Nelson County Board of Education Meeting January 20th, 2026

001I give you that. Thank you. [music] We call this meeting of the Nelson County Board of Education to order on January 20th, 2026 at 5:30. Please join our board team as we recite the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right. Our mission in the Nelson County Schools, we unite students and staff with people, place, and purpose to a purpose to thrive in work and life. Sorry. All right. Our meeting goals tonight um for the 20th is to discuss board priorities for the fiscal year 2027 budget, discuss next steps for the New Haven and Nelson County High School facility phase one um facility planning, and evaluate

002demographic um data and population data. So to get the meeting started off, we um it is officially um board appreciation month. Um so I just want to make sure that we share some gratitude for our board and look at sort of celebrating the planning session from 2025 and the work that the board um did a lot of work in to accomplish before the end of the year. So just some things and the priorities that we continue to set for the schools in Nelson County. >> So Tracy and I discussed some ways we could reflect back on last year. Really just given a space for board members to talk about some things that they observed or were part of in the strategic planning process that came to fruition that uh give us momentum as we head

003into 2026. We have the impossible top 10 which are mostly around the work of students which obviously is why we exist. Um, and there are some things there certainly that we can reference. Um, at the same time, we wanted to open up a space for the board members to celebrate some of those uh pieces and parts uh of the work that they may want to add to that. So, that was our our conversation around board celebration. >> Well, I think one of them is sort of um going to number three there, which really should be at the top is U. May winds up being one of the first for the um apprenticeship programs to complete. And I think, you know, with Laura Arnold and the work that's been going on over the last couple weeks

004with legislation to kind of get us into that next level, um I think that is something that we celebrate here in Nelson County is the grow your own program and really taking it to the next step um and sort of creating a pipeline for our future um students and for our future students. >> Yeah. Right now, if you were to walk into the Foster High School, you would see three adult apprentices working within that building. Um, and not only three adult apprentices, but 28 students in the education pathway in the right down the hall that are integrated into the classrooms throughout the course of the day. Today, I was at Bloomfield Elementary School, saw a student integrated into the classrooms there as well. So, they're really spread out across the our ecosystem and will continue

005to >> I want to jump right into number four here. Get the dual credit. I love that and my daughter's part of that. So, excited about it. It's an amazing thing for students. I tend to look at things collectively and when I look at um these accomplishments, they represent so many things and I think about the focus on the students and the staff because we need to and we are here to support our students and part of that is supporting staff to enable them to be the best they can for the sake of our students. And I'll also look at coming upon some of these decisions and supports that we've done. the way that we have used data to examine our needs and we've done a lot of re research across the the district to

006determine if our um decisions are likely to be effective and have the impact that we look and um and I think that across the district people have done a lot of fair and effective program evaluation and looking at the structures that are happening and elevated things and so I celebrate our uh building leaders and um our district leaders and of course our classroom leaders for all that they've done and I I just can't appreciate that enough. And so um kudos to everyone and um and to our students. So thank you. >> I appreciate the focus on streamlining the curriculum which you know I think a lot of people get credit for that and I think it's a great thing and um that we're going to reap dividends for years to come just especially in the

007reading and the math and the early elementary. So that was a good move and appreciate all that hard work. >> So I do want to remind you guys this time last year we really started the staff benefits conversation which is a big part of the work that came to fruition in uh April and May. Um and the human resources team will be coming uh to the board in February and March to talk about some of the the data from those uh practices that have been implemented around uh parental leave, staff, child care, bereavement leave and some other layers as well as the benefits teaming work that's starting for this year that has just started which is around the employee experience as a whole. That was a a very proactive step um in the work and

008I think we've we've seen huge uh positive feedback from staff not only around parental leave but staff childcare. It's a big win. >> All right, great job guys. >> I don't want to I don't want to forget that we also have a lot of construction going on. [laughter] >> We do have a lot of construction. So exciting coming by every time and seeing that uh upcenter getting more progress every time we go by. >> And kudos to Dr. [clears throat] Sheerhorn for leading some of those grant efforts and and bringing in such a significant amount of funding. >> There's a lot to be celebrated across the district and it's not one single area that stands out greater than another. It is truly a collaboration of work um and thinking as Dr. Lee said, really focusing

009on students, which also leads us to focusing on staff. And um obviously if you get a moment to look across the district and what's going on, it's hard to, like I say, pinpoint one area that should be celebrated more. It truly is just working together as a district. Um which is wonderful to see. We're not we're not in isolation, and I like seeing that. Um so, moving on. Um it's that time of year where we sort of um solidify our organization of the board. Um I have enjoyed my time as board chair and appreciate the work together and how we have um I feel like accomplished a lot in 2025 and really worked together. Um so with that we just open the floor for discussion. >> I'm gonna jump right in. Um, Miss Belling, I

010feel like you've done a tremendous job as chair. The communication has been outstanding. You have helped give us clarity in seeking priorities, and I appreciate your leadership and um the the ongoing and regular communication with both our community and us as board members has been outstanding. And I would personally like to ask if you would be willing to remain as our chair. >> I I think you've done a good job, too. I I would agree with that and I know other boards don't always rotate. No, of course it would be subject to you wanting to keep it, but you know, I think there's a benefit. I don't think everybody's strength is leading the board, you know, in that capacity and you did a good job. So, I would if you were willing. I think it

011would be >> I'm willing. I just don't want to I just want to make sure that everyone is good with that and um I'm happy to continue on in 2026. >> So, with that, we would need a motion. I would like to make a motion to name Tracy Bowling as chair of the board of education for this upcoming calendar year. >> Can we add that to keep you as the vice chair? >> Yeah, we will need to do that as a second motion, I think. >> Okay. >> Um >> I'll second that motion. >> All right. All in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passes. Now we need to move on to vice chair. Um, and of course, you know, you bring so much clarity [laughter] and I would make a motion to have Dr. Lee

012remain as vice chair of the board of education as well. >> And I wonder if we could add it if we could add in the secretary in that. And I think it just makes sense to make Jod secretary just because there could be there's an election coming up and two seats up. Could we if he's willing? Um, or do we normally do >> I believe that's normally the superintendent. >> Okay. No, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I prefer if he was a secretary. [laughter] >> We're good with >> all that paperwork. >> I'm not even sure why the law is written like that. >> No, and I don't even know that we to what extent I was assuming that it needed to be a board member. So, if it doesn't, >> it would make sense that

013it would be, but it does. I'm not sure why it's the superintendent. Um, >> came out of 26 years ago. >> Interesting. But yet, we still have to vote on it that Okay. Well, there you go. >> Sorry, Jody. >> It's okay. you miss. >> I I guess I'll just I'll just >> Yes, I'll just >> So, we can we include the motion for the superintendent to be secretary in the same motion. So, I make a motion to uh for Dr. Lee to remain vice chair and for superintendent West Bradley to be secretary. >> I'll second. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? Motion passes. >> All right. Well, that was easy enough. All right. So, moving on to guest comments, um, which I need to see if we have out there. Um, thank you

014for attending our board meeting. Any person wishing to address the board may do so by following these rules. Guest comments are limited to three minutes. For individuals and groups, please step forward, state your name and address, and if you represent a group, state the name of the group you are representing. Nothing. All right. So, we are moving on. Um, we have the consent agenda. Um, as before, board members receive this in advance. Um, is there any areas of discussion? >> I would like a little bit of clarity on the SFCC office offer of assistance. I know that's $25,000. What is that and what is the purpose of that? >> Yeah, usually this would be a regular uh agenda item. We moved it to the consent this year. It's because it is just kind of a

015formality in the sense the SFCC provides an annual offer of assistance based on the amount of state funding set aside for the construction commission. Uh so the school facility construction commission makes the SFCC. They provide a per pupil amount across the state. It has been around 20 to $30,000 for years for the Nelson County Schools. That money goes directly into our building fund and can be used on priority one projects. this year. I believe that number is around $29,000. Essentially, that's what the state is providing to a local school district like Nelson County as assistance. Similar to technology, except the number is a bit higher. Um, and it's just basically the state saying we are providing some construction uh facility support and this year that number they're providing to to Nelson County is 29,000. If

016we had higher enrollment, it would be uh higher. If we had lower enrollment, it would be lower. It's just all based on per pupil funding. >> And I have another question. I see on the consent agenda that we have HVAC units being surplused um and then a gas tank. And so I know oftentimes people do ask why why we're not reusing something. I'm not questioning that. I'm asking though for an explanation so that we understand that the surplus >> Yeah. what's available and if there's awareness in the community for people who may wish. >> Right. So, [clears throat] as we go through uh really transitioning the bus garage and also transition ATC into Upcenter, we'll have some really equipment exchanges. Uh obviously, it's an opportunity for us to um renovate some of that equipment and

