PARSONS – The Tucker County Board of Education met in regular session this past week. The meeting was presided over by Vice President M. Parsons in the absence of President J. Preston. Following the Pledge of Allegiance the board held special presentations.
The board recognized local recipients of the Knights of the Golden Horseshoe. This is an honor bestowed upon certain 8th graders who score high on a state-wide test given to test their knowledge of West Virginia history, geography, etc. and is considered quite an honor. Both students this year were from Tucker Valley Elementary Middle School. Zane Myers and Julia Burnside were given this honor and their teacher, Mr. Burnside was thanked for his contribution in preparing the students for the test.
Next honored were the RESA 7 (regional compilation of 12 counties) Math Field Day winners. The board recognized Cameron Wamsley- winner of the estimation jar; Chris Chambers- 14th overall in 8th graders; and Andrew Bonner- 6th overall in 4th graders.
Having no public comments and following two minor agenda adjustments, the board approved the minutes of the last meeting, then having no student transfers or notifications of home-schooling, the board went on to approve the out of state field trip requests. Approved were T.C.H.S. Skills U.S.A. to Louisville, KY in June; D.T.E.M.S. 4th grade to Kennywood Park, West Mifflin, PA in June; D.T.E.M.S. 8th grade the approval of an extra day to Washington, D.C.
The board then moved to Personnel where it approved the hiring of the following people:
Bus Aide- Donna Bolinger
Cook II, Long Term Sub, T.V.E.M.S. – Agnes Arnold until current cook returns from medical leave.
Assistant Cheer Coach, T.C.H.S.- Kelly Underwood.
Head Boys Basketball Coach, T.C.H.S.- David Helmick
Volunteer Assistant Boys Baseball Coach, T.C.H.S.- Daniel “Chopper” Evans
The board then moved to finance where it approved paid bills and having no budget revisions then heard a budget update presentation from Dave Lambert. He reported on the challenges of budgeting with the revised state formulas, and pointed out items such as the decreasing of state funding for transportation costs, the fact that even though we haven’t added any new positions (and were considered spot-on a couple of years ago) according to state formula we are now over by 1.72 positions.
Each year the board staff have continued to cut and trim expenses. Board member T. Turner commended Lambert for his budget work and the fact that he always follows up with the state by questioning them on Tucker County’s behalf. The board then approved the financial update report.
The board then went in to Old Business were it held the second of three required readings for Policy 2510 Embedded Credit. The board then approved the Tucker County Board of Education Levy Order and Rate Sheet, Regular Current Expense Levy for 2015-2016 (these rates are already set by the state and approval of them are a formality required by law). The board after some discussion approved the proposed school calendar for school year 2015-2016.
The board then moved into New Business. The board approved the Annual Memorandum of Agreement with the WVU Cooperative Extension Service (even though we no longer put money into it we still have to approve it).
The board then moved into Other Business where it reviewed the Transportation Supervisor’s Report for March and then heard board committee reports. Superintendent Campbell praised the work of Chef Covell and the Pro-Start Program for their catering work at the recent RESA 7 meeting which was held here in Tucker County. Board member J. Fairbanks brought up the discussion of students “opting-out” of assessment tests. It was noted that in West Virginia there is NO opt-out option, and that any parents allowing their children to opt out will be sent a letter from the testing co-ordinator.
“We respect everyone’s opinions, and rights in respect to their children,” said Dr. Campbell.
Having no further business the board adjourned until its next meeting on Monday, May 4, 2015 at the Tucker County High School at 4:30 p.m.
