Clinton County Board of Education held its monthly work session last Thursday afternoon, June 15 with all members present except Jeff Sams.

The board was first presented a report from Clinton County Middle School Principal Teresa Scott about MAP testing and data for students there. Scott noted that in some ways, all students had improved over the school year.

This was to be Scott’s last presentation to the board in her capacity as CCMS principal, as the long-time educator and administrator will be retiring after this month and a separate article highlighting her career will be published in a later issue.

Director of Pupil Personnel Julie York also gave the end of the year attendance report and, as expected, the average daily attendance numbers were down, due primarily to illness that struck the state and many regions of the country, primarily during January through March.

Overall ADA across the district as down .84 of a percent, standing at 93.23 at the end of the 2017-18 term compared to 94.07 percent the previous year.

The only school of the four in the district, Albany Elementary, actually met its goal, with an average attendance rate of 95.40.

The overall district goal is 94.5 percent, including 94.5 for both AES and the Early Childhood Center, 94 percent at CCMS, and 93 percent at the high school. The high school had a 1.2 percent decrease from last year to the current year just ended, at 90.77 percent compared to 91.87 a year ago.

There was some positive news to help somewhat offset the district’s loss in funds due to the lower attendance. The total enrollment this past year was 1901, up from 1,818 students the previous year.

York and the board discussed some initiatives and ways to hopefully increase attendance and get the district back to where it should be. York indicated that despite numerous incentives that have been put in place over the years, many are not working and said the district should consider more “individualized instruction” to keep students interested and in the classroom, especially at higher grade levels.

During discussion of drink bids, which was to be brought up for a vote on Monday night of this week, Clinton County Board Finance Director Mike Reeves noted that three companies had submitted good bids, but said he would have to recommended Pepsi, since it was the only company that will supply scoreboards across the district. This in itself would save the district around $40,000 if it had to purchase them with general funds.

The board also took action on one item, voting to allow an overnight trip for FFA students to Hardinsburg July 17-21 for Leadership Training.

Superintendent Charlotte Bernard also conducted a brief work session on several topics, including finance, facilities, contracts, job descriptions, the certified evaluation plan, policy/procedure updates and others.

The board held its regular business meeting on Monday of this week and details on that meeting can also be found elsewhere in this week’s edition.