Henderson County Schools board approves working budget, agrees to property reversion and other routine business

The Henderson County Schools board met to conduct regular business, approving the district’s 2025‑26 working budget, taking action on a potential property conveyance related to Habitat for Humanity, and voting on several consent‑agenda items.

Property reversion and Habitat for Humanity: Miss Byrd explained that several parcels conveyed to the district years earlier for low‑income housing include reversion clauses in the deeds that require the property to revert to the city if a house is not built within two years. Habitat for Humanity is negotiating with the city to acquire one of those lots (the Julia Street property). Byrd asked the board to declare the district’s interest surplus and authorize Superintendent Doctor Lawson to execute any documents necessary to effectuate a transfer back to the city if required. The board moved to authorize the reversion as presented; the motion passed unanimously.

Consent agenda and bids: The board approved most of a six‑item consent agenda but pulled item 5 for discussion. That item contained bid recommendations for a JROTC obstacle course and for mental‑health services. Doctor Lawson recommended approving the JROTC obstacle course bid now and delaying action on the mental‑health proposals to allow additional review. The board adopted that recommendation and approved the obstacle course; the mental‑health contract was deferred for further consideration.

Budget and finance: Treasurer Mister Stokes presented financial highlights and a working budget the district must submit to the Kentucky Department of Education by Sept. 30. Key points in the presentation included a proposed change to the district’s capitalization threshold for fixed assets (from $5,000 to $10,000 to align with recent Office of Management and Budget guidance), a 3% salary schedule increase the board previously approved, a $500 supplemental Christmas payment for each employee, updated bus purchase costs and an estimated $152 million total for all funds. Stokes said the 2025‑26 working budget includes a 13.6% contingency for operating funds and reflected a drop in enrollment of about 215 students. He recommended approval; the board voted unanimously to approve the working budget as presented.

Other financial actions: The treasurer reported August receipts of $5,643,540 and expenditures of $13,596,176, a net monthly decrease of $7,952,636 primarily attributable to construction spending. The paid‑warrant report from Aug. 19 to Sept. 15 totaled $8,359,543.38; the board approved the treasurer’s report and the paid‑warrant report.

Tax rate and personnel: Doctor Lawson clarified an oversight from a prior meeting and asked the board to retain the motor vehicle tax rate at 54.8¢ per $100 of assessed value. The board approved keeping the rate unchanged. The board also offered public thanks to Cindy Clotier for years of financial service to the district and recognized a planned transition to Mister Stokes in financial leadership.

Votes at a glance: - Agenda approved (unanimous). - Julia Street property reversion/authorization to execute transfer documents approved (unanimous). - Consent agenda (excluding item 5) approved (unanimous). - JROTC obstacle course bid approved; mental‑health bid delayed for further review (unanimous for obstacle course approval and deferral). - First reading: change inventory capitalization threshold from $5,000 to $10,000 approved for first reading; working budget (2025‑26) approved (unanimous). - Treasurer's report and paid‑warrant report approved (unanimous). - Motor vehicle tax rate confirmed at 54.8¢ per $100 (unanimous).

The board adjourned after completing the agenda.