September 12, 2022

As part of our commitment to open and transparent communication, we are pleased to introduce a new publication called the "Board Meeting Brief," which will be sent out after each school board planning work session.

• AMPLIFY SCIENCE Board members will vote later this month on a request to purchase 35 additional sets of classroom science materials. In advance of that decision, board members asked for feedback on the initial purchase. Staff members explained that the interruptions caused by the pandemic had made a full evaluation difficult, but reported that they have collected input from teachers and students through interviews and observations. They are seeing a 50 to 60% increase in usage of hands-on materials, and have received favorable reports about ease of use.

• GROW YOUR OWN PARTNERSHIPS On Sept. 26, board members will consider agreements with the University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, and Western Kentucky University to establish programs designed to increase the availability and diversity of teaching candidates. Board members asked about the types of pathways that would be available and were told that the UK program is in Urban School Leadership, the EKU offerings are in for those interested in pursuing an initial teaching certificate, or working with students who are learning English or have been identified as gifted and talented, and the WKU pathways are for initial teaching credentials or a variety of leadership certifications. "As we talk about teacher recruitment and retention, this is a huge step," said Board Chair Tyler Murphy.

• SCREENCASTIFY Teachers and students in FCPS have been using this software to record their computer screen, narration, and/or webcam video. In the past two years, more than 140,000 videos have been created. Board members discussed the multiple uses for this resource, such as flipped learning or additional support for students. "When I was visiting The Learning Center, a student gave me a tutorial on how to use this and it's pretty cool," said Board Member Christy Morris.

• TRAUMA INFORMED SCHOOLS While discussing a contract to provide professional learning in Social Emotional Learning, Positive Behavior Intervention and Support, and Restorative Practices for the staff at William Wells Brown Elementary School, School Board Member Stephanie Aschmann Spires emphasized the need to ensure a trauma informed approach at the school. Staff members shared that William Wells Brown Elementary utilizes an ongoing approach to professional learning related to trauma informed care. Throughout the school year the school staff engages in learning provided by the District Mental Health Specialist and other Student Support Team members related to building and maintaining a positive school culture and climate that intentionally recognizes the trauma experienced by students along with strategies for supporting students through a trauma lens. As a school district, FCPS has been intentional about the development and implementation of a District Trauma Informed/Trauma Sensitive Plan for all schools and adopted a District plan in August of 2020. To date we have implemented trauma informed teams at each FCPS school which includes ongoing professional learning offered at the school and district level. This plan also included the implementation of a District Wide social emotional learning screener, which we will administer for the first time in FCPS in September. This screener will assist FCPS staff in determining areas of strength and growth related to social competencies and assist staff in developing a more robust support plan for students in need.

• FACILITY USAGE FEES At the regular action meeting, board members will be asked to adopt the facility usage fee schedule charged to outside groups that hold activities and events on school campuses. Board Vice Chair Amy Green asked how many groups this might effect and was told that there are no charges for the roughly 250 non-profit groups that use school facilities as long as they are holding events at a time when custodial services are available. Fees are only charged after 8 p.m. during the week or on weekends.

Board members received their first presentation on the proposed Working Budget for the 2022-23 school year on Monday, but they have actually been working on the development of the spending for more than eight months. The board has previously reviewed the draft budget, held a budget retreat and multiple work sessions, set budget priorities, adopted a tentative budget, and a set a new salary schedule that gave every employee at least a 3 percent raise.

Budget and finance processes for school districts in Kentucky are dictated by state

laws and regulations and involve multiple state and local agencies. The cycle is a

continuous one that requires board members to pay attention to the previous year,

the current year, and the upcoming year all at the same time.

The version of the budget that the board will consider on September 26 reflects the most accurate financial picture because it includes updated local and state revenue projections. The increase in revenue between the tentative and working budget is $14.2 million – $3 million of which was due to the fund balance.

Compared with the tentative budget adopted in May, the working budget would invest an additional $10.9 million in instruction, student support, and instructional staff support. Less than 1.5% of the district's total operational budget is spent on district administrative support.

WHAT'S A SCHOOL BOARD PLANNING WORK SESSION?

The Fayette County Board of Education meets twice a month. The planning work session is an opportunity to receive extended presentations, review the agenda for the action meeting later in the month, and provide time for board members to ask questions and hold discussions with staff. The action meeting is when the board votes on proposed items.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?

Click here for the agenda.

Click here to listen to the meeting.