Latest news with #LaurelCountyBoardofEducation
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
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Laurel school board awards bids, recognizes Chamber Teachers of the Year
The Laurel County Board of Education approved bids for fuel and athletic supplies for the upcoming school year at its regular meeting Monday evening. Superintendent Denise Griebel recommended awarding the gas and diesel bid to Premier Energy, which submitted the lowest margin bid of .015 for both fuel types, which the board approved. As for athletic supplies, the bid was awarded to BSN. Both bids passed unanimously. Board members also approved two memoranda of agreement — the first being for the traditional Kentucky Agency for Substance Abuse Policy grant for fiscal year 2026. The district serves as the fiscal agent for the local ASAP board and has done so for several years. This agreement follows an earlier approval for the ASAP HARM grant MOA in April. The second MOA is with the Kentucky Educational Collaborative for State Agency Children (KECSAC) for Laurel County Day Treatment for the 2025–2026 school year. The partnership between KECSAC, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the district is renewed annually. The board additionally voted to continue with Cumberland Valley National Bank as the district's bond of depository for the 2025–2026 school year. Superintendent Denise Griebel said the bank has served the district well. The motion passed with one abstention by Board Chair Tony Krahenbuhl. The board then went on to approve the 2024–2025 Independent Auditor's Contract with Cloyd & Associates, PSC. Superintendent Griebel said the firm has consistently demonstrated professionalism, accuracy, and responsiveness in its work with the district. The board also recognized three standout educators at the meeting, as the London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce recently announced its 2025 Teachers of the Year. The awards, based on nominations from students and parents, honor teachers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication in the classroom. Bridgett McWhorter, a third-grade teacher at Bush Elementary, was named Elementary Teacher of the Year. She is retiring this school year after 28 years of service. Tonya Allen, a science teacher at North Laurel Middle School, was named Middle School Teacher of the Year. Allen has taught at North Middle for her full 21-year career. Mary King, who teaches Family and Consumer Science at South Laurel High School, was named High School Teacher of the Year. She is also retiring this year, closing out a 25-year career. Architects Ray J. Vaskey and David Jackson provided an update on the district's auxiliary gym projects at North and South Laurel high schools. At South, masonry work is progressing around the perimeter, including training and weight room areas. Interior framing is underway for locker rooms, offices, and restrooms. Plumbing is also in progress, with the roof already complete. Crews are preparing for exterior panel and brick installation. At North Laurel, block work is ongoing around structural columns and locker room areas. Crews are preparing the front entrance and restroom section. The layout includes space for a basketball court, turf area, training rooms, weight room, and golf simulator. Despite recent weather delays, both projects are moving forward. Further, the board approved the BG-4 closeout document for the Laurel County Day Treatment gym roof replacement. Danny Bishop, Physical Plant Director, noted the roof was replaced several months ago and the project was completed on budget. The BG-4 is part of the required closeout process, with a BG-5 to follow. Griebel also acknowledged that Kentucky Summative Assessments (KSA) are underway. Attendance for the day was nearly 94%, with some schools reporting 96–97%, a strong showing during the testing period. The Laurel County Board of Education meets at 5 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month. To watch livestreams of the meetings, visit
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.
