Winchester City Commission Meeting: School Update and Closed Session - February 17, 2026

The Winchester City Commission met on February 17, 2026, at 21:26 UTC (local time). The meeting included a detailed presentation from Clark County Public Schools Superintendent Dustin Howard and Kelly Fifth on the district's progress and initiatives. Commissioners also approved routine items, received informational reports on fire station damage and a new EMS funding program, and adjourned to closed session for property acquisition and personnel matters.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The commission approved the minutes of the February 3, 2026 special 4:30 p.m. and regular 5:30 p.m. meetings. Motion by Commissioner Cox, second by Commissioner Tool. All in favor.

School System Update Presentation

Superintendent Dustin Howard and Kelly Fifth presented an overview of Clark County Public Schools. Key highlights:

• Enrollment has grown to nearly 5,600 students (including preschool), an increase of 600 since 2020.
• The district employs about 1,300 people and is the largest employer in the community.
• Teacher/staff retention rate improved from 69% to 89.8% over three years, projected to exceed 90%.
• A new preschool facility with 150-student capacity opened; the district will accept any four-year-old in Clark County starting next year—the first in Kentucky to do so.
• George Rogers Clark High School graduation rate exceeds 97%.
• 97 seniors earned industry certifications, 379 students earned 620 dual credits, and 15 students will graduate with an associate degree through BCA Academy.
• Expanded virtual/hybrid learning program serves approximately 350 students (up from 30 three years ago).
• Flight academy extends elementary school day by two hours with remediation, enrichment, and meals.
• Summer programming expanded to six hours per day for the entire month of June, at no cost to families.
• Focus on literacy and early childhood education.

Commissioners asked questions about future school needs given residential development, snow day policies, and tutoring opportunities. Commissioner Chenault expressed strong support, stating the school system is a key asset for attracting businesses along with a vibrant downtown and good healthcare.

Public Comments & Community Highlights

• A community member who had a house fire donated a $500 Kroger gift card to the fire department, which was used to purchase food for the spring break food drive. The fire chief and police chief participated in the "Shop with a Cop" program at Kroger, and Kroger Corporation added an additional $75 donation.
• Fire Chief reported that the spring break food drive is about 80% complete, with needs for items like kid's cereal, pop-tarts, and Chef Boyardee.

Discussion Items

• Departmental Agency Reports (A-G): Approved unanimously by motion of Commissioner Cox, second by Commissioner Chenault.
• Informational Items (A-H): City Manager noted a memo from Whitney Leggett requesting a $35,000 transfer from the downtown Winchester TIFF fund for previously approved DDIF grants (non-votable, administrative transfer). Fire Chief reported winter storm damage at Fire Station 1 (flashing) and Station 3 (heating pipes from ice fall), with repairs being coordinated through KLC and United Contracting.
• Kentucky Ambulance Supplemental Payment Program (KASP): Fire Chief announced that Winchester Fire Department has been approved for KASP, a program under House Bill 152 that provides supplemental payments for nonprofit ground ambulance agencies. Payments will begin in August 2026 and be received quarterly. Staff (Finance Director Mayab, Assistant Chief of EMS, and others) were recognized for the extensive data submission required.
• Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Tool commended the city's storm response, noting Winchester was operational two weeks before other locations. Commissioner Cox and others praised the school system presentation.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the minutes of February 3, 2026.
• Approved departmental agency reports A-G.
• Moved to adjourn the regular meeting and enter closed session for property acquisition (KRS 61.810) and personnel matters. Motion by Commissioner Cox, second by Commissioner Chenault. All in favor. The closed session was to be held in the city manager's office, with the regular meeting to be adjourned simultaneously upon return.