The Boone County Board of Education heard a first reading of Board Policy 8.135, a new policy on moral instruction, during its meeting. Board members did not vote; the board reserved action for a later meeting.

Dr. Haswold, superintendent, said the policy “just ensures compliance with KRS158200.” He and other administrators said the district is developing accompanying procedures and working with principals to identify the hour that would accommodate an enrichment period without disrupting daily schedules.

A board member said they want assurance the enrichment hour “is not movie time” and asked for detail on how schools will use the hour for meaningful instruction and how the district will handle students who do not return within the hour. The board requested sample building procedures and guidance be provided before the second reading.

Administrators said the first implementation conversations are focused on elementary schools and emphasized that the offered time must be enrichment, not core instruction. Olivia, legal counsel, and Dr. Detwiler were cited as working on process pieces; administrators said names of participating organizations and the specific classrooms impacted will be provided in advance when a request affects a school.

Board members also asked for an update from the transportation department showing how many students arrive late to school by bus and the instructional minutes missed, so the board can assess scheduling impacts across the district.

Next steps: staff will provide the district procedures tied to the policy and additional details for the board before the policy’s second reading.