[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6186930,"mediaKeyId","5073405-098dea41dcbe2fd389238d84f8f69e39","parentId",5073405,"title","Board appoints David Russell to vacated seat; rates superintendent 'exemplary' and approves 3% raise","audioSeconds",678,"startMs",4673000,"endMs",5351000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5073405-098dea41dcbe2fd389238d84f8f69e39&start=4673&end=5351","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5073405-098dea41dcbe2fd389238d84f8f69e39/thumbnail_4673000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6186930/Kentucky/Board-appoints-David-Russell-to-vacated-seat-rates-superintendent-exemplary-and-approves-3-raise","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6186930-8b7cea5928032f146229cba95094e2fa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192782&Signature=jcEkV-I5TNrHHNrtJQasQLQput9~djARBlrcA2ns9tfHs-ksf8dwSSBxc3vgmJYtf-zhjeR66C7mxnAH4fIFS4X3bE0WPn7vVaHDLfR9zpd1mVOdfsZGyS00FdjlEow18mR1M7DXzAoOhsTbp~M7zflUyIzsrhL3FmfPRbU3YEnpTi5b0mJdQIGDAspKFtaQvI7p5yo04u74XVrw7aWXEIABSpuvNnbN5XKyE2iMuU3H5t22iPagcjNMvW-ceSHvOyFy5HEufHWR1EnEjwxpYZ7Zex5UZf1sm4zfwoI3ppinWJ2EDZN8bNCH0bAa0Hz-lewwDZ~xc0SnueKOqaD5qA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Fort Thomas Independent SD","date","2025-06-24T21:06:06Z","article","The Fort Thomas Independent Board of Education appointed David Russell to the open board seat left by the recent resignation of Noah Gibson and accepted the superintendent’s annual evaluation with an overall rating of “exemplary,” approving a 3% salary increase and an amendment to the superintendent’s annuity percentage.

Nut graf: Board members said the district received multiple qualified applications for the vacancy, interviewed three finalists and selected Russell to serve until the next election; the board also reported unanimous praise for Superintendent Robinson’s leadership and recommended compensation adjustments.

Board members described the superintendent evaluation process as covering seven leadership domains — strategic, instructional, cultural, managerial, collaborative, and influential leadership — and said Robinson’s overall rating was exemplary. Multiple board members praised Robinson’s vision, team building and increased engagement with state and local stakeholders. The board voted to accept the evaluation and to approve a 3% salary increase and an amendment to the superintendent’s annuity benefit; the motion carried by voice vote.

On the appointment, the board said it received and reviewed several applications and interviewed three candidates before selecting David Russell. The board approved a motion to appoint Russell to serve in the seat previously held by Noah Gibson; the motion carried by voice vote.

Ending: The board welcomed David Russell and directed staff to complete the appointment paperwork. The board chair and members thanked Superintendent Robinson and district staff for their work during the year.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Meeting 6/9/25","oneSentenceSummary","The board appointed David Russell to fill the vacancy created by Noah Gibson’s resignation and, in a separate action, accepted the superintendent’s annual evaluation with an overall rating of 'exemplary,' approved a 3% salary increase and directed an amendment to an annuity benefit.","taxTitle","Fort Thomas Independent, School Boards, Kentucky","taxId",58944,"location","Kentucky","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6186935,"Board approves 2025–26 insurance package; total premiums rise amid state valuation changes",301,3229000,3530000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5073405-098dea41dcbe2fd389238d84f8f69e39&start=3229&end=3530","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5073405-098dea41dcbe2fd389238d84f8f69e39/thumbnail_3229000.jpg","/articles/6186935/Kentucky/Board-approves-202526-insurance-package-total-premiums-rise-amid-state-valuation-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6186935-70ab67492a65a8a32e27ff431cfa3233/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192782&Signature=Fbav3zJeNbPg43XE5~kOd9IY375SNuOtlPVOwtceJkJxd~gMyVVxP0gqOTnk~DOi4TUx40AzkGQU1Eej-N4qiMT3NosApfh2rDDTFh2nlOjmLircCpM03tmDChBCbOVat2oqhhDHyGFNUc3uLwnPJs~k8BUzqSQIITlZmiO4wUNsHNZhbxcqAKen8GVMhV7DCZ9hjNQhjmmyNYsbMmtBSSDJK0E-4zdxcfLi8rqsOdQ-qBQAfVlSpHikK33vz77s6j4W0cQAxRSO8Wsf~XlL-kO8K4oJidIp7xZptS614-puf7n2qh~yreeYrFln6xhndDXH0XqbUsTkTPYG0AN0zw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fort Thomas Independent Schools’ board approved the district’s insurance package for fiscal year 2025–26, with administrators reporting a total premium of $347,524 for property, fleet, liability and related coverages and an additional student accident package through a local agent.

