001Good evening everybody. It's nice to see so many people here today so we can recognize all our students. Uh the board had a previous uh disciplinary hearing and that's over. So, we're back in regular session and we'll start with the pledge of >> allegiance. I pledge algiance 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. I want to sit down or do I want to >> I'm I'm just gonna So I just I do need to note that it is April 27th, 2026 and it is about 5:01 p.m. Four board members are present. Mr. Godfrey is out of town so he couldn't be with us tonight. So the next thing we're going to do is our
002favorite part of all board meetings and that's recognitions. So the board's going to come up here in front and when you're recognized, come up. If you're here to take pictures, please come up and take pictures as close as you need to. Um, we welcome that because parents need to get pictures of these young and when you're in groups, get in the middle. Some of us will step up here cuz I'm not going to be able to see over top of a lot of you cuz you're taller than I am. Um, so, uh, let's get started. >> Okay. As Mr. Prudy said, it is our favorite part of any board meeting when we have the opportunity to recognize staff or students. And we are going to start with a 110% club recognition for Pamela Nolan, bus
003operator. We are here recognizing Pamela Nolan, bus operator, with the transportation department for going above and beyond in her duties as a bus operator. Miss Nolan was nominated by David Rose and Nikki Dillow of the Transportation Department. Pam Nolan. She's probably driving a bus right now somewhere. >> That's right. >> We're trying to find somewhere to park. >> Jean Bailey always used to say it's the hardest job in schools is operating the bus. And I don't think I disagree with him. It is hard to drive a bus while you got 35, 40 people behind you that are partially listening and not completely listening, doing their own thing and throwing stuff out the windows and causing havoc. But we still get kids to school safe and we get them home safe because of our bus operators.
004So, we really appreciate them. >> Okay. Next, we are going to move on to recognizing our school secretaries with no FY26 audit findings. Mercer County Public Schools would like to recognize a group of outstanding financial secretaries who manage all of the school level financial operations with precision, integrity, and care. Each of these individuals achieved no findings in the recent audits. an exceptional accomplishment that reflects meticulous attention to detail, strong accountability, and deep commitment to excellence. This is truly a significant achievement, and we are grateful for the vital role that they play in supporting our schools. So, we'll bring you up by school, and we ask your principal to come with you um if you are here, and if not, Miss Wellman's going to stand in for the principal. So, we're going to start with Kim
005Williams from Bluefield High School. This is number one and number two. over here. You stay right here. >> All right. >> That's right. Got to keep them straight. >> Our people are call. >> Okay. Thank you. Kim Williams, Woodfield High School. We now like to recognize Leslie Mazri from Glenwood School. >> Congratulations. Congratulations. >> Congratulations. Okay. >> Okay. Leslie Mazer, Glenwood School. >> Lorie Peyton, Mercer County Technical Education Center. There she is. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations. You got a lot of fans in this room. >> Just some skills. >> I know. Yeah, they all know you. >> Okay. Lori Payton. Misty McKenna Melrose Elementary School which you have >> congratulations All right, Mr. MCKENNA, >> Amy Thomas, Mercer School. Congratulations. >> Thank you. Proud of you. >> Congratulations. >> Nothing makes this lady happier
006than no audit findings. >> I'm sorry. No, you're fine. >> Congratulations. >> Thanks. OKAY, >> AMY THOMAS. ASHLEY REFE, MOUNTAIN VALLEY Elementary School. Sher Hill, Oakville Elementary. secretary. >> Thank you. >> They must not make that shirt in green. >> I WAS LIKE, SHE'S GOT red on. I don't recognize you. >> Stay down there. That's Sher Hill. >> Stacey looks so cute. >> Betty Pal, Princeton Senior High School. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> Your mom this weekend. Jenny Mays, Princeton Primary School. Miss Stanley app. >> I know Miss I know Miss Stanley would love to be here but we I know she's robotic soon. So >> we know Miss Stanley would be here. >> Absolutely. >> I'm sure Miss Kelly will send her that picture, right? Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Did
007you get it? Sorry, Dory. I didn't realize you were over there. >> Teresa Mitchum, Spanishburg Elementary. >> Stole her. Thank you buddy. Did you get a sing? >> CONGRATULATIONS. >> At the same time, >> Dream of Horton, Sun Valley Elementary. >> I know. I was giving it to you. I was getting it for you. She's retiring. >> She is. >> She's leaving because her favorite board member leaving. >> You don't know what? >> Is Paul gonna fight you for that honor? Yeah. Just look straight back. >> Great job. >> Thank you very much. >> Let's ple please give all of these financial secretaries one more round of applause. TR truly is an outstanding accomplishment. Just so you know why we're making such a big deal out of our financial secretaries is they have an extraordinarily
008complicated and difficult job because there are so many rules about how you have to handle money which there should be. These people made no mistakes. They didn't mis sign something, fail to file something. They did everything right. And given how much they have to do, that's amazing because it's so easy to just slip up one time and then you get an audit finding. They didn't have any. That's a huge deal. They have an extremely difficult job. Every dime that goes to a school goes over their desk. They have to deal with it. They have to account for it. Have to say which account it goes to and who is going to get to spend it. So, it's really important that we recognize them and how important what they do is. >> So, we appreciate them
009so very much. Our next award is certificate of achievement renewal of national board certification. Please join us in congratulating Leela Carver of Montcom Elementary School, Samantha Dove of Staley Elementary School and Jessica Thomas of Bluefield High School on achieving this prestigious distinction. Their commitment to their craft and to the success of their students exemplifies the very best of Mercer County Schools. We're incredibly proud of their achievement and positive impact they have on our students each day. >> So awesome. >> That's wonderful. >> Thank you, sir. >> For you. We'll let you all get here in the front. >> Get in the middle. Here in the front right there. Yeah. So being nationally board certified is like getting another degree. It is extraordinarily complicated. It takes a lot of extra time and effort by these folks.
