001like this. 5:30 I'll call the meeting to order. If you'll stand for the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay. >> There is none. >> The first item on the agenda is recognition. >> Okay. Uh we'll start with middle school volleyball there. Um, we got Beta Barnhart and Farrell. Oh, sorry. High school cross country. Read that completely wrong here. A brain appar. Yeah, right. What was your cross country time? You remember? >> You can't remember. So, you were all conference second team, correct? All right, there we go. Congratulations. Um, Gabby Smith was a state qualifier on her way. I'm Zach on her way. Eli Farrell. All right. State
002qualifier cross country high school. Congratulations. We'll get a picture here in a second. Page Stone state qualifier in Vader Barnhart. Now, believe it. I ran cross country high school. And fun fact, during COVID, I ran a marathon in 2020. So, 26.2 miles. I'm not doing it again. >> I got bored during co like everybody else did. Let's get a picture. Ready? Congratulations, guys. >> Any other ones coming? We'll we'll pause and we recognize. >> Congratulations. >> All right. All right. High school volleyball. Did not play in high school. So, we got some some honorable mentions for LKC volleyball. Bryley Wilson. >> Hello. >> How are you? >> Congratulations, Kylie. Called out. Haley Cunningham. Graduate. And Allison snuck in on it. Congratulations. congratulations again to our fall sports, middle school and high school cross country. Um
003and our high school volleyball team and high school cross country is a 5K race 3.1 and middle school that 2.6 six 2.4. All right. Above and beyond change makers. Um so as you guys know or saw right before Christmas break um there was a each each student of the county was um received a bag of food. So, this group um did that. They did an amazing job and I here in a second. I'll let um Michelle talk about that and all the great things that they did. But this was, you know, student driven too. So, and and give the praise to the students who stepped up and and and showed some amazing leadership with it, you know, organizing it, reaching out to people and they had some support and help, but you know, this was,
004you know, they're they're puppy and they did a great job and it showed the the determination and leadership we have in our student body and not just sit back and and let other people do it, but they took the initiative to, you know, see something through and had a goal. want to achieve that goal. So, um what started small end up pretty big and for a select few kids for every single one of them. So, um thank you for that. I know my son enjoyed it because he ate everyone. Um I've seen the house. >> Yeah. So, thank you for that. He enjoyed them and so he ate them all on the birthday. So, all right. So, I will turn this over and I'll let you want to hand them out. >> President. >> All
005right. >> Riley. >> No. >> Campbell. >> Yep. >> Hoy. Brayley Coner. She's not Michelle. >> Gail Holler. Barry Fet. Destiny McGome. Okay. >> Oh, >> Destiny. >> She's here. Paisley McGomery. Who's that? >> You like you out? >> Thank you very much. I'm your hand. Bryson McGomery, >> Brittany Parsons, >> Josh Parsons, >> Kevin Boat, Brandy Samson, Chissy Jones, Kathy McAlla, Stephanie Adams, Rick Beck, Amy Catro, Oh, wait a minute. If that was your test, you had them out of order. >> Because I'm out of [laughter] this. >> No, not Tiffany. >> Manny Johnson, Don Mala. Thank you, >> Adam. Michael, come on up. [laughter] You played a role in this. Huh? It's right there. I do have one for you. on the list together. >> Could be stuck together. >> You did that.
006>> Oh, I would get more. All right, you guys scoot this way and we'll get a big group picture and we'll let someone be the spokesperson of how this started. Whether want to do that and you guys can What was your sit down? >> Gotcha. >> So, I'm foundation of life. >> Hold up for me. That's your mic. >> Absolutely. And my co-founder of Keepers of Life, Barry Post back there warm. Um she's also the director of Prevent Suicide West Virginia and through our changemaker upstream uh youth prevention multi- kinds of prevention programming. Uh we work with a lot of the students at the middle high school monthly. So, as a result of the relationship we've created and also as a result of the mental health uh screening that we do each year in the
007fall in middle and high school, um one thing kept coming up and it was food and more so food insecurity. So, we spend a lot of time eating lunch together every time we can with the kids and specifically some kids more than others like to eat lunch with us. Some kids think we're cooler than other kids do. Oak. Um, but as a result of Amera and Riley and Rayley spending a little time with us one day eating lunch, uh, we were talking about the needs and what were they hearing their peers and food consistently came up. Um, the I hate to use the terminology had a pulse on it, but I'm going to uh because the incredible people you have in your school system, they already did have a pulse on that and were full
008fully aware of that. But long story short, um we decided to do uh to do some kind of a food drive. I had explained to them um what my dear friends the hollerins Paul and Gail had started in Richie County with taxi. Um I was guessing it had been about 15 years. So I was pretty close. It had been 14. Um we did something kind of similar at or pretty much similar as a result of the long holiday break and that was a concern. We held it close to heart until December as to not hurt uh anything with Thanksgiving food drives. And so I remember Riley kept saying, "How are we going to decide who gets the food? How are we going to decide who gets on the list?" And we said, "Well, what anything
009we pack will be more than nothing?" And you know, let's just let's go big. We believe in uh being extra. And if you're not extra, you're basic. So, and we're not basic, are we? So, uh, we said, "Let's just let the mission be every kid in the county." And, um, as a result of a need, we put that flyer out on Facebook. And the first person to respond was Gail Hollerin out of Richie County. And, and of course, her partner in crime, not really crime, but um, so she and Paul stepped up and she said, "I don't want to step on any toes, but what can I do?" And I said, "You're not going to hurt anybody's feelings here. Run with it." Uh, so they brought she had some they had deliveries made to them.
