The Wayne County Board of Education moved forward with the Bell Elementary School renovation project after the nonprofit Wayne County School District Finance Corporation held a special meeting in conjunction with its regular monthly meeting and approved the issuance of revenue bonds. Prior to the special meeting, the board had approved the adoption of a resolution authorizing the local finance corporation to issue revenue bonds, which was included in the monthly meeting.
Lexington resident Bob Turbin, a fiscal agent with RSA Advisors, spoke to the District Finance Corporation about the resolution. The board elected to use revenue bonds totaling $425,000 as principal for special obligation bonds funded by the School Facilities Construction Committee under a 2018 proposal that has not yet been used. Every two years, school districts are offered a bonding opportunity.
The bond funds and additional cash will cover the cost of a new roof at Bell Elementary School. Federal ESSER funds available to schools have ended due to the pandemic, so these funds are not available to meet instructional or facility needs.
The board approved several business items related to roofing work at Bell Elementary School. This includes:
*Contractual Agreement between the Board of Directors and Dixie Roofing.
*Approved a request for payment of an estimated total of $375,743.22 to Tremco, Inc. for roofing membranes, adhesives, flashings, metal, and other roofing supplies.
*Approved a payment request to Dixie, LLC for ISO insulation and accessories and base sheet fasteners in the estimated total amount of $181,959.84.
Other business:
*Several visitors attended the meeting, primarily supporters of the WCHS boys soccer team, who spoke during public comment. Human resources were not on the agenda and the board was not allowed to participate in the recruitment process, but the issue of pink slips when not updated was raised. Superintendent Don Neal explained that principals in each building have spoken with non-tenured certified employees and the majority will be reinstated. Issuing non-renewal notices is common in school districts across the state and helps administrators position themselves based on upcoming financial budgets specific to each school year.
*A $1,725 payment was approved to the Facilities Commissioning Group for professional services related to the WCHS Gym Indoor Air Quality Project.
*Approved a revised 2023-2024 school calendar adjusted to reflect the seven non-traditional instruction (NTI) days used in January. The state provides up to 10 of his NTI days during the school year. The board also approved an application to renew the continuation of the NTI Days program for the 2024-2025 school year.
*Approved the Multi-Tier System Support Model (MTSS) Implementation Guide. House Bill 162, the Mathematics Act, requires school districts to focus on improving math. Wayne County is already taking steps to address math with a district-wide math fluency program starting in the fall. Additionally, SB 265 requires new teacher induction and mentoring programs. Wayne County already has a new teacher induction program in place that has all of these necessary elements.
*Approved to participate in the community eligibility provisions provided by USDA's National School Lunch Program for the 2024-25 school year. The Department of Nutrition plans to restart a four-year cycle of free breakfast and lunch programs for all students during the first year of the next academic year.
*Unrestricted rates for the National School Lunch Program for next year have been approved by KDE.
*Approved a popular summer school lunch program with child nutrition services. This includes special state book giveaway programs.
*Approved the 2024-25 district technology plan.
*Approved date change for Student Code of Conduct for 2024-25 academic year
Dr. Bob Turbin, Financial Agent, RSA Advisors