Union County Board of Education Regular Meeting
10/26/2026 6:00 PM CT (7:00 ET)
I. Call to Order
Speaker
Jennifer Buckman, Chairperson
Discussion
Chairperson Jennifer Buckman called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
Speaker
Jennifer Buckman, Chairperson
2. Mission Statement
Speaker
Leila Simpson, Student Board Representative
3. Approval of Agenda
Speaker
Jennifer Buckman, Chairperson
Actions Taken
Motion Passed: Approval of the agenda with the addendum passed with a motion by Susan Duncan and a second by Greg Clifton.
Discussion
Chairperson Buckman requested to add a Request for Supplemental Finance Specialist to the meeting agenda under "Other Items."
II. Recognitions
Speaker
Jennifer Buckman, Chairperson
1. Community Supporter - Huck's
Speaker
Evan Jackson, Asst. Superintendent of Public Relations, FRYSC, & CTE
Discussion
The Huck's Market stores of Sturgis and Morganfield were recognized for raising money for UCPS elementary schools through their customer donation program.
2. Community Supporters- Heather Girten & Monica Foster
Speaker
Evan Jackson, Asst. Superintendent of Public Relations, FRYSC, & CTE
Discussion
Caterers Heather Girten and Monica Foster were recognized for their extraordinary efforts to make the district's Opening Day event successful.
3. John Locke Institute Global Essay Recognition
Speaker
Abigail Wheaton, UCPS GT Teacher
Discussion
The Board recognized UCHS junior Hunter Dayberry who earned a "Very High Commendation" in the John Locke Institute Global Essay Contest, placing in the top 1% of over 100,00 essays submitted worldwide from 183 nations.
4. Heart of a Brave Award
Speaker
Blaine Hunter, Director of Personnel
Discussion
"Heart of a Brave" Awards were presented to UCPS educators Lori Steward, Ashley Owens, and Evelyn Berry.
III. Discussion/Reports
Speaker
Jennifer Buckman, Chairperson
1. Superintendent's Report
Speaker
Dr. Terra Hancock, Superintendent
Discussion
Student Board Representative Leila Simpson shared updates from recent happenings at UES, MES, SES, and UCHS.
Superintendent Dr. Terra Hancock shared updates on a variety of district initiatives including the United Way campaign, parent involvement, upcoming Veterans Day programs, Lifewise Academy, college readiness assessments, district and staff recognitions, a successful transportation audit, and school collaboration. Director of Personnel Blaine Hunter reported that currently 5% of district certified positions were covered by longterm subs.
Dr. Hancock also shared progress on her big goals for the school year. Currently, district administrators have completed rounding with 2% of district staff members, and Dr. Hancock has visited 12% of district classrooms.
2. Attendance Report
Speaker
Michelle Hall, Asst. Superintendent of Alternative Services/DPP
Discussion
Dr. Hancock reported that the average daily student attendance rate for the second attendance month was 93.33%. The traveling attendance trophy will stay with Uniontown Elementary for once again earning the highest attendance rate in the district.
3. Student Achievement Report
Speaker
Shawn Winders, District Assessment Coordinator
Discussion
District Assessment Coordinator Shawn Winders presented an overview of the district's 2025-2026 State Accountability Data which was released earlier this month. The district's overall rating is Orange with individual school ratings as follows:
Morganfield Elementary: Red
Sturgis Elementary: Yellow
Uniontown Elementary: Orange
Union Co. Middle School: Orange
Union Co. High School: Yellow
Dr. Hancock emphasized that schools were already taking steps toward instructional improvement even before these results were released. School principals will share updates with the board next month.
4. Personnel Report
Speaker
Report Attached for Review
5. SBDM Reports
Speaker
Agendas and Minutes Attached
a. Morganfield Elementary School Presentation
Speaker
Kelli Willett, MES Principal
Discussion
Three MES students shared about the importance of the school's routine morning assembly which includes daily tips, stretches, reminders, mission, monthly character traits, the pledge, ROAR expectations, focus, and a moment of silence.
IV. Minutes
Speaker
Jennifer Buckman, Chairperson
1. Approval of Minutes
Speaker
Jennifer Buckman, Chairperson
Actions Taken
Motion Passed: Approval of the minutes passed with a motion by Susan Duncan and a second by Chad Hagan.