010This is not something they do during class, during school, during their breaks. This is a commitment that takes much time, far beyond what they're compensated for it, right? So we we appreciate the time they're taking to be the best teachers they can be. and we we want to congratulate them uh far beyond what we're allowed to by state law, but we wanted to recognize you for all you do. Okay. >> Thank you. >> Appreciate you. >> Thank you. >> Our next award is certificate of achievement for the 2026 mathematics teacher of the year. Mercer County Public Schools is proud to congratulate Kimberly Yaya, fourth grade teacher at Athens Elementary School for being named the 2026 mathematics teacher of the year by the West Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics. This recognition reflects Miss Yagya's strong
011instructional experience and deep content knowledge, as well as the high level of training and professionalism our public school educators bring to the classroom every day. Through intentional planning and researchbased strategies, she equips students with skills and confidence they need to succeed in mathematics and beyond. We are incredibly proud to have educators like Mrs. Yaya representing Mercer County School. KIMBERLY YAYA Kim couldn't make it tonight. She's got a sick little one. Uh but she was also a finalist for teacher of the year last goround. quality human being, quality teacher. If your kids's in the class with her, you'll understand. If not, you want her, you want your kid in the class with her. She's just a remarkable person and a remarkable teacher. We got a lot of them in Mercer County. So, we're real proud of
012her. Our next award is certificate of achievement class all state boys basketball team. Jay Smith, a senior at Bluefield High School, has has been named the Class AA Allstate boys basketball team first team. Way to go, JACE. FIRST TEAM. Way to go. Congratulations, young man. >> You don't want to stand beside him either. >> I don't have a lot of choice. He's just tall. I'm just going to stand here. >> Junior, >> senior. >> Didn't you just accept? >> Keep playing. W State to play basketball. That's wonderful. >> Good luck. >> Okay, we're now going to move to certificates of achievement for Skills USA. This evening, we're recognizing the leadership and state competition winners of the MCT Skills USA of West Virginia. It empowers its members to become worldclass workers, leaders, and responsible American citizens.
013Skills USA West Virginia improves the quality of our nation's future skilled workforce through the development of framework skills that include personal, workplace, and technical skills grounded in academics. Students who received a gold medal in the state competition will represent Mercer County in the national competition in Atlanta later this summer. Congratulations and good luck in Atlanta. So, we are going to recognize them um by medal and by groups. Um >> we'll start with gold medals for middle school and we'll have four different groups here. Five different groups I think. So, mobile robotics, we have Wade Stanley and Grayson Coleman. Team Engineering Challenge, we have Jayla Dodson, Elise Smith, and Payton Hicks. Community service we have Dalton Mack, Brooklyn Blackburn, Brooklyn Vestl and Khloe Wadell. Urban Search and Rescue, Silus Hodes and Samuel Mayorga. And pin design
014is Natalie Farmer. These are middle school gold winners. You guys can come up. I know some of you here. I saw you. >> All the names we called, please come up. >> Coming or you? Congratulations. >> Great job. >> Congratulations. >> You're welcome. >> Great job. >> All right. Right here in the front. >> Great job. So, did y'all have a good time? >> Did y'all enjoy going to skills? >> Did you Did you dominate your opposition? >> Yes, you did. That's all right to say. You did. You did. >> You got the gold medal, didn't you? >> That's right. Good job. >> That's right. >> We're proud of you. >> Yeah. Great job. Okay, now we're going to go to gold medal medal winners for high school. And we have again many um different
015groups. Interactive video game design. Azer Ray and Jeremiah Carter. T-shirt design. Aaron, I'm not sure what Rejuovic sorry Aaron Career Pathways Human Services. That's Ava Adair, Emma Blankenship, and Brooklyn Ford. CTE Educator Daisy McPeek, Manuel Lathe, Alex Barrett. Additive manufacturing, Tobias Bailey, and Samir Abhassum. Engineering Technology Design, Isaac Polly, Audriina Ellison, and Andrew Gibson. Urban Search and Rescue, Jaden Yaya, and Cadence Grim. Career Pathways Health Sciences, Leah Johnson, Leah Pennington, and McKenzie Huffman. Gold medal winners. Get all the hands. I have to lead away. >> Yeah, I know. >> You're too tall. I need this way. Couple steps. >> That was getting hot in the kitchen. >> There we go. >> I got it. >> How many days were you up there doing this? >> Four days. Four days. >> What' you do all that
016time? >> Made a video game. >> What else did you do? >> other other schools. >> Oh, swimming. >> That's good. What you should be doing? >> You all did a great job. So, give everybody an idea what you did. What What are some of the things everybody did? >> Okay. >> All right. It's hard to speak again. >> I'm nervous. >> I'm shy. >> Anybody create anything? >> Yes. >> What' you create? >> Me? I created a game. Prototype for a game. >> All right. Well, we're awful proud of you guys. >> Preparing you for the workforce, right? >> Getting ready? Yes, >> sir. >> Looking forward to having a career in something that you're doing now. >> Yes, sir. >> Most of you. Some of you. >> Okay. Well, good job. Congratulations. That's
017a good question. >> My name is Ari and I just say words. >> Mr. Hodge just asked if any other schools won anything. >> Yes, unfortunately. >> It's all right. >> Okay. Now we're going to move to gold winners for postsecary. We have several here. Basic residential wiring, Seth Stewart. Electrical construction wiring, Grace Anne Enus. Dental assisting, Jaden Dodd. Beginner cosmetology, Graceland Py. Practical nursing, Lake Roberts. Medical terminology, Leslie Clemens. Medical math, John Mullis. Health knowledge bowl, Alyssa Baker, Courtney Hawk, and Sheila Sails. CONGRATULATIONS. >> That's my girl right there. >> Good to see you. >> I remember you, too. That for you. Okay, let me get this. >> Did you guys have a good time participating? >> Of course. >> Yes, we did. >> Great. Good time. Great time. AWESOME. SO, I've learned how
018to say Aaron's last name. She is a exchange student from Thailand. It's Aaron Rouji Ravenich and she won gold for t-shirt design. So, first time in four years I couldn't do it. >> Okay, good deal. We are now going to move to our silver silver medalists. Starting with middle school winners, team engineering design, we have Axel Jennings, Ethan Wilurn, and Levi Barlo. CONGRATULATIONS. Good job. >> Congratulations. >> You stay up here in the middle. Get in the middle. Get in the middle and hold up your things. >> Hold them up for everybody. >> So, what did you guys do to get your medal? Everybody speak at >> we just had to go create a like we didn't know what we were going to do then we had to create um something to >> organize models.
