001Let's call to order the Madison County Board of Education meeting for January the 8th of 2026. First on our agenda is 2A is to nominate a 2026 board chairman. At this time, I entertain nominations for the chairman of the Madison County Board of Education for the 2026 calendar year. >> I would like to nominate Miss Lord Cobb this time. >> Perfect. The recommended motion is to nominate Lori Cobb for the chairman of the Madison County Board of Education for 2026 calendar year. Do I have a motion? >> We have a motion by Mr. Ruford to nominate Lorie Carb. Do we have a second? I'll second it. >> Motion has been seconded by Samantha Berford. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. 2B on the agenda is to cease nominations and elect
002a board chairman. The recommended motion is to cease the nominations for the 2026 board chair and that Lori Cobb be elected by acclamation. Do I have a motion? >> So move. >> Motion by Mr. Rutherford. Second. Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> Motion has been seconded by Miss Brock. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. Item 2 C on the agenda is to nominate a 2026 board vice chairman. At this time, I entertain nominations for the vice chairman of the Madison County Board of Education for the 2026 calendar year. >> I'd like to nominate Brandon Rford. The recommended motion is to nominate Brandon Rutherford for the vice chairman of the Madison County Board of Education for the 2026 calendar year. Do I have a motion? >> I'll make
003the motion. >> We have a motion by Miss Burford to nominate Brandon Rutherford. Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> The motion has been seconded by Miss Brock. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion carries. Item 2D on the agenda is to cease nominations and elect the vice chairman. The recommended motion is to cease nominations for the 2026 vice chairman and that Brandon Ruford be elected by acclamation. Do I have a motion? >> Motion by Miss Brock. Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> Second by Miss Bford. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed. Motion carries. We will now change re reorganiz. >> Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you. [clears throat] >> I'm left-handed. I have to do a little bit of moving around here. >> [laughter]
004>> All right. Well, thank you, Miss Coyle, for um gosh, your work this last year. It's um you've done a phenomenal job. Thank you so much for being such a good leader. And thank you all for entrusting me to continue driving this ship. Um we work together as a team, so it's really not about just just one of us. So, let's move on here. Miss Brock, would you care to read our vision statement for us, please? Madison County Schools in partnership with the community strives to equip educators and students with the skills to lead by example, develop and speak with a unique voice, and explore their academic curiosity to make a positive impact on our community and world. >> All right, thank you very much. Uh, next up we have our showcase. Um, Mr. Neely,
005do you want to >> Absolutely. Tonight, Poly Middle School CTE staff and students will be presenting information about the school's new CTE program and lab. Miss Metaf and eighth grade students Rea Story and Taylor Bryant will share their experiences with the career lab and answer questions from anybody about the program. Ladies, >> good to have you. >> Thank you. >> Welcome. >> Good evening. It is a pleasure to speak to you about the Folly Middle School CTE career lab and its significant role it plays in shaping our students. In today's fastch changing and competitive world, um, choosing the right career has become more challenging. Students often feel confused or uncertain about their high school pathways. Uh the career lab is not just a class but a valuable platform for students to discover their interest and
006understand their abilities providing exposure to a wide range of different careers. The students will have 16 different career stations from starting from sixth grade to 8th grade. They will go through all 16 stations. uh the through the interactive hands-on activities, self- assessments, guidance, and skills development, they'll develop essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, problem solving, and critical thinking. We prepare our students to think beyond the classroom. When students understand their strengths and interests, they become more motivated, focused, and prepared to face their challenges. The career lab encourages students to dream big, set goals, and work towards achieving those goals with confidence. Tonight, I have our two students. They're going to introduce themselves and tell you about their experience with the lab. Hello, my name is Taylor Brun. As a part of the career
007lab program, my classmates and I rotated through five different stations, spending 10 days training in each one. Of all the stations, my favorite was nursing. Through hands-on activities such as the phbotomy simulator, I gained a deeper understanding of the preparation, skill, and care required for procedures that may seem simple at first glance. I also learned that while there are many different types of nurses, each plays a unique and essential play essential role in healthcare. This class not only taught me about nursing, it inspired a genuine passion for it. Because of this experience, I have chosen healthcare as my career pathway in high school, and I hope this program continues to inspire other students in the same way. I will now turn it over to my fellow classmates so she too can share her experience in
008this enlightening class. >> Hello, my name is Rehea Story and my personal favorite station in the program was culinary arts. This was my favorite because I got to experiment with different foods and learn how to read and understand recipes. This pathway actually encouraged me to make a cake and bring it to school for the whole class to enjoy. I also have been cooking and baking a lot more on my own time. This program has really helped me think about what I want with my future and what career paths I'm interested in pursuing. I believe that this class is a great way to help guide and prepare students for pathways in high school. The CTE lab plays a significant role in shaping our future. Without this program, many students may not have a clue what they
009want to do for their future pathways. In conclusion, the career lab plays a vital role in shaping confident, informed, and capable individuals. It helps students discover their potential, make the right choices, and move forward with purpose and determination. Thank you for your time and attention. Do you have any questions? [clears throat] >> I don't have any questions, but I will say you two are the perfect examples of why these CTE and our middle schools are so important >> because both of you have already identified things that you want to do when you get into high school. And it's so great to have this head start before you even get there. So then you can get your counselors and you can schedule your high school >> so you can meet your dreams and do what you
010want to do. So that's perfect. and both of your um favorite classes lead right into our Ignitemies which was one of our purposes for being so passionate about these modules and things that we're doing but really just to give you guys an opportunity to to see what all is out there and give you the chance to try different things to to see what you may or may not like. And so we are I know we're all thrilled that this is working the way we had hoped it would. And we just want to keep seeing more and more of you all experiencing these, loving it. You want to come to school because you get to go to these classes. Um and then you know you feed right into our Ignite programs. Um we we're thrilled that
