School Board agrees to pay part of bus cost

The Campbellsville Independent School Board has backed down on a request to increase the cost of bus trips for sports teams and other school groups by nearly 200 percent.

Last month, the Board considered a proposal to increase the current rate of $1.30 per mile to $3.86 per mile.

Transportation Director Donna Gaddis and Finance Director Gayle Newton told the Board last month that auditors from the Kentucky Department of Education had recommended the increase to cover costs.

But at Monday night's Board meeting, a proposal to increase the cost by just 56 cents per mile was approved. The Board will contribute the other $2 per mile in costs.

There was no discussion among the Board members about the new proposal or the reason for the change.

At last month's meeting, the original proposal was included in the Board's consent agenda, which is voted on with one motion. School Board Member Suzanne Wilson, however, requested that the item be removed from that list to allow for an opportunity for discussion.

During that later discussion, Wilson said she didn't like the idea of the increase as the additional money would be difficult for the individual groups to raise because they are already struggling to raise extra money after last year's funding cuts.

Last month, Superintendent Diane Woods-Ayers said the Board needed to come up with some cost comparisons with regard to commercial transportation for consideration at the February meeting. After Monday's meeting, Gaddis said she had contacted a commercial bus company and learned that a proposed trip to Florida for a ball team would have cost about $10,000.

Also at Monday's meeting:

u The District is celebrating "Have a Heart for Eagles" Month during February with various activities. Long-time District employee Anne Fraim gave a speech entitled, "Honor the Past." CMS teacher Elisha Rhodes spoke on, "Support the Present," and 2007 valedictorian Anna Marie Johnson gave a speech, "Encourage the Future."

u Mark Johnson of Citizens Bank presented a check for $10,000 to the Board. The money will be used for technology development.

"We're always pleased to help with any opportunity to get these tools in front of the teachers and to keep our children ahead of the curve."

u The monthly academic spotlight was on Campbellsville High School. Principal Mike Deaton discussed ongoing programs at the school as well as some plans for next year.

Deaton said he has researched data on various schedules and visited other schools in the state, and he would like to consider changing the school day to have a six-period schedule with a shortened seventh period used for enrichment and remediation.

During that seventh period, he said, students could be taught better ways of taking notes, open response reinforcement and tutoring. Classes would also meet all year. Deaton said it's been proven that students do better in classes that last the entire school year than in classes that just last a semester.

He said the plan would involve an additional commitment from the Board in the form of more money for textbooks and lab classes, but he also said he believes that students learn better in year-long classes and that it would be an important step in improving test scores.

u The Board approved a calendar for the 2008-2009 school year. (See sidebar.)

u The monthly employment report includes:

-New employees Benjamin Davis, CHS English teacher; Tabatha Martin, CHS attendance clerk; Sandra Bailey, CES library assistant; and Bobbi Faulkner, part-time lunchroom worker.

-Termination of Lisa Despain, CHS attendance clerk.

u The Board approved an out-of-state trip for the CHS softball team.

u According to the monthly District finance report, 50.4 percent of the budget has been spent, with 58.3 percent of the school year complete, leaving a gap of 7.9 percent. The general fund budget totals $7.1 million.

u Editor Rebecca Cassell can be reached at 465-8111 Ext. 227 or by e-mail at editor@cknj.com. Comment on this story at www.cknj.com.

SIDEBAR:

Campbellsville Independent Schools

2008-2009 Calendar

Aug. 5 Opening day for teachers

Aug. 6 First day for students

Aug. 8 Early dismissal 1 p.m.

Sept. 1 Holiday (Labor Day)

Sept. 17 Early dismissal 1 p.m.

Oct. 3 Professional development

Oct. 6-10 Fall break

Oct. 29 Early dismissal 1 p.m.

Nov. 3 School dismissed

Nov. 4 Election day

Nov. 26 Professional development

Nov. 27 Holiday (Thanksgiving Day)

Nov. 28 School dismissed

Dec. 20-Jan. 4 Winter break

Jan. 5 Return from break

Jan. 19 Holiday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

Feb. 11 Early dismissal 1 p.m.

Feb. 16 Holiday (Presidents Day)

March 18 Early dismissal 1 p.m.

April 3 Professional development

April 6-10 Spring break

April 20-May 1 Testing window

April 22 Early dismissal 1 p.m.

May 19 Primary Election Day (No school)

May 22 Last day for students, early dismissal 1 p.m.