Monticello — The Wayne County School District ended the last school year with a 3.8 percent contingency‹well above the mandated two percent contingency‹and the district should soon be released by the Kentucky Department of Education's management assistance program.

Linda Martin, with the Kentucky Department of Education, addressed those comments to school board members during a meeting held on Monday, November 16. Martin has been one of two state consultants who has worked with the Wayne County School District, since it ended the 2007-2008 school year with a deficit.

"This past year has been a challenging and a rewarding year for the Wayne County Schools, as together everyone accepted the status of being a deficit district and then overcoming this situation," Martin told board members.

She noted that the district had turned around the deficit situation, which continuing to keep achievement goals and learning for all students the first priority. She added that several of the strategies implemented during the past school years continue to be used and have help streamline several processes.

"The monthly payroll was trimmed by approximately $70,000 which is a significant part of the recovery. Major maintenance projects and bus purchases are examples of big ticket expenditures that had to take a lower priority to ensure that student health and safety needs were always met during the year," stated Martin.

Martin said that she would recommend that the Kentucky Board of Education accept the district's audit report and remove them from the management assistance program at their December meeting.

Earlier in the meeting the board had approved the audit report for 2008-2009, as presented by CPA Barry Daulton. Daulton noted that it was an unqualified opinion, which is the highest level that could be issued.

Wayne County High School was the site for the board meeting, and several high school students were recognized. Emily Eicher was recognized for receiving the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross Award for Achievement.

Junior Tim Spradlin was recognized for his reading accomplishment.

Spradlin has earned 278.4 AR points since the school year began.

WCHS department heads presented board members with information regarding recent test scores, as well as some of the proposals to help improve scores in the core content areas.

In other action during the meeting, the board:

€ Approved the non-resident contracts with surrounding school districts for the 2010-2011 school year.

€ Approved the 2009 KETS technology activity report.

€ Agreed to change the December board meeting to Thursday, December 17 due to Christmas break.