Beech Tree News Network

The Butler County Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 13, at the Butler County Education Complex.

“The first week went well, we are off to a great start,” said Superintendent Scott Howard. “The good news is our enrollment is up by 87, for a total of 2,192 students.”
Howard credited the faculty and staff for the successful start and thanked the Butler County Sheriff’s Department and the Morgantown City Police for helping with the traffic.
“There will be a gate installed soon limiting access to the back of Morgantown Elementary until time to pick-up students.  This is a safety issue, students cross the drive when traveling to and from the playground,” added Howard.

The Board recognized the following schools, students, and faculty members for various accomplishments:

 - Butler County High School, Butler County Middle School, Morgantown Elementary School, North Butler Elementary School received AdvancED Certificates. (pictured above)

 - Joy Duvall of Green River School was named KECSAC Support Staff of the Year. “I have been with the district for 20 great years, and hope to stay longer,” said Duvall.

 - BCHS Student Chanda Hampton for her participation in the KHSAA State Tennis Tournament. Hampton was unable to attend due to Cross Country practice.

Superintendent  Howard presented the treasurer’s report:
 - Beginning balance: $1,028,257.22
 - Receipts: $ 1,496,450.33
 - Expenditures: $1,319,087.41
 - Ending balance: $1,205,620.14

The board approved the report and payment of monthly bills.
   
Superintendent Scott Howard reported to the Board on several items.  Butler County has a full-time school resource officer this year provided by the Butler County Sheriff’s Department.  Deputy Travis McIntosh has assumed duties at Butler County High School and Butler County Middle School. 
“I am sure Deputy McIntosh will do a great job; he will also occasionally stop by both elementary schools,” said Howard.

The board approved a soft drink bid for Butler County High School.  According to Supt. Howard, the high school received two bids, one from RC and another from Coke.  Both bids were very similar in nature offering scoreboards, chairs, and a variety of products.  BCHS Principal Patrick O’Driscoll and Finance Officer Eric Elms recommended Coke. 
“I surveyed my staff, band boosters, and people in the community and the majority preferred Coke products, which could possibility result in increased sales” said O'Driscoll.
Troy Dunn of RC was present at the meeting. According to Dunn, the RC product quote was less expensive and would save the district approximately $7,200 over the course of the contract.
“We are a local company, I have delivered product to Project Prom at 11:30 p.m. because they ran out,” said Dunn.
 Board member Charles Price made the motion to give the bid to RC; Amy Hood-Hooten seconded the motion.  The vote awarding the bid to RC was unanimous.  
           
Supt. Howard gave Board members information on the tax rates for 2014.  The current rate is 37.7cents per $100 which generated $1,460,509.97 last year.  If left the same the current tax rate would generate approximately $1,497,994.53 next year.  The board will have the options of keeping the rate the same, taking the compensating rate of 37.4 cents, or can increase the rate as much as 4 percent. No action was taken on the tax rate.

According to Amy Hood-Hooten, the Back to School Bash was a huge success.  Over 550 students received school supplies.  She also reported on the Community Early Childhood Grant.  Butler and Edmonson counties are working together under a $14,000 grant to improve early childhood programs. 
“We offer programs, screenings, and other opportunities for children from birth to 5 years of age,” said Hooten.  It is very important to build a firm foundation for learning.”

The Board approved the following items:

• KEDC FY 14 Bakery Products Bid from Bimbo Bakeries (Earthgrains Baking Co.)    

• FY 14 Dairy Products Bid from Borden Dairy Co.

•  KEDC FY 14 Groceries/Supplies Bid from Gordon Food Service

•  FY 14 Ice Cream Bid from Brown’s Ice Cream Co.

•  FY 14 Food Service Pest Control with Leitchfield Exterminators

•  FY 14 Chemicals Bid with Southern Foods

•  FY 14 Receipt, Storage, and Delivery of USDA Foods with Southern Foods

• Revision of BCHS End of Course Grades from 15% to 20%

•  FY 14 Student Handbooks for Butler County High and North Butler Elementary Schools

•  FY 14 Faculty Handbooks for Butler County High and North Butler Elementary Schools

• FY 13 SBDM Carryover Monies for FY 14 for Butler County High, Butler County Middle, Morgantown Elementary, and North Butler Elementary Schools

•  FY 14 Revised Salary Schedule 

•  Butler County High School Band Props as Surplus to Be Disposed of at the Discretion of the Band Director

•  ARC Chairperson list for 2013-14 school year.

•  APEX  as virtual learning platform for Butler County School District

• Training credits for Amy Hood Hooten and Deborah Hammers

• Copier rental contract for BC School District with RJ Young

• Declare reading and math textbooks at MES surplus

The Butler County Board of Education meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.