[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6655670,"mediaKeyId","5378189-d6179e0ec7e05e2b97eacd17473a35f9","parentId",5378189,"title","Board approves agenda, financial reports, KSBA policy update and facility plan; tables parental-leave language","audioSeconds",1130,"startMs",400000,"endMs",1530000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5378189-d6179e0ec7e05e2b97eacd17473a35f9&start=400&end=1530","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5378189-d6179e0ec7e05e2b97eacd17473a35f9/thumbnail_400000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6655670/Kentucky/Board-approves-agenda-financial-reports-KSBA-policy-update-and-facility-plan-tables-parental-leave-language","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655670-d5b561c461d7bf5e03767bb3454e4a32/orig.mp4?Expires=1770488924&Signature=E3qQqRS84HS0545HpYrpttDfdIEym6UIJcO5A09pVxNbt5H07~iQjGGP5aSIKTymG-IE2B~19UZKPBsOKFQTCgij5e5bUkPDmBA0-DvM9no2Xt7Z2CcKejLC4ZcvqSfoRb9wI~1UPuRN7F-8DkHcePaaH8wgnrBShTXn8~VNrcJ4tEDxEL1DIScX1m5nT3DZp~EESsmhZ-YxgmPQJ34xcpqjT9H-Sg-0OlGQoCVbz~gVHlusgV9YiyA-mmitiz1T~7HeEd~1yadhMDMHnGyElJSDvG8y7aMD8WmMMaCasrK8ImVN-NCMxqjMz0a7psFASQ2Ulm2Hk0bqB87a5gkLPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-07-13T03:29:35.897Z","article","At its special called meeting the Rockcastle County Board of Education approved multiple routine and facility-related actions and directed staff to withhold recently added parental‑leave language in the employee handbook pending further review.

Key votes and outcomes (motions moved, seconded; board verbally approved each item with no roll-call tallies recorded in the transcript):

- Adopt agenda: motion made and seconded; board approved.

- Operations and actions (package): board approved the operations and actions packet except for a parental-leave change on page 20 of the employee handbook (the KSBA-drafted language that replaced \"maternity\" with a broader parental-leave reference). Trustees asked KSBA to remove or delay that change so the handbook item could be reviewed and returned at the next meeting.

- Monthly financial report (June): the board approved the monthly financial reports; the finance presenter reported a general-fund cash balance of $3,910,221.26 and a construction balance of $1,619,314.

- KSBA policy update (policy 09.2241): the board completed a second reading and approved the KSBA policy and procedures update listed as policy 09.2241.

- Amended district facility plan and related actions: the board approved the amended district facility plan; trustees also approved submitting the hearing packet to the Kentucky Department of Education and appointed the superintendent as the hearing officer for the public hearing process.

- Rockcastle County School District Finance Corporation actions (related to Delta Natural Gas easement): the finance corporation confirmed officers, approved professional survey exhibits and restricted appraisal reports, approved easement and right-of-way agreements with Delta Natural Gas Company, and approved the BG-1 project application form and the declaration that the easement disposal would not impair educational usefulness. Those items were approved in sequence during the corporation meeting; board members moved and seconded each item and then voted in favor.

Notes on vote records and procedure: the transcript records motions, seconds and verbal assent (“All in favor?”) for the items above but did not capture individual recorded yes/no tallies or identify movers and seconders by name for each motion. The board directed staff to contact KSBA to adjust the parental-leave language and to bring the handbook item back next month for consideration.

