Harlan High School student C.J. Seals was honored with a plaque during the Harlan Independent Board of Education meeting on Thursday. Seals was the school’s representative at the Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program, which has given students a taste of college since 1983.

Superintendent Charles Morton said GSP chooses the best and brightest students to participate, noting the high amount of competition to become part of the experience.

“They choose the very best,” Morton said. “We have a long history of students going off to school and representing us at a higher level.”

Before receiving his plaque, Seals spoke briefly of his time spent at the five-week program and how it impacted him as a student.

“I made a lot of good, lasting friendships,” Seals said. “These are experiences I will never forget.”

Morton presented Seals with a plaque in honor of the student’s completion of the program, telling those in attendance “he always represents Harlan very well.”

Also discussed during the meeting, was a schematic design for all three schools’ renovations. Known as “Phase II” on the BG1 agenda, the phase depicts a scope of work planned on being completed within the school’s budget.

In compliance with Senate Bill 1, the schools are set to receive fresh paint and tiling, plumbing fixtures, door and window updates, roof repairs, potential long-bar gates to help protect life safety at road crossings, canopy additions, a cafeteria expansion with an outside patio and more.

Kevin Cheek, principal educational facility planner for Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects, was present to discuss the designs for the various projects taking place. Cheek also answered questions about the projects and school budget.

Bidding for the renovations is estimated to take place during early spring with a finished schedule for construction available shortly after.

The board also motioned to:

• approve the consent agenda, including minutes from the previous meeting, payment of bills, treasurer’s report, attendance/enrollment report and FRYSC service report;

• approve Harlan Tourism to use property on Georgetown Road as a site to shoot fireworks for the Harlan County Bicentennial Festival;

• approve the monthly financial report;

• approve a surplus bid for property located in Sunshine, authorizing the superintendent to sign any and all documents pertaining to the sale;

• approve the 2019-2020 working budget;

• approve the revised BG1;

• approve a shortened day for an IDEA student;

• approve the Instrumental Music Support Staff contract;

• approve the selected certified evaluation appeals panel (member and alternate). The board voted to keep the panel the same as last year.