The Tucker County Board of Education met in regular session recently. Following the call to order and the Pledge of Allegiance, and having no delegations pertaining to agenda items the board went on to approve minor agenda adjustments.
The board approved the minutes of the last regular meeting and work session. The board then went on to approve the vendor accounts and paid bills totaling over $156,000.
The board approved the following requests for student transfers:
Out- Jessie and Stephanie Roy for their daughter Olivia to attend Randolph County Schools.
In- Amanda Mowery for Zachary and Elora to attend Davis Thomas Elementary Middle School.
Rebecca Vance for Austin to attend Tucker County High School.
Angela Moore for Ryan to attend Tucker County High School.
The board went on to receive the following intents to home-school:
Sandra Frank for Mason and Nathan.
Mellisa Bowley for Luke.
The board approved an out-of-state field trip and professional leave for the Ag. Department of Tucker County High School for the Penn State Ag. Progress Days.
The board approved the bid submitted by United Dairy Inc. to provide milk to the Tucker County Schools.
The board reviewed and held the third reading of the Simulated Workplace Drug Policy for Tucker County High School. Discussion on the wording was held and Board President, Janet Preston raised some questions regarding wording and grammar of the policy. The board then went on to adopt the policy which will be used in the ProStart and Health Occupational programs at the high school.
The board then went on to approve unanimously an order of election, a notice of election, and the official levy ballot for the November 4, 2014 general election in Tucker County. The board made no changes to the levy rate, duration, or usage from the previous levy which was narrowly defeated.
The levy, if passed, is expected to raise approximately $500,000 per year for the next five years and will benefit not only the school system but also the Tucker County Libraries and 4-H. The levy would also benefit Tucker County seniors by means of free athletic passes for them each year. The levy will only cost about $30 per year per $100,000 market value property.
The board then proceeded into information reports where a letter from Cortland Acres Nursing Home Director, Beth Clevenger was read thanking the board and also Dave and Alicia Lambert for providing freezer space at Davis Thomas Elementary Middle School recently when Cortland’s freezer broke down.
The Lamberts were noted for helping transport several loads of frozen foods after hours to help.
The board reported that the West Virginia School Board Association Region 7 will hold sessions August 27 in Elkins and will especially be addressing House Bill 2970.
Board member Parsons reported that 4-H camp went well with about 65 attendees and that the area farmers’ markets are doing well.
Having no delegations pertaining to non-agenda items the board went into executive session to discuss personnel matter. Upon return from executive session it was noted that no action was taken. In regular session the board went on to approve the following recommendations for professional, service, and extra-curricular personnel:
*The board created the position of Attendance Director/ Testing and Professional Development Coordinator (full time), Central Office.
*After tabling the issue two previous times, the board went on to approve by a 4 to 1 vote (T. Turner, was dissenting vote) the approval of supplement adjustments (raises) for the following employees:
Tucker County High School Principal, Jay Hamric, $2,500 increase.
Treasurer/Director of Finance, Dave Lambert, $7,496 increase.
Director of Support Services/ Food Service Director, Jonathan Hicks, $3,642.82 increase.
*The board accepted the resignation of Pam Hoskins as Tucker Valley Elementary Middle School art teacher.
* The board approved the following employments:
Thisbe Cooper as substitute teacher.
Denver Gaydon, Music/Band- DTEMS, Band/Choral- TCHS.
Tina Price, Extra-curricular Bus Aide, Itinerant.
Lois Lambert, Secretary II, TVEMS
*The board approved the appointment of Jack Mullenax as Volunteer Assistant Coach, Girls Cross Country, TCHS, 2014-2015 school year.
Following personnel matters the board adjourned and then went into a public work session where ideas were discussed for a public led levy committee. Such a committee would promote and educate the general public about the proposed levy and what it would be used for. It was decided that various civic leaders and citizens would be asked if they would serve on such a committee. The first meeting is slated for Monday, August 25, 2014 at 6 p.m. at the Tucker County High School (subject to change).
For further information on any action taken or to offer to serve on the levy committee contact the Board of Education at 304-478-2771.
The next regular meeting of the Tucker County Board of Education will be held at the board office anex on Monday, August 4, 2014 at 4:30 p.m.