017kind of uh renew that. So, we'll this will could be an item that comes up. Um, these are two items, the HVAC units, uh, looking to surplus those and also the gas tank. As you know, we've, uh, since taken our fuel kind of offline, per se, and we're using, uh, FiveStar for that and and filling up there to help us save money. So, actually, we won't be needing that tank uh, anymore, but we are exploring all the opportunities to kind of obviously get the most out of those. Uh, any funds that we get from that, we'll obviously be able to use back on the project. So that surplus is really just acknowledgement of of you guys uh accepting that ready to transition from those items. >> Can you talk about the HVAC units? This is

018an example of the process we went through, the conversations that we had with the local industry on how we could potentially not surplus them but sell them in a different way. >> Yes. So our facility lead uh worked with a number of different companies just trying to explore, you know, again, what are these items worth? What could we get from them? Um they were in working condition, but they obviously are used. I think they're somewhere from around 8 to 10 years old at this point. Um like anyone really the what the message that we got from a variety of different companies were um people wouldn't buy those uh used items to then put on a different school. Uh essentially the value for those would be scrap was kind of the the suggested um direction. But

019uh we did explore with a number of different groups and and that'll kind of be the intent as we as we look at some of these items trying to get the most that we can out of them to then use those funds back towards the space. >> And these are in the area technology center, >> right? >> Just to be >> So if uh somebody in the community is interested in looking at those or participating in that, what do they do? >> Uh we can usually we have a um a furniture surplus process as well that we can that that's an annual process with the board. any item um that's deemed really valuable go through a process where we can go through a bidding and that would be an advertised process. Uh these two particular

020items are um not the case based on what we've deemed from from messaging we got from companies. >> So the answer was the highest value we could create for the HVAC was scrap. >> Right. >> Correct. So people just >> based on our research, >> people will just look for the bid and announcements and open. >> Now there's no bid on the HVAC units because no one wanted them based on our process. So the scrap is was the highest return we can get. >> Y Okay. >> Based on our research and we've been talking about this for about three months privately because they've been sitting over there and we've been evaluating them with the different industry partners. >> Okay. >> Thank you, Mr. Martin. Thank you very much. >> Any further discussion? >> All right.

021With that, we need a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. >> I'll make the motion to do so. >> Thank you. I need a second. >> Second. >> All right. All in favor? >> Any opposed? Motion passes. >> All right. And moving on to grant applications and acceptance with Dr. Cheerborn. >> Good evening. So, keeping in line with the priorities you all discussed earlier, um I would ask that we uh submit an application for the math achievement fund. It's in the amount of six uh $40,000 and we are going to apply at both middle schools and both high schools. Um it's not typical to see a 6 through 12 grant um specifically focused on that excluding the elementaryaries. Usually, it combines them all. So, we were excited to see this one pop up

022and um I met with Courtney and we have a really good plan of how we want to use that money if awarded. >> All right, any discussions? All right, with that, we need a motion for approve the grant submission as presented. >> I'll make that motion. >> Thank you. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Thanks. All in favor? >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Thanks. Um and then uh we were just awarded the spark grant. Um it's for our special education department and they will use that um to create uh stronger partnerships with families to support students postsecary. Um and that work um it will begin very quickly. >> All right. >> It was the in the amount of 75,000. Sorry. Okay. Left that out. >> Any discussion? >> All right. With that,

023we need a motion to approve the Spark Grant acceptance as presented. >> I'll make a motion. Thank you. Do [clears throat] I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Thanks. All in favor? >> Any opposed? >> Motion passes. >> Thank you, Dr. Sherghorn, for all your work. >> All right, moving on to um board strategic priorities. So each year uh really as we begin the budgeting process for the coming year which is a fivemonth process that uh leads to decision-m and then final is finalized in August or September um this time January February is really a a resetting and reviewing of board priorities. Um there are a lot of carryovers in some of this conversation Tracy and I talked through uh last week from last year. I think largely we want to evaluate with the

024board uh the alignment of priorities to uh where you see the direction of of the way we're shaping uh and organizing any shifts in the budget uh as well as the way we allocate resources as a board. So over when we looked at these and what we did last year I think was so helpful because it really gave us direction in our decision- making and um I look forward to us continuing that um sort of vision. Um and of course the board always has the sort of authority to go in here and massage these priorities as we need to. Um as the superintendent mentioned, he and I reviewed these and you know I feel like we're still on this path. we're still doing the same things that are going to support our students and these

025priorities still align with where we need to head. So, um we didn't feel that there was really a whole lot we needed to to do to shift that, but um the board absolutely has the right to look at these and see if there's areas where we would like to add or you know, sort of like I said, massage these a little bit um in a direction as we move forward in our budget process. I'm grateful for the people um in our district, especially um again who have done the work to make these things um come to fruition. And as I look at those 10 items that we were celebrating, so much of them align to this. And um we're we're just a board who listens, asks questions, and approves things. And it's the people in

026our district who do the work. And so kudos to them. And um I appreciate their sincerity and hard work and I wish we could do more to recognize that and thankfully we have so much success right now that it's a lot. I like the priorities. I I see value in them and I think they provide a way to go back as we make decisions and we're looking at what we're talking about. It gives me a focal point to go back and revisit. Does it does it do these things? And so, um, I'm appreciative of the opportunity to to define these >> well, and I think it's broad enough that really this could be your priorities forever and you still have things to do. So, I think it I think it's a good starting point. I

027think it's a good spot. >> Yeah. I think for what public school boards are intended to do, these align with >> with where we should be. And I think as Dr. Lee said it always gives us something to go back on and say why are we making this decision? Is it in alignment with um what are the demands are in our school district. So um again we always have the opportunity to go in there and make any adjustments but I 100% agree these are where we need to sort of continue to focus. And in talking about how we use them, I know when I'm in conversations with the superintendent talking about direction, these are things that that I use as a checkpoint. You know, what are we doing? So, it's a it's a conversation starter

028to understand too and um to learn about the the district and you know to to think about what what can we do more what can we do next. So, thank you. All right. So, if no further discussion or >> I do just want to acknowledge if we look at the six uh priorities um a few of these we've already had major major movement on last year. Some of these have been the bottom uniting with families and community are somewhat new. Both principles at the high schools are leading local parent communication systems. We also have uh and in groups we also have district level conversation around college and career programming and alignment thinking about the future of those programs. graduation requirements etc. Uh I think that work starts this week uh with families curriculum and instruction

029obviously the resource allocation has continued to be a major priority as has employee benefits and growth packages. I think the top part the upgovernance piece is probably an area where we can continue to evolve. Uh and I do think number two, I think this is a great example. Financial stewardship, ensure desired benefits for students and staff, drive resource allocation, optimization, and roles. I think the entire facility plan is organized around that work. Um we we're going to continue to use a phrase called frontline staffing as we think about the future of shifts in our campus. How do we allocate more resources towards student programming to advance quality of programs? Um, I share that just to show some connections to the bigger stuff that's already occurring that we want to continue to move on. >> And

030kudos to uh Kim Hogan and our HR staff who really worked on that benefits um piece and leveling that up across the district. Something I hear across the state from people talking about things like the the paid uh parental leave and um I hope that we can continue to explore opportunities for our staff and um provide that So, and again feel like I'm celebrating a lot here, but good work on the curriculum and instruction too. I've been doing a lot of reflection on, you know, what have we done? What have we accomplished in that first year and we've seen tremendous growth and um Miss Clark, I call out you and and the the team at New Haven doing some wonderful things there, too. So, and one of our schools showing um a lot of vision

031and work. All right, with that, um, we can move on to the draft budget with Mr. Martin and Miss Rogers. So, this is information only, but it is again, you think about priority setting. Um, part of this is driven by the conversation that we just had, but we're just beginning the budget process for fiscal year 27. So, as you've heard for the last three years, uh really we've continued to use the phrase effective and efficient. Um and that is the goal. We've spent years evaluating how to become more efficient and effective by investing in people. Uh continuing to evaluate operational efficiencies and by expanding up the UP foundation and grant work. You know, we're going to hear from Stacy Holderman here in a few minutes around the work of Thrive wouldn't exist without UP foundation

032and grants. Um we are going to see lots of layers of the budget that really the great majority is is wrapped up in people and um the retention of of strong people in our schools. We've also continued to evaluate how to repurpose and reallocate resources and consolidate and unify which is a huge way we can continue to do the first two invest in people and become more efficient. So we share that as a reminder of kind of the big picture conversation. Alex is going to talk more specifically about some things that happened last year that the board uh leveled up on. >> Yes. So, this is just a good reminder to step back and kind of see for uh this school year some of the investments that we've made as a school district. Uh we

