Clinton County Board of Education heard presentations, requests and a brief update on the new high school project at its  regular monthly meeting this past Monday, October 20. Five of six board members were present for the one hour meeting, with Board Chairwoman Leslie Stockton being in attendance online.
The board first heard from CCHS Athletic Director Mike Reeves about possibly getting a track and field sports program up and running in the district.
Reeves said the first step was a survey that is being conducted to measure the interest in such a sport, noting that some area schools had secured land where a local team or teams could participate.
It was also noted by board members that there may be some local areas on school property that would allow participation in the sport.
Reeves said he should have an answer regarding the survey results around February of next year, noting that if such a program would be feasible, the spring sport would begin during the 2027 calendar year.
Transportation Director Doug Barney then addressed the board with some detailed information about propane vs. diesel fuel buses, as some districts are experimenting with using propane buses in Kentucky.
Barney noted that neighboring Cumberland County has three propane buses, but during his discussion he addressed more “disadvantages” than “advantages” of using propane vehicles as opposed to diesel buses, which are currently used by the district.
The transportation director, in requesting the district consider purchasing four new buses, said the district buys International brand diesel buses, and indicated they are easier to repair and less costly.
Barney noted that four buses had recently been retired and some others, if something major went wrong that was too costly to repair, would not be put back in service. The total fleet has 28 buses running 19 routes and includes buses used for trips and sports events.
He stressed the urgent need for four buses was that it takes up to a year and a half to receive a bus once purchased, and one of the last two purchased will not arrive until early next year.
The question was asked whether or not the buses would have to be paid for up front.  However, they are purchased on a low-interest payment plan through the KISTA program.
The estimated cost per new bus is now between $170,000 and $180,000.
Once more information, such as types of bus, prices, etc. are obtained, the board is expected to take action on purchasing the new buses to help replenish the current fleet.
A representative with DECO Architects then gave the board a brief update of the new Clinton County High School project, showing pictures of some possible interior and exterior designs, including classrooms, cafeteria area, and parking areas.
The representative said that contrary to some beliefs, there would actually be more parking spaces when the design is complete, noting the project was “coming together…and beginning to gel.”
Also during the discussion, he recommended that it may be feasible to regroup somewhat, and think about adding the ATC (Area Technology Center) part in the design phase of the project if funding comes together.
The representative did note this update was informal and a broader update and apparently more discussion on the ATC project being included will be reviewed in the near future, possibly as early as next month’s board meeting.
Director of Pupil Personnel Julie York then gave the attendance report, noting that month three of the year did not officially end until October 18.
However, she did present a year-to-date report on attendance for each school in the district up to now, noting the ADA (Average Daily Attendance) district-wide was at 93.21, up substantially from a year ago.
Finance Director Courtney Norris also presented the monthly finance report, noting the district had an ending balance of $8.5 million in all accounts, including earmarked programs.
She also said the district did receive its SEEK funding this year, but the amount was slightly less than projected, being around $100,000 less.
In other business, the school board:
* Voted to approve BG-4s for Albany Elementary School and Early Childhood Center outdoor classroom projects.
* Approved a BG-4 for the ECC auditorium lighting replacement project.
Superintendent Wayne Ackerman noted the check would be held on that until the carpet was repaired by contractors and hallway lighting also replaced.
* Approved the Geothermal Test Bore for the Clinton County High School project, with the low bid being $20,000.
* Voted unanimously to begin the new ATC (Area Technology Center) Design Development.
* Approved the annual District Staffing Document.
* Approved the KETS offer of assistance for purchasing technology equipment for the district (matching funds) in the amount of $14,640.00.
* Approved an agreement with FleetSoft, a company that provides software used on buses.
* Approved the 2025-26 School District Calendar Committee members, who works to develop the following school year’s school calendar.
* Voted to approve shortened school days/weeks for various students in schools in the district with disabilities.
* Approved its annual agreement with the University of the Cumberlands.
* Approved an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the American Red Cross.
* Approved an MOU with student therapy provider Passages of KY, LLC.
* Approved monthly consent items including overnight trips, minutes of previous meetings, subsequent disbursements, payment of bills and leave of absence.
The next regular meeting of the Clinton County School Board is scheduled for November 17 at 5 p.m.