Board Notes: Highlights of the September 22, 2022 Board Meeting

Lynn Camp Elementary kindergarten students brought big smiles to the entire room as they led Board members, their families, and guests in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to open up the September 22 meeting.  They were followed by Pastor Josh Smith from East Barbourville Baptist for a moment of silence and prayer.

Three picture photo collage showing two kindergarten students saying their name and a photo of board members seated.

Several communication items followed including declaring two proclamations, the superintendent’s leadership standards report, and school level reports by Lynn Camp Elementary and Lynn Camp High School.

  • September 26-30 was proclaimed Gear Up week by the Superintendent.  Superintendent Ledford explained to the Board and guests that Gear Up is a grant that prepares high school students for life after high school by exposing them to colleges and career opportunities.
  • October 10-14 was proclaimed Technology Week.  Ledford shared that technology is used in various ways in the classroom and at home.  While technology is a great resource, it is important for students to be good digital citizens and to fully understand technology literacy.
  • Superintendent Ledford reported on Leadership Standard 1: Strategic Leadership.  In his report, Ledford mentioned that he had actively been involved in conversations with KCTCS about the opening of the Knox County campus including Derek Collins the campus administrator.  Conversations and a meeting held with high school and the CTC principals provided insight on what programs are needed to bring their vision of CTC to life for the new center.  Overall, speaking of all construction happening in the district, Ledford stated “It is still an ongoing process but we want to make sure that we continue to look for ways to improve our facilities for our students.”
  • Lynn Camp Principal Anthony Pennington provided the Board an overview of improvements and goals for Lynn Camp Middle High School.  In his report, Pennington shared that attendance is up, English Language Arts teachers are working diligently in grades 6-12, to align curriculum and the results are already showing.  11th grade on demand scores of 48.7% proficient and 20.5% distinguished show that the content area is on track.  Pennington gave kudos to many clubs and sports teams for their accomplishments over the summer and starting out already in the new school year.  An area that he wants to see growth in is the number of students who are at the benchmark for math and science.
  • Lynn Camp Elementary Principal Emily Haneline shared her report, being the first year as head principal following school reconfiguration.  Student enrollment had also increased at the elementary compared to last year.  The improvement focus at the elementary centers around “all“.  Building relationships, a nurturing environment, purpose in their learning, support for success, and safe and necessary reports for all students.  Building intentional relationships and providing social and emotional learning are key components.  As a result, the Wildcat Promise was developed C – create a safe space; A – act responsibly, T – treat others respectfully and S – strive for success.  The MTSS (intervention system) is a highlight that Haneline was particularly excited that was revisited and revised for the year that will help address gaps between students.  In extracurriculars, the elementary has basketball, cross country, academic team, STLP, little dance cats, and cheerleading happening right now with many more opportunities planned for the months ahead.

During the business meeting, the Board approved several agreements and pay applications including:

  • A contract with Barbourville Independent to provide maintenance service for their bus fleet;
  • Pay applications for projects at Flat Lick (wastewater treatment), Lynn Camp and Knox Central (synthetic turf fields), and with Trane (for light upgrades).
  • A wording change to classified policy that employees must work 140 days in a single year to qualify for a year of service.
  • Agreements with Juvenile Justice for the Knox County Day Treatment, Read to Achieve for a teacher leader position, Gear Up for a sub-award to their exciting agreement, and for student observation by Lincoln Memorial University students.
  • A contract for dental services for grades 7-12 with Grace Health and contracts with Family Pride Counseling and Intrust Healthcare for student services.
  • Use of property for a class reunion and field trips to Cincinnati and Indianapolis.

The complete meeting minutes will be voted on by the Board at their next monthly meeting, set for Thursday, October 27.

 


Meeting notification / September 21, 2022
The Knox County Board of Education will conduct their next regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Thursday, September 22, 6:30 pm, at the Board of Education Annex Building (199 Daniel Boone Drive, Barbourville).
A copy of the agenda follows and is available for download on our website. The meeting will also be live streamed on our website (below).