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By: Casey Roberts

casey.roberts@bluegrassnewsmedia.com

 

The Lincoln County Board of Education met in regular session with Superintendent Bruce Smith, Board Chair Christine Killen, Vice Chair Tyler McGuffey, and board members Jennifer Broadbent and Phillip Coots present. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and the reading of the district’s vision and mission statements, emphasizing the commitment to preparing students to “learn, conquer, succeed.”

Several key action items were approved during the meeting:

LCHS gym, roofing projects advance

The board approved two agreements related to ongoing facility upgrades at Lincoln County High School. The AIA Document A101 for the bleacher replacement project in the LCHS gymnasium passed with full support, with a motion by Mr. McGuffey and a second by Ms. Broadbent. The board also approved a separate agreement for the roofing component of the LCHS renovations and sports fields project, moved by Mr. Coots and seconded by Ms. Broadbent.

As part of the larger summer renovation project, the gym floor at LCHS is being fully replaced. The existing floor—original to the facility and in use for nearly 50 years—is being removed as workers prepare the gym for updated bleachers and other enhancements. According to district officials, this is part of a broader first phase of construction that also includes new flooring, paint, ceiling tile and lighting in hallways and lobbies, fully renovated bathrooms, roof leak repairs, new exterior doors, and the installation of a modern intercom system.

Online training and communication platforms approved

The board approved a subscription agreement with Raptor Technologies to continue providing required annual online staff training through Public School Works. The $8,115 cost will be covered by the general fund.

In accordance with Senate Bill 181, the board designated Apptegy, district email accounts, Google Services (including archived Google Classrooms), and the Zoom phone system as the official traceable communication platforms for electronic contact between staff and students.

Personnel and policy updates

A revised job description for the District Assistant Athletic Director was approved, reflecting updated responsibilities to meet the evolving needs of the athletics program.

The board also approved cybersecurity coverage for the 2025-26 school year, selecting Nexus Specialty for a policy quoted at $10,487 to maintain digital security for district systems and data.

Algebra program to boost math benchmarks

The board approved an agreement with the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation to implement the Access to Algebra program. The initiative aims to improve math achievement, increasing the number of students meeting benchmark scores and qualifying for Algebra by eighth grade.

Board vacancy filled after executive session

Following a closed executive session conducted under KRS 61.810(1)(f), the board returned to open session and approved the appointment of Gloria Sneed to fill a vacancy on the board. The motion was supported by Mr. Coots and Mr. McGuffey.