Montgomery County School District

The meeting featured a spotlight presentation from Camargo Elementary School, where fourth-grade students demonstrated student-driven learning through a Living Wax Museum project aligned with the Profile of a Learner competencies. Key board actions included approving the creation of a Transition Specialist position to support post-secondary outcomes for students with disabilities. The Board also approved applications for several grants focused on student safety and enrichment, authorized the purchase of three operational vehicles, approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Gateway Area Development District for elementary attendance zone mapping services, and renewed the FY 2027 Student Insurance Plan. Student and educator achievements were recognized, including the Esports Team, All-State musicians, Spelling Bee participants, the Swim & Dive Team, and a bowling runner-up. The Board also honored Chief Chris Barrier upon his departure.

The Board approved several key items during the meeting. These included an agreement with OneGoal for postsecondary advising services extending through the 2028-2029 school year, approval for student trips including the DECA International Career Development Conference and the Montgomery County Achievers trip to Washington, D.C., and New York. The Board also approved the District Improvement Plan, middle and high schools' Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) plans, and gap targets as required by the Kentucky Department of Education. Furthermore, the Board approved the FRYSC assurances certification form for FY 2026-2028 to secure funding for Family Resource and Youth Services Centers. Other actions included approving a contract to rent a musical set, accepting a School Facilities Construction Commission offer of assistance for technology purchases, accepting a grant to support postsecondary achievement for students with disabilities, submitting grant applications for mathematics curriculum purchases, and approving a Memorandum of Understanding with WeLeadCS for online computer science instruction.

The board meeting featured a School Spotlight where Montgomery County High School students presented how the district's Profile of a Learner is applied in their academic work, covering areas like FFA projects, AP Seminar research on anxiety and coping through art, and English class text analysis. The Superintendent's Report recognized several staff and student achievements across academics, music (including All-State Choir and KMEA All-District Bands selections), and athletics (Esports state runners-up). The Superintendent, Dr. Matt Thompson, announced his intent to retire at the end of the 2025-2026 school year, reflecting on the district's progress over his 11-year tenure. The District also approved pursuing a law enforcement grant, applying for a math coach grant, revising Board District boundaries, and contracting Spectrum for internet service at the Chenault Agriculture Center.

This document details the 2025-2026 Needs Assessment for Montgomery County Schools, which serves as a foundation for district goals and strategies. It outlines a comprehensive process for identifying critical areas for improvement based on multiple data sources and stakeholder input. The assessment reviews the implementation of previous plans, analyzes academic, cultural, and behavioral trends, and describes the current state of academics and climate. Key focus areas for improvement include enhancing academic performance, addressing behavioral issues, and refining teaching and learning processes such as standards deployment, instructional delivery, data analysis, and support systems to build staff capacity and improve student achievement.

The Montgomery County Schools district aims to be a model district, providing a top-notch, comprehensive educational program with a mission to ensure a safe, accepting, student-centered, and equitable education with high expectations for all students. Its vision is to be the standard of educational excellence in an ever-changing global society. The district is committed to high academic expectations, culturally responsive teaching, and fostering positive relationships, ensuring every student makes at least one year's growth annually. Strategic initiatives include a 'Profile of a Learner' with six key competencies (Engaged Citizen, Productive Collaborator, Resourceful Problem Solver, Empowered Learner, Creative Contributor, and Effective Communicator). Key areas for improvement include increasing performance for students with disabilities in proficiency, academic indicators, growth, and postsecondary readiness, alongside a continued focus on novice reduction.