In efforts to promote strong attendance across the district has adopted some healthy competition between the three schools, giving a sizable trophy and, presumably, Bragging rights to whichever school it is awarded. Its journey begins with Caverna Middle School which had an attendance score of 95.26 percent. Gage Wilson/for Glasgow News 1
By GAGE WILSON
for Glasgow News 1
The Caverna Board of Education met Thursday evening to further discuss the district gaining a second school resource officer, hear updates on a track construction project and to receive a $2,500 donation.
Superintendent Amanda Abell explained that she had invited Cave City Mayor Dwayne Hatcher to continue talks about adding a second officer from the city’s police department. The district has been exploring the option for around a year, with board members supportive of the measure, but cautious on jumping into a contract without due diligence.
Abell explained that the district is looking to add a new officer by Jan. 1, 2026, to serve the remainder of the school year. Hatcher was unable to provide the board with any exact figures or contract, but did say that he would have the requested information by the district’s November meeting.
At the board’s last meeting the possibility of a special law enforcement officer was also brought up, with the key difference being that the special officer could be trained and internally hired without having to have classic police training. District staff Beth Hawke spearheaded the idea, but after looking into the requirements and cost, determined that a resource officer would most likely be the better option.
The board also heard an update on a construction project for the school’s track, which should be able to fit six-lanes for athletes.
“We would have loved to have eight lanes so we could host regional meets,” said Abell, “but the dimensions just aren’t feasible.”
The project will also include new restroom facilities, according to architect Justin McElfresh, with the firm Sherman, Carter and Barnhart.
The board had originally inquired about the restroom using a septic system, but fortunately for the district, the facilities will instead be added to Horse Cave’s sewage.
“They’re actually going to dig underneath 31-W and attach it to the sewage line,” explained Abell. “We just have to pay for that station which should be around six to eight thousand dollars.”
Elfresh agreed, saying that, “anytime we can not be in the sewer business it’s good.”
The board also heard from a voice not often vocal at board of education meetings, that of a student.
Juliette Howell, a junior and recipient of the board’s student of the month award, spoke to the room about a lack of motivation she had witnessed in her peers, particularly in regard to mandated testing.
“Some of them feel like ‘well what do I get out of it’ there’s a lack of motivation there,” she said.
This was echoed by elementary principal Vonda Stockton and high school principal Frank Beauchamp. Howell’s comments also resonated with the board as Abell said that Howell should run for student council, and chairwoman Jennifer Briggs invited the young woman back to give the board more perspective.
The board lastly accepted a donation of $2,500 from Kevin Briggs (no relation to the chairwoman). The board also happily acknowledged that the donation came from a Caverna alumnus.
Due to scheduling conflicts the board moved its next meeting to Nov. 18 at 5 p.m.
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