Martin County BOE approves local planning committee facilitator service

Martin County BOE in a meeting Monday: (left to right) Dena James (recorder), District 1 Board Member Mickey McCoy, District 4 Board Member Steven Gauze, Superintendent Larry James, District 3 Board Member Lorna Cassady, District 2 Board Member Bowie Clark, and District 5 Board Member Kathleen Price. (Citizen photo)

BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — The Martin County Board of Education voted Monday to hire a local planning committee facilitator service to assist in developing a district facility plan.

Superintendent Larry James explained that state law requires the district to develop a facility plan every four years.

“We didn’t do one the last four years or the first four years since I’ve been superintendent because they had finally gotten the money to build a new high school, so they continued it on,” James said. “Now we have to start a whole new process.”

James said the state recommends the Kentucky School Plant Management Association.

“They can facilitate this for us—because it’s a pretty big process—to keep everything within the guidelines and go as smoothly as possible,” said James. “We’ve never done this before; we’ve not had to since I’ve been here. This is optional, but I recommend that we contract this service for $4,500. I think it would be well worth it.”

The board also approved architect firm Ross-Tarrant’s district facility plan proposal.

“This is required,” James said. “You have to have one. Ross Tarrant has been our architect for a while. We have to contract with them or somebody else. If we stick with them, they will come in and do a building inventory and needs assessment, which will lead to the district facility plan. This will be the first step.”

The board tabled bids on the Martin County High School solar project after soliciting bids for the third time and then having the low bidder withdraw due to unrelated issues. They will revisit the project in a later meeting.

Board members approved the use of Martin County Middle School for the Warfield High School All-Class reunion on July 27, pending one-day insurance requirements being met.

Professional Cleaning Services was chosen for janitorial services for the 2024-2025 school year.

“The buildings are in the best shape they’ve ever been,” commented James.

CM Regent Insurance will provide property and liability insurance, while Kentucky Employers Mutual Insurance will provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage.

BWB Enterprises will supply custodial supplies, Mountain Petroleum will provide fuel, and John Wayne Pest Control will handle pest services.

Inez Physical Therapy will continue to provide services in the upcoming school year. Dena James explained that these services typically include 40-50 students each year, all with documented disabilities.

“[Trisha Muncy-Giompalo] does a great job,” D. James said.

Board members approved contracts with the Mountain Comprehensive Care – Green Dot Program, Morehead State for its dual credit program, Big Sandy Health Care for nursing services, and Porter, Banks, Baldwin & Shaw of Paintsville for legal services. Ernest Hale will serve as the board treasurer, while Dena James will serve as the board secretary.

The board heard the first reading of the KSBA board policy and procedure updates.


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