Ending: board members recessed for the finance corporation meeting and reconvened to complete the agenda. The board scheduled the next steps for the facility-plan public hearing process with the Kentucky Department of Education.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Rockcastle County Schools Special School Board Meeting - 7/10/2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its special called meeting the Rockcastle County Board of Education approved multiple routine and facility-related actions and directed staff to withhold recently added parental‑leave language in the employee handbook pending further review.","taxTitle","Rockcastle County, School Boards, Kentucky","taxId",38766,"location","Kentucky","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6655674,"Board confirms new hires, E‑rate funding and summer food-service numbers",172,2058000,2230000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5378189-d6179e0ec7e05e2b97eacd17473a35f9&start=2058&end=2230","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5378189-d6179e0ec7e05e2b97eacd17473a35f9/thumbnail_2058000.jpg","/articles/6655674/Kentucky/Board-confirms-new-hires-Erate-funding-and-summer-food-service-numbers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655674-c6593acab40b92072d74223f0f4b02ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1770488924&Signature=BDqvuFPQnFFtwVdQ7aTLD6mssBreR2F2ghYu9Y0Mnlw1PMyElptSmgeGk8xj3GMxDbnhl8h21IBB8A-r3iGlUm8KLQWNenXiEhbgqF4fRtTKvpdu6ZHhbUy3iTLqHH74Lw4RADi6IB3LMiKHKyemcZ06AzQEKeVVBi7n70oYrdkmhxB9TD3bta7I~Oz9Ylnjj-PU8RowSxlsrtoStjom7mj96hAKpWlkkerKzq55ywustnrqRyW46nArWUyzt2YDMwk9SAZCCLADDj8bhlEq3~FJCndL4QBD926xitpyBPCKhwoI8IOZ8LOC-jYS3RhpHOdffQKf2Pho10ICG25KkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rockcastle County Board of Education reviewed personnel actions, learned the district received two E‑rate awards and heard an update on summer meal distribution that district staff said served roughly 600 people each week.

New personnel: the superintendent introduced several recent hires and role changes. Presentations welcomed Mr. Bustle (new instructional role at middle/high school), a new director of special education (name given as Miss Kayla, third day on the job) and new HR staff member Savannah. The superintendent also introduced Tom Greer as the new assistant principal at the high school. The superintendent said interviews for additional vacancies (two certified positions at Rockcastle County Middle School and an assistant director of special education position) were planned.

E‑rate funding: district staff reported two E‑rate projects were recently funded to support network infrastructure. The superintendent and staff said the awards will support a new network and associated hardware.

Food service and community support: the superintendent and board praised the food-service team and volunteers for summer meal distribution. Staff reported weekly meal counts near 600 and described distribution logistics; the superintendent said the program provided five days’ worth of breakfast and lunch items and noted the program relied on volunteers and partner organizations.

Why it matters: personnel changes affect classroom and special‑education operations ahead of the school year; E‑rate awards fund infrastructure; and the meal program supports families during the summer.

Ending: board members thanked staff and volunteers. The superintendent urged that community members inform the district if homebound families need delivery assistance.","Superintendent Carrie Ballinger introduced new personnel and reported two E‑rate projects were funded; the board also heard the district’s summer meal program served roughly 600 people weekly.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6655679,"Superintendent outlines communications app rollout, volunteer waivers and Senate Bill 181 outlook",240,1860000,2100000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5378189-d6179e0ec7e05e2b97eacd17473a35f9&start=1860&end=2100","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5378189-d6179e0ec7e05e2b97eacd17473a35f9/thumbnail_1860000.jpg","/articles/6655679/Kentucky/Superintendent-outlines-communications-app-rollout-volunteer-waivers-and-Senate-Bill-181-outlook","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655679-303d7d9c733c0cb38190ab5934b1c54e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770488924&Signature=Yxnaze54x5x9SxrdFNiNJIAEA5znkS8o-Z9rXHVBMVptZlDMuB0cvtEcCgdwyah9A2-UfnyoiaYoIzsayFsqBVrjAYRWy0LoI7fMtMbTyO3sPC6KkG68Xk9flXuG-vfRgQqnKyw7YxW9qG0Zb6eZtwjRYSF5hYpr9OGAd01e~CWZTWkplrIdxnF5mIGb2nSW6YNwHshQJNGNrVDx1NJ4TkSX8Sjw5WDBK6io-MSGgZE9kOImnjd79ejtsyFJGjpQNGzK8sBDI-q3ipEGxS4dCiqNPBAslnW-POEPYl00OlIMOu95MmUdk9FfQ97Nd7Idgm0mjRxODVdEABfdkS3NHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Carrie Ballinger told the Rockcastle County Board of Education that the district is preparing a phased rollout of a monitored communications platform (branded as “Rooms” in the district app), is collecting parental waivers for volunteers and will continue to track related state developments tied to Senate Bill 181.

Why it matters: the platform and volunteer tracking are described by the superintendent as measures to centralize school–family communication, provide an auditable message trail and ensure compliance with anticipated state requirements.

What the superintendent said: Ballinger said she had discussed legislative timing with state Representative Josh Bray and that she had no indication the legislature would reconvene immediately; \"It looks like that it will be January\" before the legislature can readdress the bill, she said. Locally, Ballinger said district staff have prepared parent waivers and are developing school-level tracking to manage the forms during the summer and at the start of the school year.

