MIDDLESBORO — During the past several Middlesboro Board of Education meetings, boardmembers have directed their attention to special school programs. Teachers and principals from all four schools have presented the board with individual target areas and procedures. However, on Monday, Boardmembers’ attention was directed to Hannah Spangler, a junior at Middlesboro High School.

Spangler was recognized by the board for her creative artwork that will be displayed at this year’s Kentucky School Board Association (KSBA) conference. Spangler worked diligently on a canvas banner, surrounding a KSBA selected them: “Students today, leaders tomorrow”.

The KSBA is a non-profit corporation of school boards from each public school system in the state. It is governed by a 27 member statewide board of directors. With nearly 900 members, KSBA is the largest organization of elected officials in Kentucky.

Each year, superintendents across the state come together with KSBA for a joint conference of public schools. Spangler’s banner will proudly represent the Middlesboro school district and Middlesboro High School at this year’s event.

“I’m astonished and proud that they considered my artwork that good,” remarked Spangler. Spangler went on to say that she never considered herself “artistic”, as most of her classes are core content. “Just to know that I can do that when I apply myself is cool,” she concluded.

Boardmembers were very proud of Spangler and each congratulated her for her accomplishment. Superintendent Darryl Wilder said that he was very pleased to know a personal touch of Middlesboro will be represented at the KSBA conference.

Among other news, the Board established a graduation date for Middlesboro High School seniors. The class of 2009 will receive their diplomas on the projected date of Friday, June 5. As in years past, the graduation ceremony is expected to take place at the Central Arts Auditorium.

Larry Adams led a targeted discussion of the school district’s 2009 energy audit. Boardmembers commented that they were forever looking for alternative ways to save money on energy costs. An overview of the National Assessment of Educational Projects was also given by Becky Powell.

The board also approved the following:

• Minutes of the Feb. 16 meeting

• Activity reports, cafeteria reports, treasurer’s report and payments of bills and salaries

• Student learning and support consent items

• A recommendation to set the 2009-2010 school calendar

• A lease agreement with Wells Fargo Financial for a copier at Middlesboro Middle School

Boardmembers agreed to meet again on Monday, April 20 at the Board of Education, beginning at 6 p.m.

Sarah Miracle is a staff writer for the Daily News. She can be contacted via e-mail at smiracle@middlesborodailynews.com.