Estill County school board approves student trips, Katz technology match and bank-signature updates

The Estill County Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday night to approve three out-of-state student trips, accept a technology matching offer from Katz and update bank account signers for middle-school accounts.

During the action items portion of the Oct. 19 meeting, the board approved trips for the Estill County Middle School to attend the National League Conference in Washington, D.C., Jan. 25, 2024; the Estill County High School National League Conference, Jan. 25–28, 2024; and the Estill County High School senior trip planned for April 2024. “I need a motion for approval for those students to attend,” the presiding board member said; Sheila Samples moved the trip approvals and Tammy Hardy seconded. The motion carried, 5–0.

The board then considered an annual offer of assistance from Katz to provide technology matching funds. Speaker 2 described the offer as a matching grant that this year is roughly $20,000 and said combined offers typically approach last year’s total of about $90,000. “I recommend that we approve this to get those matching funds,” Speaker 2 said. Brian Covey moved to accept the Katz offer; Sheila Samples seconded. The motion carried, 5–0.

Board members also approved updates to middle-school bank account signatures to reflect recent personnel changes and to add Mr. Cornett as a signer for general and school accounts; Veil Samples moved the change and Tammy Hardy seconded. The change was approved, 5–0.

Finally, the board approved the minutes of the Sept. 21 regular meeting and the treasurer’s report for payment of bills after a recommendation by Speaker 2; Carrie Smallwood moved approval and Brian Covey seconded. That motion also passed, 5–0.

The board recorded no public comments during the meeting and adjourned at 6:16 p.m.