doing so with a smile. Another teacher said, "I immensely enjoy having Hannah in class. Her positive attitude and unforgettable dance moves on the playground bring joy to everyone around her." Hannah's character, perseverance, and joyful spirit truly set her apart. She represents the very best of East Heights and is a shining example of what it means to be a Hawk. Congratulations, Hannah. >> Congratulations, Hannah. All those great things and the dance moves, too. Wow, that's pretty impressive. Would you tell us your favorite part of being a judges scholar? >> My favorite part was at the end where they all said one nice thing about me. Oh wow. >> Well, there's lots of nice things to say about you and it's truly an honor to be a judges scholar and we
019know that much of that comes from your family and do you have some family with you here tonight and then all your teachers, your principal and all those kinds of folks. So if all the East Heights folks would come over here and the all her family would come over here, we'll get a nice picture. >> You got a crowd, too. I see all those sweatshirts out there. Congratulations, Hannah. Let's give her a hand. Tonight we want to recognize South Middle School Judges Scholar Zayn for being selected. Miss Fish, if you want to come forward and if you would like to join Dr. Lawson at this time. >> It is truly an honor to recognize an exemplary South School Bulldog, Zaywood, as our this year's judges. Zayn has distinguished herself as an outstanding student throughout the
020school year, particularly in her social studies coursework. She consistently demonstrates not only strong academic ability, but also a genuine passion for learning and a deep curiosity about US history and the civic responsibilities we share as American citizens. Beyond her academic strengths, Zayn brings a quiet confidence and maturity to the classroom. While she may have a calm and reserved presence, she is always engaged, participates thoughtfully, and almost always has the correct answer when called upon. She takes great pride in her work, consistently completing assignments on time and to a high standard. Her writing is clear, well organized, and polished, and she revises thoughtfully to communicate her ideas with confidence and precision. Zayn is also a model of responsibility and reliability. Teachers trust her to stay focused, take initiative, and contribute meaningfully during group work. She listens
021attentively, supports her classmates, and leads by example through her strong work ethic rather than her words. Her kindness, politeness, and positive attitude make her a pleasure to teach and a role model for her peers. In addition to her academic excellence, Zayn is an outstanding member of Henderson County bands, and the South Middle School band is incredibly proud of her. She is one of the hardest workers we know, giving her best effort, not only in core classrooms, but also in the band room and on the marching band field. Zayn represents Henderson County Schools with pride in everything she does. Most recently, she showcased her exceptional talent and dedication at all district band in Madisonville, impressing the band directors of KA District 2. She truly exemplifies what we all hope all band students in Henderson County will
022strive to be. Through her dedication, integrity, steady work ethic, musical talent, and warm spirit, Zayn exemplifies what it means to be a judges scholar. She is more than deserving of this recognition, and we are incredibly proud of her at South Middle School. Congratulations, Zayn. Those are very high marks coming from Miss Fish. Lots of great things to say about you. So, it's quite an accomplishment to be a judges scholar. Congratulations. And would you mind telling all of us your favorite part of being a judge scholar? >> My favorite part was probably seeing how many people like wants to make Henderson a better place. >> Wow. Spoken like a true leader there. So many people wanting to make Henderson a better place. I see that too. See that too. Thank you for bringing that up. And
023you're one of the people that will make our place better as well. And so I know that that type of development comes with a great family and support with teachers and staff, too. So, do you have some family here? Can we invite your dad over? We'll get a picture. We'll invite Miss Fish. Any other South Middle School folks here? We'll spread out and get a picture with you here, Zane. I know this is a proud dad. Congratulations, Z. Tonight, we want to recognize East Heights Elementary academic team for being the overall winner of the 2025 Superintendent Cup. So, if the academic team would like to to make their way over to see Dr. Lawson and also the coach coaches and the staff at East High. Well, congratulations to the East Heights Hawks. They always have
024a strong academic team and it was at Cairo this year that we had the superintendent cup and I remember seeing your excitement. I could tell that everyone had pursued excellence so long to accomplish a goal like that. It had to feel good. Um, Miss uh Miss ODM, would you mind telling us a little bit about or uh telling us the names of the kids on the team? >> Absolutely. We're very proud of the students that were able to make it tonight and the others that were not able to join us because as you know it takes a whole team to be successful in this type of endeavor. So first of all I have Mr. Thomas and Miss Lancaster, two of our academic team coaches. Both are strong teachers and give of their time outside of