Rooms app and communications: Ballinger and district staff described Rooms as an integrated feature of the Rockcastle County Schools app that will present district notices and class- or team-level feeds to families. The district said Rooms provides messaging functionality that can be monitored and tracked to show whether communications were posted and seen. Staff emphasized that student-to-student direct messaging is disabled; teacher-to-student messaging is allowed and monitored for safety and recordkeeping. The district plans training for coaches and teachers and will provide back-to-school support for parents who need help downloading or using the app.

Volunteer waivers and implementation: Ballinger said the district is collecting waivers at central office during the summer and will transfer them to individual schools when classes resume. She described internal planning to maintain a school-level tracking system for waivers so administrators can verify volunteers’ status.

Why some board members support the steps: board members said they view the app and waivers as tools to protect students and staff, reduce fragmented group-text communication and provide clearer records of outreach. The superintendent noted the district will provide marketing and in-person help at open houses to assist grandparents and other caregivers in setting up access.

Ending: the board accepted the update; staff offered to demonstrate the Rooms platform to board members on request and to provide parent training at school open houses.","Superintendent Carrie Ballinger briefed the board on the district’s phased rollout of a monitored communications platform (‘Rooms’), work to track volunteer waivers, and her recent outreach on state-level changes tied to Senate Bill 181.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6655682,"Rockcastle County presents year‑end review of gifted and talented program; coordinator reports 314 students served",768,942000,1710000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5378189-d6179e0ec7e05e2b97eacd17473a35f9&start=942&end=1710","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5378189-d6179e0ec7e05e2b97eacd17473a35f9/thumbnail_942000.jpg","/articles/6655682/Kentucky/Rockcastle-County-presents-yearend-review-of-gifted-and-talented-program-coordinator-reports-314-students-served","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655682-f550fad0f6a51993fae3e31ed82fb20b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770488924&Signature=Yr8y1K-0RnRknjbXv9f54TQhYemsALLrFiVg~I-OfU8Zf0Xm8bFvRpxYOBW~WrOb9t8JdyK0Xz~JHDT2nOXRtQkWT-Ui1miq8wX3~2vtD2D177G6YEf0-e97-3Cgx8P5jzHe5fKJehpHhdt3Y~oE3cZu5Ek7U6IXZROOJPFUbdAENuYFOdeKrWzajuKBhFR~OlE7kuwhE4kpK70ZtuRkIAVIECXeuYKSAg~IDJsszLb3c3tRH-JovEHorEui9aprPIT4Lb59bTdl3C7g2JClfTjenxIiTTezbIaMyN-0q~k1j-pvkVT1yBuyCCrYfu6gzKjXOlAhOEflYVmiJ0qrMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rockcastle County Board of Education received an end-of-year report on the district’s gifted and talented program, during which the coordinator outlined identification methods, services, community partnerships and student activities completed in the 2024–25 school year.

Why it matters: the coordinator said program activities expand enrichment opportunities across grade levels, connect younger students with high school mentors and provide community-facing conservation and heritage projects.

Key points: the coordinator reported 314 identified gifted-and-talented students and 106 primary-talent-pool students (kindergarten–third grade). The district conducted universal screeners for third- and fourth-graders (237 third graders; 191 fourth graders reported) and used TerraNova for specific academic testing, Enview for general intelligence, iReady and KSA data for identification.

The coordinator described services including project-based learning, Kentucky Heritage Day presentations (more than 100 student presenters), environmental lessons, leadership activities, STEM resources (Spheros, 3‑D printers and pens, LEGO), academic competitions (spelling bee and academic team meets) and new clubs such as Y Club and Chick‑fil‑A Leader Academy. She said collaboration with Rockcastle Area Technology/CTE teachers gave students access to 3‑D printers, virtual reality headsets and greenhouse experiences.

Conservation and community projects included building 115 nesting boxes for eastern bluebirds with ag-construction students, a monarch-butterfly awareness project (milkweed seed balls and outreach materials), and participation in community lantern parades. The coordinator said Maywood Nature Reserve environmental days reached approximately 507 elementary students over six days, supported by about 45 high-school student leaders.

The coordinator noted annual reporting responsibilities in Infinite Campus (Gibson Talented service plans, midyear and end-of-year progress reports) and said the program maintains a watch list to retest students who narrowly miss formal identification thresholds.

