By GAGE WILSON
for Glasgow News 1
The Caverna Board of Education’s Nov. 14 meeting began on a somber note as Chairman Wayne Hatcher mourned the loss of Marine Corps Lance Corporal Le’Braun Hamilton, a Caverna graduate who passed away on Nov. 2.
Despite the emotional start, the mood shifted as the meeting featured the inaugural “Core Value Award,” presented to high school teacher Joe Wilder. Wilder was nominated by peers and district parents for his exceptional contributions.
Following the awards, the board addressed action items for the evening. The most pressing issue was the emergency certification of two district teachers, a matter initiated by Superintendent Amanda Abell in consultation with the Education Professional Standards Board, which oversees educator credentialing in Kentucky. The board’s approval allows these teachers to continue working while pursuing required certifications.
One of the teachers, Chelsea Stinson, encountered technical issues uploading her Praxis results to the standards board. “This is really just a precaution, and I didn’t want to wait until our December meeting because we are approaching our LEAD report,” Abell explained. “We are waiting on EPSB to fix the issue, but if it doesn’t get resolved, she will still need a certificate.”
The LEAD report, completed semi annually by local school districts, ensures that each position is filled by a certified educator.
The board also deliberated on a change order related to the district’s culinary renovations. The proposal involved extending a fence around the high school’s back area to enclose various mechanical elements, including a newly acquired freezer funded by a grant from the No Kid Hungry nonprofit. While the area is already secure, board members agreed the fence would enhance functionality and safety by better protecting the equipment.
Additionally, Susan Mathews, director of the district’s special education program, addressed the board to propose changes to the special education procedures. She specifically recommended extending the deadline for teachers to provide classroom notes to parents, following an incident where a teacher was unable to meet the previous deadline. The proposed change would allow seven days for teachers to deliver the notes. While other updates were suggested, Mathews emphasized that this was the only significant adjustment.
The board unanimously approved all action items and moved to adjourn.
However, discussions continued after the adjournment motion, primarily involving board member Allison Dennison and Superintendent Abell.
Dennison raised concerns about the status of the district’s tennis courts and updates on a grant application for their repairs.
“We’re still waiting on the grant,” Abell responded. “Terry Bunnell is working on it, but honestly, if we don’t get the grant, it’s going to be hard for us to cover the cost. They’re in bad shape.” Abell assured the board she would provide updates as soon as possible.
Dennison also inquired about funding for the school’s resource officer, a topic of ongoing discussion since late summer. Her concerns stemmed from the officer’s rising cost, which could reach $60,000, prompting discussions at both city and school levels. Abell recommended revisiting this topic during the Dec. 12 meeting as a discussion item.