019>> Yeah. >> So you went in there called and they said here's what you got to do >> and you did it. >> Congratulations >> teamwork and and and quick thinking. Congratulations. Okay, we're going to move to silver medalists. Um, for high school winners, dental assisting, Connor Johnson, entrepreneurship, Sydney Meet, Shayla Rose, Dominic Hodes, and Isaiah Schrader. Career Pathways, Human Services, Grace Macowski, Isabella Gibson, and Macy Griffith. Early childhood education, Maya Moro, CT educator, Jana Hail, plumbing, Landon Casey, and architectural drafting, Kaden Klene. Congratulations. >> Everybody smile. There's lots of cameras out there. >> Don't move till they're done. >> So tell us what you did. What' you do? Um, we made me and my group made a workbook for uh, educators. >> You made a workbook for educators. Wow, that's great. >> To use
020in their classrooms. >> Awesome. >> Anybody else? You want to talk about what they did? >> We made a functional business. >> You made a functional business. >> Yeah, we made a business plan for a business that could function in the future. >> Entrepreneurs. Awesome. Congratulations. Good job, >> yarn medals. Good job. OUR postsecondary silver medalists are industrial motor control, Ariana Ellison. Practical nursing, Tory Buckner, medical terminology, Kendall Hager and medical math, Michelle Beckner. Moving to our bronze medalists, middle school winners, team engineering challenge, Dylan Donathan, Reed Mitchell, and Augustus Frink. >> Good job. >> Congratulations. So, what did you do to earn your medal? >> Uh, so we made like this thing that's supposed to sort trash with gravity. Like it like goes back and forth and there's holes. >> Did you do that
021in advance or did you know that did you have to do that on the spot? >> We had to do that on the spot. >> Congratulations. That's great. >> It's impressive. Good job. >> Yeah. Way to go. >> Okay, moving to our high school winners. We have several here. Cyber security, Lexi Campos. Photography, Kendra Brown. Firefighting, Lewis Pacito. Criminal justice, tactical response, McKenzie Hazelwood, Justin Buzzo, Talia Harris and Zoe Blevens. Job interview, Josh Davis. prepared speech. Jake Jacob Crawford and CT educator Gabby Taylor. Congratulations. >> Congratulations. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Come on. Yes, absolutely. Come on in. >> So, what everybody do to earn their medals? What' you do in cyber security? You had to discover viruses and again you didn't know what was coming. You just had to do it. >> Are you
022going to You think you got a career in cyber security? That's what you >> All right. What about all these law enforcement people in front of me here? What do you guys do? >> We executed a felony search warrant. >> You executed a felony search warrant. Wow. Anything else? Not that that's not good, but firefighter. Come on. >> Our firefighter. >> Firefighter. >> Yep. >> Awesome guys. >> Within that competition, we did a bunch of outdoor outdoor indoor circuits interview. Uh just a lot of what you'd see on a job in firefighting. >> Good. Well, we're real proud of you. You guys earned your medal and and stiff competition. So, thank you. Our post-secary bronze winner for nail care is Lillian Parks and Kylie Fields. Okay, I missed about half the high schoolers. We'll get
023them now. These are more high school bronze medalists. On the next page, uh have another group here. Teamwork is Trent Hill, Michael Ford, Nolan Alvis, and Matthew Graham. Mobile robotics technology is Corey Thomas and Ethan Wolf. Related technical math, Patrick Robinson. Medical math, Nyla Roberts. Medical terminology, Micaia Refe, health knowledge bowl, Emilyn Morris, Michaela Petraeus, Emerson Parish in Brooklyn, Minx, and Health Occupations Portfolio, Bryce Beck, >> and Patrick, how'd you get up there? Mr. >> So tell us >> tell us what you did to earn your metal. >> What' you folks do? >> What' you do? >> Build a garden shed. >> You build a garden shed. >> Just here's the material. Build a garden shed. >> Wow. Did you know that's what you were going to do when you went? >> No. >> Is
024that what you all did or did you >> We built a robot to do It's like a >> A game that we uh we've done the whole year. >> You built a robot? >> Yes, sir. >> Y >> Oh, wow. What about down here? What's going on down here? >> Sorry. >> Just took a test for medical terms. >> Well, hey, you know your medical terms, right? >> There you go. We It's important to know your medical terms. >> Nursing school on your way. >> Everybody going into some kind of career that they've done here at MCT >> engineering. Awesome. Awesome. Good job, guys. And Gail. >> Thank you. >> Our next award is certificate of achievement for esports. On January 24th, 2026, the MCTech Mayhem esports team for the 202526 WV ESL season. Apex
025Legends carried first place in the West Virginia Esports League WVESL. And these Apex Legends are Alec Sloan, Jake Kelly, and Alexander Ricker. Also, MCTech had the only student shout caster Azere Ray in the entire WVE ESL who was selected to co-host the live stream for the finals. This is an exceptional distinction that reflects both talent and professionalism. Congratulations to these amazing students. And they said they also won again on Friday, so they'll be back. >> You want to go out this way? >> Come on up, Mr. Hodgees and Mrs. Kelly. right there. >> So, I don't know if I heard it or not, but we got some ranked players up here, don't we? >> Hi. >> Yeah. Like, >> you want to tell them what you're ranked? >> Oh, I I'm in Masters. That's the
026highest you can get. >> Impressive. Sports in college. Oh, I'm already signed. >> Oh, >> so I know we don't all understand esports, but there are a lot of scholarships available and these kids are getting them. And this team has only been together 18 months, two years. >> No, not even that. >> Not even that >> and they're already dominating across the state. >> He just signed. >> So, we're we're excited for this program. >> I would just sign for next year. There you go. The Concord's got one of the leading programs in the nation and they're signing these kids. So, we're real proud of them. And it you're thinking they're just going to go play games. That's not what this is. It's much more than that. >> Yeah. With each. >> So, we're proud
027of it. >> Good job, guys. Keep it up. That concludes our board recognizes for this evening. We're back from the slight the the short recess we had while the crowd cleared out. Uh they were welcome to stay, but they wanted to go home. So >> So uh we're back to the agenda. The next item on the agenda is the superintendent's opening remarks. >> Yes, President Putage. I have um few things on there. Just u want to let everybody know the teacher of the year ceremony, the banquet. Thank you. That was a wonderful evening and u a celebration for our uh teacher of the years and also for u Miss Laura Presley that will be u in the process for the title of West Virginia teacher of the year. So that's a that's a great night.
