001I was whispering to >> Good evening everybody. It is June 8th, 2026. It is 6 o'clock. The Mer County Board of Education is in regular session. All board members are present. Uh let's have the pledge of allegiance, please. 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. >> That leads us right into our favorite part of the board meeting, recognitions. The best thing we do. All right. So, if everybody will come down here and we'll do our thing. >> Okay. >> We're on. As Mr. British said, "Our favorite part of any board meeting is when we have the opportunity to recognize staff, students, or community members. We're going to start with our 110%
002club, beginning with Jennifer Purdue, special education supervisor. Jennifer Purdue consistently goes above and beyond in her role, demonstrating exceptional dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to the special education department. She willingly invests extra time and effort to ensure important tasks are completed and that the needs of students and staff are met. Jennifer's positive attitude, reliability, and willingness to step in wherever she is needed truly exemplifies what it is meant to give 110%. Her selfless service and outstanding work ethic make her highly deserving of this recognition. Jennifer Purdue, Special Education Supervisor. >> What you do is really complicated. I don't think people realize how complex is federal and the state and the other roles that come out of nowhere. And you guys make it smooth and you make it work and we really appreciate that. very
003important part of what we do. Okay, our next 110% club recognition is Shannon Noble, special education supervisor. Shannon Noble consistently goes above and beyond in her role as special education supervisor, demonstrating exceptional dedication, expertise, and leadership. She works tirelessly to support students, teachers, principals, and families, often arriving early and staying late to ensure every need is met. Her professionalism, knowledge, and steady guidance make her an invaluable resource to everyone she serves. What truly sets Shannon apart is her ability to lead with both compassion and confidence. She remains calm in challenging situations, builds strong relationships, and fosters a sense of teamwork through the special education department. Her commitment to excellence and unwavering support of others make her a vital part of our special education family and highly deserving of this recognition. Shannon Noble, special education supervisor.
004question. >> I would say ditto, but that would be really rude. Ditto. Now, those you think ditto is look it up. Um, we appreciate everything you do and helping our kids that have special needs getting all the services that they need because it's it takes a very special person to want to work that hard to do those things. We know those lights are still on a lot of times after everybody else has gone home and we do appreciate that so very much. >> It's where the fun is. >> Mr. P before the lights come on. Well, okay. There you go. >> Thank you so much. >> I might add, I'm sorry. I'm not going to give you a big toothy grin because guess who tipped his tooth. >> And I've kicked it big, too. That's
005one of the pleasures of getting old. Things get brittle. >> Our next 110% uh club recognition is Dr. Stephanie Textteria, Office of Special Education Psychologist. >> Dr. Tex Dr. Textera consistently goes above and beyond in her role as a school school psychologist, demonstrating exceptional dedication, expertise, and strong commitment to supporting students and schools. She willingly takes on additional responsibilities when needed, including assisting with extra testing assignments during staffing shortages. while continuing to provide high quality evaluations and support. What sets Dr. Textera apart is her ability to make complex information understandable and meaningful for educators and families. In addition to conducting thorough evaluations, she provides valuable training on accommodations, testing procedures, and interpreting psychological reports. Her professionalism, knowledge, and willingness to support others make her an invaluable member of our team and highly deserving of this
006recognition. Dr. Dr. Stephanie Textera, school psychologist. >> You get to spend a lot of time with our little kids, don't you? >> A lot. >> That's a good thing. >> It is a good thing. >> And we appreciate the the time that you take to make sure that kids get the services they need >> by evaluating them and assessing them because it is so important what you do. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Our next 110% club recognition is Kim Rodenberry, MCTech Recruitment and Technical Center facilitator. Kim Roenberry consistently goes above and beyond in her role, demonstrating an exceptional commitment to MCTech, its students, and staff. During one of the busiest times of the year, including graduation, computer ceremonies, accreditation activities, and numerous school events, Kim has stepped up wherever needed without hesitation.
007Even on days when she was not required to work, she volunteered her time to help ensure important tasks were completed and responded quickly during unexpected situations to support the school. What truly sets Kim apart is her positive attitude, flexibility, and servant leadership. She willingly took on the coordination of the National Technical Honor Society and devoted countless hours to ensuring students and families had meaningful, wellorganized recognition events. No matter the challenge, Kim approaches each day with enthusiasm, professionalism, and a willingness to help others, making a lasting impact on the entire MCT community and making her highly deserving of this recognition. Kim Roenberry, technical MCT's facilitator. So votech is so very important. What you do is so integral to votech. So we appreciate every day and every moment that you spend making sure these kids can get
008their certifications and get through their pathways and become completers and do all those things that need to be done in order to be successful. >> Thank you so much. Our next 110% club recognition is Lorie Thompson, Timberwood Elementary, third grade teacher. Lorie Thompson consistently goes above and beyond in her role at Timberwood Elementary School, demonstrating exceptional dedication to students, families, and the school community. As PTO liaison, she works tirelessly to strengthen partnerships between school and families, helping coordinate events, encourage parent involvement and school initiatives that enhance the educational experience for all students. Her willingness to step in wherever needed, and her commitment to fostering a positive school culture makes her an invaluable asset. Beyond the school day, Lor's impact extends throughout the community through her leadership with the BNB Beavers Rec League. She has helped
009provide countless students with opportunities to participate in athletics, build confidence, develop teamwork skills, and experience positive mentorship. Combined with her commitment to academic excellence, and student success, Lorie's leadership, professionalism, and servant-hearted approach have made a lasting difference in the lives of students and families, making her highly deserving of this recognition. Lorie Thompson, Timberwood Elementary, third grade teacher. So for all the time, >> for all the time, energy that you put in. Jim is interrupting everything. >> That's what he does. Um, we appreciate the extra time you put in, the extra moments that you spend talking to parents and engaging them, engaging the kids and and doing the extra things. That's what this is about. It's it's that extra that you give that you don't have to. That's what matters so much and we really appreciate
010it. >> Thank you. >> Our next 110% club recognition is Annne Looney, Bluefield Primary Counselor. Mrs. Looney consistently goes above and beyond in her role, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the well-being of students, families, and staff. She routinely places the needs of others before her own responsibilities, stepping in wherever support is needed, and ensuring students have access to resources and the care they need to succeed. Through initiatives such as connecting families with community resources, organizing support for food, clothing, and hygiene needs, and building meaningful relationships with students, she has become a trusted advocate and source of support within the community. Mrs. Looney's dedication extends beyond meeting immediate needs. She continually seeks opportunities to grow professionally and applies the latest counseling strategies to better serve students. Her calm demeanor, compassionate approach, and willingness to collaborate with
011colleagues help create a positive, safe, and welcoming environment for everyone. Through her leadership, ad advocacy, and genuine care for others, Mrs. Looney has made a lasting impact on students, staff, and families, making her highly deserving of this recognition. And Looney, Blue Primary Counselor. >> I want to thank you for being the counselor and making kids get what they need outside of the classroom. You help them and guide them in the right direction because it is so very important. It's a it's a part of the school that people don't see or hear about, but it's a really really essential part and we appreciate you so much. >> Thank you. >> We're going to now move to board recognizes for certificate of achievement 2026 West Virginia Association of School Nurses School Nurse of the Year. The 2026
012West Virginia Association of School Nurse of the Year is our own Jenny Lily, more affectionately known as Nurse Jenny. >> Nurse Jenny graduated from Berea College in 1997 with her BSN and served in a long-term care, staff development, critical care, mission work in the African bush, and school nursing. Jeannie has dedicated her career to caring for others. She has been a valued part of the Mercer County School family since 2008 and continues to make a difference every day as a nationally certified school nurse. Her compassion extends far beyond the school walls through her volunteer and mission work and her love for family, friends, faith, and service shines in everything that she does. We are so proud to celebrate all she has accomplished and the countless lives she has touched along the way. The West Virginia
013Association of School Nurses, West Virginia ASN, annually honors a school nurse who exemplifies excellence in student health care, leadership, and community service. The school nurse of the year award recognizes a nurse who has made a significant impact on school nursing practices and student well-being in West Virginia. The purpose of this award is to honor a school nurse who demonstrates innovation, quality health services, mentorship, and a commitment to maintaining a safe school environment. The school nurse of the year award not only honors individual excellence but also highlights best practices in school nursing encouraging peers to adopt innovative approaches to student health care. It is a prestigious recognition within the West Virginia school nursing community. Nurse Jenny 2026 West Virginia Associated School Nurse of the Year. >> It's about time that they recognize for all you do.
