Mayfield Independent School Board approves 2025–26 budget and tax rates, begins school‑based law enforcement process

The Mayfield Independent School Board met Sept. 15, 2025, at the Board Office and unanimously approved a package of budget, personnel and operational measures, board chair Lorane Smith said.

The board adopted the 2025–26 District Working Budget after a motion by Michelle Arnett, seconded by Martha Wynstra, which passed unanimously. The board also accepted tax rates under KRS 157.440 (HB 940) for 2025–26: 72.1 per $100 assessed value on real and personal property; 68.9 per $100 assessed value for motor vehicles; and a 3% gross receipt utility tax. Michelle Arnett moved the tax motion, Joe Green seconded, and the board voted unanimously to approve the rates.

In a series of consent and regular motions, the board approved a $2,000 Dollar General Literacy Foundation grant, authorized multiple student field trips (including MMS 5th grade to Fort Massac State Park on Oct. 17, 2025, and several MHS overnight trips to Kentucky events in December 2025 and March 2026), and added an MES instructional assistant position to respond to increased student numbers. The board also approved KETS activity reporting and EL OCR assurances, and approved finance staff attending the KASBO Conference in Lexington, Ky., Nov. 19–21, 2025.

The board approved operational items including Pay Application No. 8 to A&K Construction for $584,012.28 and Architects Invoice No. 15 (BG 23‑113) for $7,066.00, and adopted a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) job description and position. Food service recommended adopting KDE pricing guidance for adult meals; the board approved raising adult breakfast from $3.00 to $3.25 and lunch from $4.75 to $5.05 effective Oct. 13, 2025.

On school safety, the board voted to begin the process to establish the Mayfield Independent School District (MISD) School Based Law Enforcement Agency. The action was presented as initiating the process; the record does not show final staffing, operational protocols or contracts.

The board reviewed and approved the treasurer's report, current bills and salaries, and recorded that the superintendent had notified the board of personnel actions taken since the prior meeting. There were no public comments recorded. Chair Lorane Smith called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.; the meeting was adjourned following the remaining business on a motion by Michelle Arnett, seconded by Larry Jackson.

Votes at a glance • Consent agenda (40 items): approved (motion: Larry Jackson; second: Michelle Arnett) — outcome: approved unanimously. • 2025–26 District Working Budget: approved (motion: Michelle Arnett; second: Martha Wynstra) — outcome: approved unanimously. • 2025–26 tax rates (KRS 157.440, HB 940): accepted (motion: Michelle Arnett; second: Joe Green) — outcome: approved unanimously. • Dollar General Literacy Foundation grant ($2,000): approved (motion: Michelle Arnett; second: Martha Wynstra) — outcome: approved unanimously. • Pay Application No. 8 to A&K Construction ($584,012.28) and Architect Invoice No. 15 ($7,066.00): approved (motion: Martha Wynstra; second: Larry Jackson) — outcome: approved unanimously. • MES instructional assistant position; LPN job description; KETS activity report; EL OCR assurances; KASBO attendance; shortened school day for student “A” (MMS): each approved by listed motions and unanimous votes as recorded in the minutes.

The board’s minutes record motions, seconders and unanimous votes for each listed item; no votes failed or were recorded as contested. The minutes note the board will proceed with the next steps for establishing a school‑based law enforcement agency but include no details about timeline, contracts or staffing in the record.