Estill County Board approves calendar, policies, travel and multiple routine items in unanimous votes

The Estill County Board of Education approved a slate of routine administrative items at its March 19, 2026 regular meeting in Irvine, carrying each motion by a 5–0 vote.

Among the approved actions, the board adopted the 2026–27 school calendar, which the administration described as beginning in the second week of August with the last student day in late May and including scheduled PD and TE days. The administration said the calendar satisfies the district’s required instructional days and includes spring and fall breaks; board members discussed seeking public input before eliminating or substantially changing break days.

The board also approved first readings of policy updates to expense reimbursement rules for certified and classified employees and an updated travel expense voucher procedure intended to align local practice with state guidance. An updated regular bus stop policy (policy 06.33) received its first reading; the change adds clarifying language about guardian presence for younger children and aligns with state requirements that local boards set transportation policy.

Personnel-related updates approved included clarified job descriptions (assistant finance director, custodial director, custodian roles) and a new psychology intern position intended to fill a longstanding vacancy by providing a supervised internship with district staff. The board approved updates to the salary schedule tied to those duties.

Other motions carried unanimously: acceptance of the Kentucky Educational Technology System (KETS) second offer of assistance to support district technology (discussed as a modest grant in the range the administration described as about $20,000–$30,000), approval of two out-of-state student trips to Kings Island in Mason, Ohio, renewal of the district’s student accident insurance policy, and the consent agenda (minutes, treasurer’s report and payment of bills). The administration presented a month‑to‑month fiscal snapshot showing increased SEEK revenue and lower year‑to‑date expenditures versus the prior year.

The board also authorized an invitation to bid for the district’s primary depository (banking services) to comply with board policy and encourage competitive proposals, and approved memoranda of understanding with partner programs (see separate article on internships and partnerships). All motions were moved and seconded as recorded in the minutes and each vote was announced as 5–0.

The meeting adjourned following a short board forum and report from the student representative.