025the classroom to make these students successful. And Mr. Tristan Clement couldn't be here this evening but um he also is working with our team. So these are the the members that have made us proud. Lux Galloway, Alyssa Caster, Adakus Martin, Warren Onan, Eva Odum, Bennett Odum, Eliza Baker, Vinnie Farmer, and Connor Thompson. >> Fantastic. Congrats again. So, Miss Lancaster and Mr. Thomas, maybe would you mind telling us a little bit about the season and and how that went, the efforts everybody gave and your some of your successes or the challenges you might have faced? >> So, we started practice in September and we had three different scrimmages. We won uh quick recall at the first and second and came in second in the third and final scrimmage. And uh they balanced studying with all the
026other clubs and activities they had and uh not only took the individual tests but had to work as a team too. >> Okay. So now's the the fun part of we got a Miss Mortis. How are we going to do two rows? We'll get a picture together. Get some adults in the back. Have the kids come up. Let's give him one more hand. Congratulations. Go Hawks. Right. This evening, um, we are here to, I call this an honor for us to recognize our community partners. And I can tell you on November the 18th, I was sitting in this room early on that morning and I got a call from North Middle School. There was a smell of gas. Of course, at that point, myself and about three or four others jump up and we're headed
027to north to find out what's going on. It's not that far, especially that time of morning. Traffic's down. It's about a 2 and 1/2 minute drive. By the time I had got in to North Henderson Municipal Gas was there testing rooms, making sure our students are safe. It's not every community that we have partnerships with local municipalities, including gas department, water, police, fire, that there is that type of response. But it's not only a response in an emergency situation. I can tell you that there's been two instances in the last three months that we've had a regulator bad. Regulators that were cut in in the 1970s, rusted up, locked up. We weren't getting the gas we needed to power the equipment in our kitchen to feed our kids to keep the heat on. But our
028own Henderson Municipality Gas Company said, "Let me go see if we've got something that we can do to help you." They went to their own shop. They ended up getting the equipment that we needed and loaning it to us until we can get that fixed. So, here tonight, I would like to recognize Mr. Clayton and some of his fellow co-workers for their hard work and dedication to Henderson County Schools. Guys, can I put you on the spot for a second? >> As he said, we're so fortunate when we say genuine relationships, man. You guys are there. You You're there when it's a small need or you're there when it's urgent. You got to be there. And I know that many of you all are Henderson County residents or you went to Henderson County and you
029have kids in our school, the ownership that you all have in our schools. What when when we make a call like that, like Mr. Thompson said, and you guys come running in, what that means to us. You all are the experts. You're there to help and we can follow you. I just want to take a little a minute to kind of hear your thoughts on what you guys did, the ownership you have county schools. And I'm just going to start with you. >> I have to give credit to Troy Meadows here. He's one of our supervisors, our superintendent, and then Jason Buchanan is a gas serer. So, these guys are the ones that are are going into these type of situations and and it can be scary and you know, when you go into a
030building that potentially has gas in it, you don't know what you're going into. Uh, but still, they they go into it, they're confident, they know what to look for, and and they want to make the the scene safe and take care of everybody. So, I give them all the credit for that and they they do a great job. Specifically, I think Troy was the first one there on the the incident at the middle school and did a did a great job on that. So, and Jason typically is the first ones there on on other incidents and is always going into that type of situation and we have a lot of other great employees that do the same thing. So, safety is our our top priority, especially when it comes to students and teachers. I appreciate
031it. >> I was just I got to give uh I just want to give these guys all the credit. Like I said, when they when they come running in like that, it gives us such confidence. Um so and and we say safety is our first priority, guys. You guys really made that happen there. And just to give Troy a hard time, he was there first because there's this good-looking lady in that front hall that name her with a last name Meadows. He couldn't get over there fast enough to make sure she was okay. Thank you, Troy. Thank you'all so much for being here. Appreciate everything you do with us. This would be the public participation. We only had one. That was Ben Johnson. Appreciate his time here. Next item on the agenda would be to
032approve the minutes from our prior meeting which was the council of council special meeting and the regular special board meeting on uh December 15th. We've received those minutes. There are any questions, changes regards to the minutes? Not to entertain a motion to accept the minutes as presented. So move >> motion Mr. Alvis. >> Second from Mr. McGar. All those in favor signify by saying I please. I >> I vote unanimous. >> Next one would be our construction manager report. Mr. Colton. Uh you've got that Mr. Thompson. >> Yeah. Since uh since we switched up the board meeting this month, he had prior engagements that he had to attend to. Uh, so I brought I brought the impeccable Miss Suzanne Irwin with me uh this evening and she's going to kind of fill you in on
