Hickman County Schools begin testing to identify learning gaps

The Hickman County Board of Education met Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. in Clinton with Elementary School Principal Richard Todd reported that there are currently 436 students enrolled in preschool through sixth grades and that four additional students are expected when school returns to session after Christmas break. Student attendance is 96.5% in the elementary school.

Present at the meeting were Superintendent Casey Henderson, Todd, Principal Shane Bizzle, Kim Wilson, Christel Nall, Jan Johnson, board members Allen Kyle, Martie Templeton, Thomas Dodson, and Shannon Dowdy.

Todd updated the board on the Four Rivers Reading Project, reporting Dr. Tina Grant, a reading specialist from Murray State University, held workshops with teachers Oct. 19 and will return Jan. 25 to consult with teachers from Hickman County and Fulton City Schools. Also, Holly Bloodworth has visited the elementary school on three occasions. The project is targeting students who need to get up to reading level with emphasis being on comprehension.

Todd announced that the school plans to begin CASE testing services, that will identify learning gaps by student and by standard. Students will take the CASE test at the end of Jan.. The test results will help parents, students, and teachers identify specific areas that each student needs improvement.

Todd requested the board amend the school dress code to identify “racer back” shirts as being inappropriate, due to showing the students under garments.

The board voted to amend the school dress code specifying “racer back” shirts as being inappropriate.

Todd reported the canned food drive at the elementary school organized by the Leadership Cabinet collected 1,035 food items for The Mission House food pantry.

Todd said that $578.08 was raised for Pennies for Patients.

Principal Shane Bizzle reported 323 students enrolled at Hickman County High School with a 96% attendance rate.

Bizzle said that Sophomore and Junior content teachers have TruScore test results to help plan instruction beginning in January and that the middle school has also purchased tests from CASE to help seventh and eighth grade students.

Bizzle said that the school has updated the emergency bags located in each classroom that contain class rosters for each class period. Danny Carr is preparing exit routes to be used during construction on the west breezeway area.

He reported that the Young Leaders in Action and Lighthouse teams are continuing to work to connect the community and school through community based projects. Currently, the Young Leaders in Action are working on assigning sidewalk sections to each school club in an adopt a sidewalk program.

The board passed a motion to approve the FFA trip to the National Farm Machinery Show on Feb. 14-15 and were informed Ag. Business students, Lexy Riddle and Zach Etherton will be attending a marketing session at Ohio Valley Insurance on Jan. 4.

Work Keys test for Seniors will be on Jan. 8-9.

It was announced there will be an Abstinence program by Hope Center of Mayfield on Jan. 9, 16, and 23 for seventh through ninth grade students.

Hickman County will host the Middle School District Governor’s Cup on Jan. 15 and Jan. 19 and Curt Swinford, Architect updated the board on the progress of construction project #18176. Swinford said that all the contracts and insurance are in place, and that materials are being ordered, with excessive moisture had been found in the concrete, and that a primer would need to be applied before any adhesive.

He informed the board that a third party contractor will be needed to perform an air quality test following asbestos removal at the high school.

The board passed a motion to approve making bond issue principal and/or interest payments in the amount of $4,336.88 (2012 KISTA Issue) due February.

A motion to approve the Comprehensive District Improvement Plan (CDIP) prepared by Jan Johnson, Director of District Wide Programs was passed by the board.

A motion to approve Hickman County Elementary School Plan to reduce achievement gaps presented by Johnson was passed by the board, and board approval was given to approve School and District Assurances presented by Johnson.

Clinton Bank was selected as the primary bank of depository beginning March 1, 2019 through June 30, 2019.

A motion to approve the Superintendent’s annual evaluation was passed by the board, with Henderson receiving exemplary in all seven categories that were assessed.

The board voted to extend Superintendent Henderson’s contract by one year due to his performance.

In the personnel report, Henderson said that Snapper Seaton resigned as Resource Officer and Judy Canty was approved as a substitute teacher for 2018-19.

In the superintendent’s report, Henderson said that the Falcon Academy Sponsor Appreciation Luncheon will be held in the high school gymnasium on Jan. 24 at 12 p.m. The keynote speaker will be Ms. Keri Schelling, Executive Director of Kentucky School Board Association.
Kentucky Kindergarten Readiness scores were released in December with Hickman County’s average is 84.6%, an improvement of approximately 15 points from last year.

Hickman County has the highest score in the region and second in the state, with the state average 51%.

Henderson said, “We have shown a growth in the past three years, and we are very proud of our preschool staff for a job well done.”
Henderson presented Allen Kyle with a plaque to recognize him for the 27 ½ years that he has served on the board.

Caleb Deweese will fill Kyle’s seat on the board in January.