Graphic reading: Local Superintendents Advisory Council Virtual Meeting, Sept. 28, 2021

The Local Superintendents Advisory Council (LSAC) approved a recommendation to the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) to accept the Kentucky High School Athletic Association’s (KHSAA) amendments to 702 KAR 7:065, Designation of Agent to Manage Middle and High School Interscholastic Athletics.

During the LSAC’s Sept. 28 meeting, KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett met with the superintendents to discuss the amendments, one of which came forth after the KHSAA’s recent annual meeting.

Delegates at the annual meeting took action to allow for a tie-breaking procedure, or a runoff election, in the event the KHSAA receives numerous candidates to serve on its Board of Control.

The Board of Control supervises the KHSAA, establishes staff salaries, sets goals for the association and has the authority to set rules and review proposed changes to the KHSAA constitution and bylaws.

Other revisions to the regulation incorporate provisions outlined in Senate Bill 128, the supplemental school year legislation, into the KHSAA’s bylaws, Tackett said.

The KBE will consider the KHSAA’s amendments at its upcoming regular meeting on Oct. 5.

KDE Updates
Also, during Tuesday’s meeting, Commissioner of Education Jason E. Glass provided Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) updates to LSAC members, which included the upcoming Kentucky Education Summit.

Throughout the pandemic, KDE staff have been working to learn more about effective education strategies and have been seeking input from Kentuckians about what they want to see in their educational system.

The department will reveal these findings at the summit, which will take place Nov. 1-2 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville.

Registration for the summit is free and open through Oct. 15. Individuals attending must present their original COVID-19 vaccination card or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours before Nov. 1.

Regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Glass said the possibility of an approved vaccination for children ages 5-11 encourages him, and despite all the disruptions, Kentucky’s public schools are moving from crisis management into a “period of routineness.”

“We know where we are,” he said. “We know how to handle where we are right now. … We’ll have to keep our virus mitigation strategies up for a while longer, keep observing our community transmission rates, keep an eye on vaccination status of our staff and students and also look forward to when the vaccine is available for students 5-11.”

Wrapping up the meeting, Tim Bobrowski, LSAC chair and superintendent of Owsley County Schools, recognized the two new members on the council: Robbie Fletcher, superintendent of Lawrence County Schools, and Will Hodges, Green County superintendent.

“Thanks for having me,” Hodges said.” It’s a pleasure to serve and represent our at large community here.”

The LSAC will meet again on Nov. 23.