014you you're you just have that kind touch that you want from a nurse. You you express it to the kids and you take care of them and you look out for them and you tell the parents and you help them and it's just it's it's about time. >> They needed to recognize you and they did. I'm glad they did. And congratulations. Our next certificate of achievement is for the elementary battle of the books champions and we will call this uh this group as a group of kids and their coaches. The following students from Montcom Elementary School participated in and won first place in the elementary battle of the books on April 2nd, 2026 at Concord University. Way to go Generals. So we're going to call them up as a team. Raven Kronland, Charlotte Bondi, Elena
015Duncan, Aubrey O'Donnell, Reagan Hodes, and coaches Kathy Goins and Karen Latty. >> What's your name? >> Elena. Okay. Duncan, >> that's you. Congratulations. >> You are last name. Congratulations. >> Then we've got Okay. >> Karen, Kathy, Aubrey, and Raven. >> I smile except me. >> All right. What's your rate? You didn't know there was going to be a test. >> We were down with it. What' you read? >> Lizzy, Journey to Nowhere. Confessions. >> Three books. Yeah. And um a >> lot of books. That's a lot of reading. Very good. >> So, was was the battle books hard? >> Not really. >> You read, didn't you? You read books, didn't you? >> You understand. Was it stressful? Were you stressed out when you went >> Well, I'm going to probably say being a general go
016general is right. >> That's right. >> We had three I have to brag on. We had three third graders and one fourth grader and one fifth grader. >> Wow. >> So the third graders, you know, really good. >> Yeah, it does. It does. So, thank you. >> Keep it up, girls. Keep it up. Yep. That's who we need. Our next award for certificate of achievement is West Virginia AAA state track champion. Jacob Hall, a senior at Princeton Senior High School, won first place in the West Virginia AAA state 400 meter dash with a time of 50.20. The 2026 WVsSAC state track and field champions were held May 22nd and 23rd, 2026 at Lely Field at UC Stadium, University of Charleston, West Virginia. The meet covered all classes and events. Jacob Hall, uh, West Virginia state
017track champion. So, if we can get it up, we're going to show you. >> We're going to try to show this. >> It's pretty impressive, >> particularly the ending. >> And his shitty spring teammate Grant Fen is in lane eight, ready for the gun to be fired here. >> Top time in this field. And the only one under 50 seconds is in lane four. That is Jacob Hall out of Princeton. Second best time is right beside him. Chapmanville's train ward to 5027. Now Hall won the region 3 meet. Ward captured the region four meet. Wgleman who just won. He won. He was the region two champ. >> Wells won region one. >> 5126 is the number to reach. Trey Ward, outstanding football player out of Chapenville High School. Tigers had a great season reaching the
018semifinals. Jacob Hall of Preston and Trey Ward. Trey Ward. They're in lane five. And Jacob Hall and Ward and Hall to the finish. You want to talk about it being circle to you? those two diving in the baseline to try to win it. In the end, it's going to be Jacob Hall. It looked like Ward had that one all the way. Hall though by 1/100th of a second. 50.26 50.27. It could not be closer. >> Jacob Paul is down and he and Ward >> did all they could. get to the finish. >> Hall is weaving around down the stretch. >> Hall is still down though. And again, you want to talk about Mark the grueling nature of the 400. For anyone who hasn't run a 400, by the time you hit the finish line, your
019legs are complete jell-o. And so add to that the exhaustion and then you dive right at the end and you saw Ward there on the far straightaway. I mean he just like a bolt of lightning to really surge and Ian Hall down the stretch here. And as you said Andrew you kind of had the feeling Ward might pull it out. He's got that height advantage, the stride advantage. And there they go. And >> which one lands first or Yeah. >> Let's take a look at this right at >> Talk about great camera work. Look at that. >> Got some battle. think it's instead by nose, it's by haircut. >> I absolutely love I love the fact that he's coming past you and you're like, "Nope, nope. I'm not gonna let you. No, you're still ahead
020of me, but I'm gonna beat you in the blind. Never say die, man. I love that. >> What was it like right there at the end? >> I don't know. >> I got you. So, as you were running that last stretch, how were you feeling? >> Hurting. >> Painful. >> That was hard, isn't it? >> Well, you did a great job and we are so proud of you. Congratulations. Our uh last certificate of achievement is for West Virginia Arbor Day poster contest winner. And I'm not sure if uh I sorry Greg winner I'll butcher this worse. Ay Kjaraa is she with us from Glenwood? I think we'll go ahead and read this. This is uh really neat. She's a fourth grade student at Glenwood School in Ruth Barton's classroom. IATA participated in the 2026 West
021Virginia Arbor Day poster contest and won first place for the state of West Virginia. She received her state championship award from Andy Sheets of the West Virginia Division of Forestry. Her winning poster will be displayed for one year at the Division of Forestry headquarters in Charleston. In addition to the award, students in Miss Barton's class planted a tree on the campus and participated in lessons on tree care and conservation as a part of the Arbor Day celebration. The Arbor Day Poster Contest is an annual event in West Virginia where fourth and fifth graders create artwork based on the year's theme, promoting awareness of the importance of trees and environmental stewardship. So, congratulations to her, and Miss Bart, well, we have the mic right here, but hold on one second. We have one more board meeting
022on the 22nd, but I wasn't sure if I was going to have five of you here or not, but uh on behalf of Mercer County Schools and all the students and staff, President Pich, want to give you a recognition there and take that out of there. Vice President Smith, thank you. Mr. Godfrey, >> thank you. >> Look at that. Thank you all for your service. I prayed that 22nd. I didn't know if you all would be here, so I thought we got that done for this meeting here. But uh Mr. Bailey, I thought you would be great to ask some questions and Mr. I will go from there. But thank you. Uh I know Mr. Purich is probably the longest serving board member in the state of West Virginia, I think, if not the and
023uh thank you for your years and uh thank you all for uh work that I have worked with you and and wish you all the best of luck and and thank you Mr. Bailey and Mr. How many years? >> How many years? Since 98. >> You do the math. >> There'll be a test later. But that before that I did LSIC and I've been doing this since my twins were six and they're 40 in October. So it's been a lot of fun. Enjoyed it. These phones still got some energy in them. So I'm not going anywhere. I'm just going to do something different. >> That's right. Thank you. >> I've I've appreciated the last Well, this is the end of my sixth year and you all know two of the two of you were here
024from the beginning. All the grief that I catch for bonehead mistakes I make with descendant. >> Who's going to keep you alive now? >> We'll figure it out. Maybe maybe I've grown up a little bit. You know, having Mark sit beside me, every time something from education comes up, I just look at him and say, "What the heck are they saying?" and and he tells me and Greg has been a good leader. Um I'll appreciate that and I look forward to the next two years for sure because we've come a long way and we've got a long way to go because at the end of the day our responsibility is that our children, our students in in Mercer County schools and any time I post something or I don't post anything, I cheat and forward
025it on Mercer County Public Schools. We've still got almost 90% of the kids in the state are public school children and we've got to do whatever it takes to make sure we expose them to something that might be beneficial for their future because after graduation, we're done. So, it's our job to get them prepared for that. That's why I just we just asked this young man, where is he going to run? He's got a he's got a gift. But with that, we want to make sure that you've got a happy life, too. But thank you three. I'll miss you. And >> we'll leave it at that. We'll leave it at I get I get I do I get emotional stuff, but that's okay. Um my heart's in the right place just like everybody else's is.
