The Pocahontas County Board of Education met inregular session on Monday, February 10, 2014 at the Pocahontas County Board of Education Conference Roomwith the following members present:
Emery G. Grimes, President
Cheryl M. Beverage)
Janet E. McNeel)Members
Hanna G. Sizemore)
Absent, Kenneth E. Vance
AGENDA
On motion of Ms. McNeel, seconded by Dr. Sizemore, the Boardapproved the Agenda with a 4-0 vote.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION…
Interim Superintendent, Donald Bechtel, recognized the winners of the Spelling Bee: First place: Emily Henderson – a fifth grader at Hillsboro Elementary School, second place: Andrea Payton – a sixth grader at Green Bank Elementary-Middle School, and third place: Taylor Tegtmeyer – a seventh grader at Marlinton Middle School
HEAR CALLERS
Ms. Anne Smith, faculty senate president at Green Bank Elementary-Middle School, asked – on behalf of the Green Bank Elementary-Middle School staff – to address the Board in executive session regarding a personnel issue.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On motion of Ms. McNeel, seconded by Ms. Beverage, the Board approved a call for Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter. The Board went into Executive Session at 7:50 PM and, at the conclusion of the Executive Session, on motion of Dr. Sizemore, seconded by Ms. Beverage, the Board agreed to return to the agenda at 9:27 PM.
INFORMATION/REPORTS/DISCUSSION…
- Miss Lyndsee Gay, student representative, updated the Board on the activities at Pocahontas County High School.
The Tribe and Raze Clubs have come together to sponsor “Kisses & Hugs, Not Tobacco & Drugs” where students are encouraged to show their support by wearing maroon on Monday, black on Tuesday, gold on Thursday, and pink on Friday. Those who participate will receive a treat of Hershey Kisses and Hugs. - Ms. Laura Young addressed the Board about extending the contract length of Jean Srodes, at-risk interventionist at Pocahontas County High School, and Cheryl Jonese, LINKS coordinator for Pocahontas County Schools.
Ms. Young stated that it was her understanding that, due to budget constraints, credit recovery classes would not be offered during the summer of 2014. She suggested extending the contract of Jean Srodes to allow Ms. Srodes to work with students who need credit recovery at the local libraries. Ms. Young pointed out that the money budgeted for the position would not need altered, simply the ending date of the contract.
Ms.Youngthen asked the Board to extend the contract deadline for the LINKS Coordinator position currently held by Cheryl Jonese. Ms. Young explained that this would allow Ms. Jonese to coordinate the middle schools and elementary schools.
Ms. Srodes and Ms. Jonese were available to answer any questions the Board may have had.
APPROVAL FOR POCAHONTAS COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION ADMINISTRATORS TO PURSUE LEVY FOR POCAHONTAS COUNTY FOR GENERAL ELECTION IN NOVEMBER 2014…
Ms. Sherry Radcliff, director of finance for Pocahontas County Schools, addressed the Board regarding pursuing a levy.
Ms. Radcliff explained that the maximum allowable levy rate is 49% and the rate she is suggesting is 7%. Ms. Radcliff stated that, in her opinion, the primary use of the money would be repairs to the existing school buildings – pointing out that many of the schools need new roofs, Pocahontas County High School needs a security system, and all schools in the county need to be air conditioned due to the extreme heat during the summer months of the school year.
Ms. Radcliff noted that the money could be used to fund athletics, band, 4-H, and/or senior citizens benefit; however, a committee would need to be comprised to determine what the county’s priorities are.
Mr. Grimes noted that many of the residents of Pocahontas County are elderly and cannot afford to pay more taxes.
Ms. Radcliff pointed out that senior citizens are eligible for a $20,000 homestead exemption. Also, senior citizens who meet income guidelines receive an additional $20,000 exemption.
On recommendation of the superintendent and motion of Ms. McNeel, seconded by Ms. Beverage, the Board approved for Pocahontas County Board of Education administrators to pursue levy for Pocahontas County for general election November 4, 2014 with a 4-0 vote.
APPROVAL TO AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF VENDOR LISTING OF CLAIMS…
On recommendation of the superintendent and motion of Dr. Sizemore, seconded by Ms. Beverage, the Board approved to authorize payment of the vendor listing of claims in the amount of $57,905.69 with a 4-0 vote.