Nut graf: Administrators said the district sees higher insurance costs this year — about a 13% increase overall — driven partly by the Kentucky Department of Education’s updated replacement‑value requirements and broader market pressures. To reduce the impact, staff recommended changes in some carriers and participation in a collaborative pool.

District officials told the board the Department of Education raised the per‑square‑foot insurance valuations, which increased required property coverage levels; combined with industry pricing trends, that produced a meaningful premium increase. Staff also described tactical moves that limited the net increase: switching workers’ compensation coverage back to Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance from ClearPath Mutual and shopping cyber coverage to find a lower‑cost, improved option. The total premium figure presented matches the package recommended by the district broker, Assured Partners.

The board approved the package by motion and voice vote. The administration explained the package includes student accident coverage handled through a separate local agent; the student accident premium amount was presented as $33,266 in the meeting materials.

Ending: The board approved the coverage as recommended and the administration said it will continue to monitor the insurance market during the year and report any material developments to the board.","The board approved the district's recommended insurance coverage for fiscal 2025–26 at $347,524 in premiums after staff reported a roughly 13% overall increase in costs driven partly by state valuation changes; administrators also adjusted workers' compensation and cyber providers to limit increases.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6186940,"District awards surplus technology sale to Ingram Micro after 19 bids, expects $500,000",359,3590000,3949000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5073405-098dea41dcbe2fd389238d84f8f69e39&start=3590&end=3949","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5073405-098dea41dcbe2fd389238d84f8f69e39/thumbnail_3590000.jpg","/articles/6186940/Kentucky/District-awards-surplus-technology-sale-to-Ingram-Micro-after-19-bids-expects-500000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6186940-5052822b241db505477d82c9cbf6677f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192782&Signature=mAjbW4XpnQGk1bn69dAkr22nBvIzN8XhOboigG2J~MFbeOWsgSmd2hvsNEwXWR6fe~~ZwpvnEGqW8R6iGwVXA9hEtxlc7kfhLNhto-DgoHqd6syT6B12AzxitvizZB7Cyx7ZK6YNExX6RSLzY~wUr8lFSdxP6xeU93kJA697Yqli4wa838rU5oeLVYiwVrZluj6AtKNxuyOJcBnH7FJBe6u3jx6bUgx8MYVzRqjjxvZW8OoSk-bq~7Gpetb9gIDRWHzcz3R29ntgITHvbzTp20eTFUCIwU0GXr0o0qOZqA18qysh-BqgpgZqcAhQsp8snBdxBPhPtisv2fDrmbH0Tw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The board accepted the administration’s recommendation to award the surplus technology equipment bid to Ingram Micro for a combined total of $500,000, following an invitation for bids on May 7 and a review period that closed May 27.

Nut graf: District technology leaders said this marks the largest response they have seen to a surplus technology sale — 19 bids — and that the recommended award balances price with vendor qualifications, background checks and assurances about contract performance.

Jody Johnson, director of technology, told the board the items placed in surplus were older MacBooks and iPads without active warranties and that the district sought bidders qualified to handle, transport and pay for school devices. Johnson said the team vetted bidders by checking publicly available media for litigation or negative press, reviewing bidder documentation and processes, and considering geographic footprint and local presence. He said the bid evaluation emphasized proven, reputable processes to avoid prior instances in the industry where resellers acquired assets and failed to pay schools.

The board approved the recommendation by motion and voice vote; the motion carried. Administrators noted the sale proceeds are substantially higher than the district’s $300,000 estimate and said the funds will help offset future equipment lease or refresh costs.

