BRAXTON COUNTY

BOARD OF EDUCATION

February 1, 2018 Emergency Meeting

The Braxton County Board of Education met on Thursday, February 1, 2018at the Braxton

County Board of Education Office. The following members were present:

Jill Cooper, President

Dave Hoover, Vice President

Shane Brown

Van Carr

Brad Shingler

Jill Cooper called the emergency board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Brad Shingler led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Dave Hoover led the opening prayer.

The following statement was made: “As part of the educational system we recognize the daily struggles our employees face in these difficult times. We understand your issues when cost of living continues to raise and your pay does not. We also know that our employees are facing other issues dealing with health coverage. The PEIA system continues to change and evolve into what some feel is ‘unfair’ and ‘unjust’. As your elected officials and superintendent we commiserate with you on these subjects. We truly sympathize with our employees and their families. However, we have a duty to educate children in a safe environment. So we are in a quandary on how to support our employees but adhere to West Virginia law and code. We hope we can support each other in these difficult times and treat each other with mutual respect to work toward solutions.

What we are being told by the State Department of Education:

  • Work stoppages are not permitted under West Virginia law.
  • No personal leave may be used during a work stoppage.
  • Lost instructional time will be made up.
  • No seniority will be earned during a work stoppage.
  • Violent or threatening behavior by picketers cannot be tolerated.

Work stoppage issues are always difficult but we are confident that our employees will consider this information carefully and make informed responsible decisions for our county. Above all, I know that each of you is committed to making decisions that are in the best interest of our students in Braxton County. Sincerely, Braxton County Board of Education and David Dilly, Superintendent of Braxton County Schools.”

AFT, WVEA and WVSSP were all represented in the meeting. The following questions were asked and answered:

  1. May we stand on school property during strike/walk-out/walk-in? Yes.
  2. May we hang signs on fences? Yes.
  3. May we hand out flyers to students at school? Yes as long as the flyers are not made on school time or using school supplies.
  4. During a walk-in, may we go out and stand with signs during lunch hour? Yes, but not during planning period.
  5. Can PTO help? Yes.
  6. Will scheduled sports activities be canceled during a work stoppage? Yes.

7. Would our insurance still be in effect during a work stoppage? Yes.

Brad Shingler moved and Shane Brown seconded to adjourn.

Vote: Unanimous. Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at

Burnsville Elementary at 228 Kanawha Street, Burnsville.

Others in Attendance:

Beth AtkinsLinda Utt

Judith BoyceMelissa Kitzmiller

Lisa VaughanSusan Schiefer

J.B. SchieferJosh Porto

Janet SixCathy Singleton

Jill LemonRobin James

Shawn CrowJami Hefner

Sandy FisherSteve Rollins

Isaac CastoJohn Frazier

Kim FrazierErnie Tingler

Brian FranciscoFlora Cox

Donna WarnerManuel Arambula

Corey LakeMegan Facemire

Nikki HarperJessica Crislip

Jennifer DownwardMelissa Jones

Rachel ButcherPatricia Gillespie

Barbie RaderJennifer Arambula

Esme ArambulaAbigail Lake

Sarah DennisonAmanda Gum

Charity DeanAllie Bonazzo

Jarren MorlanAnita Miller

Lori DittmanTammy Arnold

Andrea RussellBeverly Rollins

Linda SearsCynthia Shuman

Diane AllisonJessica Stout

Hunter DrakeJohn D. Drake

Michelle ShaverAnita Lambert

Samantha KniceleyAllen Shaver

Janis CollinsSarah Critchfield

Jessica RoseKim Dennison

Stephanie MooreSharon Desper

April GarrettTyler Garrett

Mary DennisonJason Wayne

Jerry Frame

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President - Braxton County Board of Education

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Secretary - Braxton County Board of Education

As required by federal laws and regulations, the Braxton County Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or disability in employment or in its education programs and activities. Inquiries may be referred to Tim Via, Title IX Coordinator, Braxton County Board of Education, 98 Carter Braxton Drive, Sutton WV 26601, phone 304.765.7101; or the West Virginia Department of Education’s Director of the Office of Civil Rights.