Education

Department of Education Says Midnight Meetings for Dropout Grants Unnecessary

John Null — Thu, 23 May 2013 21:19:30 +0000

The Kentucky Department of Education says many midnight meetings planned at area school districts are unnecessary, and not placing them at the front of the line for a $10,000 grant.

The incentive for schools to raise their dropout age to 18 becomes law on June 25and the first 96 schools to approve the measure receive the money. This has led to districts scheduling early morning meetings, but the Kentucky Department of Education’s Nancy

Eastern Kentucky University Unveils Voluntary Buyouts as Part of Restructuring

Stu Johnson (KPR) — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:45:22 +0000

Come July first, the Eastern Kentucky University workforce picture takes on a new look. The Richmond school has been undergoing restructuring as part of work by the Strategic Budget Reallocation Task Force. 127 employees at Eastern are taking a voluntary buy out package. Their last day at E-K-U will be June 28^th. Human Resources Director Gary Barksdale says it’s unclear now how many ‘forced layoffs’ might occur.

Summer Starts at Calloway County Public Library

Chad Lampe — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:37:59 +0000

Chad Lampe has an update on activities happening this summer at the Calloway County Public Library. he speaks with Acquisitions and Programming Director Sandy Linn about adult and teen summer reading programs, special guests to the library for kids like puppet theatres and magicians, and summer family movie afternoons. Visit Calloway County Public Library online to see the calendar.

Linda Zellich Named First Female Hopkins County Superintendent

Rob Canning — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:08:39 +0000

Hopkins County Deputy Superintendent Linda Zellich will be the district's first female superintendent. The board of education selected Zellich yesterday to replace retiring superintendent James Lee Stevens. Zellich said she is ready to face the challenge of managing the 7,000 students and 1,000 employees.

UT-Martin To Offer Nursing Degree At Parsons

John Walker and The Associated Press — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:24:47 +0000

The University of Tennessee at Martin says it will offer a degree in nursing at its Decatur County location beginning next year. The center will have openings for up to 30 students annually, with 20 slots designated for traditional students and 10 slots for licensed practical nurses. Program graduates will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses. Initial funding for the program was included in this year's state budget.

Campuses Awarding More Than 61,000 Degrees

John Null and The Associated Press — Thu, 16 May 2013 21:00:11 +0000

The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education estimates more than 61,000 students are receiving diplomas from the state's public and independent colleges and universities this academic year.

That's down slightly from last year's historic total, but it is well above the number of degrees conferred a decade ago in the Bluegrass State.

Hopkins County Schools Interview Superintendent Candidates

Austin Ramsey — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:40:40 +0000

The Hopkins County School District is a step closer to hiring a new superintendent after the board ended a second round of interviews last night in Madisonville.

A screening committee recommended four finalists last week. Board members questioned the first two candidates Tuesday.

Domestic Kitchen Certification Course Offered In TN

John Walker and The Associated Press — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:53:09 +0000

People who want to sell food products in Tennessee made in home kitchens can become certified on May 20. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and UT Extension have a day-long course at the Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville. It costs $100 and requires pre-registration. For information, phone (865) 974-7717. Certification covers such food as baked goods, jams and jellies and candies. People who cater birthday and wedding cakes are not required to take the course.

Christian County School Board Considers Closing Lacy Elementary

Rob Canning — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:44:11 +0000

Five of six Christian County School Board redistricting plans include closing Lacy Elementary School. The proposals discussed at a school board meeting last night aim to control facility costs while attempting to zone students closer to their homes.

Superintendent Mary Ann Gemmill said that the board did not vote on the proposal and redistricting discussions are not included in the board's next meeting agenda. Communications director Heather Aubin said the proposals include closing one to four elementary schools including Lacy, Belmont, Indian Hills and Holiday and restructuring middle schools.

Foundation Gives UT Martin $100,000 For Rodeo

John Walker and The Associated Press — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:32:33 +0000

The University of Tennessee at Martin rodeo program has received a $100,000 donation to fund scholarships for the state's only college rodeo. A charity founded by former Allegro Fine Foods chairman Dave Wilcox has pledged $20,000 a year in scholarships for the next five years. Wilcox was a fixture on the local rodeo scene until his death in 2011. The Betsy Ross Foundation, the charity he named in honor of his late wife, is donating the money. The donation is the largest gift to rodeo in UT Martin's history.