The Pocahontas County Board of Education met in regular session on Tuesday, November 12, 2013, at 7:00 PM at the Pocahontas County Board of Education Conference Room with the following members present:
Emery G. Grimes, President
Janet E. McNeel)Members
Hanna G. Sizemore)
Cheryl M. Beverage, Absent
Kenneth E. Vance, Absent
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On motion of Dr. Sizemore, seconded by Ms. McNeel, the Board approved the Minutes of the Board of Education meeting held on October 28, 2013 with a 3-0 vote.
AGENDA
On motion of Ms. McNeel, seconded by Dr. Sizemore, the Board approved the Agenda with a 3-0 vote.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Interim Superintendent Bechtel informed the Board that Shirlene Groseclose has been recognized by the West Virginia Foreign Language Association as teacher of the year. Ms. Groseclose teaches Spanish to Pocahontas County High School, Marlinton Middle School, and Green Bank Elementary-Middle School students and is a member of the West Virginia Foreign Language Association executive board.
HEAR CALLERS
- Ms. Rachel Tompkins began by stating that Dr. Sizemore had asked her to come speak to the Board regarding her past experiences recruiting and hiring executive directors and superintendents.
Ms. Tompkins informed the Board that, prior to her retirement; she worked for an agency that advocated for rural public schools. She noted that she was involved in many superintendent searches and was willing to share her insight with the Board.
Ms. Tompkins stated that recruiting, evaluating, and hiring a superintendent is the single most important job a Board of Education has; and as such, the Board should take time and spend money to make the proper decision. Ms. Tompkins suggested expanding the superintendent search nationwide.
The first thing Ms. Tompkins suggested the Board do is get together and make a concise list of attributes they want in a superintendent. Ms. Tompkins said that she understood each Board Member had areas of education they were passionate about; however, they needed to decide as a Board what the most important qualities were. Once the Board decides what they want in a superintendent, they can then move on to the next step.
Ms. Tompkins estimated the cost of a superintendent search to be one-third of the salary of the person to be replaced. She said that the largest cost will be incurred in travel expenses transporting candidates for interviews. Ms. Tompkins said that, in the past, communicating with candidates via teleconferencing has proven very beneficial and cost effective – at least through the first few rounds of interviews. Ms. Tompkins stated that there are many, many media outlets that will advertise the vacancy for free – the cost of advertising is expected to be minimal.
Before closing, Ms. Tompkins reiterated that the Board needs to decide as a group what the most important attributes of a superintendent are, before contacting a group to begin the search. - Mr. Jamie C. Walker addressed the Board.
Mr. Walker began by reminding the Board that the Pocahontas County Commission is interested in partnering with the Board of Education in creating a disaster relief shelter at Marlinton Middle School and asked if there has been any progress on determining the size generator needed to endure the electrical load at the school.
Mr. Grimes indicated that there has not been any development on this topic.
Mr. Walker then addressed the Board about the grievance he filed earlier in the year. Mr. Walker said that a Level II hearing has been scheduled for January 10, 2014, however, he would like to give the Board the option to reach an agreement prior to that meeting.
- Ms. Mary E. Dilley approached the Board to remind them that before personnel/RIF/transfer season starts, each employee should be looked at to determine if the job they are doing is the job they were hired for or if the job they were hired for is still necessary.
INFORMATION/REPORTS/UPDATES…
- Miss Lyndsee Gay, student representative, updated the Board on activities at Pocahontas County High School.
October 28 – November 2, 2013 the Pocahontas County High School Chapter of FFA traveled to Louisville, Kentucky to experience the 86th Annual FFA Convention and Expo. Miss Gay noted that Pocahontas County did not have any teams competing and therefore was able to enjoy more session and tours. Miss Gay said that Josh Sundquist was the motivational speaker for the general session. Miss Gay recommended everyone visit Mr. Sundquist’s website: weshouldhangoutsometime.com. She said the students were very moved by his presentation. Miss Gay thanked Samantha Barley and Christopher Bartley, and Scott Garber for chaperoning the trip.