011you guys are enjoying it the way you are. How long are your classes when you go in? How long are they? >> An hour. Yes. You get in there and you you get to having fun and it's time to go. >> Yeah. And they come in and they're already prepared for what they have to do. Usually at the door I'm just telling them we're on day eight, >> which was today. So they'll come in, they'll get their materials, they log onto their program, and they just get started. And then if they need help, I'm there to help them, which is around the 15 of the 16 pathways go directly into Ignite. >> Yeah. That's great. What grade are you girls in? >> Eighth grade. >> Yeah. >> Will you at least get it for a
012year? Yes. >> You know, those uh sixth grade students and even the seventh grade students will get this >> every year while they're in middle school. So, but I'm glad you at least get it for the year. So, yeah. >> Are you girls? I was going to say, are you girls? We may come see you >> at Foley. Are you good at that? >> Come on out. >> We want to be able to come out and support you guys. >> Come on out anytime. >> We'd love that. When we got to tour over here, it was really exciting to see how well how many different stations they had, but also how enthusi each child was and they would talk to us about what they were doing and they were so into it. So, it's really
013good. >> Yeah. And the principles of both Ignites are represented here and they're they can't quit smiling because that's what they want to see is kids like you all >> coming to them and then we've got, you know, you were way ahead of where any of us were. at middle school and I like cakes so anytime you want [laughter] >> the other not so much [laughter] >> she's great with stitches >> and all I know is like she comes in one day and she goes here I have this cake for us and I'm like okay thank you [laughter] that's nice >> well we're proud and you we're thrilled to to say that we're offering this at every middle school that we have starting next here, not just Foley and and Cotle, which were our two
014pilots and um Mr. Chandler and Mr. Hunley, they were so gracious to take on that task because we didn't know, you know, and uh but it has been spectacular money well spent and and we think that the board thought that it would be fantastic for the entire district to reap these benefits and we'll all benefit as we go down the road. So, congratulations, Grin. That's great to hear from you. >> Yeah. Thank you all so very much. All right. Up next for our recognition, uh, Mr. Neely is going to recognize our Mike's Kids recipients. >> Okay. >> One of my my favorite people. I don't want to brag on them too much in front of here, but um um each year the Mike's Kids Educational Foundation graciously awards literacy grants to teachers for creative classroom
015activities that promote student centered learning and enhance the education experience. These 24 teachers and their students will receive $500 from Mike's Kids Educational Foundation to bring literacy initiatives to life this school year. And of course, Miss Cot was here. Um I want to say how far back we go, but she was my student teacher at Foley Middle School uh in 1994 and and I could say uh got me on the right path of where I needed to go. So because I was a little weward so I worked Yeah, it worked. Uh, so I really appreciate her and as you could tell she's a a lifelong educator because she is still heavily involved in Mass County schools and for Mass Cany's teachers and for our kids. So we we are thrilled to death that that both
016of you Jonathan that you're here and we will announce each winner unless you all have anything to say. You want to go ahead and >> I want to say something about your CTV program. >> Yes, please do. My one of my grandsons is at Foley and he was in the modules first nine weeks or second nine weeks and he assured me if I have any plumbing problems he is to fix it. [laughter] >> Well, that's good. >> He probably could. He probably could. Yeah. Yeah. He was so excited to tell me he could. >> Yeah. Just tell him to hang in there. He'll make as much money as he wants. Oh, so we've got a lot a lot of folks that are here to to get this grant and we are thrilled that that you
017tried to get uh the money for for your initiative for literacy and we are thrilled that you're taking it to the kids of Madison County. So when I call your name uh come on up please. Lena Wilson Madison Kindergarten Academy. Amanda Vney, MKA. Tyler Keith, Foley Middle. Jamie Sloan, Daniel Boone Elementary. Kimberly Evans, Waco Elementary. Jennifer Dwire, Foley Middle. Caitlyn Connley, Daniel Boone Elementary. Amanda Bailey, Shannon Johnson Elementary. Misty Brock, Silver Creek Elementary. Jessica Casease, Boon, Boonboro Elementary. Amber Dodson, MKA. Jordan Keith, Holy Middle. Jessica O'Brien, Boonboro Elementary. Carrie Wilson, Daniel Boone Elementary. Kelly Dial, Glenn Marshall Elementary. JT Elliot, Waco Elementary. Whitney Lips, Silver Creek Elementary. Natalie Radcliffe, Glenn Marshall Elementary. Brianna Adams, Kirksville Ele Elementary. Katie Matlock, special education. Amy Fitchola, Glenn Marshall Elementary. Ashley Price, Daniel Boone Elementary. Afton Seltzer, Daniel Boone
018Elementary. Last but not least, Cara Seisborn, Boonboro Elementary. The Mike's Kids Education Foundation has awarded more than $160,000 in literacy grants to teachers in Madison County Schools in the past 17 years. Congratulations to all these recipients and a huge thank you to Lisa and Mike's Kids Educational Foundation. Yes, [laughter] >> we were. >> I was ducky. Thank you all so much. Okay. >> And we have a little slideshow here to show you on our screens because it is school board recognition month. Um the month of January uh is noted for a lot of things. most time it's weather. But in Madison County Schools, what we want to be known about is how uh important that our school board is to each and everything that we do. Um a lot of times when uh people call
019or they email, they say the board did this or the board did that or what have you. I'll say this that that there is not a more unified or a team effort um with any decision or anything that we pass or that we don't pass that all of these folks don't have input about and that we discuss about um and it's all student centered and that's what some school boards are not lucky enough to have that and I and I am so appreciative of of everyone here Miss Brock Mr. for ru for Miss Cobb, Miss Berford and Miss Coyle uh has been a fantastic team for a long time and that's why Mass County Schools has continued to progress and do great things is because of leadership from you all. Um it t it takes
020all of us that's for sure. But uh for for the foresight that you have um the financial backgrounds that you have to to know what to do and and how to spend and when to spend. I am truly grateful to work with each of you. um not just monthly, but every day because things come up and uh we talk and we call and we text and and it's never whether it's negative or positive, it's never a bad deal to talk to to the folks who are in front of you. Um I'm blessed, that's for sure. If it didn't have a board like this, I wouldn't have put in for the job when it was. I'll just tell you because it just makes it so much enjoyable to have a good board to lead a district