Ending: Johnson told the board he expected a smooth transaction with the chosen vendor and expressed a “very, very high expectation” there would be no issues with payment or turnover; the board instructed staff to proceed with the award and contract administration.","After evaluating 19 bids for surplus MacBooks and iPads, the board accepted the district’s recommendation to award the best-evaluated bid to Ingram Micro for a combined total of $500,000; the district emphasized vendor vetting to ensure payment and responsible handling of devices.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6186945,"Board approves $1.616 million payment to Morrell for Highlands Athletic Complex work",340,2817000,3157000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5073405-098dea41dcbe2fd389238d84f8f69e39&start=2817&end=3157","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5073405-098dea41dcbe2fd389238d84f8f69e39/thumbnail_2817000.jpg","/articles/6186945/Kentucky/Board-approves-1616-million-payment-to-Morrell-for-Highlands-Athletic-Complex-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6186945-b885823ff87a6aa123cf50d565206915/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192782&Signature=ZMljfwKDb4h~8gZ6JJZ20o9a8kmVE5~YU1Lc4yphvm4JpweQMHxKQupgOk4wa4HPQS5UQLLEAOp2DG2Tsd0ZsQrIlfIA0gLQBUqvHjqYsHOjbz23jNKkNgEjE3voEBb9Cr7G-u1FTx8PhP9CQF8VbqD1hlWZwZuCLoL3Lq34FGP62cakru9oeaDXOyqiaBETj~k7fgqlztfUabLtZcAlhwgZtWLzcIcvsqHysJXG02cKVsSBvkEv2R0htu768djfg5MNWBh8jwy4Oaer8APLNl~K418yHKKCqDulR2vhMai6IFXwtL1evsezJJcXjaQx5TcHkID9PowunfAiSdlfgA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fort Thomas Independent Board of Education voted to approve pay application No. 11 to Morrell Construction Company in the amount of $1,616,826.42 for work on the Highlands Athletic Complex at Tower Park.

District staff reported construction progress and a schedule for remaining work. A staff member who provided the project update said crews had nearly completed turf installation steps (underground work, shock pad and most of the green surface) and expected sand and rubber deliveries during the week. The district reported most interior framing in the locker room building is underway and that the remaining grandstand connection work will follow completion of the press box. The administration said buildings are expected to be substantially complete by October, with athletics practices potentially using parts of the field after the July dead period and the first games at the end of the first week of August.

Nut graf: The pay application was the meeting’s single largest construction payout; approved expenditures align with the district’s timeline for partial athletic use in summer and building completion in October.

Board discussion addressed track surfacing and coordination for temporary access. Speakers noted the track sub‑contractor had yet to place the gravel base and that the rubberized surface would likely be installed later. The administration said temporary restrooms and limited access plans could allow Highlands teams to practice on the new turf after July 9, but full building readiness remains an October target.

The board voted to approve the pay application after a motion and second; the motion carried. No board member vote tally was recorded in the transcript beyond the voice vote of \"Aye.\" The administration noted additional purchase orders for turf materials, totaling approximately $400,000, were expected to be paid in the next cycle.

