HARDY COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

HARDY COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

Regular School Board Meeting

March 19, 2007

7:00 p.m.

Moorefield Middle School

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 Deedee Fridley, Executive Secretary to the Superintendent, 510 Ashby Street, Moorefield, WV 26836, phone 304-530-2348 extension 236.

SUMMARY

Presentations:

The MES, MMS and MHS LSICs presented their annual updates to the Board. Included in their presentations were: Review of 2006 Westest results, overview of the schools Five-Year Plan, activities being undertaken to accomplish these goals, evidence of success in meeting these goals. In addition schools presented information on future needs and goals. The Board commended the committees for their hard work.

In Other Actions:

Greg Williamson of Williamson Schriver Architects presented to the Board the proposed site plan work and the current status of the building plans for MIS. The Board reviewed these plans. The Building plan is in its final steps and should be presented to the SBA for further review within the next month. The site plan, with only minor work to be completed, will be ready to present to the SBA next month. The Board approved the site plan, contingent upon the SBA’s approval, for letting out to bid.

The Board reviewed information on the financial status of Hardy County Schools in preparation for the new school year budget. Mrs. Veeta Burgess, CFO for Hardy County Schools, presented the following details:

« The current budget, depending on the amount of additional revenues, is projected to be a deficit of approximately $200,000;

« This shortfall is due to the reduction in special education students in the county to below the level funded by the state. This has resulted in loss of funding for at least nine professional and four service positions;

« The county is currently thirteen positions over formula in professional and nine in service;

« Based on the funding formula for next year, Hardy County will begin the year, if no positions are reduced, with an additional $150,000 shortfall.

The Board approved the proposed levy rates for next year as established by the state. These will be included in the final school budget which will be presented at the April 17^th meeting.

The Board was provided an update on the work stoppage of March 14, 2007. The action did result in the close of schools for student safety reasons. Approximately 85 individuals (out of 309) participated. No incidents were reported and everyone was commended for their professionalism. Support for the need to address the needs of school personnel by the Governor and Legislature was again expressed.

The Board was informed that the Superintendent had been contacted regarding a visit by the State Department Personnel. This review, which had been requested by the Superintendent last year, will include instruction, maintenance, finance, facilities and personnel. It is a service provided by the state to counties that may request assistance.

Delegation:

Mr. Luther Whetzel addressed the Board regarding the requirements of State Policy 2510, his interpretation of the requirements, and questioned the availability of courses at the high schools and middle schools.

Public Comments:

« Mr. Steve Gapp addressed county practices on addressing parents concerns and his belief in the lack of support for any proposed excel levy.

« Mr. Brad Simmons addressed the work stoppage and the efforts to maintain open communications and how smoothly the walkout went. He expressed concerns of the actions of the Legislature and Governor in lack of funding for education.

Personnel Actions:

Employed:

« Tammie Helmick – Reading 7/8, English/Language Arts – MMS for the 2006-2007 school year, Grades 5-8, must be able to teach English/Language Arts Grades 5-6 and Reading in Grades 5-8. Transfer at her request

« Dotty Constable – Temporary Substitute Custodian III – EHHS, to complete a leave of absence from March 20, 2007 until end of 2006-2007 school year, 58 day employment.

Resignations:

« Joyce Hardy – Substitute Teacher

« James Modesitt – Electrician II/HVAC II/Mechanic

« Janae Snapp – EHHS Varsity Cheerleading Coach

Postings:

« Title I Reading & Math Specialist – MMS – for the 2007-2008 school year. Must be certified as a Reading Specialist (PK-12) with an Elementary Endorsement through Grade 6.

« Electrician II/HVAC II/General Maintenance - 240 day employment term, effective April 1, 2007. Must meet state certification and testing requirements.

Mission Statement Accomplishment:

« Mr. Ray Funkhouser thanked the LSICs for their presentations and participation.

« Mr. Ken Pack commended all of Hardy County School staff for their conduct during the work stoppage.

« Mr. Max Park reported on a recent national news article on lack of school cafeteria inspections. Upon his follow up with the Hardy County Health Department he determined that the school cafeterias are regularly inspected here and Mr. Bill Ours reports that they do a great job.

« Mr. Rick Perkins reported on the Ham, Bacon and Egg show and the outstanding work by the EHHS students in the quality of their products. Commended Cameron Mallow, MHS, for his selection to attend the State Science Fair.

« Mrs. Margaret Shriver commended the MIS Steering Committee for their excellent work. Thanked the staff and community for their input.

« Mrs. Sharon Hammer reported on the success of a number of Hardy County Graduates for their acceptance into graduate schools: Sara Judy, Jessica Alt, Scott Hammer and Jenny Fisher.

« Ms. Barbara Whitecotton expressed thanks to Dane Biller, student at EHHS, for his excellent bacon that she purchased at the Ham, Bacon and Egg show.

« Mr. Ronald Whetzel thanked the LSICs for their reports and focus on efforts to improved student achievement. Anyone who has listened to their presentations must be impressed with the level of work and commitment by staff of Hardy County Schools.

The next regular meeting of the Hardy County Board of Education is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on April 2, 2007 at the Hardy County Board of Education Office. A special meeting is scheduled for March 26, 2007, at the Hardy County Board of Education Office, to address Reductions in Force and presentation of the School Budget and March 27, 2007 at Hardy County Board of Education to address a student issue.