021because it's, you know, 11,500 kids, 2500 uh employees. Uh it's a lot to manage and with these folks, uh they do it at a high level. So, I want to thank you so much for what you do every day, just not this month. But, um we appreciate you. Thank you. >> Well, thank you very much. You guys make it easy to to work with. >> Yes, we got a certificate for each of you. >> I totally put a gift card in there. I don't know if she did that. [laughter] >> I'm going to say Mark didn't know. >> That's why I said it. I want to see what he's make sure. >> And we have our auditor here, too. So, that was that [laughter] was for that was for you. Yeah. Like a look like
022a funny here. [laughter] auditor jokes. Yeah. Yeah. >> Well, I know we, you know, we're all a team up here. There's there's no I in the people you see in front of you, but there is also no I in the team on the other side of this Yeah. that we all work with on a daily basis. So, the the team that we work with, um, our board, our principles, our teachers, um, make our job much more enjoyable and and much easier than some people have it. So, I I appreciate it as well. So, all right. Do we have any audience comments? No audience comments. Next, we're going to move to our consent agenda. Uh these are the the items that we see on a regular basis. Uh they come up at every meeting. So, we
023we put these together. Um, so the items for us to approve on our consent agenda today are the minutes of the December 11th, 2025 meeting, our claims, superintendent personnel actions, leaves of absence, technology surplus, the following out of state field trips, Madison Central High School science olympia Olympiad trip to West Lafayette, Indiana, January 30th through 31st. Madison Central High School cheer Trip to Orlando, Florida, February 4th through the 9th. Those are both of this year. Um, except the the K's offer of assistance, which is pertaining to our technology needs. The board's participation and actual expenses for 2026 events associated with COSBA, KSBA, and CASA. adopt the board of education 2026 schedule of meetings and the revised school improvement plan for ATSI at Madison Middle. Do we have any questions on our consent agenda items? Having
024none, do I have a motion to approve this consent agenda as presented? >> So move. >> Motion by Mr. Rutherford. Do we have a second? >> Second by Miss Brock. All those in favor? >> I. Motion carries. Next, we're going to move to our monthly reports. And we're going to start with our instruction report. And tonight, we have with us um our principles from our Ignitemies. We have Ashley Smith from Ignite North and Miss Sarah Burns from Ignite South. We're going to piggyback on all the great information I know from our middle school programs. But welcome ladies. Thank you all for coming. >> Thank you for having us. >> Good evening. And I am beyond excited when I hear the kids talk about it. I've got two eighth graders also who are actually in the
025careers lab at Foley right now. and they come home every day telling me what new thing or gross thing or awesome thing they tried out that day. So, I'm excited about these labs and what it means for our programs moving forward in our goals. So, >> yeah, absolutely. >> Um, according to our most recent comprehensive data from Kentucky stats, there's about 49% of Madison County students that graduate and go straight to the workforce or pursue some sort of path that's not straight college. Um, and that's one thing that makes Madison County School so unique with our focus on career and technical education. Um, because students who complete pathways are significantly more likely to find a stable higher wage employment immediately after graduation compared to those who don't have some sort of specialized certificate. So that
026data helps drive the goal of the Ignitemies and what we're going to talk a little bit about today. All right. So, our vision and goal at our Ignites is to effectively prepare students to transition after high school. Whether that means they're attending a 4-year university, a two-year associate degree, or even going straight into the workforce. We want to help them be efficient in the most effective way possible. Um, our mission at Ignite is to be on time, work hard, be honest, and get along with others. And that drives everything we do every day with our students and our staff. And it's something that um our students can tell you if you ask them what is our mission, they'll be able to answer it for you because that is something that we really instill in each
027of our students. >> And those are also tied to our CTE labs that we currently have. They're displayed in there as well. So trying to have some continuity so that they're ready when they get to us. >> Absolutely. So, our community partners provide mentorship um co-op opportunities, materials, equipment for both of our facilities. And in return, we produce highquality uh employee candidates. We also receive feedback from them so that we can tailor our programs to local business and industry need um through our advisory committees. So, um we have a lot of success stories and and um things that we've done for the community, the community does for us. And Sarah's going to share a couple of those. >> One example, I was talking to our staff the other day and at the end of the
028year, Hustel, they donated 30 more engines and they have donated before more engines um to our diesel pathway and also tons of metal that the students have been able to not only learn basic um welding, but they've been able to build things with that. And without them, we would be really struggling in those moments. And in addition, Bluegrass Army Depot, they donated a lot of PPE for our fire science program. Um, on the next slide, there's a picture of all the kids and how excited they were to put every bit of it on and take a picture with the Christmas tree and they couldn't wait to unbox it. Um, as Mr. Rutherford brought it in, they were ready to get started. I was like, there's still more coming, you know, and they just could not
029wait for that experience um for them. It's been a blessing. >> I got some in the back of my car tonight if you want. >> Oh, okay. Great. And that's consistent across all of our programs. You know, there's there's lots of give and take relationships there. Hospital beds, supplies, sending students out to learn more about the jobs that are available to them here. So, it it's just a lot of great community partnerships. >> Absolutely. Um, also we are always looking to improve at our Ignites and expand and think of the opportunities and the students drive that. Um this year at Ignite South we began the EMT program and the fire science pathway. Um and at Ignite North they began the patient care tech pathway. Um in addition they are going to be adding phbotomy and
030EKG technician at Ignite North. Um we have also started some EKU dual credit classes um at East or at Eastern at Ignite South this year and they're also going to be having some next year at Ignite North. So this has been really really good for us and you know as our pathways grow um challenges can arise but as always we focus on our students and we put them at the forefront and it has been a really good experience and the kids love seeing the new pathways and I love seeing our seats full in our buildings. Um it's been a lot of fun [clears throat] >> and as you can see we've held pretty steady or or grown some in regards to our number of completers. Um, a lot of our funding is based on completers.
