The Williamsburg Board of Education met for its regularly scheduled meeting on Nov. 18 to recognize staff and students, make minor changes to the handbook, and wish Kayla Henderson good luck as she transitions to her new role as Director of Mighty Oaks Learning after saying goodbye to Partners for Rural Impact.
Superintendent Tabetha Housekeeper recognized several educators with the “Going the Extra Mile” Award, which is awarded based on anonymous submissions from other educators who identify those making significant contributions to the school system and their students.
The first educator recognized was Dirk Berta for his positive attitude, strong work ethic, and for stepping up wherever help is needed. He was also praised for being the 13th Region Coach of the Year for volleyball.
The second educator recognized was Susanna Rice for teaching with passion and purpose, preparing the next generation of educators, and also sparking creativity and curiosity in young learners. She also takes on additional responsibilities, such as directing the school choir and organizing the second-grade Angel Play, which is the 30th consecutive year the play has been put on. The play is on Dec. 15.
The third educator recognized was Robin Root for giving preschool students memorable learning experiences, such as a leaf hunt, adopting a goose, and exploring senses with a pumpkin, and for leaving students feeling safe, loved, and valued through her patience and care. Root also gives up her planning period to teach a theatre class.
The last educator recognized with the “Going the Extra Mile” Award is Amber Ellis, who demonstrated exceptional dedication, compassion, and professionalism, and created handmade hallway pets for her students.
Students Jeremiah Lively and Melina Graham were recognized for their hard work with the Community Garden. This was part of Save the Children’s Community Peace initiative, as part of Partners for Rural Impact. Over the summer and into the fall, the two students took ownership of the project, checking the garden daily and weighing the harvest. The garden produced 213 pounds of cucumbers, 70 pounds of yellow squash, 67 pounds of zucchini, 31 pounds of okra, 78 pounds of peppers, and 96 pounds of watermelon. Both Lively and Graham received a Future Farmers of America (FFA) certification for their leadership in agriculture.
“You guys did an amazing job, and I can’t wait to see what you do in FFA,” said President of FFA Zaden Housekeeper.
A large group of student interns spoke emotionally about the impact Kayla Henderson, who is leaving Partners for Rural Impact to take on the role of Director of Mighty Oaks Learning, has had on them. Several students credited her with helping them explore careers.
Housekeeper reported that staff attendance fell below the district’s 97 percent goal this month due to unavoidable circumstances, including a staff member who was involved in a medical emergency and is recovering.
Student attendance, however, continues to rise. In 2022-2023, the student attendance average was 88.7 percent; in 2023-2024, it was 89.9 percent. In 2024-2025, the average was 91.09 percent, and from the beginning of the year to now, the average is 94.3 percent. Housekeeper reminded the board this is what determines the funding.
“We’re seeing a huge increase in getting kids here,” said Housekeeper. “We believe that engaging students in vibrant learning is what gets them here. If they’re excited about what they’re doing, if their teachers are excited about what they’re teaching, that makes kids want to be here.”
The district’s student learning team continues to meet every Monday. On the last data review day, teachers were given time to analyze academic performance, behavior, and attendance.
Principal Ashley Partin updated the board on their communication plan and plans to provide more information in Dec.
The board discussed updates to the 2025-2026 student handbook. One major topic was the field trip policy. The board decided to table the discussion for clarification. Two other revisions were approved, including stricter consequences for skipping class due to safety concerns, and students not being allowed to wear blankets to school as clothing. This is due to safety concerns and to serving as a role model for younger students.
The board also approved Main Street Baptist Church as an official moral-instruction partner under KRS 158.200. This will allow students to be excused for up to one hour on no more than one day each week for moral instruction, with parental consent. In the case it happens, it will be documented in Infinite Campus, and the date will be added as approval.
Kari Hamblin gave a tax report in place of Dalton Sizemore, stating that tax collections for the month totaled $118,429.59 with $14,516.72 in exonerations. A total of 276 tax bills have been collected this cycle.
