City School Board hears update from GEAR Up program

The Barbourville City school Board of Education’s special called meeting, next year’s school year was laid out, and went through the school’s handbook to discuss any changes there may be. “This coming year, we are adding six unexcused tardies will equal one unexcused absence”, Princiapl Andrew Roark explained. BHS’s GEAR UP program was in attendance, and gave an update. “The relationships that I have formed with the kids this year is amazing,” said academic Interventionist Kayla Messer. “We really have gotten to know the kids, made them feel comfortable enough to come to us and ask for help, so it has been really amazing.” “GEAR Up has been one of the best programs ever placed at Barbourville Independent Schools,” said Superintendent Dennis Messer. “If I could, I would do GEAR up for the next 20 years.” Underlying tension and controversy: Should a Valedictorian, Salutatorian be honored at graduation. Many schools have completely cut out the long-standing tradition of honoring those who have worked the hardest throughout their high school career. With the large selection of different Advanced Placement classes that high schoolers are offered, getting the standard 4.0 grade point average is not the highest possible score anymore. During graduation, those with a 4.2 GPA are recognized as recipients of the “Navigator Award.” However, some Board members were unhappy with the fact that even those with the highest grade point averages, and who have worked all throughout their high school career, weren’t going to receive the recognition they have earned. As for next year, the Board members were discussing the added Advanced Placement classes and dual credit courses, which will give BHS students the opportunity to graduate high school, with an associate’s degree and do it debt free. Messer explains, “There are four different pathways for our students at Barbourville. A pathway is your educational road map guiding our students through the high school courses, most relevant to the student’s chosen career.” Options of pathways include, “Certified nursing aide, teacher’s aide assistant, welding industrial, and general studies.” Messer added, “We are just happy to be helping kids prepare for college, setting kids up on a path to succeed.”