031And as I said earlier about completers, they're more likely once they've received the completion spot and a certification more likely to obtain um, high wage employment once they graduate high school. Um, the CER certification number for both schools for this year will grow. That does not calculate in our spring, which we'll start doing. Probably about March and April is when we'll get some more industry certifications done. Um, but to continue to grow, we do have to be flexible and we we realize that we are exploring some creative scheduling options to allow students to balance their academics at their high schools with their pathways. Um, that might look like offering select core content classes in the Ignitemies. Um, we've also discussed maybe making some of our classes year-long periods if it would be more beneficial or
032um flipping within a block. So having two class periods and they just swap and that's something they're actually piloting at South this year um to get some feedback on. >> We started it last year with our seniors for math and English and um it was really a blessing because there are students that really want to stay in the building all day and um it's been a lot of fun to watch them and beg to stay all day and if we can make it work in their schedule so they'll go, you know, to math let's say for two days of the week and English two days and then swap. Um, but it has been really good for them and each year they're like, "Well, when are we going to do this for juniors?" And I'm like,
033"I hope that we can only grow to where it would be an opportunity eventually. Um, but it has been something that has been a learning curve, but it's been very good for the students. And so when we invest in student opportunities, we're not just helping individuals, we're fueling our local economy. um more opportunities lead to higher retention of local talent which leads to a thriving more pro prosperous community for all of us. And to kind of share some of their experience, we do have two of our Ignite students here. Um first we're going to let Mr. Andrew Karns speak about his pathway at South and then Mr. Logan Ston from North will follow him. >> Uh hello, I'm Andrew Karns. Uh I'm a part of the fire science program at Ignite South this year. Um,
034as long as I can remember, firefighting has been something that I've wanted to pursue when I grew up. That's what my dad's done. And just seeing him be a big role model in my life. That's I want to be just like him. So, and it's it's nice to see other people be excited and have the same passion as me. And, um, it's gave me some great opportunities. I'm going to be able to graduate high school and be certified to do that. So, I'm excited to see it. Um, thank you all for your time. You got any questions? >> What grade are you in, sweetheart? I'm a junior at Madison Southern. >> She'll get two years of this. >> Awesome. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Well, we're thrilled that you enjoy it. >> Yeah. >> I'm thinking
035that way because you about made a grown man cry just now. [laughter] >> Talking about your daddy. >> He's been a big impact on my life. So, >> sir, >> I hope to be just like him. >> Well, thank you all for your time. >> Thank you. Hello, my name is Logan Ston. I'm a student here at Ignite. Um, I'm on our Spark committee. If you don't know what that stands for, it's our student planning academic resource council. I represent machine tool and business. Um, being on Spark has given me a real voice in the school. It's not just about meetings. It's about students being involved in decisions, sharing ideas, and helping our school better for everyone. Through Spark, I've learned how to communicate, work as a team, take responsibility, and I feel that my
036opinion opinions actually matter, and that's something you don't feel in every class at a school. Ignite North is a wonderful place because of the opportunities it offers for their students. Whether it's leadership roles like Spark, flexible learning options, or support from teachers and staff, this school really wants students to succeed, not just academically, but personally, too. At Ignite, you're encouraged to grow, try new things, and be yourself. The staff believes in us, pushes us to do better, and helps us prepare for the real future. I'm thankful to be part of a school that listens to their students, supports our goals, and gives us the opportunities to lead. Being at Ignite North and being part of Spark has helped me become more confident and prepared for what could come next. Thank you. >> Thank you. I'm
037just glad to hear how successful and how much these guys enjoy this. Especially Mr. Karns with the the new program and how much you're enjoying that. That's that's really good to hear. >> Been a blessing. I got sitting on one of their discussions today and I was just making my rounds, you know, to talk to the students and it was a really good discussion and just listening to how adult they were each speaking to each other about their futures. It made me really proud. >> Yeah. So >> ladies, you do a fantastic job. You know, they're they're principles of both buildings and and when they got the job, we this was kind of a new venture. So >> they look at you and you're like, [laughter] I don't know, you got to work with the
038high schools and you got to figure so it I know it's it's been a learning curve um to be able to work with other groups and and other teams, but you all have done a phenomenal job, both of you. So Mr. Park, I can't go without saying, who's been probably wore the hat off both of you all. Uh, been a the the dean of both of Ignite North and South and has been very um I guess you'd say on the forefront of the businesses in our county of working together and helping get jobs and getting things donated and things of that nature. You've been invaluable to both these. So >> I have a couple of people in the county and in the city and every time I r Thank you so much for giving us
039these Ignitemies. Thank you so much for these Ignitemies. So I know the community really appreciates the work that all of you all are doing too. >> Keep doing good things. We'll continue to grow. >> I just got a couple things. First, thank you all for helping us get the grant to get our CTE in all of our middle schools because it wouldn't be possible without you all. And second, thank you all for taking our vision >> and actually bringing it alive because we knew what we wanted and we knew we wanted to invest in our community and our schools and our kids, but you all with Mr. Clark have actually brought it to life. We built we helped build the building and you all have put life into the building and that's very much appreciative.
