HARDY COUNTY SCHOOLS

HARDY COUNTY SCHOOLS

Regular School Board Meeting

December 20, 2004 - 7:00 p.m.

Hardy County Board of Education Office

The following is provided as an unofficial summary of the above dated meeting of the Hardy County Board of Education. Official copies of the minutes may be obtained, once they are approved by the Hardy County Board of Education, by contacting Jeanette Keller, Executive Secretary to the Superintendent, 510 Ashby Street, Moorefield WV 26836, (304) 530-2348.

SUMMARY

In major actions:

Extensive discussion was held on the results of Community and Staff surveys regarding facilities’ needs. A number of areas were reviewed. The Board wished to further review the extensive information at its annual Board retreat.

The Board received a report on the OEPA status for the county and individual schools. This is the official report and summarized information already presented to the Board. The report also included information on the follow-up visit to EHEM by the OEPA. While NCLB requirements has previously identified the school as not meeting AYP – this is the only finding that had not been eliminated. All other areas showed the school had achieved full compliance with State standards and commended the Principal and Assistant Principal for their work.

The Board received information on work that is being conducted in the following areas:

· Programs of Study: Being revised based on new requirements of 2510. Information is being shared with schools and will have recommendations in the near future.

· Diplomas: A work committee is developing recommendations for a modified diploma for certain special needs students, an “Advanced” diploma to recognize students who far exceed required academic requirements, and a “Recognition” for graduates who demonstrate community involvement and positive behaviors. Recommendations will be made to the Board later in the spring.

· Internet Course work: Information was provided on the work being undertaken by Hardy, Grant and Pendleton counties to establish internet classes throughout our region. These would be taught by local teachers. A similar project is currently underway by Pendleton County with schools in both WV and VA.

In other actions:

Several public comments were received:

Mrs. Betty Lou Hutter presented her concerns regarding the Board action in not dismissing Brian Powell.
Mr. and Mrs. Rick Dolly presented questions regarding the “Lice” policies. The Board asked for a review of this policy and a report back at the next meeting.
Mr. Brad Simmons presented a request, on behalf of the HCEA and WVEA, for the Board to support a legislative pay raise for school employees over the next three years of 4%, 5%, and 6%. The Board will consider this at the next meeting. Comments were also made on the need to conduct a follow-up review on the recent emergency at Mathias. He was informed that this was already being established.
Mrs. Lola Powell requested to meet with the Board in executive session to discuss a personnel matter.

Board members signed up for the March training by WVSBA

The Board approved a contract with the Educational Funding Group to handle E-Rate reimbursements for one year.

They discussed the impact of an early release at Christmas.

Personnel Actions:

Employed:

Teachers for After-School Programs in EHEMS attendance area: Henry Hodges, Mathias; Michele Holstein, Wardensville; Melody Leatherman, East Hardy.
Donald Evans – Substitute Teacher
Judith Haid – Substitute Teacher
Toni Walters – Substitute Teacher
Amber Nesselrod – Substitute Teacher
Patricia Raih – Substitute Teacher
Kelly Rutherford – Substitute Teacher
Christina Stickley – Substitute Teacher
Betsy Whetzel – Substitute Teacher
Stephanie Armentrout – Substitute Teacher
Bridget Robbins Billmyer – Substitute Teacher

Resignation:

Joanne’ Perkins – End of school year due to retirement

Mission Statement Accomplishments:

Mr. Funkhouser congratulated the school system and all personnel for their work and the smooth school year.
Mr. Pack commended the great Band and Choir performance at EHEM. Applauded the work of Mr. Thompson and Mrs. Funkhouser.
Mr. Fertig commended the MHS and MMS Band and Choir performances.
Mr. Park commended the band and Choir performances, and congratulated Adam Judy and Victoria Bishop for the national FFA awards. He reported that you can now order a State FFA license plate.
Mr. Williams commended EHEM for their OEPA compliances and the work of Mrs. Brill and Mrs. Downs. Commended the work of the school staffs during the recent emergency at Mathias.
Mrs. Hammer commended MES and MHS for their recognition as a Best Practices school at the State Reading Conference.
Mr. Whetzel congratulated MHS Science Quiz Bowl team for their regional win. Reported that the preliminary report of the fiscal audit showed no finding.

The next meeting of the Hardy County Board of Education will be a special meeting on January 3^rd, 2005 to address student disciplinary cases. The next regular meeting will be January 10, 2005 at the Hardy County Board of Education Office.