FULTON INDEPENDENT, FULTON COUNTY NON-RESIDENT CONTRACT AGREEMENT REACHED; SUPERINTENDENT'S CONTRACT EXTENDED TO 2022

Fulton Independent Schools' Board of Education agreed to a non-resident contract, for"Any/All" students, with Fulton County Schools during regular board session March 19, following discussions between each district's Board of Education, Superintendents and Board Attorneys, and following executive session at a special called board meeting March 20, Superintendent Dr. DeAnna Miller was offered and accepted an extended contract by the Board, through June 30, 2022. During that special called session, only one item was included for executive session regarding the Superintendent's evaluation..

Board members Debbie Vaughn, Bill Robertson, Carol Bransford, Rea Jones and Christy Pettigrew first heard from Dr. Miller, during regular session March 19, who reported she had spoken with Fulton County Schools' Superintendent Aaron Collins, and FIS Board Attorney Jason Howell had communicated with the Fulton County Board Attorney, regarding Fulton County's offer of a non-resident contract between the districts to allow transfer of Average Daily Attendance funds, for "Any/All" students. Also included in Fulton County's proposed contract proposal was the forwarding of $30,000 to FIS, according to Dr. Miller, to allow for the hiring of a position to be shared by both districts, such as for a math interventionist.

In the past, FIS BOE has released SEEK ADA funds based on contracts with other districts for students that reside in the FIS district, to the Kentucky district that agrees to educate the student. The FIS board has likewise requested the release of such funds from Kentucky districts that have students attending Fulton Independent Schools.

The board unanimously agreed with Dr. Miller's recommendation to accept the non-resident contract offer from Fulton County Schools.

Board members were updated on the receipt of grant funding by FIS, including the submission of a grant application for the Striving Readers Comprehensive Learning grant in March 2018. Fulton Independent was awarded the two year grant totaling $440,000 to improve reading comprehension and achievement for students ages birth through 12 grade in the school district. FIS was also awarded a $10,000 Title IV grant to provide additional opportunities in the effective use of technology and well-rounded educational opportunities for students.

Dr. Miller announced FIS would once again be awarded a 21st Century Community Learning Center Award, allowing the school system to continue the B3 After School Program for five years.

Special recognition was given to Teachers of the Month, Melissa Trice-Martin, Futon Middle/High School teacher and Cierra Cole, Carr Elementary teacher.

The late Nicky Forrester, longtime supporter of Fulton Independent Schools and the athletic programs, was honored as a recipient of The Bulldog Award, with Forrester's wife, Elaine, and children, David and Ann on hand for the presentation.

During the portion of the meeting's agenda allotted for public comment, Board Chair Debbie Vaughn first stated each person who had previously signed in to address the board would be allowed five minutes to speak, and the board members would not respond or debate with the public during the meeting.

Dr. Bill Smith addressed the board, explaining that he was a part of a group of people who were interested in education, and were present for the students, not to bash or criticize the board. He requested the board members look to the future, as to the future of the students, as well as the future of the city, county and Commonwealth, urging the board to make the "right decision" regarding the school system.

He asked the board to consider being able to offer more educational opportunities and be frugal with tax dollars.

Dr. Smith said "sometimes decisions are not good....sometimes they hurt" and asked the board to "act now for the future of the kids."

"I implore the board to consider what may not be palatable. But it may have to be done, and that's a possible merger with Fulton County. Students may have to be bussed. Jobs may be lost. But I ask you to do what's right. Please consider it," he said.

Enrollment figures provided reflected a total district enrollment of 309, with 23 students enrolled in Kindergarten; 25 in first grade; 24 in second grade; 28 in third grade; 32 in fourth grade; 30 in fifth grade; 19 in sixth grade; 19 in seventh grade; 18 in eighth grade; 23 in ninth grade; 26 in 10th grade; 22 in 11th grade; and 20 in 12th grade.

One Kindergarten student re-enrolled in another district; one Kindergarten student moved out of state; two fifth grade students moved of state and one fifth grade student re-enrolled in another district. There was one sixth grade student with initial enrollment from out of state, one 10th grade student with initial enrollment from out of state, one 10th grade student transfer from another Kentucky district, one fifth grade student, initial enrollment from out of state and one fifth grade student transfer from another Kentucky district.

One fundraiser was approved, for the Carr Elementary P.T.O. Bike-A-Thon, by P.T.O. President Anna McCoy, with generated revenue to be used for a P.T.O. sponsored teachers' meal during Teacher Appreciation Week.

In the personnel report, listed was the appointment of Zach Howard as Assistant Baseball Coach and the retirement of Barbara Burnette, Certified Substitute.

The Consolidated District Improvement Plan/Turn Around Plan with added objectives was given board approval with Dr. Miller's recommendation, as well as the FIS District Facility Plan, Public Hearing Report and District Facility Plan Final Draft, to be submitted to the Kentucky Department of Education for final approval.

The Board adjourned from open public session March 19, into closed executive session, according to Kentucky Revised Statute, regarding the evaluation of the Superintendent, with no action reportedly taken upon return into public session.