040>> And we wanted students like Logan and Andrew to come up here and tell us how much they love it and how much they're benefiting from it. So, >> but the first number you sent 49% which was >> blown away by that was surprised. >> I was surprised. That's that's awesome. >> I love that you're listening to the students as well and if they're saying we want to be here longer. >> You're making it happen. >> We're trying. >> Yeah. I don't know how you're doing the schedules. That's amazing. That's incredible. >> We'll keep working. >> That's right. We will >> be juniors next year. >> Yeah. >> Thank you all so much. Thank you guys. >> Thank you boys. >> Thank you. >> You know I was thinking as all these was presenting you
041know back when superintendent was here this was his vision is to get these >> um ignite. He didn't name it but to get these things started and because of the economy it we couldn't get it going. Things plunged in the economy and then for us as a board to bring all that back to life and now look at it. It's happening. >> It's flourishing. It looks so good technology. >> It's awesome. >> That's great. >> Okay, next we have uh Jonathan Smith with Brans Brans Construction. Sorry about that. >> Beat that, Jonathan. We've had a good day. >> Yeah. [laughter] Some projects we've got going. >> Yeah. >> Good evening. Um want to give you an update on We got several to update. Uh now first um Madison Middle. Don't have any pictures of Madison
042Middle, but we're basically done at Madison Middle. Uh we uh they lay inside on the baseball field this week. Softball fields finished. They're finishing up. I was actually by there before I came over. So buildings themselves probably in a couple weeks the buildings be wrapped up down sports field. We're getting that punch done. uh the fields themselves, probably about the middle part of March, those will be ready and we'll be able to turn those over. So, pretty much everything at Madison Middle, there's a few punch list items. There's actually some Chris is over there tonight working with some people after hours getting a few punch list stuff done that not complete in the building, but those are getting wrapped up. So, all instance, Madison Middle's just about wrapped up. So, >> nice. >> Any questions
043on Madison Middle? I'm sure the baseball I'm sure the baseball and softball teams will be happy. >> Yes, that's was the goal. [laughter] >> Uh give you an update on Waco. Things are progressing well at Waco. Uh you can see a lot of block going up. That you see there in the foreground of that picture that is the storm shelter. See all the rebar coming up out of the block. So that's the storm shelter there. All the reinforcing that goes into it. What you see in the back, the big tall walls, those are the gym walls. Um this is the corridor looking down. You can see we're getting ready to pour that slab uh next Friday. That's the storm shelter. You can see all the rebar. So that that concrete slab they're getting it prepped
044and ready and we'll pour it next Friday long as long as weather allows. Um you can see this picture the other day when it was a little bit wet, but this is the start of the walls. This is the back side of the media center. You see those block walls going the gym in the rear of the picture there. Uh this is the gym walls. You can see the windows there in the front. Uh this front section of course is what would be the office area, administrative area there in front of the gym. Uh but you can see those walls are just pretty much topped out for the gym on that side. Uh that's the classroom wing in the back. You can see they're taking that on up. Uh getting that block completed. We kind
045of got those gables about done. Uh you can see we got more concrete slabs that's been completed the last couple weeks. U this is a slab in the media center. Uh that slab's been poured and we're getting stuff roughed in around the exterior, bringing those walls up. Uh this is the back side of the stage. You can see that beam that's been set over the stage. Uh we're actually going to start setting steel. First section of steel in the gym will start Monday. Uh that steel is going to arrive and we're going to start in the gym, start setting those big joist and columns in the gym. So that will start on Monday and then we'll keep moving through the building. Uh the mason will follow those folks. So things are progressing well out there
046at Madison Middle. You know, the last week or so taking advantage of this good weather. They actually worked I think they actually worked all weekend this past weekend out there to get some days caught up. So it's progressing well out there at Waco. Um at Waco, we have uh we've only got four of the geothermal whales left to drill at Waco. There was 90 of them. So there's only four left to complete. So they should wrap it up this week. weather pending all the geothermal whales out at Waco. So, um, any questions on Waco? Talking about geothermal, we'll transition right into the geothermal wells that's been drilled out at Southern and Foley. Um, we have 47 of the 140 drilled. Uh, there's actually four rigs on site now, drill rigs, and we're actually going to
047have five next week. So, there'll be five rigs drilling next week. Uh, they're getting about two to two and a half holes a day per rig. So that should really pick up with them getting five rigs on site next week. So that section of the geothermal is progressing really well. They've got 14 of those whales fully grouted all the way up the top. You can see there we're got the loops in and they're grouted in. So there's 14 of those that's fully completed and they're working their way on down as they're getting geothermal wells drilled there at Foley and Southern. [snorts] Any questions on the geothermal? No, I just want to make a just a quick comment really just to remind our families and our community on on what this project is. Um we've got
048five schools that have failing LG systems that are just horrible. Foley was obviously the worst. So that this is one portion of this whole project, million dollars worth of projects to replace these heating systems. So that's what this geothermal is at Foley and Southern and we're going to talk about doing it at White Hall here in a minute. So we are addressing that heating system. Um there were some comments made the week we were out of school for weather >> that we canceled school because there was no heat at Foley and why wasn't the board doing anything about it. Um that was total misinformation. We've never not had heat in a building this year at any of our schools and we are addressing it with this geothermal. So, I just want to make sure that
049people are aware we are working on this and that's what this project is. I know it's real easy. You know, people think, well, what's geothermal even for, but that's what we're doing here. We're replacing those horrible LG systems that we've had. >> And geothermal fields, that's actually already been bid for all of those sites as you mentioned. That's they're going to progress. They'll go to Whiteall after we get done. They'll be done here in February. We'll go straight to Whiteall when we get done drilling at Fing. So, I just wanted to remind people that we are addressing this and we're working on it and that's what this project is that we've been talking about for months. We've been talking about this for a year. >> So, I just want to make sure people understand what's