026You don't do this for the money. You don't do it for the fun. Um it's it's a real responsibility if you take it seriously. And we've got a lot we've got a lot to be thankful for. And I thank the three of you all. >> Thank you. Okay, I'm going tell you what I tell everybody at this point in time. You are welcome to stay for our meeting, but if you're going to go, now's the time to make a We're going to take a We are back from a brief recess while everybody that wanted to go left the meeting. Uh we are up to the superintendent's opening remarks. >> Yes, sir. President Purich, I wanted to share a letter that we've got from Lacy Mel, coordinator with the school finance of the Department of Education.
027Um, it's the 2025 audit that file was closed. I wanted to give you a copy of the letter that uh also discusses whether no findings or all the findings were corrected, but I want to share that that Miss Wellman uh thank you and her department for that. And uh also uh the day I received the letter, Lacy was in her office. She does uh how often does she meet? Once a month. Once a month. Along with a finance uh treasurer from Pendleton County. So, I wanted to share that letter with you. Um last was it last two Fridays ago, really the end of uh the 29th, we had all Mercer County public school graduations. All of them were at 7 o'clock. I also had the pleasure of going to all the project graduations afterwards and
028assistant superintendent Mrs. Mitchell also uh this is the second year that she's done that along with I've done it since I've been here. But what a amazing uh support from all the different communities. All of them are different but amazing in their own different way. And uh that's a neat uh neat uh trip around the county to get done. And uh I think u I see Mr. Bailey uh at the Bluefield and uh just a just a great uh recognition and thanks for our community and the kids are so appreciative and uh just a nice safe u project for the kids. Um the end of year cookout is this Thursday at the Glenwood Park Shelter 9. Uh you all are welcome to come by. Uh we all have assigned responsibilities what we're supposed to bring.
029So, we have that at 4:30 at the Glenwood Park. Also, I gave you a separate packet along with the new school board members that will start in July. Uh, the uh school boards association orientation. So, I gave that to all of you. That's the agenda. Uh, also they have several things that uh they're going to go over. There's a whole u list of things. And also Howard a call. I know Howard Seer several years ago spoke of a book how not to be a terrible school board member. So all of you got a copy of that along with the new board members. The only difficult thing with that book it was copy the guy wrote it in 2011. So it is 15 years old. >> So huh. >> So precoid preocial media some of the
030things there. So a lot of different changes in that but they have a few uh activities to go through. I'm going to be on virtual at the central office, maybe at the central office on Saturday. I want to wait and see what's going on, but I I'll take a part of that on virtual, but I want to share that with all you all also. Um, also, um, we do apologize, but the last day of instruction is Monday the 15th, and the last day for teachers and staff is Thursday the 18th. >> Yeah, Gray wanted me to pass on what's the deal with going to school on a Monday, and that being the last day. >> I know. I know. And I've as as a superintendent in my my past, you never want to start school
031on a Monday or you always want to try to look at a Thursday, Friday, give teachers also a break that you don't have the kids all week that first week and try to do some things that way. >> I gave him Amy's number and told him. >> Good, good, good, >> good. Also, uh the Western Virginia Association of School Administrator Summers Conference is June 15th to 16th at Stonewall Jackson Resort. Uh I'm um I'll be attending along with we got a team going up and I think Dr. Atkins and Mrs. Refe are doing a presentation. I'm doing a introduction to uh the keynote uh Willie Spears we had in the Bluefield area that was amazing and I was able to get a keynote the last couple times. So they threw that on me the last
032few times. Do you know any keynotes and going to national conferences you see some people but Willie Spears is amazing and uh he'll be there the one day and we have that. I know uh couple of you or maybe one of you asked me anyway I can get on a golf team with you Mr. told me, but I do not golf and uh we'll work on that someday. The West Virginia day, uh their offices will be closed. That is June 19th. Also, we have the Mercy County Jason Argonaut expedition. They will take off on the 21st, a Sunday, and return on the 27th. I'll have them back after their expedition. Mrs. Mitchell along with Mrs. Harrison, a few of us, uh Mr. Rogers, we had all the Argonauts come back and they do a meet
033and greet and talk about their experience, how they're doing those things and how uh they have the honor of meeting Miss Jude who uh is over that and uh it's a very uh very tough rigor day, but I tell you they come back and u are amazing. And then also I put on the u I did have the agendas on those other things. The Jason National Conference is June 29th to July 1. We're hoping to change that. I remember Mr. Um Hodgees asked uh how do you get out of emerging the the banner we have there? We have several evidence and documentations and uh archives that were submitting by Friday and we're hopeful that we'll be a empowering district district. We know um a district in Ohio already had it. Noble County Schools. It's the
034only one in the nation. We're hoping we can be number two. Then we might be uh tied with two. There's another district that's submitting also that I'm aware of and we're hoping we can get that empowering STEM district and that's through AASA, the Association of School Administrators. It's a national super test conference or association and we're hoping that I have a list and it's on a memo because it's over the $15,000 mark that uh a group of 11. We have 10 spots that normally we get the registration covered and then as always as a superintendent anytime I was going on a national conference I asked for your approval too that I've started that since I've been here to get that approval. So that's what I have. Also on a little note underneath we do have
035a student uh discipline hearing Thursday at 8:30 and that's at the conference at the central office conference room and I think Dr. Bowling has contacted you and I think we're almost all five or four of you are attending. So, uh, sorry about that. We weren't looking to have one of those either, but we'll keep moving forward and, uh, doing what's right and and with the accountability. President Purich, that's it. >> All right. I don't think there's any citizen input over there, is there? Okay, then we'll do policy 2322. Yes, sir. >> Okay, we discussed this last meeting. Just wanted to share with you our I Ready. Uh special thanks to Amy Harrison for putting this uh chart together. It has the beginning of the year, the middle of the year, and the end of the
036year. And this these percentages are the students on grade level. And you can see tremendous growth. Um the first one is for math. The second page is for reading and ELA, and it shows all of the schools in alphabetical order. Um, this assess formative assessment of course measures uh student achievement in grades K through eight. As we've discussed before, we are required by the third grade success act to have a screener for students in grades K3 and I Ready is on the state approved list for that screener. I think that 45 of 55 districts use I Ready for that in our state. And then also we're now required um by state code to have um a diagnostic that measures BOI MOI and EOI for grades K through eight. So this uh assessment provides that in
037addition to this diagnostic that we give at the beginning, middle and end of the year and this gives the teachers of course and students information. Um this is just percentages upon grade level. they get much more specific information about areas of need or areas that they can be enriched in. And this is directly correlated with their um learning pathways. And that is something that the students spend some time during the week um on their devices to work through things that they may need support in or also if they're above grade level to work on things um to enrich them and challenge them. It is computer adaptive so it won't take them past what they are capable of doing um and it will take them down to where um they need support. So we've had a