028Uh also um Mike Mlanahan, we have that training this Thursday. That information is in the my little sheet right there. Next, um Wednesday, we're looking to have um right now student discipline hearing. I put S on there because we got that date if we have any additional uh WVASA conference. I have the agenda plus the meeting agenda that I attached to uh this meeting and also I put on there with the u the board budget workshop is scheduled for 4 p.m. on May 11th before the uh next regular schedule meeting. So I just want to share that information with you all. >> All right. Is that all you got? >> Yes, sir. >> Thank you. I don't think we have any citizens input this evening. So we'll go into policy 2322. >> Dr. Atkins, Mrs.
029Mitchell. Yes, thank you. Whoa, that's really loud. Um, just have a few things want to share. We do uh we did finish up our already EOI window last Friday. That window was a little bit different than what we've had in the past due to snow days. And that's for grades 1 through eight. And we'll share those results um maybe next board meeting once we have all of that compiled. Kindergarten will finish up a little bit later in May. Um, most schools will be starting their GSA testing the week of May 4th, uh, with some starting the week after that. So, those will be finished probably in the next two to three weeks. We currently have three robotics teams, one from Mercer, one from Straley, and one from Princeton Middle that are at the World Competition
030in St. Louis. And I think they're they're having a really good time and that they are actually competing tomorrow. So I'm sure we will hear more about that when they come back. And I did announce this last board meeting. I just wanted to share again because we're very proud that we are Mercer County is hosting the WVDE federal programs road show here at MCTech tomorrow. Uh thank you to Danielle and the U ProStart uh Dr. Farmer, I'm sorry. and the ProStart uh classroom. They're going to provide breakfast uh for that group and we'll be hosting federal program directors from all the districts in the southeastern part of the state and we'll have uh four or five people from the state department that will be presenting and uh this is an annual event. They've had it
031in Beckley the last three and we've been offering to host the last three and so they took us up on it uh this year. So, we're going to try to make it a a good experience for everyone that will be here. So, looking forward to that tomorrow. >> It's really loud right there. >> Um, with our secondary, um, we have got summer school lined up. It'll be June 22nd through August 14th. Um, and it will be the proximity like we had last year. Jenny Collus is getting that taken care of as far as the scheduling and um registration for students. The county is going to do like we did last year and we are going to pay for the students who are taking the classes that have been failed that they're taking over the credit
032recovery, but we are not going to pay for the get ahead that the state is allowing. Now, if parents want, you know, their children to take classes so that they're ahead or to improve a grade that they have, then it'll be at their expense. >> So, we do allow that. They just have to pay. >> Yes, we will allow it, but they will pay for it and we'll take care of what we've done for years and that's the >> I honestly don't know. um last year was one >> and and that's >> that's what Jenny talked to me about on Friday and I did not see her today to talk to her that she was going to get back with Ken Lester is who we go through with proximity. So she will give us an
033update on on the cost. Um school mapping as part of school safety that visit will be next week. the uh team that is coming in that we've been working with that's putting it together are doing an on-site and so uh Mr. Atkins and I have been talking and we'll have a schedule for that so when they go to the schools they can walk through and and they've given us a list of things that they specifically will be looking at. So that will be the 5th through the 8th of next week. Um the juniors took their um SATs last Monday. We are waiting scores u anxiously for that. Um then of course like Dr. Atkins said we're getting ready to start state testing and of course that six through eight will be a part of that
034and they too have finished their eye ready for right now and we're looking at some platforms for next year trying to decide what would be best both um for students best interest to help them to prepare for testing especially in the high school. you know, we had Horizon for a few years and then we went to Mastery Prep. Uh we have seen improvements with Mastery Prep. Scores have gone up. We we've had some an increase in them. However, we have also found that Khan Academy and Blue Book are are very specific to the standards that we're teaching and what they see on the SAT. Um Blue Book is a free program. They do not though do the diagnostics. Um, we today, um, Amy Harrison and Brent Murphy and I had a meeting with the representative
035from EXL and they're gonna >> I mean Khan Academy, I'm sorry, Khan Academy, uh, who tells us that they can work with us to do diagnostics so we can do the beginning, middle, and end of year benchmarking. In the meantime, is um, one of the online resources that overwhelmingly the the teachers and principles, we did a survey with them. Everybody went out and asked the the principles checked with all of their staff. They all want to keep um they feel like it is very beneficial. And with we're going to meet with the representative tomorrow if we can do >> if we get if we get Yes, they gave us some time. So, we send something back to them for tomorrow, but we haven't heard back to officially say that. But we're going to meet with
036them as well to see what diagnostics we can pull off from that. But we're looking at some things. If if we can get what we need through Khan Academy at a much lower cost than Mastery Prep, then we'll recommend going with Khan Academy and Blue Book for next year. So I'll be able to tell you that at the next board meeting. >> So as opposed to Mastery Prep. >> Mastery Prep. >> We've done it two years now. >> This is the second year. >> We did before that. We've been doing for a while, but it we were using it as the resource, you know, online, but there's more to it now that we're finding that you can do just like with con, you know, kids can sign up and and do con individually and not
037have to pay anything. But as a county, we would have a cost. It wouldn't be according to what we've been told nearly as much as what we're paying. But the big thing is is that what we're hearing from the teachers is it's more aligned to the SAT. And if we're going to give them something, we want to give them what they'll benefit the most from. So, um, Amy Harrison and Brent Murphy and I have been looking at that for the last at least last week. >> Do we have any idea about the the percent or the number of students that are taking SATs? It's >> I've got one. >> I'll let Amy, you know, is now our new test coordinator, so I'll let her tell you more specifically. >> Um, well, all of our 11th
038graders take the SAT. >> They must take it even if they're not going to college. >> That's the standardized testing. >> Yeah. And that's that's how we benchmark them. And that that's their end of year test is the SAT. Um, now as far as College Board, they require that each school have 95% of their juniors take it. And um, so far so good. >> Thank you. >> Is that all? Okay, we will jump into the uh, business part of our meeting. Approval of minutes of April 2nd, April 14, April 15, April 21 of 2026. Is there a motion to approve? >> Move to be approved. >> Is there a second? There's a motion and a second. Any additions, corrections, or deletions? Then on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I. >> Opposed? Likewise.