Ending: District officials said they will monitor material deliveries and schedule coordination with athletic staff as installation continues through the summer; no change to the overall October building target was announced at the meeting.","The board approved pay application No. 11 to Morrell Construction for $1,616,826.42 for the Highlands Athletic Complex at Tower Park; district leaders said turf delivery and building work remain on track for summer and fall milestones.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6186950,"Residents urge district to move Highlands graduation to larger, ADA-accessible venue",1616,965000,2581000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5073405-098dea41dcbe2fd389238d84f8f69e39&start=965&end=2581","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5073405-098dea41dcbe2fd389238d84f8f69e39/thumbnail_965000.jpg","/articles/6186950/Kentucky/Residents-urge-district-to-move-Highlands-graduation-to-larger-ADA-accessible-venue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6186950-2ec38363d3c747bf59f7c664ccc9f554/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192782&Signature=HybmOGXIebHMEjih28XcCger-OAnY2ageniuQeAgqMMzRmeTrR7yJAjKVJlxYoJqEX6eB4SGmQ7qscyj-~orswnsA4Rs~~1bO3PXPGUDBN~G3XMyISmtGVANlRpmA7PlVzKGeSJArIFlSIy-96E3Nyu4F2ulG1pgXpWrgKnosxQMcsiImj7r1Hsh6AxqMjM8w05~h4XsN55acWFRDJcQB75zfCWU4VWJTwWkDFB3gxo2DCFwgcf-subQc-pvEBGW1Ul-2DPVwdV70pnOal2J-XGmQix9pB6AjU60k6VpIBnhJS2HDboaAZ8NoQxZg2C3OXFT8RTl1dDPKOVJNXyfgA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of community members told the Fort Thomas Independent Board of Education on Monday that Highlands High School’s current graduation venue excludes family members and creates safety and access problems, and asked the board and district leaders to choose an off-site, larger, ADA‑compliant location for the Class of 2026 and beyond.

The board heard more than a dozen public comments during the community forum portion of the meeting, including a prepared statement from Melissa Shell, a resident, who told Superintendent Robinson and the board the school venue “doesn't meet fire code capacity for the size of our graduating class and their guests. It also isn't fully ADA compliant.” Shell said moving the ceremony to an accessible venue would “show that we care about every student and every family.”

Nut graf: Speakers across generations — recent graduates, parents and longtime residents — said the current arrangements force families to choose which relatives attend, create difficulties for people with mobility limitations and leave seniors feeling the ceremony was rushed or impersonal when plans were changed at the last minute.

Parents and graduates described repeated examples. Molly Wagner, who identified herself as a Highlands graduate, said she had to fight for a fourth ticket this year and recited specific capacity numbers she said were at issue: she told the board that a prior graduating class counted 223 students and that, “per code,” the stage size limits the number of people who can be onstage and that the building-packed seating figure of 908 meant graduates’ ticket allocations consumed most of the space for other participants and volunteers.

Multiple speakers cited accessibility concerns. Melissa Shell described a family member with partial paralysis who uses a cane or walker and said the current configuration would make attending “incredibly difficult and potentially unsafe.” Jody Shipp related seeing a guest struggle with stairs at the venue and said, “that’s not right.” Several speakers asked the district to avoid last‑minute “plan B” moves that reduce ticket availability and limit which family members can attend.

Speakers suggested practical remedies: permanently reserving a larger off‑site facility (parents recalled local college arenas used by other districts), conducting a district‑wide survey of students and families about preferences, and committing to one predetermined site well before graduation so families can plan travel and seating. Pam Schultz, an incoming senior who addressed the board, said the ceremony should “honor and celebrate every student's achievement in a way that honors their journey.”

District response and next steps: Superintendent Robinson told speakers the board historically has established parameters but not dictated specific graduation sites, and that site‑based councils and administrators typically inform location decisions. Robinson said he would consult with the site‑based council and bring the conversation back to the board, and that he expected further open discussions “very soon.” He did not announce a binding change or a final venue.

What was not decided: The board did not vote on any change to graduation site during the meeting. Several speakers requested a permanent move beginning with the Class of 2026; the board indicated it would solicit input from the school’s site‑based council, the administration and the community before making any formal decision.

Ending: Parents and students asked the board to prioritize inclusion and planning for future ceremonies so that the community need not face the repeated ticket limitations and accessibility barriers described during the forum. The board said it would continue to gather input and return to the topic for future board-level discussion.","Dozens of residents and recent graduates urged the Fort Thomas Independent Board of Education to relocate Highlands High School commencement to a larger, fully ADA-compliant site beginning with the Class of 2026, citing overcrowding, accessibility barriers and last-minute venue changes that limited family attendance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board appoints David Russell to vacated seat; rates superintendent 'exemplary' and approves 3% raise

Board approves 2025–26 insurance package; total premiums rise amid state valuation changes

District awards surplus technology sale to Ingram Micro after 19 bids, expects $500,000

Board approves $1.616 million payment to Morrell for Highlands Athletic Complex work

Residents urge district to move Highlands graduation to larger, ADA-accessible venue