Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Board of Education met in special session on Monday, October 21st, at North Butler Elementary School.  Board members Karen Evans, Delbert Johnson, Amy Hood-Hooten, and Charles Price were in attendance.
The Board recognized the following:

North Butler Elementary School- KASC #1 Ranked 2013 Science Scores- Mrs. Susie Dorris and a selected group of science students presented a small skit and conducted a science experiment for the board and guests.  North Butler students tied for first place in the state science testing for the second year in a row.  No students scored novice in science.
“We are very proud of our students and Mrs. Dorris is an excellent teacher,” said Jeff Jennings, NBES Principal. 
Mrs. Dorris commended the effort of her students and the tremendous parental support she receives.

Next, Jason Ausbrooks was recognized as the Third District Music Educators’ Association 2013 High School Music Teacher of the Year

Principal Patrick O’Driscoll received a certificate on behalf of Butler County High School from the Kentucky High School Athletic Association in recognition for having no disqualified players or coaches during the 2012-2013 school year in all KHSAA sports.

Superintendent Scott Howard gave the treasurer’s report: Beginning Balance: $1,374,542.56, Receipts: $994,468.17, Expenditures: $1,367,650.87, Ending Balance: $1,001,359.86.
“We are in very good financial shape; we have about $600,000 more than this time last year,” said Howard.
Howard reported to the board about the success of the Butler County High School Band and their home show.  The band will compete in the semi-finals of state competition on Saturday in Louisville.  He also reported that the NJROTC Naval Inspection went great and the Naval Ball is this weekend.
According to Butler County High School Principal Patrick O’Driscoll, the Naval Inspector approved a $13,000 purchase order for new uniforms for the NJROTC program. 
Daisy Bishop , director of the Family Resource Center, reported to the board about the activities of the center.  According to Bishop over 550 students were given free school supplies at the Back to School Bash, 116 students are provided food in the Back Pack Program every weekend, all the second graders have received dental screenings along with preschoolers and kindergarten students, and all first thru fourth graders have had vision and hearing screenings.  Nutrition, hygiene, and family literacy classes are taught and clothing is provided to meet students’ needs.  The FRYSC also supports Red Ribbon Week, Bike Rodeo, O.W.L .( On the Way to Learning)Academy, and a Christmas program with assistance from the Morgantown Mission, fundraisers, grants and donations.
“We are very proud to having them (FRYSC) working in the district,” said Supt. Howard.

Brandi Smith reported on the O.W.L. Academy for 2 to 5-year olds at North Butler Elementary.  The program serves 32 students.  The program is designed to prepare children to start school.  The parent or guardian must accompany the child.  Classes are held at NBES, two Fridays a month, from 9:30-11:00. According to Smith, all the students that completed the academy last year went to school this fall ready without assistance.

Also on the agenda were presentations by two of the principals in the district concerning the recent release of K-Prep test scores.  First up was Robert Tuck, principal of Butler County Middle School. 
“I am very proud of our students and staff and I want to thank the board for their support,” said Tuck. 
BCMS had a total score of 56.7 and was ranked 150 out of 331 middle schools in Kentucky.  They met their 2013 goal.  The school showed an overall growth of 11.6 points on the K-Prep scores for 2012-13. BCMS saw a significant decrease in the number of novice scores in math, reading, science, social studies, and writing.  Tuck outlined the school’s plan for continued improvement and credited the improved effort by students and staff and the additional resources as key factors in the improved scores.
“We have great students, and our staff takes pride in our school and students,” added Tuck
 Principal Jeff Jennings presented North Butler Elementary School’s K-Prep report. North Butler was number one in the district in achievement and gap scores.  They were number one in the state in science scores with no novice students.  According to Jennings all subjects tested saw significant growth.  NBES had an overall score of 59.3. He outlined plans of continued growth in each subject area. NBES has also designed special instruction techniques to address gender differences.
“Our staff does a great job and we are very proud of our students,” added Jennings.

The board approved the following:
FMLA request for MES teacher
Shortened School day for MES student
Shortened school day and week for MES student
BCMS Honors Band trip to Morehead State University, November 23rd
BCMS Quad Band Trip to Murray State University on November 25th
BCHS FFA Trip to National FFA Convention in Louisville, October 30-November 2
Contribution to Council for Better Education@ .25cents per student
First Amendment to Superintendent’s Contract- According to Supt. Howard all contracts are now reviewed by the state and required to be posted.  After reviewing his contract recommendations were made to amend the contract concerning step increases based on years of experience. The school board attorney will be making the necessary changes.
The next board meeting will be held at Butler County Middle School on November 12th at 6:30pm.