038lot of success with this uh assessment over the last three years and uh plan to continue to use this in the future. Uh we also have adopted K through8 the ready math curriculum for uh math starting last year and it aligns with these uh with these two pieces. They complement one another and uh I think that we'll see some student increases on GSA particularly in math this year as a result. Can >> I have a ask a question? The percentage is that percentage of growth? >> Yes. The no this is the percentage on grade level >> on grade level >> percentage of students that are >> for example Athens uh at the top is uh you know at the beginning of the year that's the number of students that were tested on grade level middle
039and then the end. That's why I was asking because normally there requires a >> Well, this is on on I Ready. So on math >> maybe you know it's it's a little bit different. >> Well, this is also not by grade. So >> yeah, it's the entire school entire school. >> So that would include your K1 and two. >> So what you're referencing is the third, fourth, and fifth grade testing grade. So this is the the school averages. >> Yes, sir. >> Any other questions? >> Did you all Take the time, find the time. Was it even important to see where these schools ended up last year and then where they started off to see what kind of learning loss we have from June till the testing starts again in the fall. >> We are
040going to do a three-year comparison, but they do an assessment of the next grade level standards. So, it's really not a loss measurement. Yeah. But we are going to do Amy and I had talked about that three-year historical alignment to see how how our schools are and to particularly follow the same students because when you're comparing the same grade level, it's different children, but we want to to look at that. We do see consistent growth for the most part um on the GSA, which is what we're measured by. But this really drives that. What we like about I Ready is um their research shows that it's 90% aligned with GSA results and that's because of the depth of knowledge of these questions. It's a very rigorous assessment. Uh our data historical data we don't have
041this year's yet of course but has shown more probably closer to 100% correlation. >> Well I mean you've got for example Princeton primary started the year off at 9%. And the end of the year they ended up at 63%. So these are phenomenal things both for, you know, the administration and the teachers that are working with these children. >> Yeah, we have tremendous growth here. We're continuing to learn each year a little bit more about how we can utilize the the tools within this assessment piece and to better support and strengthen our students because this is where it starts for the testing rates of course and um the the closer we can get them to grade level. Tremendous amount of uh alignment with the third grade success act. Next year's third graders are the first
042ones that will fall under that for retention. So, it's a big year looking at test scores and those uh how they predict u a student's ability to move on to the next grade level. >> What really impresses me quite a bit and not to say more than the other but um math's better than reading. >> Well, and we we feel like uh that that is a a good observation. You know, we have been doing things with science of reading and a new curriculum there for several years and you have a a jump at the beginning and then you have slower growth as you go. Um, this is year two of that new math curriculum that we adopted that aligns with this uh diagnostic that complement one another very well and we expected to see some
043growth and hope that that continues in the future and I do think it will translate uh to the GSA as well. >> Thank you. it it reflects well on the educators in the buildings that they grow this much >> from the beginning to the end of year. Um, >> and this is a whole school snapshot. Of course, uh, we look at it by grade level and then the building level principles look at it by teacher, by student, by standard. Uh, one thing I like about this assessment, if you want more detailed information, you just click one more time and it and it goes to the next level. >> It's nice to see numbers on schools that we don't typically see testing data on. So, >> Right. It's nice to have that >> at the Dr.
044Atkins at the beginning of next year your your boy beginning of year they'll with most kids they're going to be a great the next grade. Correct. >> Correct. >> So we would really what we're seeing here is grade the grade level performance of how much they've learned through the year at let's say at third grade. >> That's correct. So when they come in next year, their second graders are going to be tested at third grade level to begin with. >> Yes, sir. >> And that truly shows how much growth they've made at a third grade level. That's why I'm reading this. >> That is correct. And we are learning more and more um about this uh product and I think that we're continuing to get better and learning how and and the principles and teachers
045have done an incredible job, you know, learning the the nuances of it of how we can use this because it's all about student achievement. you know, it's not about an assessment. It's not about test scores. It's about student achievement, right? And you know, and if we're teaching the standards and we've gone um in in K through five um countywide with data notebooks, that is one of the um secrets that our most successful schools had in common, and we had very few schools that weren't doing it anyway, but this year they're all doing it. And it allows the students to kind of self-report and keep track of their own data. And they included attendance. um had a teacher talking in the last few days about, you know, every week they have to write something in there
046about something that they're proud of that they accomplished that week. And if they can't think of anything, they have to write something that they would like to improve on. And just kind of a reflective piece. One reason I'd like to point that out is for the public or watching at home. For example, again, not picking on anyone, but just pointing it out. Athens at the beginning of the year, 17%. That doesn't mean they lost they'll say, for example, 62% at the end of the year, 17% beginning year. doesn't mean necessarily they lost that much knowledge during the summer. What that's just saying is we've got a new set of standards. >> That's right. >> So, as long as our public understands >> That's right. And and one other piece that I'll add is um with
047ELA and math, our numbers very close to 80% of students that are green or yellow, which means they're on grade level or one grade level below. And many many of those students are very, very close. So, I feel like that our achievement future is very bright. When you get that number of red students, uh, 20% or below, then you're you're really that they're really doing a lot of good work out in the schools. >> Thank you. >> One of the things that I would also note is you've got children that are more than one behind, one grade level behind, and these numbers suggest that we're catching those kids up, too. >> Yes. And that's something else that we we look at is typical growth and stretch growth. Typical means they're keeping up. Stretch growth means
048they're catching up. And in many many schools, the the stretch growth is 60 70 80%. And those are students that are pushing beyond um keeping up on the grade level they're in. >> Anybody else? >> Thank you. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you, Dr. M. Mitchell. Um, of course, the middle schools are listed on here as well, and appreciate Amy for all the time she put into doing this for us. Um, and they too show improvement from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. Um we I guess in secondary one of the things that is worth bragging on is that we started with um in grow the grow your own program we had five students in 2024 who graduated with associate degrees and this year we had a total of 29
049and that include grow your own healthcare occupations engineering and cyber security. So, we continue to increase with our students that are um taking the dual credit programs through CTE. Um I am very pleased to say that Dr. Meyer at Bluefield Middle School has jumped in with both feet. He's he's already um done a lot of assessing and changes to what he's planning for next year as the way the curriculum will be rolled out. But one thing that's impressive is he had 13 vacancies this school year and he has filled seven already. or we're out of school. >> Certified teachers. Yes, he's filled them with certified teachers. So, very very happy to to be able to announce that. Um, we did we will continue to clean up the chronic attendance to make sure that the final
