Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Board of Education met on Tuesday, July 16, 2013, at the Butler County Education Complex. Board member Charles “Bubby” Price asked to be added to the agenda and then asked the Board to consider an across-the-board raise for all employees. 
Price asked to be added to the agenda and shared his thoughts on the recent Kentucky School Board Association (KSBA) Conference in which he attended. 
“I had a good time and sit through a lot of long boring speeches but I learned a lot,” said Price.  “I learned what I can do and can’t as a Board member.”

Price said he hoped to make a difference and that the meeting had made him take a closer look at what the board can provide students. He suggested the school district could save money by considering the use of propane instead of diesel buses.
“Since diesel is $4.00 a gallon and propane is $1.28 the school district could save a great deal of money,” said Price.
According to Price, he has been asked by several people about raises for school employees. 
“It is my understanding there has not been any raises for seven years.  I want the board to talk about raises.  Teachers, and all employees, deserve more than what they get,” stated Price.
Price compared his job as an EMT.  “Teachers deserve more than what they get to educate our children and EMTs deserve more than $10 per hour to save a life.”
The Board took no action. 

Superintendent Howard thanked Price for his comments.  According to Howard, the last raise was in 2008.
“I agree our people deserve a raise. it is something we (the Board) need to talk about,” said Howard.  “You will never see me against a raise if our budget will allow it.” 

In other business the board recognized Katona Dockery for her participation in the KHSAA State Tennis Tournament for the second straight year.  They also recognized Dylan Havens for his participation in the KHSAA State Track Meet.

Finance officer Eric Elms gave the monthly treasurer’s report:
Beginning Balance: $1,750,907.38
Receivables: $1,558,984.26
Expenditures: $2,281,634.42
Ending Balance: $1,028,257.22

The Board recognized students’ achievements, heard from Superintendent Scott Howard, received a report on Green River School, and approved school handbooks.

Superintendent Howard reported on the GRREC Board Meeting, the GED Adult Education Graduation, KASS Summer Conference, the Lion’s Club Charter Banquet,  opening day activities, the TELL Survey, and the KSBA Summer Institute. 
“We are also working hand-in-hand with the Boys and Girls’ Club of Butler County in upgrading their computers so students will have access to the same information as school,” stated Howard.
 Green River School Principal Jim Green shared with the Board an overview of the school program.  Green thanked the Board for its support and shared data concerning the population and achievements. The Butler County School District provides four teachers, an administrator, and a secretary to the Green River Youth Development Center. During the past school year 13 students received high school diploma and 10 students received GED’s. In closing Green shared a quote from William A. Ward, “The MEDIOCRE teacher tells.  The GOOD teacher explains.  The SUPERIOR teacher demonstrates.  The GREAT teacher inspires.”

The Board approved the following:   
 FY 14 Revised Salary Schedule
 FY 14 Food Service Employee Handbook
 FY 14 Butler County Middle School and Morgantown Elementary School Student Handbooks
 FY 14 Butler County Middle School and Morgantown Elementary School Faculty Handbooks
 FY 14 KSBA Recommended and Required Policies and Procedures