The Tucker County High School cellphone policy was discussed during the August 6 Board of Education meeting. High School Principal Steven Cosner presented the argument that restricting student cell phone usage can inhibit communication during a catastrophic event.
“There are other discipline actions that can be taken other than taking cell phones away from them,” Cosner said. The board asked Cosner to share the school’s cell phone policy when it is decided.
“It would also be helpful to us to know when and how you plan to deliver this to your teachers and students,” Turner said.
After reviewing the homeschooling requests, the board discussed possible reasons why families choose to homeschool. “I think it’s a good idea, because I think we lose some kids to homeschooling for reasons that maybe are fixable,” Turner said. “Every time we have a student that is homeschooled, there goes that funding for that student. That’s stopping the dollars that we don’t have to give up,” Board Member Cathy Hebb said.
Superintendent Alicia Lambert recognized Christine Ward for her work to secure a STEM grant for Tucker Valley Elementary Middle School. “I know are so proud of anyone’s efforts when they go above and beyond to secure initial funding for our kids, because we are limited in what we can do for them,” Lambert said. The school plans to use the funding to add hydroponics to their high tunnel and purchase curriculums.
high school. Ricky Ridgeway was hired as a special education itinerant at Tucker Valley. Roseann Barlow was hired to teach math at Tucker Valley. Paul Pennington was hired as the new carpentry instructor after the high school.
The contracts of Psychologist Candace Wright, Educational Assessor Debbie Moore, and Visually Impaired Instructor Julia McCauley were all approved. During the next meeting, the board will vote to add a treasurer to the agenda for approval.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 20 at 4:30 p.m. at the board office.