050report is good, but we are well above where we were last year. So, we have met our goal. So, that part is good, too. Um, and dual credit, we started with that in 2223. And I'll just give you an example. Bluefield High School had 30 students that year who took the dual credit classes. This year we had 188 students from Bluefield High School participating. Um, I'll just run down through these real quick. Montcom High was 10. They had 26 this year. Uh, Pipe View High School had 37. They had 193. Uh, PI Princeton Senior High had um 22 and this year they had 132 and MCTech was at 62 and they now have um 312 students that took dual credit classes. >> Very pleased with that. >> Miss Mitchell, when we say um we're giving
051these numbers and saying we started in 22, we didn't actually start in 22. We we've been doing this for years. Are you talking about just at the vote or >> the the CTE programs that were established by the state started in 2022? That was because we were doing dual credit. >> Oh yeah, we've done dual credit for many many years but not we had very few classes. It was mainly math, >> English and then we had a few resources. They had a science class and now um we have >> all >> Oh yeah, we've got so we're leading the state. In fact, the Concord and uh Bluefield State Universities have taken on air dual credit classes that they're asking forus so that they too can meet that. But as far as the CTE that the
052state put in place and the programs that we could have that started in 22 23 and has just continued to to grow. So you all know I'm excited about that. >> That's great. >> That's all >> and with that a lot of things are on our data wall that we have up in the central office. So that's where we're keeping that continuously updating and putting that information. So that's when we started that data to collect and same with promise scholars and all those things that Mrs. Mitchell, Dr. Atkins and our team uh from finance from u loss enrollment, how that affects us financially and everything else. So Mr. Wilman, anything with 2322? Dr. Philip Pek, >> Mrs. Harrison, >> no. Mrs. Huddle, anything else? Attendance. Mrs. Aliff, you got anything? like >> sorry Brent >>
053um I would like to say that we have uh five students who are getting the seal of biiteracy for this year and three of those students qualified for the global seal of biiteracy. So um you know we have uh let's see four that's span four that are Spanish English one Arabic English and then we have three Spanish speaking students who've got the global seal >> so I'm very impressed with those those students they are truly remarkable and obviously have a bright future ahead of them >> I want to give a shout out to Malef also on the reach out program that we have and and again it's a it's an identification of if a kid has a a mental health concern, uh, they can simply call and we get that information. Mrs. Alith is 247
054on that along with the counselors that get that. to get information and we have done amazing things and I don't know why it's not all over the nation to be able to support our kids or anybody that's struggling and having any concerns but anything you want to add on that but that those numbers are amazing of what's being u the contact the u >> yeah with with our team working together we can you know very quickly find students who need a lot of help and get them that help almost immediately >> what he does, you know, >> Oh, yeah. Uh, you know, a lot of times they'll they'll be anonymous. Brent will go figure out the IP address, trace it back to a computer, and give us a name, and we are able to figure
055out who those students are, right? Then we also have students that, you know, that uh they are in in a home situation and they're at home and we got a kid not long ago to the hospital. um he was threatening suicide and it was a very scary thing but within >> within probably an hour he was at the hospital of his reach out >> there's five or six that's constantly on that that and then also the school principal and then >> Mrs. Aiff is that u make sure someone follows up and then I'm I'm watching over but she's usually uh Mr. toman and we got it and uh that's it's amazing what happens but that's been very special edition and thank you all for that and I think it's been a cost of around the
056$20,000 mark $22,000 >> saving lives >> and it is and we probably have saved lives. Yes, >> I mean it so worth it. >> Thank you. I just want to piggyback on that. That's special. Thank you. >> Anything else? >> I believe that's it. >> All right, we'll move into our business agenda. Uh board minutes. Approval of minutes of the May 26 26 meeting. Is there a motion to approve? >> Second. >> There's a motion and there's a second. >> Any additions, corrections, or deletions? >> Yeah. On 428, I saw a minor thing. We went into executive session at 528 and we came out at 8537. I didn't do the math, but that's several days probably. So extra >> and those things >> we don't know that don't need to be >> and just a
057teaching moment but if you see that let me know we'll have it corrected before the meeting starts today. All right if you see that out there let us know and we don't have a good laugh >> but uh we've got u a lot of things going on and um but if you see that let me know and we'll have that corrected before you show up the next meeting. So gotcha. >> Anything else? >> You're reading notes. I'm saying all right so uh motion and second with that correction. Yes. >> Yes. >> That correction. Okay. All right. Then on the motion, all in favor sign by saying I. >> I. Opposed. Likewise. Motion carries. Five in favor and none opposed. Let's move on to the consent agenda. Got a line hitting that light is hitting right
058on that spot. Board memo number 445 is the listing of teachers for year-long residency from Bluefield State University. This is residency 1 and two. Bluefield State's requesting placement in Mercer County Schools in the fall 26 and spring 27 semesters. Placements as always are contingent upon the appropriate forms, acceptable background check, and the university naming a site supervisor. Superintendent recommends approval. Board memo number 446 is the listing of placements from Bluefield State University for various courses for the fall of 2026. These placements are contingent upon the appropriate forms acceptable ground check and university name is site supervisor. Super recommends approval. Board amendment number 447 is RFP 355 telephone repair services. Uh this was issued to pro secure proposals for telephone repair services for all our schools, telephone lines, faxes, and phone lines. The cost to repair
059is $80 per hour. Superintendent recommends approval of RFP 355 to telephone repair services to communication consultants of Bluefield, West Virginia. Board memo number 448 is RFP 356. Let's see here. I'm having a little trouble here. This is drug testing. This is to obtain individual drug testing as we request and as needed by Mercer County Schools. The cost per test is $20. Superintendent recommends the RFP of 356 drug testing to Mercer County Day report center. These tests are funded by the excess levy. Board memo number 449 is RFP number 329. Renewal 2 for local and long distance. Uh renewal 2 pricing was requested from Frontier Communications for RFP 329 for our phone services. Uh Frontier's renewal pricing for business lines is $49.99. Superintendent recommends approval of RFP 329 local and long distance to Frontier Communications. Board
060memo number 450 is is that Savas Denilian handwriting consumable handbooks. We need to purchase 2,688 handwriting consumable workbooks for the 2627 school year from Savas Learning Company for the sum of $49,58018. Bid number 988 is the demolition of Blue Well Brush Fork and Series schools. This bid was issued to obtain competitive bids to demolish all three locations. Uh after review of the bids, uh the recommendation of the demolition of Blue Well, Brush Fork and Series School should go to Empire Salvage and Recycling in the amount of $450,77310. And this is excess levy funded. They were the low bidder. Board amendment number 452 is the auction of surplus items. The transportation department has compiled 12 pallets of items that are no longer needed and they are recommended for sale at public auctions. Superintendent recommends approval. Board