What's next: goals for 2025–26 include working with administrators on a Kentucky high-school policy, updating the Gibson/Talented handbook, digitizing the universal screener and adding new projects. The coordinator also plans outreach and fundraising to support student field trips.

Ending: board members praised the coordinator’s outreach and community partnerships and thanked staff and volunteers who supported enrichment activities throughout the year.","The district’s gifted and talented coordinator reviewed 2024–25 services, testing and outreach, reporting 314 identified students, program collaborations with area CTE and colleges, several conservation projects and community events.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6655688,"Rockcastle County board hears progress update on RCMS construction; turf, bleachers and grandstand expected before football season",359,511000,870000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5378189-d6179e0ec7e05e2b97eacd17473a35f9&start=511&end=870","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5378189-d6179e0ec7e05e2b97eacd17473a35f9/thumbnail_511000.jpg","/articles/6655688/Kentucky/Rockcastle-County-board-hears-progress-update-on-RCMS-construction-turf-bleachers-and-grandstand-expected-before-football-season","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655688-6c4d1f8b00d348a34b6dc4367a2208f4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770488924&Signature=nRuXIdCQZ~VgPdsQLihWlG0v5GN0exRI6flkwNZOx3Sg0b2JQIqJKxiIlV0WIXKEfOTiS~VxUFnixuBJhtRddfriY1bUbsERDy0DIYiEDNe7MEy9ZEUbbBen14RZRJGl6z1FEFAn4V3DUHwf-C7N5neQvU1JcPiEIFHSaaGlggoudysSjiH-8JNuMrC79DRZvIO3aHIx~AI6-CfLBMv-JE1i41LWdh4uz28k8FdGXZHi0zsl8efIPVMGF0ZIL4waYdrSbuVcaA4D9ERdel7iSOn5bAwSSDR1Nvl2KiFQFOYkOah1XUg3-lkZ9BdOGi69vQLbn3PigWPQ4SrHBpFbWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Dell Construction representative told the Rockcastle County Board of Education on a warm afternoon that work on the Rockcastle County Middle School complex and athletic field is continuing and that major field and building milestones remain on schedule for this fall.

The construction presenter said contractors have removed the old gym bleachers and will install new ones this summer, have completed slab bores in classroom wings and are preparing subdrainage and stone for the new artificial turf. \"Everything's continuing to move forward on the construction,\" the Dell Construction representative said.

Why it matters: the project includes a new field and athletic facilities that the district expects to use for the upcoming football season, and progress on utility, drainage and masonry work affects the opening schedule and other district planning.

Most important details: the presenter described work underway in the existing gym (bleacher removal and preparation for new seating), mechanical-room wall construction, road subgrade excavation behind the school, retaining walls and the concession-roof installation. She said crews are spreading topsoil, pouring the pole-vault pad, starting turf subdrainage and setting goalposts. Painters are scheduled to start block-filling and painting the concession area the following Monday.

The presenter acknowledged a possible short delay with turf delivery: \"There may have been a little hiccup with the turf,\" she said, adding it could delay turf installation by a week or two but that the district should still have the facility ready in time for football. Board members responded that the schedule appears on track and praised contractor performance.

Background and context: the presenter said masonry and wall pours have progressed rapidly and that the contractor frequently has 35 to 40 workers on site. She described the courtyard and ramp areas that will provide student access to the new wing and pointed out the library/media center and computer lab locations in aerial and slab photos shown to the board.

What comes next: the district and contractor will continue turf subdrainage, stone placement, turf installation and interior work in coming weeks. Board members asked follow-up questions about schedule certainty and welcomed the contractor's assurances that the field work is nearing completion.

Ending: board members thanked the contractor for the presentation and noted the work's visual progress; they will receive additional progress reports as the project moves toward the fall season.","A Dell Construction representative told the Rockcastle County Board of Education that work on the new middle school complex and athletic field is progressing and remains on track for this fall, though a potential one- to two-week turf delivery delay was mentioned.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves agenda, financial reports, KSBA policy update and facility plan; tables parental-leave language

Board confirms new hires, E‑rate funding and summer food-service numbers

Superintendent outlines communications app rollout, volunteer waivers and Senate Bill 181 outlook

Rockcastle County presents year‑end review of gifted and talented program; coordinator reports 314 students served

Rockcastle County board hears progress update on RCMS construction; turf, bleachers and grandstand expected before football season