Student achievements and proposed teacher pay changes highlighted Thursday night’s Adair County Board of Education meeting.
Several students and educators were recognized during the meeting, including recipients of the district’s ASCEND awards, which honored educators who embrace growth as an educator. Angie Smith received the elementary award, Ashley Goodin received the secondary award and Cindy Ford received the district award.
Jenna Claywell, a senior at Adair County High School, was recognized for competing in the Kentucky Regional Braille Challenge. Claywell scored in the top 10 and earned a spot in the National Braille Challenge for the fifth time.
“This is probably one of the coolest awards we have given all year. It is actually in braille,” Superintendent Jason Faulkner said.
Members of the Kentucky United Nations Assembly team also were recognized for their achievements at the state level. Kolt King was named the first president-elect for KUNA from Adair County.
Students participating in the Kentucky Youth Assembly also earned the premier delegation award. The program allows students to participate in a mock state government.
Finance Director Jaimie Wisdom presented a proposed salary schedule change for Rank III teachers. Currently, teachers receive annual step raises, but starting pay for Rank III teachers is lower than surrounding districts.
Under the proposal, Rank III teachers would be paid $41,956 during their first four years before transitioning to the regular step schedule. The long-term goal is to place all teachers on an increment-based salary schedule.
Wisdom also presented the tentative budget for fiscal year 2027. The district’s general fund totals slightly more than $31 million. Wisdom said approximately $7 million was added back into the budget because state payments made on behalf of the school district are now required to be included.
Faulkner also addressed an anonymous complaint concerning the Breeding Area Volunteer Fire Department collecting donations during graduation activities on school property. He stated the donations benefit Crusade for Children rather than the fire department itself.
Board Chairman Terry Harvey asked Phillip Richards of the Columbia-Adair County Fire Department and Brandon Harvey of the Breeding Area Volunteer Fire Department to address the board.
Richards said the Columbia-Adair County Fire Department gave the Breeding department permission to collect donations during the event. He added that funds raised for Crusade for Children return to Adair County and have helped purchase accessible buses, computers and other equipment for individuals with disabilities.
Faulkner said the complaint was not an actionable item but wanted the matter addressed publicly and it was the only complaint received.
A representative from Charles Moore Insurance reviewed insurance rates with the board. Overall rates increased by 7%, with property coverage accounting for 4% of the increase.
Adair County Primary Center remains under a separate insurance classification from the district’s other schools because of its sprinkler system. The Insurance Services Office evaluated the property and determined it did not qualify for a lower fire rating due the current sprinkler system.
Faulkner requested a more specific explanation regarding that determination.
Anthony Darnell, representatives from DECO Architects and Steve Osborne of Codell Construction provided an update on the new middle school. Classrooms are being completed, floors are being waxed and preparations for final inspections are underway. The school remains on schedule to open this fall.
By Amy Pike
amy@adairvoice.com
