MIDDLESBORO — The Middlesboro Board of Education met in regular session Monday evening at the Central Office Board Room in downtown Middlesboro.

Kentucky School Boards Association (KSBA) Senior Policy Representative Steve Wilson provided the board with information about an administrative procedure dealing with overtime approval via telephone. He explained that the proposed procedure “is currently the most widely used form” in the state to approve overtime requests.

Wilson spoke about the advantages such a procedure could have if established. He said that it is a formal standardized approach available to all staff members. He explained that it is the most consistent approach to document requests — for reasons of verification and approval — and that it is easily added to the online policy handbook.

The board approved the decision to put the form in place. Policies and procedures will be updated accordingly.

Three groups of Middlesboro students were also in attendance on Monday night. They made presentations to the board, and spoke about ongoing school activities and programs. They discussed upcoming school events, the Reading Revisited Program and talked about their individual experiences as part of the Governor’s Scholars Program and Governor’s School for the Arts.

“We sure appreciate you all coming out and being a part of the program tonight,” stated Chairman Bill Johnson. “We are always very interested in what our students are doing and proud of your accomplishments. We are behind you one hundred percent.”

In addition, all district principals were asked to provide a monthly report to the board. They informed the board of recently implemented school programs and community activities, testing and parent conferences.

Facilities Manager Larry Adams presented the board with a building request that would allow a non-profit community organization to use school gymnasiums for private functions.

Middlesboro Superintendent Rita Cook addressed the issue:

“One of the issues that Mr. Adams and I discussed is that this is a money making organization, even though it is non-profit,” stated Dr. Cook. “And if we start allowing those folks to use our buildings, then we set a precedent that there may come a time in which we really do not want to but we have already allowed that to happen. So for that reason, I would like to recommend to you that we deny this request.”

The board approved the decision to deny the request.

Board members took the following action:

• Approved the minutes of Aug. 17 regular meeting and special called meeting on Aug. 31.

• Approved financial reports as presented from Middlesboro High School, Middlesboro Middle School, Middlesboro Intermediate School and Middlesboro Primary School.

• Reviewed and approved monthly attendance reports and tax reports.

• Approved the cafeteria report, treasurer’s report, and approved the payment of monthly bills and salaries.

• Approved the superintendent’s report on personnel.

• Reviewed the 21st CCLC after school program that was recently instituted at Middlesboro Middle School.

• Approved the indirect cost rate for the 2009 -2010 school year.

• Approved a four percent increase in taxes for the year, due to cuts in flexible funding.

• Tabled a decision regarding the drug testing policy for substitute teachers until the next regular called meeting.

• Approved resolution authorizing House Bill 410 Coal Severance Line - Time Project.

• Approved fundraising projects for Middlesboro Middle School and Middlesboro Primary School.

It was also announced that the Kentucky School Board Association regional meeting has been set for Tuesday, September 29 at the Pineville High School, and will be held from 5:30 - 8:30.