Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Board of Education met in special session on Tuesday, January 24,  with board members Amy Hood, Delbert Johnson, Debbie Hammers and Rich Ellis present. Ryan Daugherty was  not present.

After a call to order by Dr. Hood, an oath of office was administered to reelected board members, Hood and Johnson. The oath was administered by Assistant Superintendent Josh Belcher. 

Next, the board elected a board chairperson and vice chairperson. Amy Hood was re-elected chairperson with Debbie Hammers taking the role of  vice-chairperson.  After this, the monthly meeting schedule, agenda, and minutes of the December meeting were approved; as well as the treasurer’s report and payment of monthly bills. 

Superintendent Robert Tuck, as well as BCMS Principal Tim Freeman, representing BC Schools' administrators, gave tokens of appreciation to board members for School Board Appreciation Month. Board members were praised for their selfless service to Butler County's students. 

Following this, the BCHS Cheerleaders were recognized for qualifying for and competing at the state level in December, finishing the highest a BC squad has in 10 years. 

Photo Courtesy of Lisa Rhoades 

Superintendent Robert Tuck then gave his monthly superintendent’s report. Among other topics, he shared that he had been able to attend GRREC’s (Green River Regional Education Cooperative) Legislative Luncheon with area legislators. There, superintendents had the opportunity to ask and answer questions, and give feedback to legislators concerning education-related issues. Tuck indicated the early focus areas of discussion surrounding education for this legislative session are providing budget stabilization for FY24 due to residual impacts of the pandemic and lessening the impact for districts facing enrollment and ADA (average daily attendance) drops. Additional areas of emphasis are: to address the staff shortages in our schools and districts-enhancing recruitment and retention of high-quality staff to work with students; to improve school safety; as well as Senate Bill 50 - a measure that proposes to make school board candidates declare a political party affiliation.  

Superintendent Tuck also shared information from the most recent meeting of the Butler County Strategic Plan Team, which brings together representatives from BRADD and across Butler County. The group met to review a five-year plan for the future of Butler County. The goals focused on 11 areas, including Downtown Development, Economic Development, Workforce Development, Affordable Quality Housing, Civic and Leadership Development, Tourism and Cultural Development, Sense of Place, Infrastructure, Transportation, Public Facilities and Services, and Public Health and Safety. 

At the conclusion of Superintendent Tuck’s report, Transportation Director Ryan Emmick reported on transportation, maintenance, and safety issues.

Click on the link below to access the approved 2023-24 academic calendar for Butler County Schools:

Butler County Schools Calendar 23-24SY.pdf

In the consent agenda portion of the meeting, many items were approved, including renovation projects, FY24 school year calendar, improvement plans for district schools, student accident Insurance renewal, FY 24 working budget draft, staffing allocation guidelines, and Section 504 Student Services procedures.

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Story by Beth Embry, Beech Tree News.