Highlights of the October 28, 2019 Board Meeting

Superintendent Sprinkles and Board Members Hendrickson, Ashburn, and Hinkle discuss items at the October meeting.

The October 28, 2019 meeting of the Knox County Board of Education was held at the Board Annex.  Board chairman Jimmy Hendrickson and members Dr. Tom Ashburn and Kevin Hinkle were present.

Communication Items

The Kentucky Association of School Business Officials recognizes outstanding members who exemplify professionalism, leadership, and innovation in the field of school business management. This recognition is called the Goldenrod Outstanding School Business Official Award. Gertrude Smith, chief finance officer, was presented the award on behalf of KASBO from member Marla Carnes from the Russell County district.  Read more about Gertrude’s award on kcps.news and in the Mountain Advocate and Times-Tribune.

Carla Jordan, program manager for Knox Promise Neighborhood, shared with Board members an update on happenings within the neighborhood.  The five year, $30 million dollar grant will end its third year this December.  During her presentation, she shared that nine academic interventionists are working with students in embedded and small group instruction, before and after school tutoring, and through home visits.  Promise Neighborhood has been providing wrap-around services to support college and career readiness, integration of the arts, and health/wellness.   Professional learning for teachers is also a large part of the grant, with funding being used to train teachers in KAGAN engagement strategies and Abell and Atherton writing.

Architect Scott Noel provided the Board with updates on upcoming construction projects.  Replacement bleachers at Lynn Camp were identified as at tier one project by KDE.  The Board may initiate the purchase order process to purchase through the state bid.  HVAC unit replacement at Lynn Camp consists of eight units which Noel will be working with KDE on to get identified as a tier one project.  Noel has been working with electrical engineers and the Barbourville Utilities Commission to identify utility relocation for tennis courts on the Jesse D. Lay property.  The Board also received an update on the greenhouse at Lynn Camp.  The estimate to refurbish the greenhouse structure is estimated to be between $45- and $50 thousand dollars.  Replacement would cost $100 thousand or more.  Given the figures, and the condition of the framing and foundation of the greenhouse, it does not meet the general rule of thumb that if the replacement costs 80% that a new structure go into place.

Highlights of Action Items

  • The Board approved action by consent items including monthly bills and claims, the financial report, personnel changes, and fundraisers for Lynn Camp PTO’s Breakfast with Santa and various fundraisers at Flat Lick Elementary throughout the year.
  • A surplus property auction will take place on November 9, 10:30 am, at the Maintenance Facility on the campus of Knox County Middle School.  Additional information will be posted online.
  • A change in location for the November and December Board meetings.  The November meeting will be held on November 25, 6:45 pm, at Lynn Camp Middle/High.  The December meeting will be held on December 16, 6:45 pm, at Knox Central High.
  • Approval of shortened school day/week waivers.
  • Emergency certification for one employee seeking alternative certification.
  • Payment to TalentED for continued use of their online platform for hiring and records management.
  • Acceptance of KETS first offer of assistance in the amount of $33,029 which must be matched by the district.  The funds go to support technology personnel and infrastructure.
  • The Board entered into Executive Session to discuss case of Abner v. Board of Education and no action was taken.

Video from the October 28, 2019 meeting is now online at www.kcps.media.  Closed captioning is provided for those with accessibility needs.

A copy of the agenda from the meeting follows:

Download the PDF file .