Ms. Beverage recused herself while the Board voted on her travel reimbursement in the amount of $356.78, which passed with a 3-0 vote.
Dr. Sizemore recused herself while the Board voted on the travel reimbursement of Christine Smith in the amount of $46.48, which passed with a 3-0 vote.
APPROVAL TO AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF VENDOR LISTING OF CLAIMS (LOCAL GOVERNMENT PURCHASING CARD AND ACH PAYMENTS)…
On recommendation of the superintendent and motion of Ms. McNeel, seconded by Ms. Beverage, the Board approved to authorize payment of vendor listing of claims in the amount of $65,803.00 with a 4-0 vote.
APPROVAL OF PAYMENT OF VENDOR LISTING OF CLAIMS…
On recommendation of the superintendent and motion of Ms. Beverage, seconded by Dr. Sizemore, the Board unanimously approved payment of vendor listing of claims in the amount of $20,986.32.
APPROVAL FOR THE POCAHONTAS COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION TO PROVIDE FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,500 FOR TWO AMERICORPS ON THE FRONTLINE VOLUNTEERS…
On recommendation of the superintendent and motion of Ms. McNeel, seconded by Ms. Beverage, the Board approved for the Pocahontas County Board of Education to provide funding in the amount of $3,500 for two AmeriCorps on the Frontline Volunteers, which passed with a 4-0 vote.
APPROVAL TO PLACE REVISIONS OF POLICY IHA-GRADING SYSTEM FOR POCAHONTAS COUNTY SCHOOLS ON 30-DAY COMMENT…
On recommendation of the superintendent and motion of Ms. McNeel, seconded by Ms. Beverage, the Board approved to place the revisions of Policy IHA – Grading System for Pocahontas County Schools on 30-day comment, with a 4-0 vote.
APPROVAL OF PROCEDURES…
On recommendation of the superintendent and motion of Ms. McNeel, seconded by Ms. Beverage, the Board approved the following Procedures, which passed with a 4-0 vote.
CGBAE – Director of Special Education/Preschool
CGBAD – Director of Federal Programs
CGBAD – Duties (Director of Transportation)
APPROVAL FOR THE SKILLSUSA TEAM TO TRAVEL TO ELEANOR, WEST VIRGINIA…
On recommendation of the superintendent and motion of Dr. Sizemore, seconded by Ms. McNeel, the Board approved for the SkillsUSA team to travel by bus to Eleanor, West Virginia for SkillsUSA Vocational Competition, departing Pocahontas County High School on March 28, 2014and returning to Pocahontas County High School on March 30, 2014.
APPROVAL FOR THE POCAHONTAS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL HONOR BAND STUDENTS TO TRAVEL TO MARSHALL UNIVERSITY IN HUNTINGTON, WEST VIRGINIA…
On recommendation of the superintendent and motion of Dr. Sizemore, seconded by Ms. Beverage, the Board approved for the Pocahontas County High School Honor Band students to travel by personal vehicle to Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, departing Pocahontas County High School on February 20, 2014 and returning to Pocahontas County High School on February 22, 2014, which passed with a 4-0 vote.
PERSONNEL
On recommendation of the superintendent and motion ofMs. Beverage, seconded by Ms. McNeel, the Board unanimously approved the following professional and service personnel:
Marlinton Middle School:RESIGNATION: / CATHRINE S. CROFFORD, due to retirement, as teacher at Marlinton Middle School, effective at the end of the 2013-2014 school year.
RESIGNATION: / JANET A. WARNER, due to retirement, as teacher at Marlinton Middle School, effective at the end of the 2013-2014 school year.
Green Bank Elementary-Middle School:
ABOLISHMENT OF
POSITION: / Classroom aide/bus aide – preschool special needs/preschool at Green Bank Elementary – Middle School, effective at the end of the 2013-2014 school year.
RESIGNATION: / LINDA L. WILFONG, due to retirement, as teacher at Green Bank Elementary – Middle School, effective at the end of the 2013-2014 school year.