050happening. >> Well, this a good segue right into Southern Foley. We started Monday uh Southern Foley and I was over there today. Uh we actually had a meeting here at the board this morning on White Hall and I went to Southern Foley. probably 98% of the ceilings and everything is out in phase one already. I've got all the tile down, all the grid down. We got all the floors protected. You can see this is one of the large rooms. Uh we're getting lights wired up, all that grid's coming out. Uh ceilings are coming out. We're progressing right through getting u everything demoed out. They're going to they actually uh put disconnects on some of the line sets today down there. They drain the system down, put shut off valves on them. so they can start
051unhooking stuff for phase one. Course we got several phases at Foley and Southern. We got to do it in phases because they don't have no room to move everybody. So, we're having to do that phases. But this is phase one. Uh the demo itself, you can see the hallways. We've got all that protected. You can see where they've already got the ceiling tile out. But actually today, this picture was two days ago. All that grid's gone now. All the grids out and it's getting out. Of course, you're all doing recycle program on this project, taking all the metal and copper and recycling it. And the contractors are keeping that separated, putting those in the dumpsters that you're all providing for that. So, got lockers covered. We've got, as you can see at the end of
052that corridor, we built a temporary wall to keep students and us separated. So, that's working really well. Uh, keeping everything protected, keeping the students protected so they don't come in our area and workers don't go in their area. So, that's working working really well. But we're progressing really well. These are all at Foley. Uh that section of ceiling's already out, too. So, in a couple days, it's changed a whole lot. That ceiling's already out. So, it's uh it's progressing really well. So, >> and just a reminder, too, this is for the HBAC system. >> This is all for the HBAC. Y any questions on Southern F? >> Thank you, sir. >> All right. All right. Let's move on to Mr. Mr. Tony Tomkins. Tony Tommpkins. Tony Thomas. [laughter] Tony Tommpkins thinking about me. >> I
053know you know who I am. >> I'm sorry. I meant Tony Thomas. >> Okay. I answer to a lot of things. >> Well, good evening everyone. Um, of course, Jonathan covered many several things there. Uh, one of the smaller projects that you have going on um that didn't involve construction management. we're just handling it straight with Madison County. Um was the former Madison Middle School uh renovation of the day treatment center. Um last month you all approved the final plans for that. Uh after that we sent it to KD and then of course put it out to bid. Uh and this is just a reminder of the the two buildings that we're working on there that are to the to the north and to the left of uh former Madison Middle School. uh mostly HVAC
054um and some lighting and a few walls in the uh in the two-story building and then fire alarm only over in the cafeteria building. Again, you all approved those plans already. I I think you understand the scope pretty well, but we had a a pre-bid meeting this morning. In fact, right here in this room, and good turnout, so we were happy with that. Um we're breaking it out into separate bid packages or allowing a general contractor to bid a combined package. So hoping for some good bids there. That will bid on the 20th and I believe you all have a board meeting on the 22nd. So hopefully we can bring you some good bids to uh to that date. Um so that's update on that project. Any questions on the project that's out to bid?
055If not, I'll roll into Whiteall. Um on your agenda, you have approval for the final plans upon your final plan approval. Um we'll submit that to um KDE. Um there's you know this is we went over design development if you remember there's uh you know again HVAC the things you were just talking about Mrs. have HVAC. Um, now there is lighting. There's also some electric and lighting going on in these projects as well. So, upgraded lighting. Might as well do it while you have the ceilings out. Um, and of course, new ceilings going back in, but the bulk of it, HVAC. So, I I just showed you a plan of the entire building because really that's the scope. Um, of course, we've been talking about this as as you said, this has been talked about
056for months. Um, Whiteall's going to get a similar renovation. HVAC exhaust fans, everything mechanical and controls. 100% of of Whiteall. With that, you'll get a new a lot of new lights and lighting and some electrical connections and and we're upgrading some painting and a few other things like that because demolition will probably um you know create some scratches on the floor and on the walls and and metal frames and things like that. Um so I'll when that agenda item comes up, of course, I'll be here if you have any additional questions or if you have questions about that right now. Um we're going to >> Who do you think we'll get started on White Hog? Um, we're planning on doing it right when school ends. We're going to phase it such that they'll have the
057summer, which is going to be the most beneficial time to them. Um, and then they can they can also set up partitions. Um, like Jonathan was talking about at Foley that you're going to have to do phase areas at a time. >> So, they'll set up some some partitions. Um, and we're going to try to get the administration area done over the summer. you know, that front entry in the administration area. We've got to get that done during the summer so that you know that area can be active again once school starts come next August. >> So again, I'll be here if if when that agenda item comes. Uh Waco, he's already covered Waco pretty much. I had a few of the same pictures. Um but this was just from this. It looked like he
058was there on a rainy day. Had a little better weather today. So, uh, but, uh, just good progress, good work. I walked around with the superintendent and, uh, everything's going along, um, good. The block masonry work has, uh, pretty good quality compared to what we've seen in the past. And he's already talked about Foley Middle and Madison southern renovations, but, uh, I didn't just started this week, so I haven't made it down there yet, but um, looks like he had a few pictures of what's going on. Yeah. and including electrical and lighting and things of that nature as well. So, >> that's the report. Okay, you're very welcome. >> Thank you so much. >> All right, let's move to our action agenda. Action agenda. I cannot speak tonight. Action agenda. Um, just a reminder, these
059are things that that we've had an opportunity to review and look at and ask questions um if we had any on each individual item. Um, but first up, we have um our audit report and we have Miss Tammy Patrick with us for Patrick and Associates. If you need to say anything to us or want to share anything with us, feel free. >> I have to say something about the Pathways program because I sit back there and I think of how I became what I am today. Had a lot of really good teachers. I grew up in Eastern Kentucky, a small county there. Very appreciative of those people there. Um, but I went all through grade school, high school, playing piano, played at church, played the organ at church, played at weddings, played at funerals. Uh,
060was in the band. Junior year coming by, I want to quit band. And then my mom says, "Why don't you take account? I needed an elective." She said, "Why don't This is how pathways were back in my day, which was a long time ago. >> She said, "Why don't you take an accounting class?" And that was that, you know, I went straight into college and never looked back, you know. But I think it's great that these kids have those opportunities because there's so many things. I sat back there, I thought, wonder what I might have been, >> you know, because >> because we most of us only really know like what your what your family does or your immediate family or your grandparents outside of that, you didn't even know the rest of the world