010They brought them over on snow days. Um, I don't think people realize the amount of food that it took. So I want to give you just a a quick general overview. Um, so in total we pack 825 backpacks in a single day. Um, but as a result of these three girls saying there is hunger here. Um, some of us are hungry and not and just having safe honest meaningful conversations. So, what we ended up with as far as soup was 1,08 cans. We had 432 cans of spaghetti oats specifically 1,837 cans of ravioli, 840 cans of canned chicken, 900 jars of peanut butter, full jars of peanut butter, 3,859 fruit cups, 1,68 applesauce cups, 1,602 cans of Vienna sausage, 936 pudding cups, 940 either individual cereals or cereal bars, 1,632 2 Pop-Tarts, 2,392 packets of
011oatmeal, 1,740 granola bars, 825 exactly praised macaroni and cheese gods, easy that was going to be a thing. Uh, but it worked out perfectly. Uh, 1,680 servings of string cheese, 432 oatmeal cream pies, 848 servings of muffins, 4,800 Slim Gems, 800 uh Jack Lank meat sticks and 840 six packs of ramen noodles. So we had a little bit of food left over. Um but how it just worked out perfect. You know sometimes you do things on a wing and fryer and um we we did a lot of that and uh Gail had her incredible team that has been doing this for the past 14 years. The Makulla and Mission Beck come from Richie County. They came and helped pack because we needed people that had experience to do that so it would run like a
012welloiled machine. I think air was a little blown away when we went and got her in the mushroom and said, "Look what you started. Come in here and see how it is." We didn't let kids come in until all the food was set up. Um but it was truly a beautiful thing. And um more than anything, no kid had to go hungry over Christmas over Christmas break. So, the fact that um it was ramen noodles and Vienna sausages and raviolis and spaghettias and cheese sticks and things like that was very intentional. We wanted to be things kids ate. >> I think the only thing that we probably didn't consider was we had so much food that Gail and I I mean they they weigh these backpacks so that little kids paisley size can can carry
013them. And we try to stick to about six pounds and these were 12. [laughter] >> But oh, what a great problem to have. So, we're going to do it again for spring break and then try to keep it going every year. Um, the Hollerins and Pax of Plenty and Richie County gave the changemaker three founders of this. We've got your backp back through mission an incredible plaque which I forgot. I'll bring it next week when Barry and I are here all week with you. But uh the this program just shows that it's all about you matter and I matter and what we do together matter and what we do on our own matters and that regardless of our circumstances there are things we can do to create change and we can all be change makers
014and I think um just empowering them to be able to do that and to not be able to be afraid that hey I'm hungry or my friends are hungry and the fact that it was peer-led and they saw that need amongst each other was truly significant and what makes the world a better place. one thing at a time. >> Absolutely. >> So, thanks for letting us be a part of it. >> Thank you. >> And thanks to the Richie crew for coming over and taking care of the kids in your backyard. >> Packing of the bag was intentional. The heavy stuff on the bottom and the light stuff on top. And >> yes, and we know that. You know that from doing it wrong the first time, but catching it real quick. So, the Hollerins
015have been doing that in Richie County for 14 years. And so, We hope it's something that we can keep on going here for really long. >> And this is the best part. I mean, this is you're all idea, students idea driven and helped by Michelle and her group. So, you know, so this is 14 years in Richie County. So, something that you think is by new can go down 14 20 years down the road and then you can say we started this. So again, that's the analogy of little pebble made of pebble powder. So your little act of kindness after thought touched a lot of people in county counties and not just this year but hopefully 14 20 years down the road. Something that you started will continue to help families in county. So >>
016and every every back every bag had an intentional message on it. Um and you probably saw those. If not, we'll make sure you get a copy of it just so that it felt good. Um and and nobody had to worry about who was getting a bag and who wasn't getting a bag. Everybody, every kid got a bag. And um and also another thing I want to give uh Gail a shout out to also within a matter of about 48 hours, she had raised for this um over $10,000 from so for Calhoun specifically. So, you know, not a lot of people will do that. No, >> absolutely. >> In a neighboring county, you know, it comes about what's you know, what's mine is mine and what's yours is mine. And this just wasn't about that. They
017truly put the needs of a kids above any county. >> Thank you. >> All right. Cross country state qualifier. Gabby Smith, come on down. I'm thinking that this cross country race [laughter] congratulations for qualifying state qualifier Zach Smith. Who's faster? [laughter] What was your time? Oh man, I won't take mine. >> I walked the park in an hour. [laughter] >> Congratulations. You too. >> And now I can't get my breath. Um the next item on the agenda is board acknowledgements. And before all these time people get a load of what everybody else has done and leave. Um I cannot even begin to put into words how touched I am that our students are taking care of other students but adults are leading leading these kids to be those adults later in life. So, thank you