Pocahontas County High School:
RESIGNATION: / GLENDA C. VANREENAN, due to retirement, as teacher at Pocahontas County High School, effective at the end of the 2013-2014 school year.
RESIGNATION: / DEWEY T. HOOVER, due to retirement, as teacher of electricity at Pocahontas County High School, effective at the end of the 2013-2014 school year.
Pocahontas County Schools:
REQUESTED
TRANSFER: / VALERIE H. LAMBERT, from classroom aide/bus aide – preschool special needs/preschool at Green Bank Elementary – Middle School to itinerant supervisory special education classroom aide/bus aide for Pocahontas County Schools (assignment Pocahontas County High School), at state basic pay, effective for the 2014-2015 school year. Term of employment 200 days – shift 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM Monday – Friday.
EMPLOYMENT: / LEAH SHINABERRY, as mentor teacher mentoring Jennifer A. Nail at a supplement of $400, effective for the second semester of the 2013-2014 school year.
EMPLOYMENT: / LEAH SHINABERRY, as mentor teacher mentoring Laurel B. Dilley at a supplement of $400, effective for the second semester of the 2013-2014 school year.
EMPLOYMENT: / Of the following as substitute secretary/accountant for Pocahontas County Schools, as needed, effective February 12, 2014 for the remainder of the 2013-2014 fiscal year, at state basic pay:
Jessica E. Cole
Alice D. Irvine
Tanya M. LaBounty
Kimberly D. Thompson
CREATION OF
INCENTIVE: / $500 incentive bonus for early notice of retirement by service personnel and professional personnel not covered by West Virginia Code §§ 18A-2-2(g) and 18A-2-5a with stipulations concurrent with those of classroom teachers; early notice of retirement must be received by the superintendent by the end of the day on February 17, 2014. Incentive bonus to be paid for by county funds.
CREATION OF
POSITION: / Itinerant supervisory special education classroom aide/bus aide for Pocahontas County Schools (assignment Pocahontas County High School), at state basic pay, effective February 26, 2014 for the remainder of the 2013-2014 school year, term of employment: 70 days (NOTE: Term of employment shall be 200 days each year thereafter.)
Dr. Sizemore recused herself while the Board voted on the following, which passed with a 3-0 vote:
RESIGNATION: / CHRISTINE A. SMITH, due to retirement, as teacher for Pocahontas County Schools, effective at the end of the 2013-2014 school year.SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Bechtel reported that he and Mr. Grimes have been invited to present the Major Improvement Project for Pocahontas County Schools to the West Virginia School Building Authority on March 18, 2014. Dr. Bechtel stated that he will have ten minutes to convey the needs of Pocahontas County.
Dr. Bechtel stated that Ms. Radcliff prepared an informational flyer for the employees of Pocahontas County Schools outlining the benefits of saving unused personal days to use toward additional years of service for retirement or to purchase insurance after retirement.
MATTERS FROM THE BOARD
Dr. Sizemore spoke on behalf of herself and Ms. Beverage, apologizing for knitting and crocheting during the February 3, 2014 Board of Education/Public Forum meeting. She stated that it has been perceived as inattentive and preoccupied; when, in fact, that is not the case at all. Dr. Sizemore explained that while crocheting she is better able to concentrate, absorb and retain more information. She stated that many of the Board Members endurea long day at work prior to attending Board Meeting and need an outlet to let their brains unwind.
Mr. Grimes asked Dr. Bechtel and Ms. Radcliff about the Hillsboro Elementary School cafeteria project. Mr. Grimes stated that according to the contract with MIRC, the contractor completing the project, the cafeteria was to be finished by November 20, 2013 – at this point the cafeteria is still not complete.
Mr. Grimes asked Dr. Bechtel and Ms. Radcliff to review the contract and pursue appropriate restitution.
NEXT BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING/PUBLIC FORUM
The next Board of Education meeting/public forum will be held on Monday, February 17, 2014 at 7:00 PM at Green Bank Elementary-Middle School.
NEXT BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
The next Board of Education meeting will be held on Monday, February 24, 2014 at 7:00 PM at the Pocahontas County Board of Education Conference Room.
ADJOURN
On motion of Dr. Sizemore, seconded by Ms. McNeel the Board agreed to adjourn.
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PresidentSecretary