Boyd needs to keep Osborne

Residents of the Boyd County School District should be aware of an imminent situation regarding the extension of Superintendent Howard Osbome’s contract.

The board has had just four members since Phillip Pruitt resigned in April. Mr. Osbome’s contract will expire July 1 unless renewed by the school board. Osbome’s initial evaluation was set for February but was tabled and has been tabled every month since. Many believe this was done intentionally because the straw poll vote for extension of his contract was then 3-2 in favor of extension.

The education commissioner’s office will fill the board vacancy from applications. That seat may not be filled in time. At the risk of facing unemployment, Osborne could conceivably accept a job in another district before the new member is appointed and the evaluation and vote is cast at the June 22 regular board meeting.

During his four years as superintendent, the Boyd County School District has made tremendous leaps in academic index — so much so that we’re now the highest-scoring district in Boyd County and second in the region. No Child Left Behind goals are met on a yearly basis. The district will also see the ground breaking of a new high school in March of 2010 thanks largely to Osborne’s efforts.

Osborne cares about the students of our district and knows what education to our children means for our community.

Based upon comments made during graduation ceremonies, Mr. Osborne wants to remain as district leader and has certainly earned a new contract. His contract cannot be allowed to expire in the midst of such growth, especially without a voice being heard. It will surely set us back if he is allowed to leave.

Contact your board member today and voice your support of Mr. Osborne.

Shawn Thornbury, Bryan Scott, Ben Maynard, Rhonda Salisbury and 17 others, Boyd County teachers

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Soldier School planning reunion<

There will be a reunion of former students of Soldier School and residents of the Soldier community beinning at noon on Saturday, June 20, at the Haldeman/Hayes Crossing Fire Department at U.S. 60 and Little Perry Road.

Those attending are asked to bring a covered dish for a dinner beinning at 1 p.m. There are asked to bring any old photos of the school they have.

This will be a great opportunity to share your memories and stories with old friends and former classmates

For more information, contact Bob Hamm, (606) 286-0002; Ieda Lemaster, (606) 286-1867; Raymond Lemaster, (606) 286-8889; Dotsise Goodan at (606) 286-4393 or dotsie_g@yahoo.com; Sonny Tackett, (606) 286-2967; or Sue Day Butcher, (606) 324-0548.

Dotsie Goodan, Olive Hill