Latest news with #Griebel
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Laurel County Board of Education requests for state to waive 3 school days
Following the recent decision to end the 2024-2025 school year, the Laurel County Board of Education voted to request that the Kentucky Board of Education waive three days toward the school calendar. The board met in special session Wednesday afternoon to vote on the matter. The motion to approve the request was made by Board Chair Tony Krahenbuhl and seconded by member Brice Hicks. In light of the matter being the only new business agenda item, the meeting then adjourned. The district's call to end the school year came following the EF4 tornado which struck Laurel and Pulaski counties on the night of Friday, May 16. The decision was announced Tuesday, May 20. On Monday, May 19, district administrators began communicating with Kentucky Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher, Ed.D., as well as multiple offices at the Kentucky Department of Education. Administrators did so to gain a better understanding of the district's allowances under current legislation regarding the school district's options after the tornado. Following such conversations, board members felt that suspending the school year was ultimately the best option for the district. The district had only eight school days remaining. During the meeting, Superintendent Denise Griebel said no student or staff deaths were reported as a result of the tornado. However, according to Griebel, over 30 staff and faculty members and "numerous students and families" sustained "significant damage or total destruction of property." "Almost everyone has been impacted by this storm," Griebel stated. Supt. Griebel shared that, while staff and faculty are saddened they will not formally see students again, family resource and youth services centers will remain open to coordinate services for affected students and families. School counselors will also provide services as needed. Per Kentucky Revised Statutes and federal legislation, staff and faculty members are required to work their contract days, allowing students to come to their school to pick up their belongings. "Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with our community and all those impacted by this severe weather event," said Griebel.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Laurel Board of Education discusses budget, recognizes Bush boys basketball team
The Kentucky Department of Education recently announced a possible $40 million shortfall in school district funding for the current school year. During Monday's Laurel County Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Denise Griebel shared that the prediction contributes to her belief that the district's 2025-2026 draft budget is likely inaccurate at this time. While Supt. Griebel stated that the general fund balance sits at approximately $4.3 million, she followed by saying that she is not confident that the numbers 'will hold.' 'There's just too many factors beyond our control to make too many changes in a draft budget,' Supt. Griebel stated. 'Basically, what you have presented is an updated working budget.' Griebel specifically noted that the potential of not receiving a full payment and her inability to make personnel changes until Feb. 1 could contribute to the unreliability of the projected budget. The meeting also brought more recognitions. First to be recognized was the undefeated Bush Elementary's boys basketball team. The boys were honored for being the 2024 district elementary basketball champions. Their coach, Aaron Rupard, praised the team for their performance, saying, 'I'm very, very proud of them.' Each of the board members were recognized by Supt. Griebel as well, in light of January being School Board Appreciation Month in Kentucky. Though he was unable to attend the meeting, Board Member Kevin Murray was also honored. Furthermore, Monday marked the conclusion of progress reports from principals of the district regarding their goals for the school year. Presenting that evening were the principals of North Laurel Middle School, Bush Elementary School, Cold Hill Elementary School, and Hunter Hills Elementary School. The Laurel County Board of Education meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month. The board's next meeting will take place Monday, Feb. 10, at 5 p.m.
