The Knox County Board of Education met for their final meeting of the calendar year on December 16, 2021, at the Board of Education Annex in Barbourville. The following provides a quick glimpse at the actions taken during the meeting. To view the entire meeting, visit the kcps.media website.
Carla Jordan with the Knox County Promise Neighborhood grant provided members with an overview of services that the grant partner has provided over the course of the semester and a look ahead at the upcoming semester. Later in the meeting, the Knox County Board voted on an amended memorandum of understanding to continue services through August 2022. Originally, the Promise Neighborhood grant which was obtained by Berea College’s Partners for Education was set to expire in December 2021. However, due to COVID-19 and additional funding being available with gaps in job vacancies, the grant will be able to continue until the new school year.
The Board received the annual financial audit from Cloyd and Associates. In their management report to the Board, they found no instances that needed to be reported. At the school level, two minor findings with invoices and signatures were cited but no other issues impacting the school activity fund accounts.
The 2022 mowing season bids were awarded to Merida Lawn Care and Phipps Mowing and Landscaping. The Board decided to divide campuses and other properties among the two service providers.
Kagan training was approved for next week for new teachers. The two day training will provide teachers with hands on learning of embedding engaging instructional strategies into their lessons
One new position was added to staffing on Thursday night, a home school teacher. The person will be responsible for providing assignments, grading, and feedback to Knox Inspire students. The position will be paid for out of ESSER funding and will be abolished at the end of funding. The position is based on the certified salary schedule.
A replacement for Green Dot services at Lynn Camp was approved. Being coordinated through Cumberland River Behavioral Health-Victims Services Program, this is a middle school level intervention program aimed at reducing dating violence, sexual harassment, and bullying. It teaches students knowledge, awareness, and intervention skills.
The Board approved a new copier contract for Lynn Camp Schools and a maintenance plan for the folding machine in the finance office at Central Office.
New keyless entry door locks will be installed during winter break following approval of a contract with Southeast Banking Systems. The access control system will record staff entry using a key card system like you would find at a hotel or fitness center.
The first look at schematic design plans for the Knox County Career and Technical Center were unveiled and approved. The plan includes expanding the facility forward towards Sycamore Drive and in length to the parking area behind the old home economics building (now Learning Academy). Additional expansions on the back of the property will increase space for the automotive program and lower-level expansions for engineering and welding.
The Board conducted an executive session in which no final action was taken. After returning to regular session, the Board approved action on pending litigation.
This is a summary of the December 16, 2021 meeting. Official minutes of the meeting will be approved at their first meeting in 2022, scheduled for January 27 at 6:30pm.
Prior announcement of the Board meeting and agenda
CALL TO ORDER
Moment of Silence
Pledge of Allegiance
A. Communications
B. Reports to the Board
i. Knox County Promise Neighborhood Update
ii. Superintendent Informational Updates
iii. Architect Construction Updates
I. Adopt Agenda
II. Actions by Consent
A. Acknowledgment of Financial Statements and Financial Reports, Bills and Claims, Previous Board Meeting Minutes, Superintendent’s Personnel Report, Maintenance Report, Field Trip Report, Fundraisers, and Request to Use District Property.
III. District Facilities and Operations
A. Discuss and/or Take Action Cloyd & Associates, Auditors, 2020-2021 Financial Audit
B. Discuss and/or Take Action on bid for Mowing Services 2022
IV. Governance and Leadership
V. Teaching and Learning
A. Discuss and/or Take Action on Kagan Letter of Agreement for Professional Development Services Workshop
B. Discuss and/or Take Action on Staffing
VI. Resources and Support Systems
A. Discuss and/or Take Action on newly revised MOU between Partners for Education and KCPS including addendum
B. Discuss and/or Take Action on MOA for My Space between Lynn Camp Schools and the Cumberland River Behavioral Health-Victims Services Program
C. Discuss and/or Take Action on Copier Purchase for Lynn Camp Schools
D. Discuss and/or Take Action on Formax Annual Contract
VII. Other Action Items with Discussion
VIII. Executive Session – Closed session
A. Motion to enter into closed session for the purposes of discussing pending litigation and for discussions which might lead to the appointment or dismissal of an individual employee as permitted by KRS 61.810(1)(c & f)
B. Motion to return to regular session
IX. Other Action Items with Discussion
A. Discuss and/or Take Action on Pending Litigation
X. Remarks by Citizens
XI. Adjournment