033South Middle School and HCHS culinary project. >> Thank you. >> Good evening. It's nice to be here with you all. Uh the South Middle School uh items that have been completed u that I'll just preempt that before I kind of go down this list. Um in working we're working that project in phases. And so we've divided the areas of the school into just to identify them like A1, A2, B1, B2. And so each of those is a hallway of classrooms. Uh so when I refer to that, that's that's what we uh how we're keeping up with the phasing of it. But um ceiling demo in the classrooms themselves uh have occurred and been completed in areas A2, B2 and A3. Uh and this week will start in area B3. We are adding sprinkler system throughout
034the building and the main pipe in the corridor and leading into the classrooms has been completed in areas A2 and B2 and next week will start in B3. Also duct work that the main duct work in the classrooms and then penetrations in I'm sorry main duct work in the corridors and then penetrations from the corridor into classrooms um is about 70% uh completed in areas A2 and B2 and that is ongoing. Another large portion of the project is the geothermal well field. Uh there are two separate areas at South Middle School that will be drilled for the geothermal well field. It's an upper area by the new parking lot and then on the football field itself top soil has been taken away and uh stored stored in an area of of the field. Silt fence
035to prevent runoff will has been uh established around the the building area and the construction entrance has been established. both areas. There is a water line that runs across the football field and it does have a 30foot easement and so uh we are working with the water company and with the Markham engineering to uh before the wells begin their drilling, we're we're moving some of those wells, the pattern of that well field to accommodate that easement. The driller is planning on mobilizing next week. So that will begin next week on at the high school. Uh the renovation for the culinary lab is going quite well. Uh art construction has mobilized. They have uh demoed ceiling and floor permits have been received. Most of the underslab plumbing has been trenched and roughed in and electric electrical
036demo has been completed and rough in has started. Uh and some measurements have been taken for the steel supports for the major commercial hoods that will go into that space. Uh completion for that project is uh planned for the middle of the summer and the asphalt repairs which are part of that project in the parking lot uh will begin as as soon as the students are out for summer and that is also planned to be completed uh prior to the student students returning to school. Um I know that you do have a payout for your consideration for the culinary lab project which includes the mobilization electrical work and demo general demo of that space. Uh that pay has been reviewed by RTOR architects and our consultants and we have found that to be fair and
037reasonable. >> Thank you. So, thank you, Miss Irwin. Now, a little update on East Heights. Um, if you've driven by there, uh, you've probably seen quite a bit of progress here the last month. Um, currently, um, they have one little section of metal decking left and hopefully they're going to get that this week so that we finish up the metal decking. Um, roofing will commence hopefully on Monday. Um, I know they're going to be delivering materials this week, but right now the roofing they're going to be mobilizing on Monday, and hopefully that's going to start Monday, Monday afternoon. Uh, the wood sheeting uh around the building will be done, and that'll mean that they can go ahead and start to put some heat in there. And, you know, we've all been around construction long enough.
038If you can get that water tight this time of year, if you can get the roof on it and you can get it keep the cold air out, then you can make some hay inside. And so that's kind of what they're hoping on this week is they'll get all that commenced and they'll really get to making up some time because currently they're about 30 days behind due to from uh from the start of the wel uh digging in some of the rain that we had back early in the year. The interior CMU is done. The mezzanine stairs were installed prior to Friday. You would have had to crawl a ladder to get up on the mezzanine, but now they've got those installed. Um currently um they they in their schedule they will have the roofing
039drywall and first coat of paint started hopefully 1st of February. So in the next two or three weeks if they can get the roof on then they'll start all those and hopefully all that will be completed by the middle of March. Um they continue working on the MEP penetrations like what Miss Irwin talked about getting all the HVAC and anything through the getting on those penetrations done. So, continuing on trying to make up some time. Right now, we're in a critical time of making sure that we get everything dried in, we can get some heat in there and we can start hanging units and once if you can get in under roof then nothing else outside matters. So, we're moving forward as fast as we can given the conditions. Any questions? >> Thank you, sir.
