Fayette County Board of Education Meeting Summary

December 17, 2001 Board Meeting

High School Progress Report

The Board was presented with the High School Progress Report, a compilation of high school data for the 2000-2001 school year. The data from the Kentucky Core Content Tests (KCCT) and the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills (CTBS) indicated that high school scores are consistently above the state averages. Attendance, for the most part was lower than in previous years, SAFE (Suspension and Failure Eliminated) student hours in 4 of the 5 high schools remained relatively unchanged. The suspension rate for all high schools district-wide increased for the third straight year and the dropout rate increased. ACT (American College Test) scores were higher than Kentucky and the nation. SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) scores were generally lower than the previous year. The percent of students scoring a 3 or higher on Advanced Placement Tests was well above state and global percentages.

Board member requests for additional information included: more information be gathered on why SAT scores are lower, why the increase in the dropout rate, and how the Fayette County Public School District compares with the nation on Advanced Placement Tests.

Magnet Work Session

A Board of Education Work Session to discuss Magnet programs and schools followed the Progress Report. The Board discussed each magnet school and program based on the following: new applicants, current students, district funding, Federal funding and transportation. Board member requests included: asked that staff determine if magnet schools and programs are doing what they were intended to do; whether magnet schools and programs can maintain the integrity of programs without the additional funding given to magnets and without transportation, except for hardship cases. The Board also explored the possibility of closing some magnet schools and programs, charging tuition for attending some magnets, and possibly reconfiguring others in terms of class size and grade organization (i.e. higher student to teacher ratio and a Primary - Grade 8 for Spanish Immersion).

No decisions were made and it is anticipated that the Board will continue its review and discussion of magnet schools and programs on January 7, 2002.

Middle School Task Force Report

The Board approved the recommendations of the Middle School Task Force with a projected cost of $107,700 to be completed in four Phases. The funding will allow the full implementation of true developmentally responsive middle schools that are academically rigorous and equitable and will prepare students to achieve in high school.

Salary Additive for Equity and SBDM Resource Specialists Positions

The position grade level for the School-Based Decision Making/Equity and Equity Resource Specialists were increased to adjust for requirements of being involved in evening and night meetings and community forums.

School-Related Student Trips Mode of Transportation

No action was taken on a procedure related to school-related student trips mode of transportation. The Board will continue discussion of this item.

Tuition Fee Schedule

A tuition fee for students attending the Fayette County Public Schools whose parents are not a bona fide resident of the district was discussed. A proposal will be brought back to the Board for second reading.

In-House Collection and Processing of Occupational License Tax

A proposal will be brought back to the Board for second reading.

Revision of Job Description and title for Special Education Instructional Assistant

A proposal will be brought back to the Board for second reading.

Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice - "A Collaborative STOP" Grant

"Stop" Grants are designed to reduce the incidents of truancy and/or suspensions. A proposal will be brought back to the Board for second reading.

Consent Section

All items listed in the Consent Section of the December 17, 2001 agenda were approved by the Board including: approval of minutes; professional leave and special leave requests; request for extended trips; award of bids; approval for computer software bid contract extension; ratification of closed session action; request for temporary shortened school day for one student; contract with Health Department for nursing services for identified Family Resource and Youth Services Centers; approval of proposed Change Orders to construction; contract for renovation of Southern Elementary School; and review of bids received for construction of a Wellness Facility at Bryan Station High School.

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Last update: 6/9/2005 8:48:16 AM