033were able to increase our salary schedule on both our certified and classified roles. Uh as far as career growth and advancement, there are a number of opportunities for teachers to level up. Of course, we have our CEO rank change investment, a number of leadership roles for teachers to get engaged and earn extra pay, and then also the summer leadership pathways continues to be a staple to advance that curriculum conversation. Uh, and then also lots of other added benefits which uh, Miss Lee just spoke about, but we have our Amazon backpack, right, and spending money inside the classroom that teachers have available. Uh, maternity and paternity leave, made a lot of progress on that that's currently in place. And then we have our staff child care and bereavement leave. So these are just reminders of things

034that uh have actually taken place and investments that we've made. So yeah, as Wes said, uh really we're continuing to leverage the storyline. We want to be I think it's easy for people to understand. It makes a lot of sense as you think about spending uh money and allocating resources. We do want to be as effective as possible and also efficient in terms of operationally as efficient as possible. Uh so we do have more money to spend on students and staff. So this is the same conversation we're having even with our principles. Um also just a quick quick review about this time last year we did a finance 101 session with you guys just kind of taking a look at how our finance is structured. Uh we do receive revenue from a number of different

035places from the federal level, state level, and local level. That money comes into us and then it's a fund-based accounting system. they it's kind of divvied out and um based on need and allocation and we obviously monitor that throughout the year. Um some of the bigger priorities which I focused on the top the biggest priorities at the bottom as we think about creation of the budget and and the the next five months the process that we're going to ensue. These are really the priorities that Jessica and I spoke about that really make sense. Obviously, we want a transparent budget and process needs to be very goal aligned and that it's aligned to uh the mission of our school district and our schools and our departments. Um we're also continuing to make our finance systems simpler

036so that folks can understand them and the people that are leading these departments really have a good pulse on, you know, what is the allocation, where do I currently stand, what is my plan for the year, and if [clears throat] we have that plan, it is able to increase that ownership and and making sure those funds are used accordingly. uh and then constant collaboration because there are a lot of different people that are involved in making decisions around expenditures. So these are the things that we want to focus on. Um our fund balance, this graph just kind of shows the and all these different funds. The one I'm focused mostly on here is our fund one because that house is the majority of our money in terms of paying for personnel and operations. This just

037kind of shows what that end of the year balance looks like over the last 10 years. Uh as a reminder, postcoid lots of additional revenue was issued to school districts. Um and this kind of helped us increase our fund balance. Recently, it has dipped a bit. The [clears throat] projection, you know, we're still about six months out from actual end of the fiscal year. We do anticipate this stabilizing uh and having a balanced budget in terms of revenue and expenditures. Um but obviously we're still 6 months out and there's lots of things that are still unknown. >> Importantly, a lot of districts receive significant funds from COVID. We received about that much, two and a half million annually. That's what it added up to over the course of those three years. Um which was less

038in nearly every uh district in our region. uh be as a byproduct of that. We didn't have a ton of growth as some districts may have had during that window of time, which is a blessing in some ways, even though it also we didn't have certain resources that other districts may have had. Uh that was all based on a federal funding model uh that exists far beyond our reach. And uh I share that to say that was about a two and a half million dollar increase over those years and that was about what we received annually. So it l literally is a byproduct of that COVID resource money. So we are back to uh uh closer to the $5 million mark. We started in 2018 just bel just around $2.5 million. We've also during that

039same time period given 26 to 28% raises. So I share that as context to say while we we have been able to do both become more efficient while also generating some uh some wiggle room to continue to invest and be agile and responsive for the future. So this is just a kind of a highle overview some of the other conversations that we'll be having with you guys really over the course of the next year. [clears throat] Um currently the first five months they're kind of Jan January to May really setting priorities and clarifying our process. We're having the draft budget discussion today but in April we'll be looking at uh there's lots of staffing conversations will be going on but also our salary schedule and job descriptions. We will continue to massage the budget and

040have a much clearer one by the time we reach the tentative and we've engaged in this five-month process. uh the back half of the year, the fiscal year does begin July one. Um but then we'll be able to finalize our revenue by the time we get our property assessments. Um and then really our state money is not finalized until the following March, just as a just as a reference. It is a bit backwards. You finalize revenue last and clarify all your expenditures first. Um but really by May the tenative budget u because people are starting to make spending decisions in June. Uh, so we want to make sure that we're in a really good spot by the time we get to the tentative. >> As you all know, the excuse me, [clears throat] the draft

041budget is just that, our beginning. We don't know a lot. We have a lot more to go. Uh, we can predict our ending balance as Alex spoke about just a second ago. But as we move forward through these months, we'll start to get we'll meet with the directors. We'll talk about what's the your goal for the rest of the year. we'll start talking about next year and as we get farther along in the process we'll be able to predict the ending balance better um which of course will be our beginning balance for next year. So the things that we know for that right now we do know there's always step increases with salary. So there is always a salary increase as far as that goes. Of course we don't know um what the board will

042decide about raises yet. We don't know um staffing exactly yet. But we'll start those conversations as we go through. We'll start meeting with the directors and going my goal is to go line by line through the budget and really this year focus on like what are your plans, what are your priorities, let's talk about what are we going to put in each category and really focus on ownership and uh monitoring that closely. We um do know of course you know that there's inflationary costs that will go up um but we don't know that for sure yet or exactly what that will be. We'll start meeting with insurance companies etc and talk more about next year's um premiums and things like that. Um so it's just a lot of guessing at this point. So we start

043the draft budget with the working budget basically and then we go line by line and we start picking at it like okay where can we increase where can we decrease and what will happen there. Um I think the important things that like Alex focused on the um steps for the next five months meeting with directors, meeting with principles, talking about priorities and making sure those align with our budget and we just need more time to gather the tenative budget will be much more detailed. Miss Rogers, I'd like to go back to the fund balance over 10-year graph. And um when I look at this um if if you follow the news right now, I think people are seeing across the state that there are a lot of districts in serious financial straits. And I think

044that a lot of that, and please correct me here if I'm off base, but that came from the the COVID dollars essentially and people made investments that were for things that last that you have to continue spending on year to year. >> Correct. >> And I my understanding is mostly in Nelson County those dollars were spent on investments in people and students. >> Correct. So instead of on necessarily hiring personnel we could not sustain. >> Exactly. >> That is correct. >> So I'm very grateful that we are not even though we're showing a dip and my understanding is from what you all have said that is >> largely due to the decrease in the CO dollars. Correct. >> Correct. >> But I'm glad we don't have a story tonight of a shortfall that we're not

045having sufficient funds to pay bills. I heard Jefferson County is at $188 million shortfall over budget right now. And um we're hearing other districts with very very large numbers. So um when we look at that I see that the projection for 26 27 is still higher than what we were precoid. So have we in your summary have we budgeted effectively to be able to stay within the margins of where we're going to be? Yes, that's our goal. Sustainability is our goal and that's what we're still working on. Um, as Mr. Bradley referenced, you know, frontline staffing, we always want to be efficient. We always want to smart money, smart uh money mojo. That's our new thing. We want money mojo. So, that is what we are focusing on is sustainability and smart investments, return on

046those investments. And we we knew this dip was coming. We've been planning for it. We've been talking about it. We knew it was coming. Esser funds were a blessing and a curse. >> I hear it at every finance thing that I'm at. Blessing and a curse. >> Yeah. In our case, we didn't have enough money to really elevate certain, you know, unsustainable resources. You know, with the additional cash, we mostly spend it on additional time for team members in the system, uh, and some additional time for students in the summer. uh and it gave us some space to invest in some things that um we needed to invest in whether it was preschool or certain programs. But in general uh this is a we do project basically a flat balance this year from where we

047started. >> Thanks guys. >> Thank you very much. >> [clears throat] >> So, speaking of budgets, the auditing process is uh is connected to this. So, um Patrick and Associates weren't able to be here tonight, but they are going to be on a Google Meet to talk about the auditing process. Um and they'll be able to explain that further. So, we'll click here and let's see. present our slides. >> Sorry, I can't hear you. >> Yes, we hear you. >> Just got to turn this volume up a little bit. Is that coming through though? All right. Having trouble with my sound. We hear you. Oh, >> yeah. I had it on uh I had it on mute. That's why you couldn't hear us. >> Here we go. Can y'all hear me now? >> Yes. >>

