Board Brief
Aug. 14, 2023
As part of our district's commitment to open and transparent communication, we share this summary of Monday's school board planning work session.
Highlights
Items on the Planning Agenda
Board members discussed a year-long professional learning plan for 2023-24. An effective partnership between the school board and superintendent, known as the Team of Six, is key to fostering successful educational leadership and yielding positive student outcomes. The proposed schedule includes initial training in early September. The year's expected outcomes are (1) strengthened leadership, (2) enhanced collaboration, (3) unified vision (4) effective decision making, and (5) improved stakeholder engagement.
The board also approved the KDE School Community Nutrition adult meal price calculator. For the 2023-24 school year, this means the breakfast cost will increase by 50 cents to $3.50. Lunch remains $5 for adults.
Superintendent's Report
Board members heard updates on a Financial Transparency Dashboard developed by our Budget & Financial Planning staff. The dashboard -- slated for release after the Aug. 28 board meeting -- will enable our staff, families, and the community to better understand the district's priorities and the budget process.
The board also heard reports on our Special Education internal procedures; our Early Childhood initiatives for a First5Lex app and Countdown to Kindergarten activities, plus data on the Fayette County Preschool Program; and our administrative procedures regarding animals in the classroom.
On the Horizon
Coming up at the Aug. 28 Action Meeting
The consent agenda will include a proposed Initial BG-1 Project Application for construction of a $57.8 million Rise STEM Academy for Girls. This project is listed as priority 1a.1 on our 2021 District Facility Plan (DFP). Approving the initial BG1 would get the work started for the new building, planned for 2160 Versailles Road. Preliminary estimates envision a 112,155-square-foot facility to serve 900 students in grades K-8, and the expected completion date is February 2027.
Among other agenda items:
- Revisions to the district’s Family Engagement Policy;
- A memorandum of agreement with Bluegrass Community & Technical College to continue our efforts to increase the number of dual credits earned by our students and the number of students graduating with both a high school diploma and associate degree;
- A contract with Fieldtrip to provide marketing around career and technical education and the merger of Eastside and Southside technical centers at the 100 Midland Ave. facility;
- The annual District Assurances required by the Kentucky Department of Education; and
- Adoption and levy of the tax rate.
Where Can I Learn More?
How School Board Meetings Work
The Fayette County Board of Education routinely meets twice a month, generally on the second and fourth Monday. The planning work session is an opportunity to receive extended presentations, review the agenda for the upcoming action meeting, and provide time for board members to ask questions and hold discussions with staff. The action meeting is when the board votes on proposals.
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