Henderson County Public Schools

The board meeting agenda covers a closed session and work session, followed by board member observations and public comments. Key discussion items include a year-end budget amendment, a local budget request update, a school capital grant project presentation, and a beginning teacher support plan. The board will review and act upon several policy updates, including parental involvement, meeting agendas, parliamentary procedures, technology use, tuition, communication devices, student searches, electronic information retention, school nutrition, and licensure. Additionally, the board will consider contracts and purchases exceeding $90,000 for various services and providers, and a resolution authorizing property acquisition. The meeting concludes with capital updates, financial statements, and general operational reports.

The meeting included student and staff recognitions, presentations regarding unique school programs like the Leader in Me and suicide prevention initiatives, and a review of the HCPS Device Protection Plan. The Board approved the audit contract for the 2025-2026 fiscal year with Gould Killian CPA Group. Additionally, reports were provided on ongoing capital projects, construction statuses, and financial statements for current expense, capital outlay, and enterprise funds. The Superintendent also shared a comprehensive list of upcoming school events and calendar highlights.

The board meeting featured various student and staff recognitions, including awards for robotics, athletics, and music programs. Presentations were given regarding school-specific programs such as the Bearcats Leading the Way initiative, the upcoming Spring Fling and Glow Art Show, the unique offerings of the HC Career Academy, and the implementation of the Sources of Strength suicide prevention program. The board conducted a review and approval of the audit contract for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, staff provided updates on ongoing capital facility projects and presented financial statements detailing revenues and expenditures for current expense, capital outlay, and enterprise funds. Discussions also included considerations for a student device protection plan.

The meeting included recognitions for the school district's nutrition director and the superintendent. Public comments were received on a variety of topics, including survey protocols and district-related feedback. New business items addressed the development of survey approval protocols, the continuation of the current face covering policy, and the authorization of a resolution for property acquisition contracts. The Board approved the 2022-2025 Academically and Intellectually Gifted plan, the Career and Technical Education annual performance plan, a sole source purchase of robotics kits, inter-unit student transfer agreements, and the 2022-2023 flex calendar. Additionally, the Board authorized several contracts exceeding $90,000 and approved child nutrition meal price increases for the upcoming school year. Reports were provided on the Return to Learn plan, ESSER funding, construction projects, equity initiatives, child care services, and local financial statements.

The board convened to address new business, specifically the appointment of an individual to fill a vacant partisan board seat. Following a review of the nomination process and the candidate's background, the board unanimously approved the appointment of Mrs. Stephanie Cantwell to the vacant position.