018so very much for stepping out and doing that for all of the kids. Um, Mr. M. >> Well, that was my sentiment. uh you know it's always such a great pleasure to see the community come together you know in a project like this where the students get involved and uh you know adults get involved because a lot of times you know the students may take a side step and uh you know the adults will do everything but in this case uh it reminds me of what we do at our church you know during the Christmas time you know we hand out uh Christmas but this is for the community for the in the community for disabilities and it's it's a wonderful wonderful thing and hopefully like everybody said we can continue with it because it's
019definitely you know project that uh you know it's needed and it's enjoyed and it's appreciated and as a board member I appreciate everything that you guys do for this county even though you're from another county which is hey great we can come together. We're all one family and that's the whole thing. So, thank you. >> You know, I just it's amazing that kids can come together like that and help others out. Um it's amazing that we have friends that come and help us. Um we appreciate every one of you. >> Mr. First of all, I can apologize for being late. I have a job that requires 12 hour shift. I got a five. It's all throwing trash out the corn. I was cleaning that up when Michael called. Yes, I forgot about me. [laughter] But
020uh but you're here. >> Yeah, I caught that part. And uh I have family in Richie County and I hear nothing but good things about Rich County. And anytime we can help you all, you call right back with us and we'll do what we can to help you. It's It's great to have neighbors that jump in. >> Mr. >> I want to thank everyone for everything you done. Make it short and sweet. You done a good job. >> All right. The next item on the agenda is the approval of the December 17th, 2025 regular minutes. Do I have a motion for that? >> Jimmy, do I have a second? >> Is there any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor say I. I opposed. And that motion carries. Now if I can get my face
021to turn. The next item on the agenda is the Calhoun Gilmer Career Center report. >> Mr. from our meeting on December 7th. uh you know I handed out a package that uh kind of covers the things that uh we discussed at that time and one of the items was the uh uh dependence uh and the number of students that are attending this year and then there's also uh a list of student uh our 10th grade student actually uh participated uh by going to the career center. They had an, you know, they had a a chance to actually go and look at all the programs that are available to them. And then at the same time, they also uh kind of took a survey as to what their interests were and that's also on there. and
022uh and there's also a breakdown of how many students are involved from Carol County and also from Gilman campus. So it's important that this year and for next year it looks like the number is pretty close to even you know with that uh the interest I think has increased because we're trying to start you know getting the students uh involved at an earlier stage so they can actually uh you know go to the career center if they want to you know get involved in a particular that scheduling is always a big problem. If we can get them earlier to understand what they needed to do and get their forecast courses out of the way, it's important. So then they can actually, you know, participate in their junior senior year, which is predominantly what it is
023for. So once they get started in the sophomore year, at least it gives them, you know, a leg up, >> right? And the other thing that I gave you was uh you know some of the projects the SBA project also uh you know the grants that uh we've gotten over there I think there were two grants one for 500 for 7,000 and these are for particular uh projects that are being handled over there and uh so the big thing you know in any also I gave you the financial state medicine for uh I think it was over three million or four million and uh there's a breakdown of what the SBA is covering and some of the other so it's important you know that you're aware that a lot of things are happening over there
024and building projects still ongoing is just at the pro start uh you know that's expanding and some of the other being incorporated. So a lot of good things are happening over here and uh you know the students are you know the interest is there and you know today's environment would probably say not everybody goes to college >> and this gives them an opportunity to at least experience something that they need to be interested in versus you know go to college and then find out you're spending all this money and it's of no value. So that's the whole idea behind the career center. And I'm always been encouraged by trying to get the students to see it more in light of what they can accomplish, you know, without maybe ear to. But I don't encourage it
