August Regular Board Meeting-Governor's Scholars recognized

~from the Sturgis News
 Board smiles at students
The Union County Board of Education met in regular session on Monday night at Union County Middle School

Superintendent Patricia Sheffer and board members Jennifer Buckman, James Ricketts, Melissa Whitsell, and Lynda Jackson were present. Board member Evelyn Meacham was not in attendance.

The board quickly disposed of several agenda items including updates on ACT scores and the food service program in the district. In addition, several students received special recognition for their achievements at Union County High School.
 
These students were part of the Governor's Scholar Program during the summer.  Pictured at right are the Governor's Scholar students: Will Potts, Jordyn Rascoe, Madison Eckels, Sara Ferguson and not pictured are Elijah Ervin and Tyler Sturm. GSP

Ms. Sheffer presented the board with an update on the latest student achievement results on the ACT test. Comparing local results with results from students across Kentucky, Union County ranked slightly behind. The median statewide score on the ACT is 19.4. In Union County, that number is 18.4.

Ms. Sheffer noted, “We are still a little behind the state, and we still are not where we want to be.” She added, however “We are very proud of the increases we have had.”

The increases to which she referred compared results from UCHS juniors in both 2013 and 2014. Those results showed a 13 point jump in English; a 16 point increase in math; and a three point increase in reading.

Ms. Sheffer emphasized that UCHS principal Evan Jackson and staff members are continuing to work with students to improve the testing results.

Food Service Director Shane Bosaw addressed the board with a report concerning the food service program for the first few weeks of school. He noted there have been increases in participation in both the breakfast and lunch program at all three elementary schools. He noted there has been a slight decline at both the middle school and high school; however, student use of the a la carte menu has been positive.

“The numbers are looking good,” Bosaw said. “We are getting a lot of positive feedback.”

Board members heard from several middle school students concerning their ideas and goals to become leaders and positive role models in the school environment.

Director of Finance Amy Morris presented a short financial report to the board. She told the members there was “not much activity in July.” She added, the board can expect a review of the working budget in September.

Board members approved the expense report for the superintendent and approved several items on the consent agenda. That included the personnel report, travel report, requests for fund raisers, trip requests, leaves of absence, and several other items.

Full-time certified employments approved by the board included Allie Alsbrooks, Amanda Deibler, Jessica Egbert, Ryan Haile, Joel Hettenhausen, Joie Logsdon, Stephanie Rogier, and Sondra Williams.

Four resignations were accepted, and several certified employments, transfers, and resignations were approved.

The meeting was adjourned after about a 25 minutes session.