039>> That motion carries. Four in favor and none opposed. Regarding the consent agenda, first item on the consent agenda is board memo number 373. We're in the need of a clerk of works for renovations in addition to MCT. Uh the position was advertised in two local papers. We received response from one individual, Mr. Avery Jean Bowers. Uh he has been the clerk who works for us in the past on several large projects including our most recent one I believe at Timberwood uh and a bunch of our uh renovations and HVAC upgrades. His resume has been sent to the SBA. The superintendent recommends uh that for services of the clerk work and renovations to MCT that Mr. Bowers be uh approved and the duration of the contract will be approximately two years. Board memo number 37
040is the addition of dual credit courses at MCT. And they're requesting the addition of the following dual credit courses to be approved for Mercer County. There is a bunch of them. Uh English, uh education, health, marketing, um game design, mathematics, engineering. There's a lot. Uh superintendent recommends approval. Board a memo number 30. It says 37. It should be 375. Uh, Advanced Manufacturing Center pre-apprenticeship memorably understanding uh with Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center AMC to establish a pre-apprenticeship pathway for students enrolled at in CTE programs. The partnership allows MCTech to collaborate with AMC to develop structured pre-apprenticeship opportunities in manufacturing, production, and design, robotics, welding, electrical technician, drafting, and pre-engineering. Uh, let's see. Here we go. The apprenticeship model uh will enable participating students to count their instructional time at MCTech as technical instruction and allow them
041to complete a registered apprenticeship after graduation. There's no financial obligation associated with the agreement. Uh there is a dating sharing component. Uh superintendent recommends approval of this agreement board amendment number 376. And you should have received a supplement when you got here. Uh remind me why there's a supplement. >> We're here >> on the surplus. Uh >> it's auction of >> you pulled a couple things. >> Okay. There were things that schools wanted. Okay. So with your the one the paper one that you received that is the board memo that we're going to be voting on. The superintendent recommends approval. >> All right. >> So we're these are things we're adding to the auction. >> These are going to go out to auction that's no longer needed. Board memo number 377 is a payment of
042invoices for the month of April. The checks have been written or being held in the office of treasury pending consideration. Checks will be issued on approval uh of the school board. Board memo number 378, which is the last item on the consent agenda, is the register of PECARD transactions, which is attached. The superintendent recommends approval. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> So moved. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> There's a motion and a second. Questions, comments, or discussion? >> Yes, sir. Um, one of the things that I have come to find out talking about the apprenticeship programs, Danielle, some of the things um businesses are telling me that age of the students is a problem. They don't or their OSHA requirements or OSHA issues. So, how do we overcome
043these kinds of things? Um or do we >> um some businesses are able to work around it um by not having the students complete certain parts of a job like for instance if a kid is 16 years old and they go to actually weld they'll have them job shadow or be a general labor where they're still around the environment they're still getting to see how the company works but they're not the hazardous job. Remy does that. Oh, I'm sorry. Remy does something similar uh until they turn 18 and then when they turn 18, they can perform all the duties. There was a bill just passed that eased some restrictions which we're hoping will help. It'll go into effect July one. So, >> well, you know, if I remember the reason several years ago, most of
044a lot of our completers are juniors >> and we didn't have advanced courses or something else. So, that's when we had the all those businesses come in here and say they'll take all the kids and we can get them to get them trained, but now find out that because of the age issues or whatever they are. So, what do we what are we able to do with these completers as juniors that don't have anything to do the next year? >> We encourage them to take another program. Um, some programs like carpentry, masonry, um, plumbing. >> Plumbing or electrical. >> Yeah, they So, electrical is adult. That doesn't really apply to them, but our shop trades um, some places are able to take them. Like I said, doing something other than what is designated as the
045hazardous occupation. But our teachers are also able to teach different things. So they've opened up a new course catalog in Weeus. So there might be blueprint reading, metallurgy. So there there are extra classes for them. So if you're really interested in welding, you wanted to come back for a second year of welding, then there are eight more courses you could take versus welding one, two, three, and four. So, that's an option. This pre-apprenticeship though, um, if a student enters into an apprenticeship, they have to have related training hours. Thisou designates MCTech as able to give them that related training piece. So, they wouldn't have to take like college courses to continue on with their apprentichip. >> Just kind of fasttracks their apprentichip if they choose to do it. >> Gotcha. Okay. And the other one
046was, this is more of a Lesie question. um the basketball floor and the goals that um are being put up for surplus. Since the basketball floor and goals were a um grant from the Shot Foundation specifically for Bluefield High School, do those proceeds go back into Bluefield High School's opportunities for whether it be new um pictures or locker room renovations or any of those kinds of things. >> That's a good question. We have not discussed that. Um they do have a request for 27. Um, we're still building the budget, so we haven't determined that yet, but yes, that's a good point. We can certainly do that. >> Well, you know, we saved this past year since they didn't go to the armory, that was a $30,000 expense that was was saved. And then this floor
047is two or three years old. and it had only been used to my recollection and knowledge uh in one of the regional girls NCAA tournaments the year before. So we bought it like $125,000 if I remember Todd was still was still with us when when that purchase and it's was pretty obvious and to every to most people biggest problem was parking for big games. Other than that, you had a lot more of the students that were able to come to the games. Um, and you know, it was it was just it was a good atmosphere. Um, they need some sound deadening in there because the place is extremely loud, but those bleachers haven't been replaced in 20, 30 years. They're not ADA compliant. Um, there's just and you can't move them back. So, I would
048hope that if if this comes through that that would kind of be pigeonhold for project at Bluefield High School. >> We can we can absolutely discuss that and if that's how the board votes, that's what we'll do. >> Okay. Thank you. Blue well group didn't ask for or didn't know to ask >> that I know of. >> Okay, that's fine. I'm f I'm done. Thank you. >> Okay. Anybody else? Then on the consent agenda motion, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Oppos? Likewise. That motion carries. Four in favor and none opposed. All right. The next action number of the agenda under additional business is board amendment number 379 which is conveyance of property to the town of Braml. So Mercer County Board of Education owns a parcel of real estate of
049approximately half an acre located in the Braml area of Mercer County. Uh, this property was acquired way back in September 3rd of 29. It's not needed for school operations. Pursuant to West Virginia code, we may convey property no longer needed for school purposes to a municipality for a nominal consideration when it serves a public purpose. Superintendent recommends the board approved conveyance of this parcel to the town of Bramble for nominal consideration subject to a reversionary clause consistent with West Virginia code. Is there a motion to approve? >> Move we approve. >> Is there a second? Second >> a motion and a second. Any discussion? Spend on the motion. All in favor signify by saying I. I. Opposed. Likewise. That motion carries. Four in favor and none opposed. Board amendment number 380 is budget supplements and
