Veteran educator, Dan Orman (right) reports on areas of safety that Caverna is excelling, as well as areas for improvement. Gage Wilson/for Glasgow News 1
By GAGE WILSON
for Glasgow News 1
Uncertainty hovered over the Caverna Board of Education’s July meeting, as members weighed the consequences of frozen federal funding, paused action on changes to the student code of conduct, and began exploring how to pay for a potential $2.9 million roof replacement at the elementary school.
Superintendent Amanda Abell first led with some good news regarding the district’s tennis court project: grant award letters had been received totaling $102,000 to aid in the reconstruction.
However, this was the prelude to an announcement by Abell that Title II and Title IV funding had been frozen by the U.S. Department of Education. She explained that the freeze could cost the district around $100,000 in programming, primarily supporting enrichment for students and staff.
If not released, Abell painted an uncertain future for the schools’ after-school and visual and performing arts programs.
“We just don’t know the outcome yet,” Abell said.
Following her report, the board heard from architect Hunter Halfhill of Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects, the firm under consideration for the elementary school’s roof reconstruction, which carries an estimated cost of $2.9 million.
Halfhill explained that the figure includes a 15% contingency to account for potential complications with the aging building, which was constructed in the early 1970s.
While formal plans have not yet been submitted, the estimate aligns with prior assessments—Caverna’s 2017 district facility plan listed major renovations at the elementary school, including roof replacement, at just under $2.5 million. Halfhill was unable to provide an estimate as to what bond payments may look like, as they depend largely on bids received.
Board member Allison Dennison expressed some confusion, as she believed the board had finished this discussion at December’s meeting when representatives from Double D Roofing spoke about alternative materials for the roof. Abell informed Dennison that the meeting had focused on obtaining quotes, and no bids had been accepted.
Chairwoman Jennifer Briggs, in an effort to reconcile the looming construction cost and federal funding losses, asked Abell if she knew how many students were enrolled for the fall semester—a number Abell did not have readily available.
Ultimately, members voted to table the matter to allow more time to consider the bond and what funding may be available.
“It’s a lot to consider,” said Briggs.
This decision prompted a discussion about moving the board’s August meeting to the first Thursday rather than its usual second. Members agreed, setting the board’s next bond consideration for August 7.
Roofing will not be the only item on that agenda. The board also tabled approval of the student code of conduct, as some members felt they had not had adequate time to review it.
Of particular note were recent changes to communication guidelines between teachers and students, who may now only speak via district-approved software that meets state criteria. Briggs asked if a staff member who is a close family friend of a student would be held to the same expectations. Abell explained that a waiver would be provided for any guardian to fill out should this situation arise. She went on to explain that the documentation could be obtained through the district.
The board also heard a report from Dan Orman of the Kentucky School Boards Association. Orman spoke primarily on school safety and areas where the district could improve. This is part of the Safe School Assessment program, a voluntary service offered at no cost to local schools or districts.
Overall, the report was positive, with staff and visitor identification being worn throughout the day receiving high marks. This was pointed out by Orman, who said, “As I get older, these teachers seem to look younger,” he laughed. “So being able to be identifiable in a situation is very important.”
The Caverna Board of Education’s next meeting is set for Aug. 7 at the district’s central office.
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