“I realize that that’s probably not a popular thing in Henry County, but I go very few places where smoking is permitted, even in private businesses, most of those places anymore refrain from it. I know that’s been a big part of our economy, and it’s indirectly put food on my table in the past, but it’s time we look at this.” Henry County Board of Education member Harold Bratton (left) on consideration of a policy declaring the district’s campuses to be tobacco-free. From the Eminence Henry County Local.
“I guess the biggest disappointing thing for me is we actually had (contractor Toadvine Enterprises) there in July. We had a good discussion and talked about things, and half a million dollars, yea, everybody was pretty much (in agreement) that was going to get it. Now we’re saying it’s going to be a whole lot more. I kind of want to go back to Toadvine and say, ‘Were you guys sleeping when you told us this, or what?” Mercer County Board of Education member Jim Stinnett after approval of an athletics field bleacher project with a cost that rose by more than $127,000 since the project was originally authorized. From the Harrodsburg Herald.
“We’ve kind of decided that our cafeteria is going to take main priority because of the school load that we’ve got. The cafeteria is controlling the rest of our day because we can’t efficiently feed as many students as we’ve got within the time that we need to.” Chris Mills, chairman of the Barbourville Independent Schools local facilities planning committee, on why one project stood out as the top priority in formulating the long-range plan. From the Corbin Times-Tribune.
“It (the rumor of a gun at school) just took off, got out of control. If we ever determine who it is, we will push and prosecute to the fullest.” Edmonson County Schools Superintendent Patrick Waddell, who was one of more than a dozen district leaders forced to deal with phantom threats of violence targeting Kentucky schools so far this school year. From the Bowling Green WBKO-TV.
“Kentucky law considers the authorization and management of interscholastic athletics (like football programs) to be the performance of a government function. Here, the Court believes that any decision by the Board concerning how to treat or manage the football field falls within the realm of its performance of a government function of managing athletics.” Campbell Circuit Judge Julie Reinhardt Ward in dismissing a lawsuit against the Newport Independent Schools over an infection injury suffered by a visiting player and linked to the condition of the football field. From the Covington River City News.
“Youth Day is, for a lot of students, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It gives so many of these students the opportunity to participate in government and practice government service. It helps students realize just how much good one individual can do right here at home.” Harrison County High School teacher/sponsor Joshua Powers on the six decades-long tie-in between the General Election and a program whereby students run for real local offices, then spend a day shadowing the current office holders. From the Cynthiana Democrat.
“We know that with this vote comes the responsibility to keep the community informed of the progress we make in repairing and renovating our facilities and we take that responsibility very seriously. We look forward to showing all of Henderson County how their investment in excellence is utilized and welcome questions and conversations throughout the process over the next years.” Henderson County Schools Superintendent Marganna Stanley after a 157-vote margin – out of 9,800 cast – enabled the school board’s nickel facilities tax to go forward. From the Henderson Gleaner.
“We are one of seven states that offers absolutely no competition for public education dollars. This is one of the reasons we are behind other states. We’ve got to introduce school choice into the state of Kentucky. Let’s walk before we run. Let’s start with our failing schools in Jefferson County, Fayette County and other failing schools where decade after decade they’ve been failing.” Gov.-elect Matt Bevin pledging to support charter school legislation during a radio talk show interview the day after the Nov. 3 election. From the Lexington Herald-Leader.
“I would extend an invitation to Gov.-elect Bevin to visit Fayette County Public Schools during his first 100 days to learn about the work we are doing in the district and our schools to increase outcomes for all students. I don’t think charters are the answer here in Fayette County.” Fayette County Schools Superintendent Manny Caulk on the same topic. From the Lexington Herald-Leader.