Henderson County School District

The special meeting commenced with recognition of staff and student ambassadors from various pathways, including Health Science, Band, Y Club, and FBLA, who shared their high school experiences and future plans. Key discussions involved approving the agenda and receiving reports. Facility updates included progress on the South Middle School renovations and ongoing work at East Heights, where efforts are being made to recover from scheduling delays. Personnel matters included the addition of new staff members and coaches across various sports programs, such as baseball, basketball, swim, and softball, alongside recognition for the rifle team's recent success. Facility discussions focused on finalizing football speaker installation, progressing on fencing, seeking quotes for basketball sound system upgrades, and planning for mandatory game/shot clocks for the 2027-2028 season. A significant policy review addressed student overnight trips, aligning approval procedures with the official policy, which reserves board approval only for trips outside the 250-mile radius. New business included setting the January board meeting date to January 20th due to Martin Luther King Day, approving Change Order Number Nine for the High School Renovation Project resulting in a net credit, and approving the consent agenda items, which covered the 2026-2027 academic calendar, trash pickup bids, mental health counseling, and snow/ice removal contracts. The meeting concluded with the Treasurer's report for November 2025, indicating positive financial standing.

The meeting included recognition of student ambassadors and the golf teams for their achievements, including regional runner-up status. The board discussed and approved the minutes from the October 20th regular meeting. Updates were provided on the East Heights and South Middle School projects, including construction progress and timelines. The board also approved a change order for East Heights and a special inspections contract for South Middle School. A strategic plan update was presented, focusing on the district's commitment to providing competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain high-level performers.

The meeting included recognition of student ambassadors, judges scholars from AB Chandler Elementary School and Bengate Elementary School, and multilingual learner students who met proficiency benchmarks. Stacia Wolf was recognized as the 2025 Kentucky School Psychologist of the Year, and Casey Farmerwolf was named the 2025 Kentucky DPP of the Year.

The meeting included a sesquicentennial spotlight, highlighting the Henderson County School's 150th-anniversary celebration and its impact through social media, archived pictures, and community partnerships. Student and staff recognitions were also a part of the agenda. The board discussed capital projects, including asphalt improvement projects and CTE paving projects. An update was provided on the Henderson County High School chiller replacement, with a discussion on its emergency status. Central Academy presented their strengths, challenges, and activities related to their HDS+ program, including student relationship building, JAG program, community involvement, and partnerships with organizations like Blue Moon Stables and Stability Counseling.

The meeting included recognition of student and staff achievements, such as the November judges scholar from Cairo Elementary and Officer Marty Wilson for his work with the DARE program. Jefferson Elementary School gave a presentation on building a better graduate through steam and stem activities. The board also discussed and approved a BG4 form for gym floor replacement at three schools and a BG1 for an emergency chiller replacement project, which also includes bottle fillers in all schools due to a KRS mandate. The athletic report highlighted the achievements of the lady Colonels soccer and volleyball teams, as well as updates on winter sports and facilities improvements, including new soccer lights and potential turf installation at the stadium. Finally, the audit report was presented, noting an unmodified opinion and key revenue and expenditure distributions.