050transfers. Uh you have the weas report for all budget supplements and transfers for March of 26. Superintendent recommends approval of these budget supplements and transfers. Is there a motion to approve? >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> A motion and a second. questions, comments or discussion? Then on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Opposed likewise. That motion carries. Four in favor and none opposed. Next item on the agenda is not an action item. It is the first reading of policy KO5, family engagement policy. Mr. Toman, >> the the major changes in this policy is really replacing parent with family. And I'm not sure if there's any any deals in that major changes in that policy president. >> Yeah, that's correct. That's a require annual requirement with federal code that
051that has to be reviewed uh and revised annually. >> Okay, >> I have a question on that. >> Go ahead. >> I know the keyboarding without tears is marked through. Have we got rid of that program? >> Yes. >> How long ago did we do that? >> Um this is the first year that we haven't bought it as a district. Uh but there is a free version from a different company that's better. So they're using >> still teaching keyboard. >> Yes, they're using that. They were using it anyway and it's much better and it's free. So >> Okay. Yes, sir. >> Deal like that. >> That's right. >> Key be free. >> Anything else on this call? >> Then it'll go out for uh uh review by the public and it'll come back to us
052after the public's had a chance to comment on it. Board amendment number 382 is revisions to policy J22 student and staff wellness. Mr. Tomman President Putage the main changes are what's recommended from the state board is my understanding on this policy with student and staff wellness. Anything else Dr. Atkins on that would you I don't know um >> smart snacks. There were a lot of strikethroughs and uh it seems to be more concise about >> Mitch has Mr. Al put that together student. >> It's going to be a much smaller policy uh based on the strikethroughs and the ads. There's going to be very little to it actually. Um which sometimes is a good thing. um com comments from the board. >> I think it'd be nice to have somebody who knows about at the
053next meeting to tell us more. >> I I'm comfortable telling you that was a recommendation from the state board that was recommended that way when I had that meeting with the >> my office right before I came to this meeting, but I can uh >> I can get that. But it's the first it's out for the first comment, President Hodgees or Mr. Hodes, I'm sorry, >> if you're okay with that. But >> okay. All right. I believe it'll go out for public comment. We'll see it back in the future. Board member 383 is uh policy KO8, advertising, solicitation, and fundraising in schools. We discussed this previously and we asked that it be reviewed again and it's come back to us with uh language more consistent with what we discussed at the board meeting. Uh board
054members, Mr. Tyman, >> President Pidge, that's correct. And uh we even reviewed the tape of the workshop and tried to add every comment that every uh board member um mentioned on there. And that's that's the facts that we have from that comment. >> Okay. Or on the policy, not comment, I'm sorry. >> Sure. Board members, anything? All right. It'll go out for public comment. We'll see it back after public comment. Board amendment number 384 is approval of a donation of schoolboard for Princeton Senior High School. The Honeyut Foundation has requested approval to donate $200,000 toward the purchase of a new schoolboard at Princeton Senior High School. Uh the board will match the amount paid toward the scoreboards in a sum of 10 $12,000, which is technically not a match. >> It's a good match. >>
055Good match. >> We'll take it. Yeah. Uh so the purchase price is $200,000 $12 or $212,000 >> 2021. The remaining funds will be contributed will be combined with the previous donation of $50,000 to refurbish the re the restrooms at the stadium. Uh we have a quote attached. Uh, superintendent recommends we accept the donation and direct it toward the scoreboard at the Annais Honeyut Stadium and the purchase of scoreboard from Griffin Sports Equipment. Is there a motion to approve? >> Just also the date on there says 21st for you to add the 27th instead. Just a typo there. >> Okay. >> I got a question, but we can ask. >> Right. >> Move we approve. >> Okay. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Motion and a second. All right. Paul, >> it don't seem like
056the numbers add up. If we're adding 12,000, shouldn't it be 212,000 instead of the rest to do >> the rest goes toward the restaurants? That's all we need. Oh, okay. Cool. >> There's ext. We have extra. So, it'll go to the restaurants. >> So, the 12 that we're paying and then the additional 50 plus the 200. So, when you combine the two projects, >> there'll be about $10,000. So, we'll have about 60 to do bathrooms. Okay. Give or take. >> Probably cost more. >> That won't get that won't get you far. >> Well, no. I just mean that's what we'll have >> in hand to go towards the >> stud petitions. >> These are the public restrooms, not the >> the home side. Yes. >> Okay. All right. That's what I thought. Wanted to make
057sure. >> All right. Yeah. Since this is all digital and it's got video and all that kind of stuff included with it, are we going to have to buy additional or I didn't look at the quote in detail. Does it come with the camera and everything that we have to have? >> Yes. >> So, that's a good thing. Okay. >> I think so. >> Yeah. I did I should have I apologize. I should have read through the quote what all was included, but then I looked at the picture. Um, that's really nice. Thank you to the Honeyut Foundation. Yes, that's very generous. >> Uh, anything else on the motion? Then on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I. Opposed, likewise. That motion carries, four in favor and none opposed. Board amendment number 385
058is a correction of the purchase of school buses for fiscal year 24. In January 24, we approved the purchase of five new Thomas school buses from Atheni Motors in the amount of $710,675. However, the low bid was actually international worldwide equipment in the amount of $687,234.37. So that's where we purchased the buses pursuant to law. We got to go with the low bid. So superintendent is recommending the the approval of the purchase of the five school buses from Worldwide Equipment for $687,234.37 using state contract. I've scratched over it. Anyway, it's a state contract. Um, is there a motion to approve? >> Move we approve. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> I thought we'd already approved. >> We did. That's what this is. >> Now we're getting a chief correction. >> This is a
059correct. This is a correction >> what you approved. And this is a correction of a correction. >> We're trying to make sure we don't get any audit findings. Where is this um where's this money coming from? Levy, general general fund uh state being nice and buying buses. Who's paying for this? What accounts is coming from? >> The state grants us replacement every year. There was a delay in this invoices and We did >> the memo just correction. >> Anything else on the memo? Then on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I. I. >> Opposed? Likewise. That motion carries. Four in favor and none opposed. Board me board memo number 386 is bid number 990 PMS safe school entrance and cafeteria renovations. Uh we were awarded a 50,000 safe schools grant to install a
060new safe secure entrance to the main entry of the building at Princeton Middle School. Uh the enhancement is designed to improve security by better controlling access and ensuring a safer environment for students. Currently, as we all know, if you've ever been to the high school or the middle school, you have to go outside to go into the cafeteria, and that's going to be addressed with the new interior walkway. Uh, so we can avoid the hazard of leaving the building to go to the cafeteria. Uh, the bid was issued by ZMM Architects and Engineers and advertising local papers. We got two bids. Uh, the low bid was Main Street Builders for $772,000. Superintendent recommends approval of bid 990 to Main Street Builders for $772,000 for the base bid and $29,100 for the alternate bid for a
061total of 8. That's where I want go right over it. $81,000 >> 100 um the $50,000 safe school grant will be used to fund the project. The remain will be paid through the county permanent improvement funds. Superintendent recommends approval. Is there a motion to approve? moved or second. >> Okay, there's a motion and a second. Questions, comments, or discussion? >> Mr. Rob, that's they have people that professionally bid out things and they want maybe over bid and maybe one under bid. I don't know. Um, generally we had a a big discrepancy a couple years ago when we rened the bathrooms. It was almost 400,000 and uh good for us. >> I understand. >> Yep. >> 28,000 and then 18,000. >> That's why we do bids. >> That's right. >> $19,000. >> Sure. That's your numbers.