048Okay. I am so sorry [laughter] when that always stresses me out when that won't work right. And I know people are waiting on me. I'm sorry. I don't know what was wrong. >> That's okay. Um, all right. And I can just see you, so I can't see everybody else, so I'm I'm gonna um act like I'm talking to the room here. And um, good evening. I'm Beth Francis. I'm with Pat, one of the partners of Patrick and Associates is Tammy Patrick and I. And we worked for the state auditor's office for our entire careers and retired in 2018. And we decided we would just keep doing audits because they're so much fun. Everybody enjoys us and loves seeing us come. So, um, here we are. And so, we've gotten into school boards. We've done Nelson

049County for a couple years now. And we really enjoy working with Superintendent Bradley and Jessica and their staff. They're always so kind and helpful and get us everything we need on time. It which helps make the audit go much easier for everyone involved. So, we know they're trying to do a job daily and run a district and get through an audit. So, we try to um make it as painless as possible. I hope they agree with that statement. But um of course an audit's a lengthy process. You know, we're looking at all of your processes, your internal controls, compliance requirements with all these grants you're applying for, documentation of transactions and your food service, your debt, payroll, all these things that are combined into this report here that we have touched upon, which is pretty

050much every area where money is being spent. Um the audit results of course are a reflection of the staff's day-to-day work and um tone at the top. We think, you know, that that really sets the tone for everybody going forward. And I think your superintendent and your finance staff have a really good handle on, as you just saw, I was watching on YouTube, on budgeting and realizing we have had a lot of districts that have um gotten into some financial straits with the ESSER money coming in and trying to spend money on things that are going to be recurring each year rather than just um like you say, investing in one-time things. So, um that's all good. We had those discussions when we were on site because we had seen them some other places and

051they were very well aware and knew exactly where they were headed. So, looks like you all have some good planning in place going forward. Um, but as a result of the audit, we did send a summary letter and there should be an electronic copy of the report for everyone. Um, we didn't notice any um items that would require report findings or management letter comments. So, that's always a good thing. You have an unmodified opinion, which is what you're always striving to get. you never want a modification to that opinion. Um, you will see this year in the first letter that there is an emphasis of matter paragraph about a new auditing standard that went into place this year. It changed the way that compensated absences have to be accounted for. In the past, we usually

052just took you all would be responsible for a certain percentage when people left and it was based on how many you thought would leave. Now, it's a big complex calculation that did require a restatement to the financial statements. So, that is what the restatement is. um reflective of it's nothing that the district did. It will be in every district report this year due to the auditing standard change. Um a brief financial overview. I know make it short and sweet. The overall net position increased by about $7.5 million. That takes into account cash balances um capital assets any deferred inflows and outflows with this pension calculation. So then you go to fund balances and see, well, it looks like we had a $6 million decrease there from last year. That was because you all had bond

053proceeds from the prior year that you all were using for construction projects. You had a lot of construction expenditures during fiscal year 25. That's why you would see fund balance go down. It wasn't an indication of um losing money or anything. And then the biggest tell is in the general fund. that balance ended with approximately $5.9 million of which 5.5 is unassigned and unrestricted. So, um that's good. You all have a good good cushion there foundation. So, that's that's all indicative of good financial position. So, um that's really all we have to report. You all have, you know, great process, no findings, unmodified, and you um have a good healthy fund balance left. So, does anybody have any questions or concerns they want to bring up? >> Jamie, can you explain findings, what a finding

054could be, and you know, kind of the reality that we didn't have any findings. Just >> again, like I say, in the audit process, you know, we look at all of the internal controls over expenditures, how many people are reviewing expenditures, are looking at invoices and payroll. We go through a process where we look for the controls over payroll. We look to make sure there's no no um fictitious employees included. We do a test for that. We we look at pretty much every area. Findings can range from um verbal up to whether they would hit the audit report. So sometimes you could have verbal findings that that aren't significant enough to warrant getting in the report. Or you can have ones that are very significant would end up in the report. Those would be things

055like um lack of controls over certain areas or if there was a misappropriation of funds, anything like that. So, the fact that there aren't any is um indicative that the controls we looked at, of course, the audit is not 100% assurance, but reasonable assurance that um all funds were spent appropriately. There's been no misappropriation. >> Any further questions? That's what we like to hear. >> That's good news. >> That's very good news. >> Kudos to our finance team. >> All right. Any other questions? >> Systems. >> I don't think so. I think we're good. We really appreciate you doing the work and shining a bright light on how wonderful our team is. >> Well, we appreciate you all contracting us, allowing us to do the audit. Like I say, we enjoy the um audites where

056things go smoothly with the staff and and records are in order. It actually makes our jobs. As much as people like to think auditors are looking for things to write up, we really um don't enjoy that. So, this this was great and always is. So, >> thank you. All right, I think we're good. >> Okay, thank you all so much. I appreciate it. >> Thank you for joining us. >> Thank you, Miss Rogers. All right, up next we have a review of the new Haven facility plan. >> All right, so we're going to get an update here from Mr. Picket. Remember that Picket and pass few of the architects on this project. Remember that last month in December, uh we were actually at New Haven and uh Mr. Picket gave an overview really of the

057of the scope we were looking at in terms of the school and and improvements. Um and then he's going to kind of detail today some of the action we're prepared to take. Um but just a reminder of kind of the high level overview of the scope. Um the section between the the school and the gym. Looking to make that pedestrian only. Looking at a front and rear drop off. Also looking at moving the the front entrance to kind of having a line with those hallways and and renovating that front of that space along with additional playground equipment. Uh and then also some fixtures on the inside and fixing those up. So I'll give to Jeff. And >> thank you. Good evening. Uh so um we've continued to work on the project and uh we've gotten

058to the point where u we've completed the design development documents which is a major milestone. Um at that point uh we submit uh the a set of drawings and [clears throat] BG2 which is uh like an outlined spec specification of the project and the BG3 which is the estimated construction budget. Um we submit those to KDE which allows us to officially move to the next step which is the construction documents and the bid documents. Uh so that's where we are now. Um we continue to develop uh a lot of site issues uh primarily um so there's some drainage issues that we're still working through. Um you know because we're uh modifying the entrance around the road uh we've got to make sure that all those uh ducks in a row and our site engineers are

059working on that for us. Uh they're developing the parking um on the back side of the school. Um, uh, Alex >> 114 pages. I wasn't able to show them all, but >> come on. [laughter] Um, and as Alex mentioned, we're working, our engineers are working with uh, vendors on the playground and the courtyard. Uh, all of that's coming together really well. From the architectural side, we really focused on the entrance and how that sequence u improves the kind of interaction between the um the cafeteria and the rest of the school. So today really we're just asking for approval on the design development documents uh which includes that BG2 uh the BG3 document and then the drawings. Uh we we have been working closely with Kodell along the way to keep an eye on uh the

060scope and how it fits into the budget and we are tracking below uh the budget right now. Uh we meet with them weekly and discuss where we are with the project. We'll continue to do that through the CDs. Um so that's where we are. We're asking for that approval. >> Thank you. So any discussion? If not, um, we will need a motion to approve the BG2, BG3, and the design development drawings as presented. >> I'll make the motion. >> Thank you. Do I have a second? >> I will second. >> Thank you. All in favor? I >> I. >> Any opposed? All right, we're ready. >> Thank you so much. >> That's exciting. >> That's a >> Yay. We should clap on that one. >> Yes, we should. >> That's a big one. >> All

061right. And moving on, uh we will now review the Nelson County High School facility plan update with Miss Sakolski and um Miss Ward. So, we'll be seeing a lot of uh Miss Ward over the coming months. Um over the last couple months, Miss Sakolski, myself meet with Miss Ward on Mondays to really sort through and provide insight. Mrs. Skolski is also working with the team of teachers uh on this work and Miss Ward has also met with the groups of teachers to begin the process uh working around a set of design principles. So they will take it from here. >> Yes. So like Wes said we have been meeting with multiple stakeholders and our work has really been around like what is the purpose of school? How does that fit into new facility design? So

062we have a staff in then the know group that has met a few times now to really talk about what does that space need to look like to meet that purpose of school. Uh we have some students that have also engaged in conversation around uh what they also feel u the future of school needs to look like and how that impacts facility needs uh from them as well. I'm actually going to hand it off to Kate to start before we dig into the actual high school setting to talk about the softball field update. I think that's the next slide that you have on as it is more something that she's talked about recently. >> So, giving you a general update. We're not asking for any formal approvals tonight. We're just giving you updates on where

063we stand with the softball bid package, which is going to be released before the Nelson County High School phase one bid package. Um, so going through schedule right now, we're meeting with Alex Martin, Kodell, and our site team to discuss pros and cons of each position of the softball field at the former or at the OKH uh, middle school football practice field. So, at the March meeting, we'll be asking for CD approval of that bid package because the softball field will need to move out of the way for the plan for Nelson County High School to have that connection to the UpCenter. So, we're going to be asking for approvals in March. We'll give you an update in February. We will start construction in April tenatively and then the original softball field will not be

