Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Board of Education met in special session on Monday, April 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the Butler County Education Complex.  All board members were in attendance.  After the approval of the agenda and last month’s minutes, the board heard the financial report from District Finance Officer Eric Elms. The beginning balance for March was $2,300,170.64.  The closing cash balance for March was $2,116,412.67.  The final balance for March, including $62,005.40 of investments, was $2,178,418.07.

Superintendent Scott Howard reported about the recent events he has attended and gave information about things going on in the school district.  Howard informed the board that Butler County Middle School’s phone system hasn’t been working correctly for several weeks and said that a new one will have to be purchased soon.  He also reported that he had met with Greg Phillips, a financial consultant, about ways to save the district money.  Mr. Howard said he wanted to thank Becky Hankins for inviting Miss Kentucky to visit Butler County Schools.  He said, “I enjoyed spending time with her, and she had a great message for our students.” Additionally, Howard told the board that North Butler Elementary and Morgantown Elementary both had very successful Leadership Days to showcase the schools’ Leader in Me Program. North Butler Principal Josh Belcher explained that his school centered their leadership day theme on recognizing local heroes.  Belcher said, “My vision for doing that was for our students to see what leadership looks like . . . to see those people who are risking their lives for them.” Mr. Belcher told the board 58 individuals attended who weren’t tied to the school system.  Superintendent Howard said, “We want to create a better work force and create a better citizen.  To me, Leader in Me is the single best thing we have done because it has such an impact.  I give all the credit to the teachers.  What they’re doing is nothing short of amazing.”

Mr. Howard reminded the board about the following events:
•     Morgantown Elementary School’s production of Beauty and the Beast- Tuesday, April 18, 7 p.m. at SKyPAC
•    Reedyville Rural Development- April 20, 6 p.m.- Howard will be speaking about Butler County Schools
•    Town Hall Meeting with Commissioner of Education, April 20, Glasgow High School- Some of our administrators will be attending.
•    Early Childhood Extravaganza- April 22, Butler County Education Complex, 9 a.m. to noon for all families with children birth to 5 years old
•    DAR Silver Tea- April 27th, 7 p.m.

       
Karla Coles, Coordinator of Butler County Youth Services Center, reported how they are serving Butler County Middle and High School students and families.  The mission of the Youth Service Center is to remove barriers to educational success. Coles explained that they partner with local agencies such as the Morgantown Mission, Butler County Drug Free Coalition, Toys for Tots, UK Extension Office, and many churches and community members. Some of the support services they offer include the following: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group, Teen Parent Support Group, the Backpack Program that provides food for students in need to take home on Fridays, Christmas assistance program, health screenings, Back-to-School Bash to provide supplies for students in need, and many more.  Coles explained that there is never a reason for a  Butler County student to go without something they need because they provide clothing, shoes, hygiene supplies, and school supplies for children in need.

Butler County Family Resource Center Coordinator Melissa Glass also explained the ways they are able to help students and families at Morgantown Elementary and North Butler Elementary. Glass explained that they have the benefit of working with students and families prior to kindergarten through the OWL Academy and the Born Learning Academy.  Some of the services they offer are the Back-to-School Bash, Operation Butler County Christmas Child, the Backpack Program, Health and Bike Safety, Dental Health, Farm Safety Days, Vision Services, Nutrition Classes, and many more.              
   
The board approved the following:
•    Request for $3000 for BCHS Project Prom
•    FRYSC Request for Participation in Happy Feet Equals Learning Feet Program
•    BCHS TSA Trip Request to Visit Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana on May 20, 2017
•    BCHS Trip Request to Switzerland/Italy during Spring Break 2018
•    1st Reading of Policy 09.121 Regarding Early Entrance Age:
As of the 2017-2018 school year, Kentucky requires a child to be five years old by August 1st for the upcoming school year.  If a parent feels like their child is ready for kindergarten, but that child has their 5th birthday after the August 1st cut-off date, then the parent may request early kindergarten enrollment.  The request must be submitted to Morgantown Elementary or North Butler Elementary by July 1, of the upcoming school year.  Following the request, the child will take the Brigance III Early Childhood Kindergarten Screening, and must score 95% proficiency to be accepted into kindergarten early.