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Garrard County school board unanimously approves 2025–26 policy updates, tech platforms and contracts
Summary
At its July meeting, the Garrard County Board of Education approved 2025–26 policy updates and a set of communication platforms for SB 181 compliance, renewed a Head Start contract, created a new high-school Title I position using newly available funds, and approved extended days for a JROTC lead.
The Garrard County Board of Education unanimously approved a package of 2025–26 policy updates, several vendor and platform approvals required for compliance with Senate Bill 181, a Head Start contract, a new high‑school Title I position and 20 extended days for a JROTC lead at its monthly meeting.
Superintendent (name not provided in the record) told trustees the policy updates were recommended based on guidance from the Kentucky School Boards Association and local counsel and asked the board to approve them for the 2025–26 year. "Based on the advice that KSBA and Grama Chenoweth has given us, it's my recommendation that you approve policy updates for the 25–26 school year," the superintendent said. Trustee Herb moved the second-reading approval; Scott Lamb seconded and the board voted to approve the updates.
On compliance with Senate Bill 181, the superintendent recommended the district add GoGuardian to its approved communication platforms and include platforms identified by Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) — Blackboard, Outlook and Starfish — so dual‑credit staff can reach students. The superintendent said GoGuardian is used to monitor concerning online behavior and "give[s] the teacher the ability to address that" while BCTC's platforms are needed for dual‑credit communication. Trustees approved the platforms for SB 181 compliance.
Trustees also renewed a contract with the Community Action Council to provide Head Start services in the 2025–26 school year. Miss Coffey was present to answer questions on the treasurer's report and related payables; Miss Davis moved the Head Start contract and Mister Hurd seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
In response to an unexpected increase in Title I funding that the superintendent said became available on July 7, the board approved the creation of a Title I position at the district high school to serve as a "career and success coordinator," intended to replace services previously provided by GEAR UP. The superintendent stressed the position would not take funds from elementary students. Miss Davis moved the Title I position; Mister Hart seconded; the motion passed.
Finally, as the district transitions to a full JROTC program at the high school after receiving a letter naming the school an official JROTC program, trustees approved 20 extended days for the JROTC lead. The superintendent explained the lead will move to a 12‑month contract and the extended days will be paid from the general fund. Trustees voted to approve the extended days.
Votes at a glance: the board adopted the agenda, approved the consent agenda, approved the 25–26 policy updates, approved the SB 181 platform list (including GoGuardian, Blackboard, Outlook and Starfish), approved the Head Start contract, approved the new Title I high‑school position, and approved 20 extended days for the JROTC lead; the record shows each motion was seconded and the chair stated all board members voted in favor.
What happens next: the superintendent asked trustees to review Hall of Fame guidelines before the August meeting, and staff will proceed with contract and personnel changes approved at the meeting.