064in use from November 14th to February 14th of this coming year, but the batting um building and other facilities will be used for the softball team. So, that's what we're working towards right now. And we are working with a landscaping and irrigation team to make sure everything is on track for a February 14th practice season on the new field. I'm sorry, is that of 2027? >> Yes. Yes. Correct. Um, and so moving on to Nelson County High School and the framework we're looking at as we design that project. I've had the benefit of leveraging a lot of the knowledge and conversations that have happened before. I started out here at 2021 and then I stepped away for a bit and now I get to benefit from doing this design after a lot of these good

065conversations. Again, I don't breathe when I talk so I am okay, but then I run out of breath. Okay. Um, so Nelson County design principles. So, we are looking through a filter of these design principles as we look at Nelson County High School. And those are flexible and evolving use, safety, and transparency, and elevating the modern identity of the school. Um, I'll go ahead and go to the plan just because that's easier for me to identify these different filters as we're talking about the building, but just to orient you. And I've taken away the old Nelson County High School plan, auditorium, gym, main entrance as it stands today. And what we're looking at is where you maybe saw some iterations with a large addition that went one direction or another. Looking at a circular plan

066that's going to allow us to build the new addition, keep school functioning in the middle and then leave behind student courtyard spaces that it begins to circle in more collaborative space and opportunities and choice for students and teachers to use for different ways that they can teach throughout the school day. So, um, let me go on to the next slide. So, just to orient like where we're thinking of everything going, uh, we're looking at middle school being programmed in the former high school, but we're looking at all, um, standard classrooms for high school students to be located in the addition. This addition would be twotory, and we'd be looking at a math and science wing on the second story. Oh, my background went away. There we are. Um, I added an animation that I didn't

067realize. So, uh, this front addition and main entrance along Bloomfield would be the higher elevation to give more presence to the high school, which was one of the master planning goals because right now the high school is pretty flat, doesn't have a lot of interest, and we're really looking at this main entrance to be the new gateway into your whole campus circulation. So, we're looking at public entrance in the front, uh, position more that has presence along Bloomfield, and then campus entrance and student interaction with EPCenter on the back. And just to show you what that might start to look like in scale, we're at the stage we're planning plans. We're going to start to elevate this for the next few meetings where you're going to see what it actually looks like. But in terms

068of how you would approach the school, we're going to have a large wing that has centered around a student life hub into an alumni garden that has a new entrance that centers on with the upcenter so that you start to have these approaches into the school that shows you there's something interesting happening on the inside and we start to bring the inside outside so people can start to see that there's life inside versus closed walls that feel very opaque and not welcoming to the public. So the alumni garden is centered near the front on the public entrance and then the student courtyard centered with the upcenter. So that could be more like a student learning lab and the alumni garden is more of a community stakeholder gathering point. So looking at a few um hub

069examples just because that's what I'm going to focus on tonight. We're looking at different schools that we brought to um Mr. Bradley's and Makolsky's um brought to the conversations. So, we're looking at ways that students, dual credit students, stop me if you've had other conversations, um, could come back into the fold, places that people have choice on how they want to study where whether it's couple groups, larger groups. Um we're using the ed hub in Eminence, Kentucky as a model for the student life hub where we have central um presentation space, gathering space that's flanked by smaller resource rooms and then having transparency and resources distribute throughout. So you never have to be behind four walls or a double loaded corridor without light. You learning is always present and visible as you're walking through the

070school. Another view of the ed hub. Um we are looking at a two-story space with lighting inside. So that would um offer that transparent and safety model where it's no one feels alone, no one feels secluded. And then just some other program spaces we're looking at. Learning labs might be something like a school store or cafe that starts to leverage any sort of integration between English and business or agg or others that could start to promote activity within a hub. So, this is just one example that could happen, but we're still having those discussions. >> And I just want to commend Kate for continuously taking our feedback and revisiting some design layouts. Um, what's really important to our teachers and our students is having that collaborative space. Right now, if you're in a Nelson County

071High School, it's very straight hallways, no windows, especially in the older part. Uh so really those designs of bringing everybody together has been extremely important to have something like a student courtyard that extends learning to the outdoors that allows for us to have space to even showcase student work. uh to create this ecosystem that allows our CT classes to really uh thrive in allowing, you know, our a team coming out and having some um gardening space where they could then potentially feed into like a cafe that is working in conjunction with our school cafeteria. So really just creating this idea that all pieces are connected together in some way that is really utilized by our students and our teachers to create a small little space that really just makes them feel like it's home and

072is creating some purpose around them coming to school that creating those skills that they can take into the real world too. So very much appreciative of her creativity and what she has done in making this what I think our teachers and students are extremely excited about. >> Miss Sakolski, is this organized around career clusters or can you speak a little? >> Yeah, it's and we've kind of played around with some different things. Um, you know, science and math go a lot hand inand but that doesn't mean they're isolated to just the upper part of the building as well. We've talked about bringing in uh those lab spaces that you could send a science teacher into to support with with the A. Um we don't isolate anymore in kind of a model like this where you're

073just by yourself. You know, you got your kind of the art collaborative space where that circle is right there has easy access to the auditorium. There now are going to be two kind of classroom workspaces that lead into the auditorium. So that way you're really thinking about what could it even look like for an English teacher to come into that space, do public speaking, um be able to work around having a space like that that's really conducive. So it's spread out enough that you're still having teachers in content areas being able to work together, which is a big feedback from our teachers. Our English team still wants to have access to each other in a space that they can continue to develop standards from 9 through 12. and then but also have that collaborative space

074in other areas to branch out into other pathways and into other um departments. >> I like the way that the approach is around making every area of the building usable on a regular basis. I think in traditional schools we would have things like an auditorium area that just was underutilized. And so it sounds like you're making plans toward integrating that into things where we can put groups of students regularly. >> Yeah. And one great thing that she's changed about this too is initially it was kind of out straight to towards the ATC and as we've talked through some of this she's wrapped it around to utilize and really safety was a big concern when we first started looking at some of that was going to leave a wide open space of courtyards. Uh but this

075encloses it and it's going to create a safer uh environment for our students to really be out and working in those courtyards. Um and it will just be really nice to be able to utilize that during the school day. So we have very little outdoor space in the grand scheme of things right now on our campus. >> Well, safe outdoor space. I think outdoor space thing. And I think one of the things I really appreciate what Kate said is every space will it will be a window of learning. everywhere you look, you're going to be able to see where students are going to be learning. And I think that um really breaks away from the traditional classrooms and hallways that we're used to seeing where everything is just in isolation. You're just walking down an

076empty hallway and everyone's closed off from the world. I love to see that this really opens up if anyone's walking into that space, you see, you're witnessing what's going on in that building. um which I think we all will appreciate and I appreciate the amount of time you guys have put into just the design phase of this >> and Miss Ward I really like the changes. I'd seen the earlier earlier renderings and I think that this is much more conducive to safety indeed, but I think it's be exciting. You know, it's a vibrant place for learning. >> I'm glad for the update. Thank you very >> So, this is not a schematic design approval at this point. We're just to be clear, the board's not approving anything. Um, when do you anticipate schematic being close?

077So, at the March meeting, we're going to be asking for schematic design approval of this, which will be um more site plans. We do have our team involved, landscape architect, too, because there's large courtyard spaces. Um so, SD schematic design will be March. DD where Mr. Picket is now with New Haven will be June and then final CDs will be uh requested in at the end of September. So, we're looking at an anticipated construction date as long as all days meet and Kodell finds it acceptable in November. >> Awesome. >> Has this been shared within the building? >> Sorry, ask again. >> Has said, has this been shared within the building with opportunities for feedback? >> Yes, our staff in the no group has had access to this. We just met with Kate last Tuesday.