062>> Yeah. Well, it's it was designed by an architect and it went out and they met. We did pre- bids. They have the architect engineering drawings. So, they they just go off of their knowledge and and what they think it'll cost. Sure. >> Would you wisdom together to see what happens. >> We remember >> we received a little my expert estimate was $750. We came in very close to what we had expected of that. Um if not we would have brought it to the board but that much over budget would have been hard. The safe schools grant does expire in September so we have to use that 50,000 this year. It is a tight project and um you know perhaps they built some overtime into that. I don't know. They didn't discuss it at the
063bid opening >> right. Are they prepared to begin? >> Yes they are very prepared to begin. I'm not You know, Jim Lily, he was at the opening, but they are ready to get started tomorrow. >> Yes, they're with Main Street and they'll start ordering equipment now and then be ready to start demo as soon as schools out. >> Excellent. >> Oh, absolutely. >> Yeah, it's going to be a much needed improvement. I mean, there's going to be new storefronts. There's be new doors that don't look so doo canopy, >> new concrete patio. President Pish said they won't students won't have to go outside any longer. We're cutting a hole through the wall making a whole lot safer for these kids and and and the office area as well. >> Great. >> I have a question.
064Just curious, got nothing to do with voting. How did we end up with school that you had to go outside to the cafeteria? >> I know. It was like that when I was in school. I don't I mean, >> but it seemed like a >> I know it doesn't make a lot of >> I honestly I think just from what I I haven't researched it or anything, but I think the cafeteria was added on. >> Yeah, I was going to say I think the cafeteria was added on at some point >> and it's just where they put >> just didn't think about you could get there. >> There was about a time where people were tougher outside. >> You can get there from inside the auditorium. >> You can there is one little tiny hallway
065that you can get to it, but it's >> But I mean that's not how you would send a bunch of students through. Yeah. accessible. >> Yeah. >> No, that's tight. >> But it's been there at least since early 80s. >> When you add on to it, >> when you add on instead of building it in as part of a bigger plan, you get some weird results. >> Uh you do >> sometimes it's the cheapest, not the smartest way. >> I suspect that's what it was. >> Exactly. All right. Anything else? Then on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I. >> Opposed? Likewise. Motion carries. Four in favor, none opposed. Last action item the agenda is board member 387 which is the personnel agenda which is attached for your consideration. Superintendent recommends approval. Is
066there a motion to approve? >> Move. >> Is there a second? There's a motion and a second. >> Any desire need to go into executive session? >> Yeah, >> there appears to be none on the motion. All in favor signify by saying I. >> Opposed? Likewise. That motion carries. Four in favor and none opposed. We're up to administrative updates. President Fich, I do have um our tennis director, Russell Lipin caught here that if he gives you a little brief update on attendance, if you would, Mr. ask for that. >> Thanks, sir. >> Thank you. Thanks, sir. So based off of the two data sheets that I handed out, obviously you can see our seventh month did increase, which I was anticipating last month. Um, we went up 11.59% just for the seventh month. But I
067did want to attach where we are year to date. That is your second bar graph that you see at around 14.2%. So we're still well on track. Again, I was anticipating a jump, an increase with the amount of sickness and things that we've had in our schools. And I still anticipate probably an uptick again this next coming data point. And then after that, we hopefully will level back off the last couple months. Um, but we're still well on track. I think we was at a 10% overall improvement which would have been around 18% we're still sitting at 14.29. So um I'm comfortable with where we are. I've still even with the small uptick it's to be expected. So I'm still comfortable with where we're going to be by the end of the year. So on
068your nose is attention. >> Yes. >> Yeah, those students still fall under our multi-tered system of support. So obviously our chronic action students are a tier three students students that we work the most with that we pull in and may have individual meetings and success plans and attendance plans. The needs attention students are students that we touch base with and it may be something simple that we can help address whether it be at the school um whether it be a home issue that maybe we can help get resolved. So yes, each one of them fall under a tiered system and our needs attention is part of our overall uh improvement through notification through the community and all of that. So it is tiered out. 29% 28% is a is a about average a little better
069than average I would say. Uh but the 14% is relatively low I would say comparable statewide. Have you been able to comparing Bluewell and Brush Fork to Timberwood? It looks like that at least initially they were doing pretty good and then they get these last few months month five and month seven took a big jump. Any explanation for that or is it just we get into that time of year when people are sick and >> honestly I I feel like it's more so like what you said on the ladder. I mean if you look six month last year we happen to be around 31%. I think we're just a month later, you know. Um, sometimes too around the holidays, we get a lot of people that will miss an extra day or two here. And
070most of our data points on the monthtomonth are only anywhere between 18 to 20 days. So two days puts you in this category. >> So currently, what does it take? How many absences make you chronically absent if you're a student? >> This school year it's 18 because that 180 days. So 10%. >> So we're at what 15 14 somewhere around there. 15 14. Yep. And that's total absences, excused and unexcused. >> Right. So, what do we do with students when their numbers are >> 30 absences and 40 absences? How are we intervening with them? >> We have students with that many days. Most of the time they're not excused. So, obviously they're working with me or Miss Brown, my attendance officer. They end up still going through the legal process because out of say 30