Miss Gay informed the Board that the FFA fruit sale fundraiser is currently going on, the anticipated delivery date of the fruit is December 6.
The Pride of Pocahontas, Pocahontas County High School marching band, traveled to Pennsylvania recently for competitions.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013 marked the beginning of basketball season for both boys and girls. Each team will start with conditioning.
- Ms. Rebecca Spencer and Ms. Stephanie Burns addressed the Board regarding the International Reading Conference scheduled for May 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Ms. Spencer explained that Marlinton Elementary School, where she is employed, is a Title I school. The Faculty Senate at Marlinton Elementary School voted to pay her portion of the travel expenses/costs if the Board would allow her to attend the International Reading Conference.
Ms. Burns explained that Marlinton Middle School, where she is employed, is not a Title I school, and as such, the Board would be required to pay for her portion of travel expenses/costs out of a county professional development fund.
The two ladies asked the Board to consider allowing them to travel to the International Reading Conference in May because this opportunity rarely presents itself this close to home.
Mr. Grimes agreed that it was a wonderful opportunity and, if the money was available, he had no problem approving the travel when it is placed on the agenda.
- Mr. Darin McKenney, supervisor of maintenance, addressed the Board regarding the security system at Pocahontas County High School.
Mr. McKenney presented the Board with a cost estimate from NewTech Systems, Inc. for high definition camera and door locks for eleven doors at Pocahontas County High School.
Mr. McKenney noted that he attempted to acquire price quotes from several other companies, but NewTech Systems, Inc. was the only that responded prior to the Board of Education meeting.
Mr. McKenney pointed out the estimated cost for HD cameras for eleven doors was approximately $27,200, and the cost for magnetic door locks for eleven doors was approximately $27,600, totaling $54,800 for all exterior doors at Pocahontas County High School.
Mr. McKenney stated that in his opinion, the priority should be the magnetic door lock and also noted that the door closures should be upgraded as well. Mr. McKenney explained that the door locks could be on timers so they would be open before school, after school, and during lunch shifts and class changes. The only time a door would need to be opened manually would be when students travel between the main building and vocational building during class time.
APPROVAL OF GRANT AWARDS, BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS, AND BANK RECONCILIATION FOR SEPTEMBER 2013…
On recommendation of the superintendent, and motion of Dr. Sizemore, seconded by Ms. McNeel, the Board approved the grant awards, budget adjustments, and bank reconciliation for September 2013 with a 3-0 vote.
APPROVAL OF PAYMENT OF VENDOR LISTING OF CLAIMS…
On recommendation of the superintendent, and motion of Ms. McNeel, seconded by Dr. Sizemore, the Board approved payment of vendor listing of claims in the amount of $29,679.64, with a 3-0 vote.
APPROVAL TO AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF VENDOR LISTING OF CLAIMS…
On recommendation of the superintendent, and motion of Dr. Sizemore, seconded by Ms. McNeel, the Board approved to authorize payment of vendor listing of claims in the amount of $273,168.97, with a 3-0 vote. The travel reimbursement of Christine Smith in the amount of $155.14 was not paid due to lack of quorum.
APPROVAL TO AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF VENDOR LISTING OF CLAIMS (LOCAL GOVERNMENT PURCHASING CARD/ACH PAYMENTS)…
On recommendation of the superintendent, and motion of Ms. McNeel, seconded by Dr. Sizemore, the Board approved to authorize payment of vendor listing of claims (Local Government Purchasing Card/ACH Payments) in the amount of $33,678.07, with a 3-0 vote.
APPROVAL FOR GREEN BANK ELEMENTARY-MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS TO TRAVEL TO WASHINGTON D. C. …
On recommendation of the superintendent and motion of Dr. Sizemore, seconded by Ms. McNeel, the Board approved for Green Bank Elementary-Middle School fourth grades students to travel by charter bus to Washington, D. C., departing Green Bank Elementary-Middle School on May 27, 2013 and returning to Green Bank Elementary-Middle School on May 30, 2013 with the following faculty members as chaperones: Cheryl Nelson, Marsha Beverage, and Judy Kane, with a 3-0 vote.