078last Tuesday, uh she got feedback from staff um about the different spaces and she's already kind of kicked off and moved a few things as well. Uh and it'll still continue those conversations. Those staff members have been tasked with going out and sharing with their peers and getting feedback to bring back to our next meeting. So, yeah, lots of lots of input from lots of people. And also love the fact that it's what's inside is what our where the current courtyards are uh listed on there. This is going to be minimal disruption to the current building. So, it's kind of wrapping around. Uh so construction while it might be a little loud, we'll still for the most part not have a lot of disruption to our building and we'll be able to transition into the

079new building and then they'll get a start on the inner part and not have to move a lot of people around. So we're excited about that, too. >> Very good. Very good. Very good. Well, I don't want to give a false sense of hope here. [laughter] >> Let's be clear. This is gonna this is gonna be messy. So, I mean, I just want to say to the board, to anybody that's engaging in this conversation, this is going to be a very messy process. While it'll be controlled and there'll be specific uh areas targeted, um obviously the way it's being designed, um it's not that necessarily the noise will be the issue. It it'll just be the natural occurrence of uh hallways closing over time. And that's a it'll take a strategic process. Uh, and I

080think it's safe to say if you're a student on the Nelson County campus during construction, there will be some some programs at times that could be relocated to the UpCenter or to Kentucky Home Middle School as a byproduct this in the same way we're seeing right now with the UpCenter. So, uh, while it, uh, is going to be awesome and it's going to bring a lot of of of new sense of identity and possibility within these spaces in a way that we don't really even fully understand, it's going to be messy getting there. So, just a reminder, >> that is okay. And we're excited. >> 100% worth it. [laughter] >> Thank [clears throat] you, guys. >> Thank you. All right. And moving on, we have the Thrive Academy um conversation with Stacy Holderman. >> I'm

081always excited to talk about Thrive and um I'm aware of the time, so don't get worried. I'm not going to overstay my time here, but I'm so passionate about the work and we get to work with so many students and families who really need us and perhaps haven't had that level of success that they've wanted and needed in their life. And so, it's just really uh powerful to be able to see changes in people. When you think about our Thrive Academy day treatment program, and I say it like that because we are a fully functioning day treatment program, and that's a really big deal, and it's exciting to have DJJ's partnership in that they provide us not only with financial support, but um accountability and checks and balances and really just add to the fidelity

082of the programming uh that we have. So if you walk into Thrive Academy, it just looks and feels different than it has in the past and it should. So you know, students are changing classes and bells are ringing and there's life in the hallways and no one's in trouble and it's a fun place to be and we want them to enjoy their time as they're making um just changes and improvements in their life. Uh when you think about uh the building currently directly across from us and you see the sign on the building uh Thrive and Work and Life more and more often people are just referring to us as Thrive and that just seems very natural and it's just occurring pretty naturally organically um if you will and that is the purpose of course

083is just to help the students who are there um to thrive. So it's a blended educational model. We have teachers up teaching. Students aren't behind their computers all day at all. So teachers are teaching. Projectbased learning also occurs in some areas. There's a lot of movement, sensory integration. So it looks and feels very therapeutic and I would invite you all to come and enjoy the space with us sometime if you're interested in just feeling that. We'll go to the next slide. Um when you think about our mission of uniting people, place and purpose and you think about Thrive Academy or Thrive if you will uh we are integrating a lot of different people into the model. Uh we do have uh qualified mental health professionals working alongside teachers. Um students have access to individual therapy

084during the school day. um they are currently engaging in three psychoeducational groups per week. One of those groups is a me a music therapy group which the kids are absolutely loving. Um we have a zones of regulation group which really focuses on uh being able to self-regulate and and teaching a lot of skills out to the kids. And then there's a third group that often consists of substance use prevention. Um so the groups are inviting. Um they are also stimulating for the kids. Again a lot of movement, a lot of interaction from the from the students. We couldn't do this without our partners. Our community partners also play a big role here. So we had people coming in and out of the building. I think it was just last week. they were working through um

085interviews and uh community folks were coming in and interviewing the kids and they were all dressed up and it was just um a great place to be for the kids. Um when you think about place in the 26 27 school year, we're going to inherit some more space and we'll be in this building and that will allow for us to expand some mental health services, behavioral health supports. So we are really um very deep in that work right now figuring out how do we meet the needs in a really smart efficient way and a way that's going to be sustainable for years to come. So we're working on that currently. So when I look even in this room, I think about a collaborative space for kids who are in different kinds of programs, not only

086a day treatment program, but programs that are shorter um in length, but still intense and targeted to meet the needs. So, we're working on thinking about using the space and the additional space to also engage elementary students in day treatment programming. So, starting earlier and identifying when there's needs earlier in their life. So, a lot of things going on right now. Um, I'm very fortunate to have an advisory committee that's working alongside uh with me and and really thinking about all the opportunities and how they may be in this space and be working with us and our students as well. And then our purpose of course is to thrive in work and life. We want people to be successful. Um, we're seeing that success live out day in and day out. So, it's pretty exciting.

087Um and uh really really exciting for the people who are in these programs seeing the difference it's making for kids and their families. So if you all have any questions about this work, I'd be happy to answer anything for you. >> You've started a uh team of people. So I guess there's a couple layers of this. You know, Stacy grabs the bull by the horn. She grabs the mic by the horns, too. I was I didn't get to introduce the so larger conversation is we've been we've been working over the last three this is why you know you're you're perfect for the the next step we've been working over the last few months uh as the bus garage is uh comes to completion uh this spring uh and the students of the what has been

088known as the academy transition into summer uh we'll be transitioning really the business function of the Nelson County schools into uh the academy and the bus garage combining operational functions between transportation services, finance and other services within the district. Um so the business office, if you will, and the transportation office will be here in our transportation hub along with what has been known as the academy. And we've been able to fortunately, you know, put our money where our mouth is and begin to evaluate the transition process of this building that's front and center and make it about students. We've had students downstairs for many years. Um, but we've also, I think, as we look at the work going on in Thrive, we have an opportunity to elevate the identity of students with great needs, their

089families, uh, and the story around how we are working to put students first. And I think Stacy and their team are ready for this step. You have a team of people though that are working with you. uh so eight or 10 people that are part of this conversation around how this shift can become a sustainable shift, not uh just a short-term pie in the sky dream, but it's a long-term opportunity that serves students across Nelson County schools uh and beyond. Can you talk about that team a little bit just to >> Absolutely. So the team, the advisory committee met in um December and was really great because half of the team are Nelson County leaders, but the other half were um our partners and you all approved those MOAs. A lot of those partners were

090around the table. Um physicians, uh CEOs of um hospitals, um people who are serving our kids and families um every week and and people who really have a heart and passion for helping kids and understanding their needs, but also have a lot of experience in programming and training and things of that nature. So, it's been really great to partner with other individuals who may see a gap in services and um even more exciting to think about what they might bring into our space. And so we have uh one of our uh partners is thinking about what's it going to look like if I come in and offer an intensive outpatient program to adolescents who really need that program so that people don't have to leave our county and go somewhere else for that service or

091what's it going to look like for a physician to possibly be in this space once every couple of weeks to work with and see those families and their their children who may need that type of care as well. So, we're we're really trying to explore all these areas and not leave anything um unturned um because the better and the more accessible services are that the healthier our children will be. So, >> Miss Holderman, where do families currently travel to if they need intensive services? So Louisville is um obviously a place that families are traveling to if they need intensive services. Radcliffe is another >> and that's for daily trips for those families >> daily daily trips especially if it's an in intensive outpatient program that families are attending in person and so it does take

092a toll and and we notice and I see every day that there are a lot of families who have to say no. I I know that my student would benefit, but we can't make that trip. And so for those kind of programs to be here on site, it would be just a gamecher for our families and students. I just want to commend you for what you have done for Nelson County Schools and um leading the mental health treatment for our students and leading um the opportunities to bring in community partners so that we have a population when they need assistance, we can do that locally. And I think the program is more than um than we may have ever visioned being possible under your leadership. So >> thank you. Or because of your leadership. >>

093Yeah. Well, and I think, you know, going back to how you got here had a lot to do with Dr. Lee and a grant. [laughter] >> Absolutely. >> Really got this started and I think it just has grown into something that I don't even think we could have imagined of what it >> is today. Um, and where you are going in the future. And I think space, if you can look at it and know that we can put it to good use for for students in Nelson County, I say let's do it. [laughter] No, it's it's really exciting and I you know, I feel the very same way. It's been such a pleasure and um to be able to come in and do something you're passionate about every day and to be able to do

094it in a school district where um a lot of schools don't have this level of support. Schools call us every day, just so you all know. They want to know about our programming. They want to know how we're managing to do um and and really start some of this work. So, it's an exciting time to be creating and um really putting these programs together. So, thank you all. >> Thank you. >> All right. Moving on. We have um I don't know if you wanted to touch a little bit on at the last meeting you had asked for some information or if Alex if you're going to kind of cover that a little bit too so we know where we're headed with this. >> Yep. So you please summarize it. Yeah. >> Yeah. Last board meeting

095uh it was requested that we have a kind of a report on population density and demographic study of the county as really as it relates to our school zones or school boundary map and just trying to assess what is the current reality. So today I've I've uh done some studies of that and it's going to kind of prevent some or present some entry level uh data around that conversation. So, [clears throat] um, obviously our Nelson County, uh, shape here is a oddly shaped county. Um, pretty much the conversation is based on where you live kind of helps us determine where you attend school. Uh, and this approximate school boundary map kind of helps us define that. Um, so I guess one of the questions is how did it become what it is today? I'd say