040Any questions? >> Thank you. Be good. Next item would have to do with student overnight trips. Dr. Lawson, you've given us the ones earlier that are within the range and the next one would be anything over 250 mi. So, go ahead. >> That's correct. You should you've been able to see the ones that were less than 250 miles. And then now the ones that are action required are the Henderson County High School cheer team will travel to Orlando, Florida on February 4th through 9th to compete in the national cheer competition. and North Middle School cheer team will travel to Orlando, excuse me, Orlando, Florida from February 5th through 10th to compete in the national cheer competition. I would ask for your approval of those overnight trips. >> Anybody have anybody have any questions with regards
041to the trips that we've uh I've listed here. So then I'd entertain a motion we approve the uh trips that are over the 250 miles, which is the cheer teams in Florida. So we have a motion, Mr. Alvis, >> Second from Mr. Smith. All those in favor signify by saying I please. >> I votes unanimous. >> Next item would be to approve the uh board of education meeting dates for the uh 2026 year. Dr. Lawson. >> Yes, sir. I'd like to request uh you all approve the 2026 regular board of education meeting dates. We moved a few of these around out of necessity. The June 22nd meeting, I'm sorry, the June meeting. I'm going to request you move that to June 22nd. Just see things seems to work a little bit better in our calendar
042in terms of getting things prepared and ready to be approved at that meeting. The November meeting after a lot of discussion with our team, we've held that the past few years, some years at uh the high school for the council council this year. We actually December, but most years we do it in November. And uh we think it's time to kind of try to move that here. We think we can do it here. Uh then the December meeting uh if uh a special request here is to do it on December the 14th, that's going to be a little bit of a faster turnaround, but if we do it on the 21st, then we're out of school. My concern with that is is we couldn't get things approved that needed to be approved while people were
043in school and get all the information. So I'm going to request you move that one to the 14th. But you these you've been given all these dates and I'm going to I' I'd request that you approve these 2026 regular board of education meeting dates. Does anybody have any questions with regards to the dates that have been presented? If not, you heard superintendent's recommendation to entertain a motion. Accept it. Motion, Mr. Albus. Second, Mr. Maccgar. All those in favor signify by saying I, please. I vote unanimous. Next item would be the board attorney contract. Uh, every two years, uh, we look at prior to the reorganization of the board, we look at the attorney's contract. We've been fortunate. Beth's been around with us for over 20 years. She's probably one of the best school lawyers in
044the state of Kentucky. Uh she knows what we're doing. She's always available to help us when we need it. Uh I've spoken with her today with regards to the contract. She didn't have any changes that she'd like to uh present now. So uh at this time, I'm going to make a motion that we and she expressed the desire to want to come back. So, I don't I don't want to make this motion without everybody knowing that uh she she's >> or my switch. >> She's an intricate part of this board and I appreciate it. We've been around together for for a while. So, I'm going to make a motion that uh we approve the board attorney's contract for next two years and I'd entertain a second. That motion have a second. Miss Williams, Dr. Lawson
045>> just want to earlier we talked about what a big part of our district success this board contributes to and it's it's the very same with Miss Bird as Mike said she's been doing this for we honored her a few years back for 20 years of service to the board to the school district and and much like you all uh she's just totally invested um her family's here attended our school district uh she's more than the board attorney she's a she's such a big part of this family and we're so fortunate to have her. Obviously, she's an expert in this field, but it's the relationship, it's the care, it's the ownership she has in the district. We're fortunate to have Beth B. >> I would agree and we appreciate you, Beth. So, we have a
046motion. We have a second. All those in favor signify by saying I, please. I >> I vote unanimous. >> You got to come to the meetings now for the next two years. All right. >> I'll be here. Next item would be the district improvement plan and this would be the first reading. R Miss Haven. >> Yes, sir. >> So in your board packet, you all received the 2526 Henderson County Comprehensive District Improvement Plan. You probably noticed it looked a little differently than it had in the past. Um KDE has revised the template as well as what's required in the district improvement plan just to kind of streamline and to so districts and schools can be more intentional and more focused. Um there are two required goals only and those two goals are achievement gap and
047then the reading and math goal. Compared to previously we had seven required goals. Um, and as you know, two versus seven, we can really hone in on a fewer number of goes and do a better job at um, focusing on those. We did add two additional goes because you can add additional goes. Um, and so we added the English learner progress because our population there continues to grow and we need to focus on that population on their English proficiency. And then we also added the other content areas which are science, social studies and writing. So we can continue to progress monitor our data there. Um I gave you all the old format for goals five, six and seven. Um we have been making great progress in those three goals over the last three years, but
048I didn't want to lose the momentum. So I gave you those um as they were revised from our district improvement plan that we held back in December because I don't want to lose sight of those three areas. and continue. I want us to continue growing in those areas, but those aren't part of the district improvement plan. Um, but we aren't going to forget about those goals either. Um, we had a wonderful, I think, district improvement plan meeting back in December. Um, we had about 60 people present and that ranged from students from the high school, parents, school leaders, classified staff, certified staff. A few of you were there. Um, and that's one of our times that we get together, look at our current plan, make the revisions necessary to reflect what we are currently doing.