025doesn't matter if you go to it doesn't mean that you can't go. >> So it's a stepping stone. So in all of that, I I can't say enough. Thanks. Thank you. >> Have any questions? >> Superintendent. All right. You have your director of school reports and your packets. Um, so instruction and curriculum. Um, it is that time of year. We are prepping. Um, I know it's weird to say, but we're prepping for next year. Um even though we just started second semester you know when we are working on personnel issues that we're bringing later but massive schedules for next year you know trying to get things ready for next year be you know we have to be ready to roll soon we are prepping that school calendar will be out comment next board meeting we
026are planning um and getting things ready to move forward for the 26 27th school year. Um so that those discussions are always happening. We're excited to have students back. Um it was crazy. I was scrolling through my Facebook um to this morning before work and this time last year we was you know we were not home. We had a big snowstorm. So you get that three three and a half weeks off there kind of in Christmas break. So um you know fortunate enough that you know we're in school. We're getting back into a routine a little quicker than we did last year. But you know, we hit our second benchmarks um in um in December um and saw some growth improvements uh at all three locations. Then we will be um testing and prepping for
027DSA and the SAT and P set um here in the spring for students. Um so >> how many schools? uh PS the PAT would be ninth and 10th grade the SAT is offered Junior. It's not a mandatory client, but >> they all take that. >> Yeah, I would encourage all the student. >> Yeah. And I usually uh I give a talk um every year prior to it >> um to students. Um, and just to let them know that even if they don't want to go to school, they try hard because they're going to open up score well opportunities there and the pre the PAC can give them opportunities too. So those school trying to let the students know how important it is. You know, maybe you didn't want to go to school. Maybe they can
028afford it. So just be sure. >> Exactly. >> It's there for you. >> Yeah. And it's a test that you know when I was in school, you got from school, if you want to take the PAT or the SAT races, you got to pay for it. You got to drive to Glennville or drive somewhere to take that. >> It's not a cheap test. So if we're going to give you the SAT here and PAP your freshman, sophomore, junior year and SAT any school, you know, not everybody take everybody the SAT scores. >> I have a question. If they take it in ninth grade, can they take it again in sixth grade? >> They take a piece out their ninth grade. >> They they do it both. Okay. >> Okay. >> Right. I didn't know if
029it was a one and done. I think it my ninth grade year. I can't do it my >> Yeah, they take a freshman and sophomore year. Okay. And that gives them a chance to only see it with that platform. >> Yeah. And that's a big deal. >> So it's important to piece that it's important and people take blow it off. It's important you know and they can use that use to help them. So you know I always thought the PS was kind of used for scholarships. Okay. >> Yeah. >> Yes. Well, it is important. Yes, it is. Good. Good. >> Um, so you know, and so those will be coming down the road. Like I said, we're prepping for the 26 27 school year. Um, and then we have received Gilmore County one of their
030schedule that they have out. Um, and I'll be on the phone with Gilmer again to see if they got anything else out. We try our best to coordinate it with them, but it's not always not always perfect. We put three or four out and we and we will put one out as carbon coffee, two there. Um, and let the staff vote on it. Um, do you know the one thing that I see on there that's the same as this year PL days are on Wednesday. Our staff like to do them on Mondays or Fridays. Um, so um, so but it's an option for them to vote for. We will do one that that mimics their accord that attendance updates. Um it's no secret flu hit I don't you name it >> if it has a
031letter or vow in it I think um county >> Yeah. Yeah we do. So but the good news is the good news is we're under 20% chronic absent. So, um, we're still we're sitting at 16.34 um through through January 6. So, from August 15th to January 6, the um six we're sitting at 16.34%. So, 6% higher. We want it below 20. So, we're below 20. Um, average attendance rate 93.68. Um, right now, Pleasant Hill is really doing a great job. They're at 9.45. Cy captain high school is 11% which is really good for high school too. Arnoldsburg is at 16.79% and Arnoldber is a 41.48%. Um so we found a flaw in the way that center was doing their attendance Mr. Paxton and Miss Wilson. Um so we have fixed that. So the days that
032we had PL days and we weren't here but Gil can't have school. >> So so we're we're fixing that but we're having something now even though they're not there but we're not school so >> um so we are fixing that issue. >> Yeah. Yeah. an important point and like you said so and we try to stress this to to parents even my wife um you know just because they're sick or there's doctor's note and she can write like you know Jason's office yes it it does in the grand scheme of things for us when we write out parent note it counts as two but in the grand scheme of picture it's you're still after yeah so those like if you have a doctor's note for 10 days it still hits your client rate So um