061memo number 453 is RFP 334, standardsbased online assessment program renewal number two. This RFP was requested of Curriculum Associates LLC. Superintendent recommends approval of RFP 336 334 standardsbased online assessment program renewal 2 to curriculum associates in the sum of $31,4327. This is blending funding blended funding from title one early literacy third grade skills act and local funds. War amendment number 454 is the 2026 Vicata license renewals. The director of technology is seeing authorization to renew our VCRA license for one year. For those that don't know, the VCATA license has to do with the the vape detectors in our bathrooms at our schools. Uh superintendent recommends approval of the Vcotta license. The total cost is 104,43872. Excess levy funds are used for this license. Board memo number 455 is student laptop clamshell cases. Director of Technology
062seeking authorization to purchase 1,780 of these clamshell cases for student laptops. The cost is 44,998.40. Superintendent recommends approval of the purchase of those clamshell cases for that amount from zones. The purchase is funded by the excess levy. Board memo number 456 is service contract for towable electric boom maintenance. We in the past on May 11:26 approved the purchase of one towable electric boom at the cost of 19,000. There was an additional cost of $2,660 for full warranty services that was not included in the full amount. The superintendent's recommending we expend the additional cost for those warranty services. Excess levy funds will fund this purchase. Board memo number 457 is a funding request for alternative education expelled student program. This is a approval of retroact funding in the amount of 220,000 for Mer County schools uh
063related to our alternative education and expelled student program for the 2526 school year. Services commence prior to a formal quote and issuance of a purchase order. So we're requesting that those be expended. This relates to the students that are expelled or in alternative programs and is the process we use which is proximity learning to provide them an education while they are not in our schools. Board amendment number 458 is the request for the 2627 alternate education expelled student program funding request. This quote is obtained from the uh Southern Educational Services Cooperative for the alternative virtual school. Superintendent recommends approval of the funding of approximately 220,000 for the 2627th school year. Board memo number 459 is RFP 357 walk-in cooler freezer Montcom elementary. This request for proposal 357 was issued for a walk-in cooler freezer at
064Montcom. Total cost of the cooler freezer is 64,598.885. Superintendent recommends purchase and installation of the walk-in cooler for Montcom Elementary from Hootin Equipment Charleston, West Virginia. Tiled nutrition funds will fund this project. Board amendment number 460 is RFP 354 HVAC boiler repair maintenance service. Uh this was requested uh this RFP for HVAC AC boiler repair. Uh superintendent recommends the award to Nitro Construction Services. Excess levy funds will be used. Board memo number 461, which I think we got a paper version. Bid number 992 was issued to solicit funds for the renovation of the homeside restroom facilities and Anns Honeyut Stadium. Uh superintendent recommends approval of bid number 992 to Dan Hill construction in the sum of $280,000. The uh ANS Honeyut Foundation contributed $70,000 to the project. The remainder is paid by the county permanent
065improvement funds. Board memo number 462 is anou between Mer County schools and SCSC for bus operator training for the 2627 school year. Uh it will be paid for out of general funds. Superintendent recommends approval. The last action item on the agenda is payment of invoices board member number 463. Uh you have those uh the actual checks have been written or being held pending consideration by the school board. Checks will be issued upon school board approval. That is the end of the consent agenda. Is there a motion to approve? >> Move to approve. >> Is there a second? There's a motion and a second. Questions about the consent agenda? Anyone? >> Yes, sir. Number 449, phone service. Looks like it's going from $29.99 to $49.99. Our fiscal year expenses were approximately for 2425 was $220,000. Um,
066and I'm assuming it was based on that $30 cost. So we don't have any idea at this point what our correct way it always happens. Is that an appropriate question? I just you know I read I read it and I looked at it and I saw that the price doubled but it didn't it didn't address anything else. Same is that assuming we do the same we in that fiscal year because you don't have 2526 completed yet but we're already approving >> Mr. Murphy you have that information do you know >> fiscal year 2425 we paid roughly $220,000 for our phone service and They're asking for us to bump from $29.99 to $49.99. 30 to 50 bucks um for 2627 and we're ask being asked to approve that based on what's that number? We don't know
067what the what the 2627 is going to be. So how can we approve a number? Are we just approving the the 29.99 to 49.99 request and that's it? >> Well, that's just part of the line. So those are the business. Aren't those referenc those were the business lines that that are talked about. Um I believe those are just the analog phone lines. So keep in mind we've got PRI at every location for the voice traffic and so those are a small portion of our actual phone bill. So think like a cooks fax line a we've got a main fax at the the school itself but that is just one portion of this this phone contract. So the main the main contract is for the the PRI lines that are at each school and that's the
068bulk of that price. So yes, it will go up, but uh and and actually we're looking at how we can condense those those fax lines and are they really needed at all locations. So we're hoping to cut enough to offset that increase as well. So anticipate we don't anticipate that to go up to be the long long way around answering, but yeah, to be sure we we cannot right now. >> Okay. You know, with modern technology, it's kind of seems weird. You're still using fax lines. >> Absolutely it is. And >> that's the first thing that occurred to me when I >> I agree 100%. But we we do have some use cases that are specific for confidentiality that we are we have to use faxes for it. It's getting it's shrinking though. It's shrinking
069quite a bit. And in addition, we uh we're transitioning this summer at no cost to us but to Frontiers fiber PRI. So I mentioned the PRI, the main connection to these schools. It is we're switching from copper to fiber. In that switch, we will be able to also switch over those analog lines to fiber and run them at a lower cost as well. So >> PRI, Mr. Bailey want to know what PRI is. Oh gosh. Primary rate interchange. I It's been a while. >> So, is it fiber all the way into the building or is it fiber to pole and then it >> it will be fiber all the way to the building. We actually just finished Princeton High School uh about two weeks ago. We've got um probably half of our schools done right
070now. So, we will finish this summer with with fiber all the way through to the school. And what that does is these aging copper lines, they don't want us on the copper. They're increasing the That's exactly the increase in cost. That's just the start. They will continue to increase um the lines until we we do something else because they're very hard to maintain. >> So, they do give you >> issues with weather and everything. >> The service is terrible. Uh every time it rains at last meet, we we lose phone lines right now. Uh Pike View loses phone lines continuously. So, that we're very hopeful the fiber will will help that. Okay, >> other questions. >> Yep. 451, >> Leslie. The demo bid, is it the same bid as we had the last time before
071we pulled out for consideration the Blue Well Gymnasium? >> Yes, we had to issue a new bid and um we did have more more biders this time. It was a $17,000 savings redoing a bid. >> Okay. >> And then I've got to ask 461. What's the county permanent improvement fund? >> It's fund 41. >> Leslie, that may be a saving strategy to bid things twice >> because then a lot of work. >> That that's what was going through my mind. The people who had the pre- bid and we had some vendors upset that they had to attend a >> Well, we better knock it down because that bid. >> Yeah. Yeah. It it was the same vendor who won it, however. >> Yeah, it's good. >> Okay. Anybody else? Nope. Go ahead. >> Um, Dr.
