School day start and end times to be adjusted for 2025-26

Due to a critical shortage of bus drivers, Ballard County Schools will have to adjust its start and end times for the 2025-26 school year. Starting on Aug. 7, Ballard County Middle and Ballard Memorial High school students will begin their day 20 minutes earlier, with drop-offs at 7 a.m. and a 7:15 start of classes. It will take the drivers an hour and ten minutes to complete their second route, meaning that Ballard County Elementary and Preschool-Head Start will start 25 minutes later, with drop-off at 8:10. Their classes will start at 8:25 a.m. BCMS and BMHS will dismiss at 2:10 p.m., with buses returning to campus at 3:20. BCES then will dismiss at 3:20 p.m., with buses making a final return to campus at about 4:30.

Wed Jun 25 10:53 AM

BCS to begin using ParentSquare as its traceable communications platform

In accordance with a new Kentucky law, Ballard County Schools has established ParentSquare and district email as two methods of traceable communication with students. The law, which goes into effect this Friday (June 27), is meant to strengthen communication safeguards between school personnel and students. ParentSquare is a unified communications platform designed to keep parents and guardians informed, and encourage greater engagement and connection with Ballard County Schools.

Mon Jun 23 03:35 PM

BCS has critical need for bus drivers, monitors

Ballard County Schools is facing a critical need for bus drivers and monitors for the 2025-26 school year. Due to retirements and other events, the district currently has immediate need for three full-time drivers, and multiple other substitute or other part-time drivers. Transportation Director Leigh Ann Green says the training to become a driver can begin almost immediately, and most can obtain a Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) within a month on site and at the district’s expense (successful CDL exam fees are reimbursed). “Because we are short on drivers, we are looking at a complete overhaul of pick-up and drop-off times for all students,” Green said. “Having no drivers to spare also puts daytime school field trips in jeopardy, and means that some after-school event times will have to be juggled so teams or student organizations will have a driver available.”

Tue Jun 03 10:57 AM

Overstreet named director of districtwide programs

Haley Overstreet has been named the director of districtwide programs for Ballard County Schools. She will assume her new duties on July 1. “We are excited to have Haley join our administrative team as the director of districtwide programs, which will include district athletic director and 21st Century program coordinator,” said Dr. Casey Allen, Ballard superintendent. “Haley has been a teacher-leader for several years. She will bring new ideas to our already-successful programs, and help us get better in many areas,” said Dr. Casey Allen, Ballard superintendent.

Thu May 22 03:53 PM

BMHS graduates 47 members of the Class of 2025

Ballard Memorial High School observed its 72nd commencement exercises on May 17. The Class of 2025 ended with 47 graduates. The valedictorian was Jace Brandon Birney; salutatorians were Trace Landon Cooper, Kallan Jo Stevens, and Westin Cole Whipple. There were four additional honor graduates: Charley Leigh Morris, Kaydin Aubrey Redfern, Amyah Monae Smith, and Madeline Anne Stowell.

Thu May 22 11:11 AM

BMHS graduation ceremonies postponed to May 17 due to threat of severe weather

After calls with the National Weather Service and local emergency officials about possible severe weather tonight, we have made the difficult decision to postpone tonight's scheduled BMHS graduation ceremonies until tomorrow morning. Graduation will be Saturday, May 17, at 10 a.m. in the BMHS gym, with doors opening at 9 a.m. This is still a ticketed event.

Fri May 16 01:45 PM