033I hate it. So u which is a it's hard for people to understand. So yes you are excused but it still counts against us in the grand plan. Um you know current updates you know u we are um prepping like I said for the next school year. Um, as you see on social media, we are trying to get old buses. Um, and new buses in the fleet. Um, and this one's for Jason, but he drives me every day. The target goal for materials to be on site for the baseball softball ice is March 7. So um hopefully that project will get started um soon. So that eight week lag time. So but he text me today. We we have materials there on site the 1 of March. Absolutely. So >> what are they looking at
034as far as taking the time to do it? >> Um I would He's not got back to me about that. Um so hopefully once they get the equipment here um I think they'll be fine. I don't other than know I think the only issue is I told him that the baseball field is straight rock. They'll build the whole OC and run the wires out to here. Not assuming the guys are professional by still writing. You go across the state of West Virginia with every baseball and football field in West Virginia that that's cover and I've talked to you. The one thing that we're going to have to look at is either wide the road um and specs on that softball field or we have to find that back to so that's something that we will
035look at and once Boston gets back um for that but it it's great um it's a new system um the lights are state-of-the-art um it'll be LED um they'll run digitally um and it's It's the program is the new lights now the way they come. Um so they can beat to a they can be in rhythm with a song so they can clap a home run at night time. They change colors so you know we can make them red for a home run something like that. Um so um >> welcome to look like stadium for a baseball game. So when the girls and boys hit the home run there can be a light show. So it'll be exciting, you know, and it's cool. It, you know, we all >> we've said it begin, you know,
036we've cancelled a lot of games in the last 25, 30 years because it got too dark and we said it. If you play baseball here long enough, the sun sets right in the batter's eye. >> The pitcher is looking at >> when the sun's hitting that level, it's hard to see the pitcher throwing 90 coming down >> and you can't see the ball. Yeah, it's scary. travel. >> So, and we had to play games right at 3:00 or before school lets out. So, this now we can play games and start at 5:00 or 6:00 and and have some night games. So, and sometimes, you know, weather related takes a little longer to feel ready. So, we put the game back to 7 o'clock and play give that give them time to work on the field
037and get things ready. Well, plus on Friday night, I know that the football field is not getting updated, but on Friday nights, you know, we can turn those on and the whole campus will be lit up and all these college kids out it will be lit up. [laughter] And um as you are aware session starts this week um the governor gets its date of the union address I believe Wednesday. So um we had a phone call phone conference with all the counties who were um enrollment under 1400 um because there had been some bill or some talk about changing the formula. We don't know anything yet. It's been kind of top secret. Um, and all we know is the House was looking at the funding formula. So, everybody on the Senate side who we have
038talked to and the House is looking into the funding formula. There's a couple rumors going around. Um, some good, some bad. It just depends on who you talk to. So, um, when I get more updates of what's going on and and it's kind of been what their hidden agenda is, we don't know. We've heard funding formula. We've heard personnel um code 18 and 18A. Um so we don't know. Um so we'll see what their hot ticket is in a couple days. And I will keep you guys up to date. Um I told Kathy today um this is when network Jim Brown because he kept us up to date every single day. >> You know that was going to be a miss. Um I will see if that will continue to do that. But it was
039nice because there's so many bills that come through that you know I try I had it on today in that meeting which I shoot oh you're already listening to it like I try follow it every single day. You still miss that day. >> Like for me it was easy to look like >> and you can keep up with >> you can keep up with it and he did a good job of separating them of like what >> this will matter. This one doesn't have a chance and he broke him down for it. you know, way coming back. >> No, he said you're right. He likes his rec. >> Yeah. >> Sure. >> Conversation with these other happy doors with [laughter] right now. You're right. You're right. But that is all I have for updates and
040I will continue to update you weekly on legislation and keep you up to date. >> The next item on the agenda is old business. Do I have a motion for item A? >> Yep. >> Is there any discussion? >> No, we're just putting out um finance um time and effort. So these are just federal guidelines that we updating um for our um employees who are fedally paid paid. So they have to fill out time at their kids and so the governors were every hour and every day to how they funed federally. >> This is a new thing. >> We're just um do you all have any questions? All those in favor say I. I oppose. And that motion carries. >> Now, new business. Can I have a motion for items A through D?