Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Casey Roberts

Contributing Writer

The Lincoln County Board of Education held its May working meeting, addressing a full agenda that included budget updates, facility renovations, contracts, and the formal resignation of board member Lisa Gilliam. The meeting also included a heartfelt recognition for a standout educator, Miss May Arnold.

Arnold Honored for Excellence in Health Sciences Education

The meeting opened with recognition of May Arnold, a health sciences teacher at the Lincoln County Area Technology Center. Arnold was praised for her unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership in preparing students for healthcare careers. Her students have maintained one of the state’s highest nurse aide pass rates, and she’s known for her mentorship, coordination of blood drives, and student development efforts. Superintendent Bruce Smith expressed admiration, noting, “She consistently goes above and beyond to be the best educator possible.”

GEAR UP Presentation Showcases Student Success

Representatives from the GEAR UP program presented a video and student testimonials highlighting the academic growth and motivation sparked by the federal initiative. The program, which serves 8th through 10th-grade students at the middle and high schools, focuses on college and career readiness, math, and reading support. Parents also shared how the program positively impacted their children’s aspirations.

Board Member Resignation and Replacement Process

Lisa Gilliam officially resigned from the board due to personal family matters. The board voted to accept her resignation and begin the 60-day replacement process outlined in KRS 160.190. Applications for the vacancy will be accepted through June 16. The board will review submissions, conduct interviews, and appoint a replacement to serve until a special election is held.

Lincoln County High School Renovation Bid Approved

The board approved a base bid of $3,783,000 plus an $82,000 alternate for terrazzo flooring, bringing the total to $3,865,000 for renovation work at Lincoln County High School. The bid, submitted by Branscum Construction, will cover major updates to the school’s main hallway from the front entrance to the cafeteria.

Roof Repair Projects Move Forward

Plans to repair the roof at Waynesburg Elementary moved ahead using Insulated Roofing Contractors. The no-cost design agreement will allow the district to bypass third-party architect fees. Board members praised the cost-saving approach and discussed future roofing needs at the tech center and middle school.

Health Services and Evaluation Timeline Adjustments

Tracy Welch addressed the board regarding upcoming bids for school health services, as the current contract approaches expiration. Additionally, due to missed days from inclement weather, the board approved extending the certified staff evaluation plan deadline to May 23, 2025.

Tentative Budget Emphasizes Fiscal Caution

Finance Officer Lee Ann Smith presented a $45 million tentative budget for the 2024-25 school year, highlighting tight constraints following the expiration of COVID relief funding. The district’s contingency fund is budgeted at $5 million, or 12% of the general fund, down from recent highs. Smith stressed fiscal caution moving forward, recommending minimal new hires and a focus on program effectiveness.

“This is the most accurate budget I’ve ever had to build,” Smith said. “We’re not in trouble, but we must be smart and conservative.”

The board also discussed a planned Capital Funds Request that would reclassify restricted debt service funds back into the general fund to provide added flexibility. Smith emphasized that the move is common across Kentucky districts and would not affect the district’s bonding capacity.

Principals’ Budgets and Service Contracts Approved

The board approved the annual principal allocations and renewed contracts with Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative (CKEC) and Kentucky Educational Development Cooperative (KEDC), which support various programs including special education, professional development, and district planning.

Audit Contract and Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Montgomery CPA was reapproved for the district’s 2024-25 financial audit at a cost of $21,500. The board also reviewed a $140,000 workers’ compensation insurance quote from the Kentucky School Boards Insurance Trust, reflecting a modest increase due to claim history.

Instructional and Technology Updates

The district will purchase a new copier for the front office using Section 6 funds. Approval was also given for a one-year renewal of I-Ready, a digital assessment and instruction tool used in grades K-8, while awaiting changes to state accountability standards expected in 2026.

Final Items and Public Remarks

Board member Corey St. Onge thanked Smith for her dedication and transparency during budget discussions, recalling early doubts he had been warned about, which he found to be unfounded.

The meeting concluded with the board entering executive session to discuss the sale or acquisition of property.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for later this month.