061existed. >> Yes. And my mom had done some bookkeeping and some tax work and stuff and she liked it. So that's that's how [snorts] >> my other sisters are all in the medical field so I didn't get that gene. But anyways, I just had to share that because I always think it's neat to see kids, you know, >> and the opportunities that are out there. So, and that you all are so supportive of that and, you know, it's just it's great. So, um, >> thank you. >> Anyways, I'm glad to be here again tonight. We've worked with you all for a couple of years now. Um, and I think everybody's received a copy of the audit report again and, um, >> very comprehensive. Thank you. >> Yes, thank you. Um, I met earlier with Superintendent
062Neely and Mr. Woods and we discussed the audit and there's some completion things we have to do at the last minute. This year we've been a little bit uh later getting the audit report out due to the government shutdown. The compliance require the compliance supplement was not issued and made available that we could finalize our audit. So we had to kind of push the uh final uh completion of the audits back for that. So we've got that done with the holidays and everything. So um I'll just kind of give you a little bit of brief uh overview of the audit. It's a lengthy prog process. uh we start in July startounding Mark and his staff for we need this, we need that and uh you know they work with us because we're looking at things
063um in the audit transactions based on risk and materiality. We look at things cash, revenue, debt, expenditures, payroll, capital assets, uh compliance requirements, your single audit, uh student activity funds. Um, and the audit is a res result and the reflection of all the work that's done throughout the year. It starts at the board and it falls down through Mark and his staff and the things that they do every day, making sure that things are accounted for and uh done appropriately based on the financial reporting framework and your compliance requirements. There's a lot of things that go into their day-to-day work that makes our job easier, just kind of like what y'all were talking about earlier. So and our objectives as the auditor is to uh provide reasonable assurance not 100% but reasonable assurance which is
064a high level of assurance that the financial statements are are free from material misstatement whether due to error or fraud and again this year I'm glad to say we're going to issue another as we say in audit words unmodified opinion but a clean audit opinion. So we didn't find any areas of concern that would uh rise to the level of being an audit report comment. So no issues, no areas of concern. So again, want to commend Mark and his staff, uh, Mr. Woods and his staff and the board for your hard work because as you say, it is a team effort and it starts at the top. So um, very glad to say that. Uh, one thing you will notice in the report this year, there is an emphasis on matter paragraph in your audit
065report and that is just basically there was a new implementation of a gazsby standard related to compensated absences and how um that calculation and it is a more overall approach as far as used to it was just based on termination benefits and now it's more taken into account actual all the compensated absences and annual leave balances. could be a liability to the district on your statement of net position. Uh so that was retroactive actively applied. So there is a restatement and that's based not anything that was done wrong or anything by the district. It was just implementation of that Gazsby standard. So I'll give a really quick overview of the financial statement with just very brief. I know everybody wants to go home. net position still with implementing that huge liability which increased a lot
066for compensated absences and that goes along with like your OPED and your net pension liability. That's where that falls into your governmentwide financial statements there still increased by approximately $20 million and of course that statement of net position takes into account your increases decreases in cash balances, deferred inflows, outflows, uh capital assets, liabilities and all that. So that was a still a good thing with that huge of a implementation for that GSBY. And then fund balances overall you saw about a $500,000 decrease, but that is related to the completion of construction pro pros. I can't talk. Um where you had gotten in bond proceeds and things of that nature in previous years, so those were kind of finishing up. So that's that's to be expected. Um in the end though, your general fund saw a
067slight increase of about $1.8 $8 million for an ending balance of around 51 million and about 12 million of that is sitting there and available for your day-to-day operations. So, I do feel like the district again ending a good financial position and where we'd expect it to be. Um, are there any questions? >> How did uh all of our schools do as far as all their accounting? Is there any issues? We had a few management letter comments which we went over with superintendent and with Mark earlier and they have already I think addressed those with their schools but nothing major. Like I said nothing that would rise to the level of audit report comment. So So again very very good there. Like I said there's a lot of compliance issues and a lot of of
068u controls and processes there. So and I know I know Mark is constantly monitoring that. So >> we are very blessed with Mr. would. >> Yes. I don't think anybody up here takes that for granted. >> Yes. So, >> anybody else have any more questions for Miss Patrick? >> No. >> All right. Um, could I have a motion to formally receive the 2025 audit report from Patrick and Associates as presented? >> Motion by Miss Coyle. Do I have a second? >> Second by Miss Brock. All those in favor? >> I I thank you all. >> Thank you. Thank you for being here. We appreciate it. >> Thank you. Yeah, thank you. >> Come back anytime. [laughter] >> You're looking at Mark. >> That's exactly right. >> I may send you one. That's about it. [laughter]
069>> All right. Next on our agenda, um we want to approve the final plans for the geothermal and HVAC renovation at Whiteall. We we mentioned this a few minutes ago. This is um the other portion of doing the same thing at White Hall that we're doing at Foley and Southern to try to get that LG system done. Does anybody have any questions? >> Okay. And I have a motion to approve the final plans for the geothermal and HVAC renovation project for Whiteall Elementary School. >> So move. >> Motion by Mr. Rutherford. Is there a second? >> I'll second. >> Second by Miss Brock. All those in favor? I no. Next on our agenda is to approve our air equipment company uh purchase order. This is the equipment purchase um for the repairs that we need
070to do at the old Madison Middle Cafeteria and IT building that we are maintaining um where we're going to relocate our day treatment and alternatives alternative students. I will say too we're uh with Mr. Clark's help. 9 9 C and 9D. This this motion and the next one kind of go together. Um we're going to do Mr. Clark's um working on we're going to do as much of this work ourselves. >> And um I think you guys are estimating it's going to save us about $100,000 for us to do what we can. Obviously, there's going to be some things we're going to need a little bit of help on, which is really that next motion. But does anybody have any questions on this this one? >> No. No. All right. Can I get a motion