V. Financial
Speaker
Jennifer Buckman, Chairperson
1. Approve Financial Report
Speaker
Amanda Davis, Chief Finance Officer
Actions Taken
Motion Passed: Approval of the monthly financial report passed with a motion by Greg Clifton and a second by Mr. Donnie Gatten.
2. Approve Payment of Bills
Speaker
Amanda Davis, Chief Finance Officer
Actions Taken
Motion Passed: Approval of payment of bills passed with a motion by Susan Duncan and a second by Mr. Donnie Gatten.
3. Approval of Expenses for Superintendent's Office
Speaker
Amanda Davis, Chief Finance Officer
Actions Taken
Motion Passed: Approval of superintendent's office expenses passed with a motion by Susan Duncan and a second by Greg Clifton.
VI. Public Comments/Clarification of Agenda Items
Speaker
Jennifer Buckman, Chairperson
Discussion
Union County Middle School student Addelynn Morgan shared her concerns about the instability of the teaching staff at her school. She cited frequent teacher changes and vacancies during her three years at UCMS. She expressed that she feels the lack of qualified permanent teachers is having a negative impact on student achievement.
VII. Approval of Consent Agenda
Speaker
Jennifer Buckman, Chairperson
Actions Taken
Motion Passed: Approval of the Consent Agenda as presented passed with a motion by Mr. Donnie Gatten and a second by Susan Duncan.
1. Travel Report
Speaker
Shane Smith, Director of Operations and Safety
2. Requests for Fundraisers
Speaker
Dr. Terra Hancock, Superintendent
3. Trip Requests
Speaker
Dr. Terra Hancock, Superintendent
4. Leaves of Absence
Speaker
Blaine Hunter, Director of Personnel
5. MOU with ECCJCA for Work-Based Learning
Speaker
Blaine Hunter, Director of Personnel
6. Facility Use Agreement: Union County ABA Basketball Program
Speaker
Shane Smith, Director of Operations & Safety
7. FY27 Kentucky Numeracy Counts K-3 HQIR Grant Application
Speaker
Dr. Tamala Howard, Asst. Superintendent of Academic Services
8. Kentucky Arts Council Arts Miles Program
Speaker
Abigail Wheaton, UCPS GT Teacher
9. Review of UCHS Social Studies Curriculum Proposal for Fundamentals of Government
Speaker
Amy Nelson, UCHS Principal
10. Changer Order #25, Bid Package 030-04 General Trades (Credit for Deleted Portion of Railings)
Speaker
Amanda Davis, Chief Finance Officer
11. Change Order #26, Bid Package 092-02 Gyp Board Assemblies (Ag Bldg. Insulation)
Speaker
Amanda Davis, Chief Finance Officer
12. Change Order #27, Bid Package 092-03 Gyp Board Assemblies (FRP in Wrestling Room)
Speaker
Amanda Davis, Chief Finance Officer
13. Declaration of Surplus Equipment (Transportation Department)
Speaker
Amanda Davis, Chief Finance Officer
14. Donation Acceptance in Accordance with Board Policy 4.161- Huck's
Speaker
Amanda Davis, Chief Finance Officer
15. Agreement for Legal Services for Social Media Litigation
Speaker
Dr. Terra Hancock, Superintendent
16. Food Service Contract with Smart Systems for HACCP Consultation and Plan Development
Speaker
Nikki Hancock, Director of Food Services
17. District Calendar Committee Board Representative
Speaker
Michelle Hall, Asst. Superintendent of Alternative Services/DPP
VIII. Other Items
Speaker
Jennifer Buckman, Chairperson
Actions Taken
Motion Passed: Approval of the Request for Supplemental Finance Specialist as presented passed with a motion by Chad Hagan and a second by Greg Clifton.
Discussion
Board members expressed some concerns with the construction project that they would like addressed with the construction manager, Alliance Corporation.
IX. Adjourn
Speaker
Jennifer Buckman, Chairperson
Actions Taken
Motion Passed: Approval to adjourn the meeting passed with a motion by Mr. Donnie Gatten and a second by Chad Hagan.
Discussion
The meeting adjourned at 7:19 PM.