Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Board of Education held its monthly meeting Tuesday, October 16, at North Butler Elementary School.

District Finance Officer Eric Elms gave the financial report.  He said the beginning cash balance was $640,305.98, receipts were $1,114,854.95, expenditures were $1,348,053.18, leaving an ending balance of $407,107.25.  

“SEEK money is down about $120,000 and that is due in part to a decrease in enrollment,” said Elms.  We are operating on “ If you don’t need it don’t buy it”, added Elms.

Cody Donaldson, Kyllie Doughty, and Latisha Cardwell were recognized for receiving the Donna Hornsby Joint Technology Award.  The group received $400 for the school and has decided to purchase E-books. 

“The students used a variety of new technology to learn about natural disasters,” said Doughty.

During the Superintendent’s report, Mr. Howard told the board about recent events he has attended.  He said he had the opportunity to present Jordan Bryant the Outstanding Youth Award at the Annual Chamber of Commerce Dinner and Awards program.

“Jordan is such a fine young man and has just completed his Eagle Scout requirements,” said Howard.

He praised the True Lies Assembly, the North Butler Fall Festival, which raised $13,627, and the Butler County Baseball Boosters Womanless Beauty pageant.

Mr. Jimmy Arnold spoke to the board members about the district’s energy utilization during the past year.  Arnold reported that all schools in the district received the Energy Star Award, explained how each school functioned from an energy standpoint, and the money saved by the district.

Karla Coles gave the Youth Service Center Report.  The Youth Service Center serves all students in grades 6 thru 12.  They provide a variety of services from health screenings to drug prevention and awareness programs, career day, Teen Parent Support Group, and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group.

The board approved a motion to clarify its action on September 21, 2012 to consider the withdrawal of the Superintendent’s resignation; the board intended to and hereby clarifies its approval of the request by the Superintendent to withdraw his resignation dated September 6, 2012.  The Superintendent’s contract effective July 1, 2012 shall remain in full force and effect.

Before adjournment, the board voted to approve the following items:
•    Approve BCMS Band one day bus trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee
•    Approve BCHS FFA trip to National Convention
•    Approve BCHS Gifted/Talented Trip to Nashville
•    Approve FMLA request for MES teacher
•    Approve Fund 2 budget revisions
•    Approve requests for shortened school day and week for 5 special needs students
•    Approve upgrade of school bus radios to meet FCC standards
•    Approve participation through KISTA for purchase of school buses

•    Approve change in graduation requirements for Green River School