0414 People are Talking

"Not only does this make checking visitors in and out simpler for our front office staff, it also provides added security to ensure that our students stay safe.” Cloverport Independent School Principal Keith Haynes on the driver’s license-scanning, photo-taking technology the school has added for security purposes. From the Brandenburg Meade County Messenger. Photo provided by Cloverport Independent Schools

“There is a bigger narrative here. We need to put the current crisis into the larger context of inadequate school funding. Fayette County’s problem is real and painful, but it won’t be solved by pitting one great program against another. The broader issue regards how we finance our public schools in Kentucky in the first place. And if the issue really is about doing what’s best for kids, then it’s time to make a more systemic change involving a deeper investment in our public schools.” Dunbar High School senior and Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence Student Voice Team member Andrew Brennen on the impact of state funding cuts on a $20 million projected budget shortfall for Fayette County Schools next year. From the Lexington Herald-Leader.

“It’s a positive way for both the dad and student to start the day. It also gives them some good bonding time before school and work.” Erlanger-Elsmere Independent Schools family resource center coordinator Tracy Molly on an extended breakfast period program for fathers and their children to provide time for bonding, adult role modeling and chats about school. From the Fort Mitchell Community Press and Recorder.

“If there was ever a time people should be contacting their legislators, it should be now. In some places I am sure it could be a matter of whether the doors remain open, and the public needs to be involved in that.” Augusta Independent Schools Superintendent Lisa McCane, right, on trying to build her district’s 2014-15 budget. From the Maysville Ledger-Independent.

“We spent four hours in mid-January at the (Tilden Hogge Elementary) school looking at ways to optimize energy. We found that many of the classrooms were operating 24-7 and that the boiler system is the original one and it is trying to heat an entire building when it is only sufficient for a few rooms.” Harshaw Trane energy management firm representative Joe Lehr to the Rowan County Board of Education on one lesson learned from a districtwide energy efficiency effort. From the Morehead News.

“In order for dramatic change to happen at Myers, we believe it’s time to look at a different kind of (overhaul) model. The fact that we are asking the board for the restaffing model doesn’t mean that we believe that the teachers there are ineffective, it just says that we are looking for teachers with the skill set that matches the needs of the school.” Jefferson County Schools Chief Academic Officer Dewey Hensley on a plan to change the approach to improve a low-performing middle school. From the Louisville Courier-Journal.

“There were only two of us at another school where I was working, and I can tell you all what will get cut. It will be curriculum, instruction and assessment that tends to get neglected because it’s not the hot fire that needs to be put out. That would be my biggest concern is how it would impact us academically in the long run.” Mercer County Senior High School Assistant Principal Lee Goss during a discussion in which the school board reversed an earlier vote and approved creation of an additional assistant principal’s post at the growing high school. From the Harrodsburg Herald.

“School confidentiality is a huge issue, but no incident that is reported goes without something being done. Last week we had some stuff come up on Facebook so we made sure to go over cyberbullying with the students. But we also anticipate issues that might come up and try to teach the kids what they should do if they see bullying or if they are being bullied.” East Carter Middle School Principal Shannon Wilburn responding to a parent’s claims that the school wasn’t doing enough to combat student bullying. From the Grayson Journal-Times.

“What I’m afraid would happen — there’s a possibility if there’s a mandate from the state to give a 2 percent raise, then there’s not enough money in our SEEK, then the only other recourse we’d have is perhaps lay off some certified staff to give the whole certified staff remaining a raise. That would be a shame if we had to operate under those conditions.” Harlan Independent school board Chairman Joe Meadors, right, on a concern voiced by numerous leaders about the ongoing state budget development. From the Harlan Daily Enterprise. 

 “If they’re weak in English, we have an English teacher who works with them to try to help get their scores up. The same is for students who are weak in math. I’d say 90 percent take it seriously. If they don’t, they can still get into college but they’re going to be put into remedial-type courses that they have to pay for, which won’t go toward their degrees.” McLean County High School business teacher Teresa Woodburn on a part of her school’s college preparedness efforts. From the Calhoun McLean County News.

“The scores are nice for us to reflect on for a minute, but we have much more work to do on behalf of our kids.” Berea Independent Schools Superintendent Mike Hogg on his district’s latest EXPLORE and PLAN results and the reality of the how educators can’t linger long over any set of test scores. From the Richmond Register.

“They cannot pour concrete on frozen ground. They did put some blankets on the ground, trying to get it to warm up where they can pour on it.” JKS Architects representative Bruce Nelson explaining to the Trigg County Board of Education why a project was running behind schedule. From the Cadiz Record.

“If we went on predictions alone, we’d be closed 30 to 40 days a year.” Ohio County Schools Superintendent Scott Lewis on one aspect of making the go, no go decision during this winter. From the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer.

“It’s just not been a pretty winter for us.”  Carroll County Schools Superintendent Dr. Lisa James on the lack of good options for making up three weeks of cancelled classes due to the weather. From the Madison (Ind.) Courier.

“The number one thing that’s incorrect is for somebody to say, ‘I paid my $5 and I can say whatever I want to.’ Nothing could be further from the truth. When you break the official’s concentration where they have to focus outside the lines, that’s the first step down a road that’s not going to end very well for anybody.” Kentucky High School Athletics Association Executive Director Julian Tackett reacting to a referee’s decision to have a fan removed from a high school basketball game between Casey County and Green County high schools. From the Liberty Casey County News.