Saving money and making cutbacks dominated the Grayson County Board of Education’s meeting last week.

The school system is working to come up with ways to cut expenses without reducing jobs. The problem reflects the lack of funding that is supplied by the state budget each year.

“Our school budget is tighter this year and although we have not cut any jobs this school year we have eliminated six positions through retirement and resignations,” said Grayson County Superintendent Barry Anderson. “It says a lot about how tight things are when we do not replace the second person in charge at the district office. We are not replacing Charlie Crain who retired this year.”

Anderson added that they were eliminating a social studies teacher from the high school and a GATE teacher at the middle school as part of the positions that will not be replaced. Each school will loose a teacher’s aide.

“There are three areas we must concentrate on with the budget being so tight, personnel, transportation and utilities,” said Anderson. “We do expect there to be a cut in state funding the spring of 2011 so we must stay on top of the things that are our biggest costs.”

The board was given a report as well concerning the 2009 Guaranteed Energy Savings Program from Keith Dohn of the Trane Company.

Trane was awarded a contract two years ago to update the heating and cooling and lighting needs of Grayson County schools and promised the board a savings in utility costs over the next 20 years.

The data presented showed a 27 percent reduction of KWH usage and a 10 percent reduction in gas usage.

“That is roughly five to seven percent more savings than last years.” said Dohn.

In other business:

• Anderson updated the board on the progress of the new Clarkson Elementary School project.

“Things are moving along really well and we are expecting to be moving into the new building by the middle or end of October,” said Anderson.

• the board granted approval of the District Assurances for all of Grayson County Public Schools, including any private schools that receive funding from our district.

• the board granted approval of a BG-4 Form to approval final payment to Parks ICF Wall Systems for work completed at the new Caneyville Elementary School.

• the board granted approval of the revised BG-1 Form for the Clarkson Elementary School building project.

• the board granted approval to raise the ticket prices for high school sporting events from $4.00 to $5.00 for adults. Student ticket prices will remain the same.

• the board granted approval to create the Business and Marketing Teacher at Grayson County High School positions for the 2010-11 school year:

• the board granted approval of the updated IKON service agreement.

• the board granted approval of request from Delicia Penrod, Teacher at Lawler Elementary School, for a one-year leave of absence.

• the board granted approval of request from Tiffany Calvert, Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher at Grayson County High School, for a leave of absence for approximately six weeks beginning August 2.

• the board granted approval for the following trip requests from Grayson County High School:

•The Boys Golf Team requests permission to travel to Lebanon, Kentucky on September 17-18, for competition. Head Coach Barry Alexander will accompany the team, and the boosters will cover the expenses.

•The Girls Golf Team requests permission to travel to Paducah, Kentucky on September 17-18, for competition. Assistant Coach Mike Meredith will accompany the team, and the boosters will cover the expenses.

•A.P. American History Class trip to Washington, D.C. for five days during fall break 2010. No board funds are requested.

• the board granted approval for Lawler Elementary School to hold a Walk-a-Thon on September 10. Profits will be used to purchase instructional supplies.

• the board granted approval of 2010-2011 Food Bids.

• the board received notification of intent to retire from the following personnel, Nancy Hack, as Director of Pupil Personnel, effective July 31 and Simon Keith Whobrey, as Custodian at Clarkson Elementary School, effective July 30.

• the board received notification of resignations from the following personnel:

•Tommy Hodges, as Assistant Principal at Grayson County High School, effective July 15.

•Christopher Seabolt, as Health/P.E./Driver’s Education Teacher/Assistant Football Coach at Grayson County High School, effective July 5.

•Stephen Keys, as Band Director at Grayson County High School, effective June 30.

•Gale Michael Houchin, as Head Softball Coach at Grayson County High School, effective June 20.

•Karen Likins, as Assistant Band Director at Grayson County High School, effective June 30.

•Jennifer Robinson, as Attendance Clerk at Grayson County High School, effective June 30.