School Board Discussion Hardship Waiver

The Christian County Board Of Education, which includes two new sworn in members, is reviewing facility, graduation, attendance zoning and safety and crisis policies. To start the special meeting off Thursday night, Circuit Judge Andrew Self administered the general oath of office and the oath specifically for Kentucky school board members.

New members Teresa Moss and Sarah Shepherd as well as returning member Linda Keller took the oath. The board then took action reelecting Barry Cornelius and Keller as chairman and vice chairman respectively, before moving into a workshop to learn more details about upcoming action items. Chief Operations Officer Kathy Hancock asked the board to consider grandfathering in 6th graders and up after a decision to do away with school choice.

She says there will still be some students granted a hardship waiver, especially when talking about making sure to meet their needs.

The board will have to, at an upcoming meeting, define hardship and the guidelines for how one might apply for it, but Hancock is suggesting they make sure parents can prove a hardship in front of a committee. The board liked the idea, with members saying it would help administrators in the long run. Hancock also suggested that this year's fifth grade classes be the first to go completely to their zoned middle schools, unless the student is granted a hardship waiver.

In addition, the board is considering changes to the graduation policy, which states students must go a minimum of 8 semesters and have 26 credits. Hancock and Alternative Programs Coordinator Larry Cavanah are asking the board to consider removing the 8 semester requirement to allow at risk students, who have the credits, to graduate early. Keller suggested a committee might be appointed to review such requests.

Safety is a concern on everyone's mind after the tragedy in Connecticut, but Christian County has safety and crisis procedures that are reviewed on a regular basis. Hancock says following the tragedy, they have stepped up the enforcement of the procedures as well as increased the number of drills that will be done at each school. She adds the district is even working with local law enforcement to get them involved in the drills.