Board approves permanent reading intervention trainer for elementary schools

Hancock County School Board has approved the creation of a new position within the county’s elementary schools which will assist students during the school day with reading interventions, as well as training other teachers in multi-sensory reading techniques.

The school system is currently utilizing the Orton-Gillingham Reading Invervention program through the University of Louisville, though Superintendent Robby Asberry said the time has come for the system to have its own teacher capable of training other teachers in multi-sensory reading instruction.

“We will be seeking an experienced educator with the skills to coach and mentor,” he said.

Multi-sensory reading combines listening, speaking, reading, and tactile interactions to help elementary and special education students to focus their attention a sequence of letters in printed words.

“The program has shown success, and it is something our educators believe in,” Asberry said. “We are committed to serving all of our student body, and this position will help us achieve that goal.”

The approach incorporates the techniques in early grades to build phonic and reading comprehension skills, which can encourage and motivate students to achieve a higher level of learning.

In other business, School Board:

• Approved BG-4 documents for Phases II and III of the replacement of the roof at Hancock County High School. The two phases will complete the project, at a cost of $450,000.
• Approved an asphalt bid with Roberts Asphalt, Sealing & Striping for resurfacing of parking areas at all schools, the bus garage and the Board of Education Central Office. The total cost of the contract is $74,167.
• Approved the purchase of two transport vehicles for student activities. Asberry said the current vehicles being used are high-mileage, and will be transferred for use by other departments in the system. The system is currently seeking suitable replacements, either a van or a third-row seating Ford Explorer, which will allow for four-wheel drive. Pricing under the traditional state contract bid scheme is currently unavailable due to the ongoing unavailability with dealers of several models of new vehicles. Those shortages are due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing supply chain and microchip shortages worldwide, as well as stateside production and manufacturing disruptions. Asberry said staff will continue to seek the best price for the specifications in vehicles needed.
• Approved the replacement of the stage lighting system at Hancock County High School. The contract was awarded to Music Central of Hopkinsville, at a cost of $21,895. The lights currently in use are nearly 50 years old, and are original to the construction of HCHS.

• Approved the purchase of a replacement sign at HCHS and Hancock County Middle School. Specifications call for a messaging sign with graphic capabilities to be installed in the area between the two schools along State Route 271. Asberry said the current sign on U.S. 60 at the high school is not currently working and that there were visibility issues in one direction of travel along the highway.

By C. Josh Givens