Board Brief

As part of our district's commitment to open and transparent communication, we share this summary of Monday's school board planning work session.

Director of Assessment Brooke Stinson shared a proposal to use MAP Reading Fluency as the district's diagnostic benchmark to pair with the screening of students' foundational skills and oral reading abilities. Senate Bill 9 requires that each school have both elements in place by this fall for grades K-3, and Fayette County Public Schools already uses Measures of Academic Progress (MAP testing) in the fall, winter, and spring. The additional data we gather from the diagnostic tool will help us better support students as they master the basic reading skills. "There's a progress monitoring platform that will help us drill down and really help," Stinson said, noting that FCPS plans to expand the use through fifth grade.

• View the MAP Reading Fluency presentation

The proposed contract will be among the consent agenda items at the board's July 24 action meeting.

Meocha Williams, the assistant superintendent for Academic Services, recapped Session 1 of the districtwide Summer Ignite program. Among this year's changes was to use an acceleration model for grades PreK-8, focusing on English Language Arts and Math essentials, social/emotional learning, and Fine Arts and STEM activities. "This was a proactive approach," Williams said.

We also moved to a hub system with 10 elementary and four middle school campuses as the host locations, while the high school efforts focused on credit recovery for students who had fallen behind. Overall, Session 1 served over 2,600 students in grades PreK-12. Williams' report also highlighted the students' growth and improvement.

• View the Summer Ignite presentation

• View the GYO highlights video

Board members also previewed other agenda items slated for action at this month's regular meeting, including:

• A proposed policy (05.51) on an Information Security and Privacy Program. It sets up 22 security controls that safeguard sensitive data ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets. "It allows us to safeguard our district's data and business operations," said Raymond Ross, information security manager. The second reading and a vote on the new policy are expected on July 24.
• An addendum to the contract with the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department for an additional 7.5 nurse positions to increase coverage in all our traditional schools to full time. "It's something we've been working toward, and it's certainly a milestone," said board Chair Tyler Murphy.
• Contract renewals for platforms that support our district's assessment (testing) system, such as MAP.

• Review the July 10 full agenda
• Listen to the entire meeting

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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