049Um, also in your packet, I gave you the other additional documents that are part of this process over the course of several months just for you to review. Do you guys have any questions for me about the district improvement plan? >> Any questions, Miss Haley, with regards to the plan? Great job. >> Thank you. I appreciate you all. >> So, Dr. Lawson, >> there are no questions. I'd request the board approve the first reading of the 2025 2026 district improvement plan as presented by Ms. Brandy Haley. >> Okay. We've heard the superintendent's recommendation. Entertain motion. >> Entertain a motion to accept the recommendation. Have a motion, Mr. Alvis. Second, Mr. McGar. All those in favor signify by saying I. Please. >> I vote unanimous. Thanks. >> Thank you >> so very much. >> Next item.
050>> Next. Next item would be fun. The PA system. I think it's the way I've got this. I'm holding this thing. >> Next item would be the consent agenda. We have six items on the consent agenda. uh the comprehensive school improvement plan, grant applications for the B Johnson and special education in Jefferson and uh the SFCC assistance for facilities, uh special education, uh children's count for 2026, transportation requests, u and a shortened school days. Is there any item that needs to be pulled from the consent agenda for discussion? If not, I'd entertain a motion we approve agenda as presented. >> Have a motion, Mr. Alvis. >> Second, Miss Williams. All those in favor signify by saying >> I please unanimous. >> You're dealing with the books tonight. >> Got the books tonight. We got the
051books tonight. So um for you tonight, no action needed just for your review is the draft budget. The draft budget is the first step in our budgeting process. U we don't really know any hard facts right now in terms of the budget. Uh but it's by January 31st of each year we can do this. Uh the draft budget is based on our revenues and expenditures from the current working budget raises are included in this one. Like I said again, this is a draft. A couple things that may come up moving forward is we always have our step increases uh prior to the budget. All items will be closely evaluated. We are already assessing all of our needs uh in terms of our budget and those kinds of things. and we'll come back to you with
052more information on that once we move past the draft budget process. >> Thank you, sir. Appreciate that. >> Next item would be the treasures report. >> Yes, sir. For the month of December 2025, the Henderson County Schools had receipts of 8,473,826 and expenditures of 8,82,933. This is the net decrease for the month in the amount of negative $329,17. I'd request the board approved that treasures report. >> Any questions regarding treasures report after he >> superintendent's recommendation entertain a motion. Have a motion. Mr. Alvis second. >> Second from Mr. Smith. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> Next item would be the paid warrant reports. Yes, sir. The paid warrant report, the warrant report for payments made between uh December 16, 2025 and January 20th, 2026 is 5,595,83452. >> Any questions regard regards to
053any of the bills on there? Entertain a motion we accept the superintendent's recommendation of paying for the paid warrants. >> So move Mr. Alvis, second from Mr. Mr. Smith. All those in favor signify by saying I please. >> I vote unanimous. M. Robin, would you let the record reflect that we've received the personnel actions and reviewed them since the last meeting. And unless anybody has any other comments or questions, I'll entertain a motion, Miss Williams, that we uh journ this meeting. Have a second from Mr. Alvis. All those in favor say uh we're going anyway. Thank you all so very much. Appreciate y'all coming out tonight. Be careful. Stay warm. >> Thank you.