Monticello Independent School Operation of school district to cease June 30

  Operation of the Monticello Independent School District will officially cease on June 30, according to James Hamm, KDE State Manager of Monticello Independent Schools. The news came following a recommendation by Commissioner of Education Terry Holliday in a letter addressed to Jim Hamm, KDE State Manager of Monticello Independent Schools. Hamm officially informed the Monticello Independent Board of Education about the Commissioner of Education's recommendation to merge with Wayne County during their regular monthly board meeting on Monday evening, March 18.

    In the letter, which was dated for March 14, Holliday recommended that Hamm develop a merger proposal and present it to the Wayne County Board of Education as soon as possible.

    "I received your letter of March 7, 2013 indicating that the budget crisis at Monticello Independent School District cannot be resolved,"  

stated Holliday in his letter to Hamm. "While I commend the efforts of all who have worked so hard to try to find a solution, I am in complete agreement that the financial insolvency requires Monticello to approach merger with Wayne County. I approve your decision to develop a merger proposal and present it to the Wayne County Board of Education as soon as possible."

    Holliday's letter also identified specific individuals in each program area of the Kentucky Department of Education who will be able to assist Hamm in getting a prompt response to any questions he may have about merger. He added that these individuals could coordinate with their respective areas and provide feedback on items of concern as they arise.

    The letter that Holliday sent last week was written in response to a letter dated March 7 that Hamm sent Holliday.

    In his letter to Holliday, Hamm noted that he, along with state and financial advisors, came "to the conclusion that it is impossible to create a budget that will not adversely affect the students of Monticello Independent Schools and their ability to become college and/or career ready." Hamm added, "Therefore, it is my intent to inform the Monticello Independent Board of Education at its meeting on March 18, 2013, that I will recommend to the Commissioner of Education that the Monticello Independent School District merge with the Wayne County School District."

    After Hamm informed the board about the Commissioner's recommendation to merge with Wayne County, he noted that he will be going to Frankfort to meet with attorneys for the Kentucky Board of Education and with Superintendent John Dalton and his attorney to start talks about a merger. Hamm noted that there should be several things cleared up after that meeting. He added that after he returned from that meeting he plans to form committees to work on specific areas of a merger.

    Hamm noted that two major issues that will need to be addressed first are the configuration of the school and staffing. He added that these two issues will need to take priority when merger discussions begin.

    He also stated that he planned to tour the Wayne County campus later this week, and that Superintendent Dalton planned to tour the Monticello School facilities as well.

    In other news, several students were recognized during Monday's meeting. Loral Wright was recognized for designing and creating a Nutrition and Physical Activity Report Card for the Food Services Department. According to Deborah Swope, Food Service Director of Monticello Independent, she provided Wright the information for the report but Wright actually designed the report card herself.

    Elijah Catron and Patrick Gregory were also recognized for their achievements at the District Skills USA contest. Catron earned first place in carpentry while Gregory claimed third place in carpentry.

    Andrew Perdew was also recognized during the meeting. Perdew served as a page for the Kentucky General Assembly recently.

    Hamm also congratulated the archery team, which is competing in the state tournament this week. In addition, he noted that Monticello had great representation at the KUNA conference.

    Marla Kelsch also had a presentation to make during the meeting. She presented the board with two awards from the KDPP which were given to Monticello Middle School for having the highest attendance in the Small Middle School Category for Region 14.

    During the meeting, the board also heard academic updates for the middle and high schools as well as the elementary school.

    Roger Keith, middle and high school principal, provided the board with a brief academic overview for the middle and high schools. He presented the Middle School Winter MAP results and presented an update on the ELA/Reading data.

    Angela Ballinger, curriculum specialist, gave an elementary update.  

She discussed the MAP Data Wall and provided board members with an update on the school's Family Literacy Night. She noted that this year's event was the most attended Family Literacy Night, with approximately 421 children and caregivers attending. She added that the goal of Family Literacy Night was to get parents involved in the students' education.

    During the meeting, the board considered recommending to the Commissioner approval of the amended 2012-13 school calendar. With the amended calendar, the last day for students will be May 16 and the last day for faculty will be May 17. Graduation will be held May 18.

    In other news, the board considered recommending to the Commissioner approval of the following items:

    • approval of James Hamm as board secretary.

    • approval of Policy 04.31 (second reading).

    • approval of Policy 09.2212 (first reading).

    • approval of Policy 08.113 (first reading).

    • approval of the Nutrition and Physical Activity Report Card.

    • approval to escrow Kentucky Education Technology offer of assistance.