072Atkins, what grade levels use that those Denelian handwriting books? I'm just curious. >> Primary, >> is it all primary grade? >> Yes. >> Okay. Yes. >> Okay, too. >> And in Yes. And they use the denilian because it's a very much a precursor to cursive, >> right? >> Uh, the style of the writing and they start cursive in the second half of second grade. >> Okay. Thank you. >> And I just want to comment on the fax issue with the Dr. Bowling can share with with the State Department that we have battled the State Department with the uh background checks and uh it like three pages of black >> uh solid black pages of black ink that takes on our copier, but uh it's their process. They won't do it by email for confidentiality. They
073we we had a little battle the other day with the State Department and and we got it corrected, but we've got to use facts only. So that was >> his facts. >> Only his facts, mine. So with the background checks, >> because mistakes can never happen with faxes, you can never send it to the wrong place, but email will always go to the wrong place. >> And and you know the black ink that just eats us up. I mean, it's three pages of solid box on on a page, but we did try to communicate that, but didn't get very far. So I just want to share that. >> So and just one correct is primary rate interface. I said interchange, but 33%, right? H I'm getting better. You throw all these acronyms out and I
074have no idea what they are and I want to know. >> All right. Anybody else on the consent? >> I had a simple question but it's there may not be anyone that really can answer it or maybe they can. Honor boom. Was it was the boom that we bought was it a new boom? >> No. >> Okay. >> No, it was it was a used boom. >> Then I don't need to ask the second question. Thank you. >> And it was our mistake. Yeah. We we should have included the maintenance. We we didn't but it's a 2019 Leslie I believe. >> I remember saying that they found the deal but I didn't know the deal. >> How long is the warranty? >> It's it's for one year but it's complete and it's >> okay. >>
075It includes it's turnkey. >> Okay. If there's nothing else on the consent agenda on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I oppose. Likewise. That motion carries. Five in favor and none opposed. Board me number 464 is the request of the superintendent to attend Jason's national conference at Leburg, Virginia from June 29th to July 1st. Superintendent uh is requesting. Is there a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Motion and a second. Questions, comments, or discussion? Yeah, I would. Not that I'm going to vote against it, but I would like to see in the future an approximate. I know you can't get the exact amount, but an approximate amount we'd be spending on this. There is no amount at all on this one. >> Yeah,
076approximate would be our hotel and that's with the food and all that. That's in the other process. So, I'd be a part of that. And then, uh travel. >> So, um you could work up a guest somewhere along the line, right? >> Yeah. Travel. Not right now, but >> yeah, I would look at what uh you know, we've got that group going of 11, >> so divide that by 11, it' be similar to that. >> So, >> I think that would be close to >> Okay. Anybody else? Then on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I >> opposed. Likewise, that motion carries. Five in favor and none opposed. Board memo number 465. Let me get this up here a little better. Is anou or an MOA as it's noted here with Concord University
077for leadership academy cohort. Uh the agreement will be effective through June 30 of 28. Concord University will provide graduate level coursework, mentorship and internship experience for participating employees enrolled in the education leadership certification only program. It will begin in the fall of 26 and continue through spring of 28. It's designed to support the development of future school leaders within Mercer County Public Schools by providing participants with administrative preparation through education leadership coursework in collaboration with a district leadership academy. Under the agreement, Mercer County Schools will collaborate with Concord University on participation participant selection, program coordination, and payment for coursework as outlined in the agreement. Participants will contribute a reduced per course fee while meeting all university admission and program requirements. Approval of this agreement will support leadership development opportunities for current employees and strengthen the
078district's future administrative pipeline. This will be funded under using teacher leadership. Superintendent recommends approval. Is there a motion to approve? >> Move to approve. >> Is there a second? There's a motion and a second. Questions, comments, or discussion? >> Here we go again. Using teacher leadership leadership, if that's where it's being funded, where that where is that? What is it? >> That's part of our state aid. One of the steps that we receive state funding from we have several years funds that we have not been used that have not been used and >> Dr. Atkins as part of um the letters program we received um information we've received documentation that we can use those funds to further teacher education. So say it's the same funding that will be used. I believe this we have 20
07922 funds left is is what we're using right now. >> Thank you. If I understand this correctly, this is going to give an opportunity for well-trained principles coming up in the future, right? >> Is that what this for? >> That's the logic. >> And so well worth the money then, I think, if that's what we're getting at. >> Yes. And we uh that's and Dr. Philip, you feel pleased to chime in anytime. She and I have spent many days together in the last few months. We've hiring our fifth elementary principal this evening and uh you know there's several administrators in our fold that are retirement eligible now. There's many many more um that are 50 years old like me plus or minus a year or two. And so uh or three or four I hear
080that back there. Um and so this is something that it's the 18-hour leadership certificate. So it will be a process. Um each school will be given an opportunity each each building level principal, they'll receive an email likely tomorrow about um selecting someone and getting someone in their in their school that has uh already has a master's degree in education of some type. And uh that's what's required to do the 18-hour program. It'll be a two-year program with uh coursework from Concord University. will be providing more practical uh leadership academy approaches uh with myself, Miss Mitchell, the directors based on things that um they might may not be exposed to uh in your general coursework. And we'll be surveying current administrators kind of what did you wish you knew and and use that and then also
081from our own experiences uh with with finance questions, special ed questions, personnel issues, things like that that we can provide that group. It's going to be a select group. Um, Andrea Campbell's been uh very uh instrumental in uh creating this cohort. Dr. Men is fully on board and excited to do this. Uh extreme reduced rate and really looking forward to this opportunity and uh hope to get one per school which would be 24 but our minimum will be 20 that we will have graduate in two years. >> And this is not unrelated to the masters and leadership program. I assume this is a new program. This this is something that's been around for quite a while. It's uh a portion of the coursework of the master's degree in administration. You can take 18 hours which
082um are the courses that you may have not received in in a master's degree in teacher leadership or special education or school counseling or something like that that allows individuals to become certified as principles. >> But this is we're participating because we're contributing to the content and we're contributing funds. Correct. >> They will >> in the past we haven't been doing that, right? >> They will uh pro provide uh the coursework. They have their standards and they will provide of course uh the the the instructor for that. We will be providing um with teacher leadership money the cost of the instructor but the students will also have to pay for their coursework hours which is at an extreme uh reduced rate. So, um, everyone gains from the situation and we hope to gain 20 to
08324, uh, certified, uh, principles at the end for the applicant pool that we know will be, uh, growing all of the time. Uh, just started this at the end of this year, but we know with the age of uh, our staff that we want to put ourselves in a position to do, me included, we're talking about age, to put ourselves in in a situation where we have that. And if nothing else, you you develop my experience has been uh some people that go through that um just become strong teacher leaders. It allows them to be good team leaders or department chairs or faculty senate chairs, things like that. >> Is there going to be an application process? >> There will be an application process. There are several criteria that are in the MOA and u