096a number of evolutions have occurred over time, but it does closely follow our magistrate district maps. if you if you really study that. Uh obviously transportation and things of that nature also come into play, but they closely resemble. So really what this shows based on again where you live uh and the different level of school you're at, whether that be elementary, middle, or high, the different sector of the county you live kind of determines where you attend school. So for the elementary level, these different if you're color blind, you're really going to struggle with this, but the different colors represent where you would attend. So in the top right, this reddish area, that would be Bloomfield Elementary and then Coxus Creek in the blue, Boston is also this reddish area to the left, New Haven

097to the south, and then Foster Heights. There's kind of two zones of Foster Heights that are there in the green. The gray area in the middle, that's actually Btown City Schools. Uh, and that's students that live there would attend that school at the middle level. Uh again, the different colors kind of define uh schools. So again, we currently have Bloomfield Middle and Oakucky Home. Um those two sectors would attend Bloomfield Middle, and then these areas would be uh Kentucky home. At the high school level, there's a kind of a black line that runs down our county. It follows uh Bargetown or Louisville Road, and then once it gets into Bargetown, it follows 31E to Balltown and then uh 46, I believe, on out. Well, that that line essentially divides uh for our high school zones.

098Uh to the west would be Thomas Nelson and the east would be Nelson County High. Uh this information is on our school website. If you click on families and enrollment, there's lots of information around this. You can also find this map that's there. It's an interactive map. You can um click on it and then type your address in and it would kind of show you approximately where you may attend school. So if you overlay the elementary, middle, high, this is kind of what it looks like when you throw all the logos on the space. So the current uh boundary maps, that's kind of how it works through the different levels. Another question that could come up is where do students live? Uh this was a kind of an extensive study we also have done with

099the with the LPC um and where the source of this. So our student information is housed in a system called Infinite Campus. it you can pull information out of it all the way back to like 2010. So really around 15 years of data. You pull out all the student primary addresses and each of these little dots represent a student that has attended Nelson County schools where they have once lived or where they may live today. Um and really if you if you break if you kind of use this uh boundary zone again and just kind of count you know how many students live where this is how it breaks down. Uh I think really what we found with the LPC study, obviously this kind of oblonged circle shape here in the middle really the bulk

100of people do reside towards the center part of Nelson County. I think we found around 66% kind of live in that zone. Uh and then we also have lots of dots that are outside the county that attend our school district. So this is comes from Infinite Campus and this is kind of how it breaks down where students live. Uh, another conversation I was able to connect with our Nelson County planning and zoning. Uh, just kind of studying, you know, it's the question is really not not where do students live currently, but where might they live in the future and where are we seeing development and what are the plans for future development. Uh, there's lots of information on their site as well. This map I found to be particularly useful. Um, there they have a

101version where you can click on it and zoom in and it kind of breaks down these different colors. Um but essentially the conversations that stood out as we think about growth within the county, you have to kind of leverage the infrastructure that already exists and and the general summary was um most of our infrastructure is really around the city or directly just outside of it. So the intent is to continue to develop in the city. So this kind of tan area, develop that space in the city and then kind of once that's been developed to then move directly outside of that and kind of make the circle bigger and expand your way out. That's the intent on future development. Um these two blue areas were highlighted really in particular. their current uh residential developments that

102are that are going on uh just outside the city on 31E and then also on 605 in the Woodlon area are two rather large expansions that are currently happening. Um this green area to the to the south and to the west that's deemed naturally sensitive areas to build on um most likely you know very uh hilly and then also flood planes come into that as well. So, I thought it was interest interesting as we think about future growth of the county, where might that occur? So, really any I guess the questions are or any questions on any of the data that you've seen today? Um the next question for me as we think about continuing this conversation, what priorities do the board have around this study and what else might they like to see moving

103forward? >> Of course, I have a question. If you'll go back to the previous slide, um, when I look at this, I I appreciate that you went to planning and zoning because I think that that is a good source of where I assume Nelson County is looking at where they put their priorities in building and expanding infrastructure as well. Um, being with the fiscal court, etc., maybe even the state. And so I heard you say that, um, that this is these were the areas in blue that were intent on residential development. Does that mean intent meaning contractors and builders are currently planning projects there? >> I believe they're happening right now. >> Okay. >> They are in effect. >> Oh, >> okay. And you're a realer. So, what what do you know, Mr. Gillland, about

104this? >> Those two circles are very accurate. >> Okay. >> That's where two big subdivisions are going right now. And that area is just where a lot of the population is. >> [clears throat] >> When I look back at those boundary maps, um I think there's a lot of complication there and I think it's confusing. And that's why what generated me asking this question is because I I do hear from families in some of the areas I represent who have confusion about where their students go to school and um a lot of movement back and forth um in that. And so I think back to the conversation we had about um a year ago roughly out at Cox's Creek with um >> Mike I've forgotten his last name. Lefavers, >> Lefavorvers, Mike Lefavers. And one

105of the things he had talked about and I went back and looked at the study on was at the American Psychological Association that says students who move in and out of feeder patterns instead of staying together with the cohort when they move out of that feeder pattern, they have about a 10% reduction in performance. And it that's the first year meaning whatever they normally get grew or gained, they lose at least 10% of that. And that compounds across time. And so that was sort of the genesis of why I think about this. And um that that is a concern for me, you know, and and understanding we have to look into the future in terms of when we're talking these construction projects and what's needed and and feeder patterns, what's what are our current needs,

106what are students currently doing, and then where is it leaning toward based on this construction so that we're planning adequately. know questions like are we putting enough space in to the appropriate facilities? >> I look at it in terms of you know we have Foster Heights. It's got a lot of students. It's our largest elementary school. Correct. >> Yes. >> Um and then Cox Creek which both of those schools are impacted by those two will be impacted by those two growth areas. Correct. >> Yes. So, um, is there a way that I guess the question would becomes, do we need to look at how the elementary schools feed our middle schools? Do we need to look at do we need to include that in our overall conversations as we move into the um 612 models?

107Do we need to make sure that these feeder patterns are aligned across the district? Um, I'm not sure that's a question that we can answer. Um, is that something that there's people out there that can look at this and say this is what you need to be planning for um in this conversation? I mean, first of all, why is there a little group of Foster Heights parent kids on the other side of the city limits? Like, what why is that? >> That predates me. >> I think it's it was probably a transportation >> conversation. >> When was the last time a study was done? Well, I think other than what we do in the LPC, there's not been a there's not we've never talked about these lines. Um, from what I'm aware of or you

108know, I mean, if it's happened in the last 25 years, I'm not aware of it. Um, I think that mostly what happened in 1991 when CARA reform came in was the board replicated what existed from 1950 forward. So most of these schools in these areas were essentially the you know predated 1920s 1930s small communities that existed and thrived and that was replicated in 1991 when uh schools were built in Bloomfield Coxis Creek Boston over that next 10 to 15 year period. So I share that just as a reference point. Cara came in, condemned some of the schools. Chaplain got closed, Coxus Creek got condemned, Boston got condemned. They just started replicating what was already there. Uh, and really kind of stabilized during that period to have what we have today. when we look at this

109um other districts have been through this and I know they have expent or spent a significant amount of time doing so and there has to there's a lot of information here and I think when we look at ways to examine that and how do we even look at various data to maximize for our students the opportunities that are there and the transportation systems um is that something that you reach out to other districts Um because obviously I think if we've not done it, we probably lack the experience in doing that. >> So I would say a healthy school board is always having this conversation during the course of a school year to acknowledge any trends. You don't want to get to a local planning committee every four years and be blindsided by conversations or new

110data. So I think that's first let's say that you know this is an ongoing conversation around population enrollment. Uh if we look at um where we are in our outlying communities, we know we've we've uh had some loss of of school age children. Our census has told us that we can see that. Um we also know that centralized there's been growth. Um but I would say to your question, how might other districts do it? I think it's just different. There's a lot of there's a you know the way one district approaches it varies to the next. There are organizations that do support whether that's Kentucky Association of School Administrators uh or others that do support a population study. The University of Louisville is another one that does a lot of work around population studies and

111and looks at trends. I think um one of the things I'm hearing from uh what priorities do board members have. One of those things is just clarity. Right now it's not as clear as it needs to be or or maybe as straightforward or logical. So we're trying to figure out long term if we think about the next 10 to 20 years what does allow for us to predict and simplify some of these structures. >> It definitely was a conversation that repeated itself in the parents in the no meetings um when parents were asking they they have to ask because they're not clear on where their student will be attending. I want to ensure we are building school identification um beginning with elementary so that students are with their peers and they can form those groups

