Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on November 8, at the Butler County Middle School.  Ms. Vickie Cook was recognized for being named the Kentucky District Assessment Coordinator of the Year.  
“Ms. Cook started as a kindergarten teacher, moved to principal of Third District Elementary, moved to Central Office, and has done an outstanding job as the Assessment Coordinator for the district,” said Scott Howard, BC Superintendent.
“I am honored and humbled by this award, it is not about me, it’s about all those that help me get the job done,” said Cook.

The Board also recognized the achievements of the Butler County High School Band.  The band finished seventh in the state in the 2A Class.  Director Jason Ausbrook, several band members and parents were on hand.  

Eric Elms gave the monthly financial report:  Beginning balance:  $760,881.00, receipts:  $1,263,737.42, expenditures:  $1,600,705.02, ending balance: $423,913.40.
 Superintendent Howard reported to the board concerning several meetings he had attended:  Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Board Meeting, KSBA Meeting, BCATA Meeting and GRREC Board Meeting.  According to Howard he recently attended a WKU Luncheon with six of the top students from BCHS.
The Board reviewed communications from: Festival of Tree, Proficiency Quest, NJROTC Inspection,  KSBA Conference and SKYPAC. Howard reported that the administrators had finished an Instructional Rounds book study.  
Lanny White, of Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPA’s, presented the audit.  “You (board) have a good audit, you have spent some money but overall things are good,” said White.  State money is in question and being conservative is wise.”  The General Fund beginning balance was $2,453,334 and the ending balance was $2,411,523.
Vonda Jennings ,supervisor of instruction, gave the College and Career Readiness report to the board. According to Jennings 38% of the Butler County students were College or Career ready in 2009-10.  The county must reach 68% by 2015. She reviewed current programs in place to meet this goal at each level of education.
North Butler Elementary Principal Elaine Daugherty gave the Assessment and Gap Report.  “I am proud to say NBES met 100% of the AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) goals,” said Daugherty. Our attendance has increased as well. NBES is a great school, a great place to work, and has great kids.”
Greg Woodcock, principal, and Chad Flener, assistant principal, gave the Morgantown Elementary report.  MES met 90% of their AYP goals.  They gave the board an outline of their plan to improve scores.
The board approved the following:
Family Medical Leave for bus driver, Project 3502 Revised Fund 2 Budget, payment of $250 to KSBA First Degree Scholarship, Gifted/Talented field trip, and Cross Country trip to state meet.