Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County School District will become a regular participant in non-traditional instruction (NTI) beginning with the 2020-21 school year.  The Butler County Board of Education approved the measure at last week’s monthly meeting (April 21).  Assistant Superintendent Robert Tuck presented the NTI information to Board members.

Butler County, like many school districts around the state, was thrust into NTI for the fourth nine weeks of instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic that halted in-person instruction.  Like others, the local school district was granted an emergency NTI waiver due to the pandemic.  Some other districts around the state had already been doing NTI for snow days, flu days, etc.  This was the original intent for NTI days, not prolonged use due to a pandemic as has been the case due to necessity.  Butler County will join those districts beginning with the next school and will use NTI days (up to 10 days) if needed due to the traditional reasons for school cancellation. 

The Board approved the treasurer’s report, which was presented by Eric Elms. The beginning balance for the month was $2,424,027.49. The ending balance for the month of March was $2,255,206.91.

Superintendent Scott Howard, in his report, praised local and state officials (elected and those in education) for their response and support during the pandemic. The superintendent also reported that the district will move into its summer feeding program once the school district ends and he offered words of appreciation to all school district employees.

“This is not the year anybody wanted but we have flattened the curve and are doing what we had to do,” said Howard.  “I’m proud of the Butler County School District.”  

Howard also pointed out things the school district has done or will be doing for its graduation seniors, including yard signs, banners for senior spring sport athletes, and billboards.  The superintendent clarified that spring sport seniors were being recognized in this way due to the fact they did not have a season.  Banners for other seniors were displayed during their respective seasons.   

Supt. Howard and Board Chair Dr. Amy Hood praised BCHS guidance counselor Sherlyn Bratcher for her work with a senior spotlight video and the “Adopt A Senior” program, which is ongoing.  

The Board approved several other items on its lengthy agenda:  

-BCHS Student Early Graduation Request

-FY 21 Maternity Leave Request for MES Teacher

-FMLA Request for MES Custodian

-FY 19 Revised Graduation Requirements

-FY 19 Revised Certified Evaluation Plan

-FY 19 Revised Butler County School Calendar

-FY 19 Emergency Day Plan to be Determined by the Superintendent

-FY 20 Non Traditional Instruction Application

-FY 21 Tentative Working Budget

-FY 21 SBDM School Council Allocations

-FY 20 School Facilities Construction Commission KETS Third Offer of Assistance in the amount of $9,967

-Second Reading of 10.4 Butler County Board of Education Policy Revision - Advertising and Distribution of Materials in the School

The next regular scheduled meeting of the Butler County Board of Education is set for Tuesday, May 12, at 6:30 p.m.

Butler County Board of Education members are Dr. Amy Hood (3rd District, Chairperson), Debbie Hammers (2nd District), Richie Ellis (1st District), Delbert Johnson (4th District), and Ryan Daugherty (5th District).