112and those relationships that carry across time. And I think right now we have a lot of confusion around the division. And I I feel that we should at least explore this from the standpoint of you know what we we support school choice as a board. We have done that previously. We do it now. And I think we will in the future in terms of allowing out of area so that families can do what's adaptable to that. And so how do we align transportation for example to that so that to ensure you know what the needs are and I think we need some metrics and in doing so. So you >> and at this point I mean we've we've already adopted um and voted on a plan that puts middle school and high school I mean

113I feel like there's no way around kids are going to go to an elementary school and then they're going to transition to this 612 model that was voted on you know so you know and I'm so glad that we have elementary schools in these small communities because while I think it's great to have you know more opportunities and the cohesive ess in the 6 through 12. I think there's a real benefit in parents having a school that's in their community and and smaller and and so >> earlier ages. I >> I think it's great and and the shape of our county. I mean, I think I think we need to value and and hope there's never a plan to move those into anything more central because I think that's a real benefit. >> Yeah. I

114don't think that I don't think that's the conversation. And I think when I look at it, I look and um and I think you mentioned it sort of identification purposes. I know at Bargetown City Schools, my kid's going to be a tiger from kindergarten to high school. I know my kid is where they're going, who they're going to be, and their identity is is there from the moment. Um is there a way, and again, this is something that I don't know if we can answer this question. That's why I think um like Dr. ly said, "Is there someone else that can look at this and say, "Hey, listen. You can align your elementary schools, your middle schools, and your high schools, and you can have a clear acrosstheboard um identity for those groups of kids

115that are coming up. We're getting ready to or we are investing, not getting ready, we are investing in two two into two um campuses in Nelson County. those campuses need to be healthy and they need we need to know that we are feel feeding those campuses um students that are ready to come in there and they identify with that building before they ever arrive. Um and I think that that is not only healthy for the students, it's healthy for every program in those on those campuses and it allows us to just have a straightforward model. I would 100% agree. We want our community schools, the small elementary schools to remain in those communities, but we want them to be healthy, too. >> That's a strong priority. >> Well, and this is just this is me,

116but I think it's important whatever we do, I mean, I think it's it's fine to look at what is most efficient and what makes sense from a busy standpoint. Of course, that is a that's a economical consideration, logistical, and it's good to study, but I I hope that whatever this board does, what one thing I I think is good is that we've given families the ability to choose what works best for them. Absolutely. >> And while it may make sense on paper, if someone's working somewhere and able to take their child to a different school, I think that's a a wonderful thing. >> Um, and if I hope that whatever we decide, we wouldn't get locked in on um and you know, not giving some grace there when it helps a family. So, >> I

117don't know that we really even know all the questions to ask if that makes sense based on the data that's out there. And that's why I think looking at some of the other groups who've done this and can give us some ideas on how to do it would be useful. >> I would say we have u for the last seven years really embrace school choice. I don't see that ever changing. Um and I think with the programs that are offered in different places whether that be academic or athletic programming people are going to have choices. Currently, we have about 12 or 13% of of students at each high school, is that right? That are out of area. Uh it's around 12 to 13%. Um Nelson County High School, the right side of that has 52%

118of the population. The left side, even though it's has greater land mass, has 48% of population. uh no matter which way you cut it, that's probably the way it's that's probably the way the county always falls because you've got the left side there that doesn't have um buildable land. Uh in addition to Cox Creek, which which obviously is very developed, but I would say any process the board would go through would potentially take six to 12 months of study and analysis potentially uh to evaluate anything. I think you also have the reality that right now families don't really identify, right? They don't necessarily identify um clearly in some cases because it's not it hasn't it's not clear. You know, you could take some other logos and move them around the map and it would still

119uh you know, you could move the OK logo over to the left side because that's also true. So I you know I think it's a process um it's a process that uh again a healthy board uh interacts with regularly. It's not something that should happen once every 30 or 40 years. So with that said it's really just a matter of how we engage in a conversation about that. I think it's hard to engage in the conversation until we really understand um what it is that we're looking at whether a decision is going to be made or not or just looking at the data and looking at the um looking at the metrics as Dr. Lee said. So I my question goes back to this isn't something that I feel our district needs to do. Is

120there a group or another district that you can speak with that will give us some information or come in and look and sort of do a study themselves, an independent study and we may find that things are perfectly fine the way they are that you know in looking at when you start looking at population and growth and shift and what that means. I think that there are districts who have seen that and so that if we get into a imbalance along those boundary lines for our high schools, what does that look like and how do we opportunize that for our students? >> So the question is, do we need to approve something or are you going to just look into it and bring it back to us? >> I think Alex has started some conversations

121with planning and zoning, the PVA's office. Uh they've talked a little bit about the work coming out of the University of Louisville. Um I I'm aware that there Kentucky Association of School Administrators does offer some services related to um things of this nature. I don't know the details of those things. I think Alex and I would have to reach out to people to evaluate and then share any stages that would occur because I'm assuming uh it would it would take some time. >> I would like for you to explore that and report back to us what some of those options are. we can explore those opportunities and really share back some ideas in February that exist. >> Sounds good. Thank you. All right. So, moving on to the board calendar um and celebrations. So, as

122we are here tonight at central office, we will be at central office until roughly July. I'm hoping sooner. [laughter] But for now, we're going to say July. Um, any changes in the calendar that you guys can see up front right now? I know these there might be changes as people's schedules change, but um or as weather moves in. Anything? All right. Do we have any celebrations? >> I want to celebrate all the significant things I've been seeing in our A programs lately. And um I know it's always been constant, but we really are have a first rate a program in Nelson County and it's showing in the the things that our students are getting done and some of our graduates as well. So we, you know, we'd often celebrate our um programs and I think

123that one's really been doing some spectacular things and that shows in the number of students are having statewide and national recognition. [clears throat] >> Would agree with that for sure. I think um something that I mentioned earlier, I want to give a shout out again to Miss Arnold for her work in Frankfurt last week um in representing the grow your own program. Um again, I I think that's one of another one of those things that we really don't understand the benefits of that. We're going to see that pay off in the next, you know, 15 20 years. Um, and I think we need to um continue to explain that program apparently, but also really celebrate it and celebrate the students that are taking advantage of it and um and looking forward to seeing that program

124continue to grow. And again, I want to celebrate um the board. This these are not necessarily the easiest jobs in the world. Um, and I don't know if they we would technically classify them as jobs, but they are way for us to give back to our community. And I know that takes time and energy. It's not just the sometimes three hours or four hours that we show up for a board meeting, but the one more than once a month there's there's work involved and um it I see it as an honor to serve to serve Nelson County and I appreciate um having that opportunity, but I know it's again I really appreciate everyone showing up and making sure that that we do what's right for Nelson County students. So, I celebrate us a little bit.

125[laughter] >> And I too want to echo the appreciation I have for our community and um the willingness to approach us as board members and have conversations and um both in support of and sometimes critiquing. And um I I like the professionalism and the the willingness for individual conversation. Hope that will continue. All right. Anything else, guys? All right. Um we will need to approve the calendar for um >> no changes needed. >> Oh, so we don't need to change anything. >> Awesome. All right. All right, with that we do need to convene into executive session um per KRS61.81 1C for discussion on student discipline. Do I have a motion? >> I'll make a motion. >> I have a second. >> Second. [laughter] >> All in favor? I >> Any oppos? >> [music] >> You

126won't. feeling ring. >> [music] >> You are found. ring. Rain. ring. You >> [music] >> You are [music] free. You fallen ring ring. You are a tucker. Heat. Heat. N. Chocolate. Beautiful. [music] [music] You are ringing me. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> I got a chocolate. Rain. Feeling me. You are me. >> [music] >> You want me ring the chicken wing. You fall around. I got a chocolate. It rain. >> [music] [music] >> You are free. You want me? >> [clears throat] >> It's not starting. It wasn't running. >> Break it. >> All right. So, um, we need a motion to reconvene regular session of the Nelson County Board of Education. >> I'll make a motion. >> Thank you. I need a second. >> Second. >> Y. All in favor? >> Any opposed?

127All right, motion passes. And now we have a motion to uphold the discussion discussed expulsion recommendations by the expulsion committee. We need a motion. I'll make a motion. Thank you. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Um, all in favor? >> Any opposed? >> All right. Motion passes. And now we need a motion to adjourn the regular session of the Nelson County Board of Education meeting. >> I'll make the motion. >> Thank you. Do I have a second? I'll second. >> All right. All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? >> All right.