APPROVAL FOR HILLSBORO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TO TRAVEL TO WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA…
On recommendation of the superintendent and motion of Ms. McNeel, seconded by Dr. Sizemore, the Board approved for Hillsboro Elementary School third, fourth, and fifth grade students to travel by charter bus to Williamsburg, Virginia, departing Hillsboro Elementary School on May 29, 2013 and returning to Hillsboro Elementary School on May 30, 2013 with the following faculty members as chaperones: Gina Hardesty, Shannon Alderman, and Kristi Tankersly.
PERSONNEL
On recommendation of the superintendent and motion of Dr. Sizemore, seconded by Ms. McNeel, the Board approved the following professional and service personnel with a 3-0 vote:
Green Bank Elementary-Middle School:EMPLOYMENT: / LAUREN BROOKE DICKENSON, as head basketball coach (girls) at Green Bank Elementary-Middle School, effective for the 2013-2014 season, at a supplement of $1,500. (NOTE: Position pending on sufficient number of players to make a team.)
CREATION
OF POSITION: / Secretary II/accountant II (half time) at Green Bank Elementary-Middle School, at state basic pay, effective December 4, 2013 for the remainder of the 2013-2014 school year. Term of employment: 129 one-half days (NOTE: Term of employment shall be 220 one-half days each year thereafter).
Marlinton Middle School:
RESIGNATION: / DAVINA R. AGEE, as assistant basketball coach (girls) at Marlinton Middle School, retroactive to October 31, 2013.
Pocahontas County High School:
EMPLOYMENT: / KAY WILEY, as athletic seasonal coordinator – football, at Pocahontas County High School, effective for the 2013-2014 season, at a supplement of $1,000. (NOTE: Position pending on sufficient number of players to make a team.)
Pocahontas County Schools:
RESIGNATION: / CAROL B. ALDERMAN, as substitute teacher for Pocahontas County Schools, retroactive to October 31, 2013.
RESIGNATION: / MICHELLE D. JEFFERS, as parent involvement staff for Pocahontas County Schools, retroactive to October 16, 2013.
EMPLOYMENT: / KIMBERLY D. THOMPSON, as substitute aide for Pocahontas County Schools effective November 14, 2013, as needed, for the remainder of the 2013-2014 school year, at state basic pay.
PAY ON YEARS OF EXPERIENCE FOR NON-BOARD OF EDUCATION WORK: / IAN B. BENNETT, chief mechanic for Pocahontas County Schools, 16 years of experience credit/year of employment for non-Board of Education work experience, retroactive to July 1, 2013.
PAY ON YEARS OF EXPERIENCE FOR NON-BOARD OF EDUCATION WORK: / JUSTIN A. TAYLOR, mechanic for Pocahontas County Schools, 8 years of experience credit/years of employment for non-Board of Education work experience, retroactive to July 1, 2013.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT…
Dr. Bechtel stated that the tragic fire that struck Marlinton over the weekend impacted many families and a student in Pocahontas County Schools. Dr. Bechtel informed the Board that support for the student and their family has been activated.
MATTERS FROM THE BOARD
Dr. Sizemore suggested following Ms. Thompkin’s advice and scheduling a work session at the next regular Board of Education Meeting.
Mr. Grimes noted that many businesses and families are starting over as a result of the recent fire, and stated that if there is anything the Board of Education can do to help, please contact Dr. Bechtel or himself because he would like to help in any way possible.
NEXT BOARD OF EDUCATION/FACULTY SENATE/LOCAL SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL MEETING
The next Board of Education/Faculty Senate/Local School Improvement Council Meeting will be held on Monday, December 2, 2013 at 7:00 PM at Marlinton Middle School.
NEXT BOARD MEETING
The next Board of Education meeting will be held on Monday, December 16, 2013, at 5:30 PM in the Board of Education conference room.
ADJOURN
On motion of Dr. Sizemore, seconded by Ms. McNeel, the Board agreed to adjourn.
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PresidentSecretary