Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Board of Education met in regular session on Tuesday, August 8, at 6:30 p.m. All board members were in attendance. 

Eric Elms, Finance Officer for Butler County Schools, shared the treasurer’s report for July.  The beginning balance was $1,249,159.80, and the end-of-the-month balance was $1,718,420.76.  Mr. Elms also talked to the board about the need to increase the property tax rate in Butler County.  The current property tax rate is 40.5 (0.405%).  According to Mr. Elms, Butler County’s tax rate is considerably lower than many counties in the region. The Board of Education will hold a public hearing at the Butler County Educational Complex on August 31 at 6:00 p.m. to hear public comments regarding the proposed general fund tax levy of 41.9 cents on real property and 41.9 cents on personal property.  The general fund tax levied in fiscal year 2017 was 40.5 cents on real and personal property. 

The Board recognized the Morgantown Elementary School Archery Team for being the 2017 State Champion.  They were also recognized for placing 7th in the World Tournament for both the bullseye and 3D tournaments. Principal Chad Flener, Assistant Principal Toby Turpin, Archery Coach Shaun White, and several members of the team were at the meeting to accept their medals.

Superintendent Howard told the board about several meetings he has attended recently.  He said he had the honor of attending the Career and Technical Education Conference where he watched Mrs. Leeann Daugherty, Agriculture teacher at Butler County High School, be named Career and Technical Teacher of the Year. Howard said Mrs. Daugherty will be recognized for this outstanding accomplishment at the September Board Meeting.   He also mentioned attending the Kentucky Association of School Administrators Summer Leadership Institute, Kentucky Association of School Superintendents Luncheon, and GRREC Board of Directors Meeting.
The board members and Superintendent Howard discussed the school district’s plan for the solar eclipse on August 21.  Mr. Howard said 4th through 12th graders will no longer be going on a field trip to Western Kentucky University due to traffic and safety concerns.  He said several people have talked to him about closing school that day and asked the board members for their thoughts and opinions.  Howard said he wants what is best for the students.  He said, “It’s like a snow day. You will never make everyone happy, so you have to do what’s best for the majority of kids.” No decision about August 21st was made at the meeting. 
The board also discussed revising the Facilities Rental Policy.  The current fees for renting the school gymnasiums are not enough to cover the costs of using them.  The policy will be updated soon.
The board approved the following:
•    KEDC FY 18 Dairy Products Bid from Purity Dairies LLC
•    FY 18 Bakery Products Bid from Klosterman Baking Company
•    FY 18 Chemicals Bid with Reinhart Foodservice
•    FY 18 Revised School Nutrition Handbook
•    FY 18 Pest Control Service Agreement with Leitchfield Exterminating
•    FY 18 Grocery/Non-Food/Produce Bid with Gordon Food Service
•    FY 18 SNP Sponsor Application
•    FY 18 Fund 2 Project Budgets for 120D, 128D, 129D, 135D, 140D, 15FD, 160D, 187D, 337D, 343D, 345D, 365D, 371D, 373D 
•    FY 18 WKU Confucius Institute Contract