071days, they may have 10 or 15 excuses. the other 10 or 15 plus are unexcused which typically trickles them into having judicial intervention. Um which you know obviously we still have a ton of pending cases that we try to resolve but um we're I think we're doing a way better job of trying to address those issues on top of the chronic. I mean, it's you kind of gota you work one that you don't have any legal support with with chronic and then you have the enforcement side that we have to utilize that's in violation of state law. So, it's a juggling act because we have to address both. Um, but I feel like the root causes are still the same. So, we try to address that through our student support staff, uh, our school social
072workers, our principles do a good job of intervening with that, too. But once it gets to a certain point, especially if it's unexcused, then we're getting involved and processing it through the legal matter. >> Okay. Thank you. Anybody else? >> Thank you, sir. Thank you. >> Appreciate the information. It's a good update. I like the bar graphs, too. They make it a lot simpler. You're >> easier to understand. >> Any other administrative updates, Mr. Wilman? Mr. Atkins, Miss Huddle. Mr. Atkins. >> Yes, sir. Um I I did last uh last board meeting I um updated you that we were going to have the perk test the next day at Sun Valley. That that excavating crew never showed up. I gave him one more week. They didn't show up again last Tuesday. Uh so dos excavating
073uh just was a no-show. So I've asked Thompson Linton to get us someone else from out of the area to to come. We're just having a hard time getting anyone locally to to come perform that test and it'll cost more money because they'll have to travel, but um I just told them we we got to have somebody as soon as possible. Um I did meet with the Blue Well council for lack of better term and they they tooured the facility, all of them, and I think they have a better idea of the the cost it will take to make that facility usable for what they want. Uh Skip said they were going to get together and have another meeting. Um but hopefully you all will be hearing from them soon so that we can uh
074move forward with that demolition. And then um other than that, we're just excited about the uh Princeton Middle School safe school entrance. It's a a much needed faceelift and safety procedure. >> Thank you, sir. Anyone else? Yeah, I I do want to make note of one of the things in our packet and um it relates to excess levy. There are words out there floating around now by people that seem to not want to pay taxes uh to support the school system that um the excess levy is just for extras that we're just using it for sports and and robotics and that's all. Well, that's just I don't even nice way to put it. It's just a lie. I mean, let's be blunt about it. It's it is a misstatement of facts to support an argument
075they're making. So, let's go through some of the things that the levy expenditures year to date. We pay for our substitute teachers through the levy. uh onetoone computer access, replacement of HCA units at Bluefield High School, repair of the steam leaks at Mercer School, partial Wolf replacement at Bluefield High School, instructional support for academic allocations in regular and special education. Uh and if you've paid attention to the media, you know that schools actually don't get enough money for their special ed programs. So, we have to cover that. So, this is part of that. Uh custodial funding to maintain clean and safe school environments. Gym floor refinishing. You might consider that an extra. If you don't take care of your gym floors, they become dangerous. Dental insurance benefits for employees. Replacement of maintenance vehicles. Support for
076non-revenue secondary sports programs. You may consider that an extra. I consider it essential to what we do in our schools. Uh funding for the West Virginia Extension Office and the Princeton Public Library. Two very important benefits to our community. uh because the extension office is 4 and 4 is very valuable and beneficial to a lot of our students. Uh things that are in progress um as mentioned the uh installation of the safe schools entrance at Princeton Middle Levy money renovations at Princeton senior high school football facilities. That's a again you may consider that an extra but I think a nice restroom is not an extra. um expansion of MCT is funded by that a really important and needed program which we're moving on. Uh optical benefits uh roof replacement at Bluefield High School. I may
077have mentioned that one. A new kitchen hood at MCOM High School. So to suggest or say that the excess levy is only for extras is a misstatement of the facts to what the excess levy does. It also gives us supplemental pay to our teachers. Is that not correct? Uh there's a whole host of things that you need to be informed about. Why someone or some group of people decided they need to start arguing about the excess levy five years before it expires, I don't know. I guess they want to get it out there. So, we're going to we're going to communicate that back. We're going to address this misstatements. I was also quite disturbed by some of the comments about our academics and they're not paying attention because uh correct me so I get it
078exactly right. West Virginia is come out of COVID one of the most improved states in the nation. Is that correct, Mr. Atkins? Dr. Atkins. And Mercer County is like number two in the state in that category. Correct me >> for um Oh my god, this one's so loud tonight. For uh in reference to um K3 uh reading improvement, West Virginia is number two in the nation and Mercer County was first in in change of student year-toear in our state. >> Okay. So, you want to have an argument, we'll have the argument, but please get your facts right. Quit making misstatements and denigrating our school system. We have a fine school system that does a very good job with our students. I've said it before and I'll say it again. There is no school in Mercer
079County I wouldn't put my grandson in because if you have motivated parents and a motivated student, they will be successful in our school system. Period. Just look at all the college scholarships that are going out and all the successful entrepreneurs in our community. How many doctors and nurses do you run into that I always think of Dr. um Whitel, right? >> The ENT. >> I remember being playing little league baseball. >> I never thought he'd be checking out my ears in my eyes. So, please, if you want to have an argument, let's have a legitimate argument about the bottom line, which is you don't want to pay taxes to benefit children in our community. So, I'll get off my soap box now because it's still four, five years out, four years out. So, let's, you
080know, let's talk the talk. Is there anything else come before the board this evening? >> Oh, yes. What's that? >> Yes, we'll talk about that. We don't need to do that during the meeting. We can talk about that soon as we get done. We'll get that done. >> Okay. >> Move we journ. >> Any objection? We're >> doing