The Dawson Springs School Board approved salary increases for staff, finalized this year’s school calendar, and heard updates on the district’s ongoing training facility project at Monday night’s meeting.
The Board approved a 3 percent pay raise for certified staff and substitutes for the 2026-2027 school year. Classified staff will see a $1 per hour increase, while the extra service salary schedule will remain unchanged. Superintendent Lenny Whalen noted that he and Finance Officer Amanda Almon spent several weeks working on the new pay structure, and are comfortable with this recommendation.
click to download audioThe Board also finalized the 2025-2026 school calendar, setting May 21 as the last day for students and May 22 as graduation and closing day for staff.
In other action, the Board voted to retain Duguid, Gentry and Associates, P.S.C. as the district’s auditor for Fiscal Year 2026 at an estimated cost of $24,800, and agreed to continue partnerships with the West Kentucky Educational Cooperative for 2026-2027 in various disciplines at an approximate cost of $12,300.
During his report, Superintendent Whalen announced that the foundation for the new training center, a joint project with Madisonville Community College and local partners, will be poured soon.
click to download audioHe also informed the Board about updated repair estimates for drainage problems outside the administrative office that caused water damage to the floor in part of the building, noting that the cost of fully repairing all the issues would be too high.
click to download audioWhalen noted that he requested a quote for the bare minimum repairs to address the water issue, which was estimated at roughly $40,000.
click to download audioAt the end of the meeting, the Board entered executive session to discuss a potential property acquisition. After about an hour, they returned to open session without taking any action.
