Trimble board recognizes district's Teachers of the Year

The Trimble County Board of Education recognized the district’s four Teachers of the Year — one for each building — at its regular meeting on Wednesday, March 20.

The teacher’s recognized include” first grader teacher Tracy Duke at Bedford Elementary; second grade teacher Katie Morgan at Milton Elementary, seventh grade English teacher Jenine Sullivan at Trimble County Junior High and match teacher Rene Smith at Trimble County High School.

The awards were given based on achievement and commitment to teaching in Trimble County. Each of the four faculty members were presented plaques recognizing their award.

Meanwhile, a report on pupil personnel indicated that Trimble’s student enrollment is down 19 students compared to the same time last year and down 11 from last month. Administrators cited family mobility between districts is partially responsible for the enrollment declines. The district currently has 1,124 students.

In other business

• Elementary principals reported that kindergarten registration will begin following spring break. Head Start will be registering students at the same time. Students planning on enrolling in kindergarten must be five years of age before Aug. 1, 2024. Students will need their birth certificate, a social security card, immunization records and proof of residency. Parents may call Milton Elementary at 502-268-3322 or Bedford Elementary at 502-255-3217 for more information.

• The board approved an AmeriCorps Literacy Tutor Agreement for Bedford Elementary School. The position, which is funded partially through the AmeriCorps program with an additional $3,200 each coming from the Family Resource Youth Service Center and the Bedford Elementary budget. The position will work to align reading support throughout the elementary program.

• A $35,000 grant to incorporate the Jobs for America’s Graduates program (JAG) into the high school was approved and the agreement authorized to begin the program. JAG is a state-based national non-profit organization dedicated to supporting young people of great promise who face significant challenges to help them reach economic and academic success. The program serves more than 1,500 middle schools, high schools, and other institutions in their states.

• Ideas for encouraging more students to pursue the I-LEAD Academy were discussed. Trimble County currently has nine students in the program with most of the students at the eighth and ninth grade levels. Efforts to develop more interest in the program and for students to go through the entire program are being considered.

The next Board of Education meeting is 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17.