Louisville school board approves 2025–26 calendar, $97,000 coach pay and several lease actions; discusses facilities and benchmark data

The Louisville Municipal School District board approved several administrative and financial items at its regular meeting, including the 2025–26 school calendar, payment for a coach, and multiple land-lease actions. The board also heard a superintendent report on midyear academic benchmarks and ongoing facilities projects.

On the calendar, the board approved a 2025–26 schedule that begins in early August (presenters identified an Aug. 1 start). School leaders said the start date was the option chosen by staff to give teachers and students a Friday to review procedures before instruction begins Monday.

The board approved a payment of $97,000 for Coach Shorter for the 2025–26 school year. One board member recorded an abstention during that vote; meeting audio did not identify the member by name.

The board approved a series of property-lease actions: an amendment to a 1‑acre residential lease for Maria Estes and Terrence Estes; a new 1‑acre lease for Kevin Weeks; and the transfer of a 38‑acre agricultural lease from Jackie Gooden to Cadence Bank. A board member said a judge had already entered an order resolving the dispute over the 38‑acre lease; the board placed the transfer on the record and approved it. During discussion members asked whether Cadence Bank intends to meet the agricultural‑use and improvement requirements that typically accompany such leases; staff said the lease payments were current and that advertising or notice requirements did not apply in this case because of the court order.

The board approved December 2024 bank balances and financial reports and also approved routine consent items. Board members approved a motion to go into executive session to receive senate testimony and to discuss a legal matter related to an IEP suit.

In the superintendent’s report, district staff said midyear benchmark data are being compiled and will be broken down for the board over the next four meetings. Facilities updates included replacement of a playground fence at Mount Arroyo, new fencing along Ivy Avenue at Louisville High School pending a grant for the north and east sides, roof work beginning at Island Middle School (with staggered hall work over several weeks), replacement of wooden bleachers estimated at about $64,000, and a completed auditorium roof payment of about $25,000 at LES (as discussed in the meeting). District staff also reported that the 21st Century after‑school program has started at all campuses except the high school.

The board set its next regular meeting for Feb. 11 and directed staff to continue compiling benchmark and facilities information for upcoming meetings.