071to approve the air equipment company purchase order for HVAC for the renovation of the old Madison Middle, the particularly the cafeteria building in the amount of $34,000? >> I'll make the motion. >> All right. Motion by Miss Berer. Do we have a second? >> Second by Miss Coyle. All those in favor? >> I. >> Sorry about that. You guys were perfectly timed. Um, all right. Next on the agenda, it really kind of um piggybacks on the one we just did. This is to approve the limitless mechanical PO, which is for the labor portion of installing the equipment that we just approved. Anybody have any questions? All right. Can I get a motion to approve the limitless mechanical purchase order for HVAC for the renovation of the old Madison Middle cafeteria building in the amount of
072$47,19860? So move >> motion by Mr. Rutherford. Do we have a second? [laughter] >> I'll second by Mr. Mrs. Rock. Do we have um all those in favor? All right. Uh next on the agenda is to create and ratify uh one teacher at Madison Middle. We have any questions? Can I get a motion to create and ratify a one full-time teacher position at Madison Middle School that will be paid through their title one funds? >> So move. >> Motion by Miss Bford. Do we have a second? >> Second by Miss Coyle. All those in favor? >> Next is to approve the athletic training agreement for our high schools. Do we have any questions on this item? >> I'll explain a little bit. We've uh we've been in um contract a contract with OSPt KY for
073since 2013. And um you know, things change, times change, athletic trainers are incredibly hard to find. And uh Mr. Woods and I went and met um with her in the fall as soon as school started. And we we both thought that this was about as good as a deal we could get. And what we both decided is that contract was 2013 and when we read it we were like this is very out of date. So we're probably um take this up for bid like we do other things every three four years just because things change. >> Um and we let her know that. So she was still thrilled to to be able to to do this for us because our trainers are already at Southern and at Central and and thank goodness we we have
074been lucky to get two dandies. So, um, we thought we'd go ahead and and get this contract, but we let her know that we will, um, take it and reid it every 3 years >> just because things change. >> And I think just for people to know because honestly I these athletic trainers are actual like physical therapy people. Absolutely. The these are not like >> some part-time parah that that's working to to be >> athletic trainer. They they are actual physical therapist. >> Y >> All right. Do we have um any other questions? Can I get a motion to approve the athletic training agreement with OSPTKY LLC, otherwise known as Orthopedic and Sport Physical Therapy, to provide athletic training services to Madison Central and Madison Southern and payment of invoices for each? >> Motion by
075Miss Barack. Do we have a second? >> A second. >> Second by Mr. Ruford. All those in favor? >> I. Motion carries. >> Quick question. Do they invoice us every month? Is that how it is or is it a flat? >> It's a flat >> flat fee. That's what I want. Okay. >> All right. And next is our superintendent report. >> All right. We're glad to be back in session. Um you tell the students we're we're thrilled, which is fantastic meeting so far that we've had. I just think it's great when kids come up and talk to us about how they're excited and what's going on and um you know, especially our CTE programs. It's that's a big win for us. And something that we didn't mention, we didn't put it up, but Mr. Clark
076and I met with um EKU's president and and their folks. and it's not don't have it official or down pat, but we're really working hard to maybe aviation being our next program uh that we offer because that's you know EKU is really pushing that and I guarantee we've got some kids that maybe don't want to fly planes and they want to work on planes and and that's something that we could really benefit from. So, we're going to try to partner with them and hopefully we would like to start it in the fall, but it's it's up to the programming and things of that nature. But, uh that's that's our next initiative that we'd like to to start. But, uh again, we're thrilled to death. I am tickled to death with the weather we've had this
077week been warm, so we don't have to worry about going out and checking for for uh ice and snow and things of that nature. But, I just want to reiterate a huge thank you um to the folks beside me with schoolboard recognition month. um the things that we've talked about today, the CTE programs, not having just two at Codle and Foley, but we're going to have five. That's a big undertaking and it's something that you all have um focused on and and we talked about the audit, the money that we we got to set things back for that and and we'll reap the benefits from it just like we talked about Mr. Codle, you know, hopefully that will be us on down the road 20 years from now saying, "Hey, we had a part in
078that." Which is what's exciting. So, a huge thank you to all of you sitting around me and for for board recognition month and uh um I would like to say our attendance in the fall both for the student piece. I want big thanks to Chris, Mr. Clark, our DPP catchall um [laughter] of really pushing that this fall, this year of increasing our attendance from our students. Um, not saying we got lax through through CO, but you got the sniffles, you just tend to stay home and they becomes a habit and it's easy to do that. So, that has been a big push and and this fall we looking at the numbers Monday. Uh, you know, it it's we're very thrilled with what's going on. We don't want to get the cart on the horse. We
079got we got a lot of days left. Um, but we are well on our way of having fantastic [snorts] student attendance for this school year. So, thanks to the parents for getting them on the bus and getting them to school. Um, but uh and the principles and the teachers for making them want to come to school, which I think is the biggest thing. Um, if you got a great classroom, kids will want to come and I think that's what we we have throughout the district. So, um, I think we're doing well. We keep we'll continue that. That's my superintendent. >> Speaking of that, how has our attendance been this week with the flu that's supposed to be every >> It's good. Um you all the attendance is really high this week because everybody's ready to
080ready to come back to school. Parents are pushing them out. Yeah. Um I tell you what happened. Christmas break really hit us at a good time because we had three schools. I know co Kirksville for sure because I heard about them quite a bit. We were if we would have had to have school the next week, we would have probably had it taken off because staff and kid-wise, they were down to, you know, 10 out in a room and you just can't function that way. So, uh, we're probably, I'd say, 93 and a half, um, >> this week, which is good coming back. >> Y >> All right. Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Um, comments from the board. I just want to say thank you to our maintenance guys because they're doing their daily
081stuff, but they're also helping us out with the Madison Middle Cafeteria renovation and so that's added a little bit extra there to their workload. So, I appreciate their help and their hard work. >> Hopefully, we'll have a big round number that we save to to share and we can turn that right back and give the kids. >> Thank you, Becky, for your year of great leadership. handing it over so nicely and no problem. So very smooth. Thank you. Anybody else? >> All right. Can I get a motion to adjurnn? >> Motion by Miss Brock. >> Second by Miss Coyle. All those in favor I have a good day. Good.