084that they have to meet and of course uh the principal recommendation will be required and then the final approval will rest on the superintendent or designate to uh be part of the process. So we want to get that list and that cohort established before uh the 18th of June because it will start in August if approved. Do you know if in this process where does a practice fit in? Before when they finish >> when they finish they'll be required to take the same practice uh to become certified for the uh principal ship. >> I can't remember if there was one or two tests. >> Just one. Okay. Will these courses uh give them credit toward graduate degrees? >> If they were want if they wanted to pursue a graduate degree in leadership and they do
085not have one, these courses would um but they also contribute to their their plus they already have a master's degree to be able to be a part of this. So this would contribute to their plus hours which could increase their salaries as well. >> Okay. Anybody else? >> Okay. Then on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I oppose. Likewise. Motion carries. Five in favor and none opposed. Board amendment number 466 is adjacent national adjacent national conference for 2026. 11 Mer County employees are attending conference and require hotel accommodations at the Leburg Virginia Resort and Spa from January June 28, 29th 30. They check out on the 1st. While attending the conference, the cost of these accommodations and hotel amenities is 15,478.98. Excess levy funds will be used. Superintendent recommends approval. Is
086there a motion to approve? >> Move to approve. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Motion and a second. Questions, comments, or discussion. There appearing to be none on the motion. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Opposed? Likewise. That motion carries. Five in favor and none opposed. I'm going to skip 468 because that's going to require us to go into a executive session pursuant to West Virginia code. >> 468. >> You skip 46. >> You didn't do 467. >> Oh, well, I'm just bouncing around here. >> Um, board member for board memo number 467 is an employee disciplinary action. Mr. Tobin. >> Yes, members of the board, I'd ask for you to approve a 3-day suspension without pay. The U gentleman already served a three-day uh suspension on May 26th, 27th,
087and 28th. And that is Joseph Pendleton, Pennington, excuse me, uh for violation of employee code of conduct. Ask for your approval. >> All right, >> I'll move that we approve. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Motion and a second. Questions, comments, or discussion? There appearing to be none on the motion. All in favor signify by saying I. I >> opposed. Likewise. That motion carries. Five in favor and none opposed. So now we're going to skip 468 because we're going to have to go in executive session on that one. Board memo number 469 is the personnel agenda. Uh you should have had a paper one brought to you today. What changes are on the paper one? >> Dr. Philip >> I don't have any glasses on. I can't see. >> I can't read and
088I can't see. So I'm back. >> Congratulations. >> Amber does have on yellow and green today also. It out. Awesome. >> Um, also on page three, we had a placeholder for the Title One assistant principal, Take Two Academy at Mountain Valley School. Um, Amanda Cooper. So, that was an addition. >> Where was that again, Chris? >> Uh, page three. >> First section, page three >> under employment. Okay. >> I'm sorry. >> And then we had several placeholders on uh the service side. If you'll look on page 10, we did have a resignation that we needed to add um for a custodial position under resignation submitted after publication of agenda. Joyce Brewster, page 11. Um we had placeholders for four different um I think it was four different aid positions. And this is a tricky year
089for um when we went through staffing and we put individuals on transfer and recall. Um this year has been challenging because we're not going to have enough positions for all of our aids that are on recall. And so what we have found is when we add when we advertised all of our positions in April for aid positions, whether they're special ed aids or ECATs, some of our more senior individuals were passing on jobs, which pushed the listing down to our recall people. So, anyhow, to make a long story short, in order to um not put individuals that are on recall before we put our transfer people, I've held those positions and I wanted to make sure that I put these positions that these individuals are taking are our transfer people. So, I wanted to get
090them on this agenda in order for us to move forward next go around for um any additional transfers or recall individuals. Does that make sense? It's kind of a convoluted process, but um that's the process I use. So, with that being said, if you'll look at um page 11, Melissa Pel was added as a transfer. She was transferring from Bluefield Middle to um Mountain Valley. on page 12, Shelley Bulls, Rita Hurt, Amber Crabtree, Audrey Shrewsbury, Chad Thompson, and Deborah Smith. All of those were um additions as well. And that is all the additional changes. >> Where did you steal the A constructor from? So, um I think and I can't remember if it was Faget County. Um but yeah, >> I think it might have been Fat County. >> I think it is. >> I
091got a I got a email from the president board. >> So, we were excited. Hopefully, um things will be um moving in the right direction for the A program. >> That's really exciting. And putting it out there where there's room to grow is just that's wonderful. Wonderful. >> Isn't that right, Danielle? I wanted to see if she was listening. >> All right. So, we got a personnel agenda. Is there any motion? >> So, move. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> A motion and a second. Questions, comments, or discussion? Any desire to go in executive session? >> Then on the >> Well, that be after personnel. This is for the personnel agenda. >> None. >> Then on the motion, all in favor sign by saying I. >> I oppose. Likewise. That motion carries. Five
092in favor. and none opposed. Um, do you want to go ahead and do the the administrative updates >> if anybody has any updates? Uh, Dr. Bowling. >> No, I'll just answer your question. >> Okay. Gotcha. Thank you. Thank you. Any any administrative updates? >> Yes, ma'am. >> And and Mr. charges $1,400 total plus 600 miles uh $432 uh dollars probably is what we're looking at for me. >> Gotcha. Thank you. >> So, I did want to mention that if you haven't given or haven't seen, I did put a conflict of interest questionnaire for you all if you could. >> Okay, you've got those. Okay, great. Um >> Okay, >> there's the rest too. Those are our two. >> Well, that's our two. I don't know about those. >> I do have all of >> them.
093To the teacher, Mr. >> He's already I already have Mr. Hodgees here. >> Oh, good. I'm not >> I never say you're not. >> So, um Mr. Atkins isn't here and he asked me to give a quick update. Princeton Middle School is moving forward. He said that lots of work was done um by Main Street over the weekend and by ZM over the weekend to approve submittals etc. Um and that's moving forward. He said that Sun Valley we've still not gotten the perk test back on Sun Valley. However, Mr. Toman um did ask for u me to get a list of of homeowners and he's going to contact those. We did receive it's just not official that the ground did not perk. So, we're going to go ahead and contact the adjacent property owner. >>
094That's a problem >> um to go ahead and begin the next level of discussions and um still no movement on anything else property related yet. >> Thank you. >> And I just thought it'd be best superintendent contacted >> at least. I think that's a smart thing to do. Yeah. >> Thanks, M. Well, >> well, we are currently we are in we're still at the pumping. >> Yes. Is it weekly or bi-weekly? I couldn't >> We're We're pumping at least bi-weekly right now. About $2,000 every other week um right now. And it's working. We just It's just not a long-term solution. >> Just you may not know. Are they with experience at Pipe View when they do these activ? >> I I don't know. I'm sorry. >> All right. Is there a motion to go in
095executive session for the purpose of discussing the superintendent's evaluation? >> Is there a second? >> There's a motion and a second. >> You're going back in the background. >> We're going to go back in the background. >> That's if they wish. >> On the motion. >> On the mot. Yeah. You can go too if you want. Yeah. >> All in favor signify by saying I. Opposed? Likewise. >> Well, that was a cluster, wasn't it? Yeah. >> No, not your fault. That was on me. All right, let's go. Congratulations. renovations. >> We are back in in sess regular session from executive session where we discuss the superintendent's evaluation. The board will uh put that on the next agenda for final determination. Uh there are no other action items on the agenda. >> Mr. Hodgees >> move
096we adjourn. >> Is there a second? >> We are adjourned. Good night everyone.