The Nelson County Board of Education on Dec. 16 approved a new four‑year contract for the district superintendent, voting 3–2 after approving a draft summative evaluation in open session.

The board recessed into an executive session under KRS 61.810(1)(b) and (1)(f) before returning to open session and amending the agenda to include the superintendent evaluation and contract. In open session a board member moved to approve the draft summative evaluation and the board approved it. Following that, a motion to approve a new contract effective May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2030 passed by a 3–2 margin.

Board discussion before the contract vote included praise for leadership and concerns about historical proficiency rates. One board member, identified in the record as Board Member (Speaker 7), said the district had seen growth but that proficiency levels still trailed the state average and that, "For that reason, I can't support renewing the contract." The motion to approve the contract was made in open session and carried 3–2.

The board’s use of executive session followed the statutory procedure the board cited at the meeting (KRS 61.810); the board stated no final action was taken in closed session. The summative evaluation — required to be approved in open session — was approved before the contract vote.

The board did not publish a contract number or additional financial terms in the open record during the meeting. The board adjourned after the vote.

What happens next: the contract is effective 05/01/2026 according to the motion recorded at the meeting and the board will proceed with any required administrative steps to finalize the agreement.