October 10, 2022

As part of our commitment to open and transparent communication, we are pleased to share the "Board Meeting Brief," which is sent out after each school board planning work session.

• LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Board members received an update from Lobbyists Abby Piper and Jared Smith about legislative and policy activity at the state and federal level. Topics covered included education funding, cyber security, workforce development, school safety, early literacy, and student and staff mental health and well-being. View the presentation here.

• MEDICATION SHORTAGE School Board Member Stephanie Aschmann Spires asked Piper and Smith for help in alerting leaders at the state and national level about a growing shortage of medication for individuals diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). "I have talked with several professionals and parents, and this has been brewing since July," Spires said. "As a large district, we are in a position to advocate for our students and families. We need to make sure that those who can impact this situation are taking action now."  Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Demetrus Liggins said the district is working with local health officials to look at options as well.

• TECHNOLOGY TOOLS Board members received a presentation on Screencastify, a software that allows students and staff to make videos that capture both narration and what's on their computer screen. Principals are using the tool to record daily announcements, teachers are using the tool to record lessons that students can rewatch later, staff members are using the tool to create professional development presentations, and students are using the tool to complete assignments and explain their work. "Thank you for bringing these examples to us -- not only what teachers and instructors are doing, but what the students are doing," said Board Vice Chair Amy Green. "This is amazing that we can serve our students through multiple intelligences. People learn in so many different ways and this really gives that avenue to explore that and to expand for our students and our staff to present information in multiple ways." View the presentation here.

• SCHOOLWIDE FUNDRAISING PROJECTS Although current board policy requires that board members approve schoolwide fundraisers twice a year, Board Member Spires asked that information be provided more frequently. "We'd like to know about these things so we can support our schools," she said. "Whether this is a matter of a procedure or policy change, these are our facilities and we need to be aware of the activities that are happening." School Board Chairman Tyler Murphy suggested that a database of fundraisers be established so board members can see fundraising activities in real time.

• EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM At the regular action meeting on October 27, the board will consider a contract with LifeWorks Wellness to provide employee assistance program services for members of Team FCPS. In response to questions from Board Members Tom Jones and Christy Morris, Chief Human Resources Officer Jennifer Dyar shared that the district had solicited requests for proposals from interested vendors and LifeWorks Wellness was selected by a committee because of expanded resources offered by the company, including a mobile app, library of digital resources, and telehealth and in-person referral options.

• CARNEGIE HALL PERFORMANCE Board members will vote at the October 27 action meeting on contracts that would allow choral students from Beaumont and Southern Middle Schools to travel to New York City and perform at Carnegie Hall. Middle Schools Chief Tracy Bruno explained that students are raising money to pay for the cost so that all students who want to attend will have that opportunity. "Whoever put this together is to be commended," said Board Member Jones. "This will be a tremendous opportunity."

• ACT TESTING A contract to allow all FCPS 10th grade students to take the ACT will be on the agenda for approval at the October 27 meeting. Brooke Stinson, FCPS Director of Assessment and MTSS, explained that the proposal would allow all sophomores to take the ACT on the same day that juniors take the test as part of the state accountability system. "This is a great opportunity for our students that the board has supported over the past few years," she said. Board Chair Murphy added that the effort is particularly important for equitable access. "For too many students, the state required administration is their first time taking the ACT," he said. "The research is clear that students who have taken it previously will be more successful on subsequent attempts." Board Member Jones asked that the board receive the ACT data for sophomores in addition to juniors.

WHAT IS 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 to see the full agenda.

Click here to listen to the meeting.