001Okay, we are here today the 13th day of April at 4:18. The superintendent and three board members are present. Uh Mr. Prudich has excused himself and then Descendant Smith is not here. The Mercy County Board of Education is here today to address an employees hearing request regarding the reduction in force action by the administration. Uh what is your name by the way? >> Brian Lively. Mr. Lively, do you want this to be an open or closed session? >> Okay. This matter will be in open session. The hearing is being recorded by auto service. Mr. Lav, you're here without councel or representation. Is your intention to proceed forward without representation today? >> Thank you. U today's hearing will proceed as follows. Mr. Lively, the employee will be given the opportunity to provide a brief statement as
002to your position. The administration then will present this position and then Mr. Lively can come have opportunity then to present evidence or statements regarding objection to to the riff action reduction in force action and why they think it is legally or factually incorrect and then after that the administration will give an opportunity to respond. So you have the floor first. You may proceed with what your argument is. I don't >> Thank you, Mr. Hajes. Um, just to make sure that that everything is is operational, I'm going to assume that you can look back that way and see that it truly is on live and otherwise the employees asked for an open hearing. >> We're good. >> Okay. Um, thank you. Well, as the board members know, uh, this is what we call personnel season. Personnel
003season is really not a joyous occasion for anyone. That being our administrators, that being the board, that being the folks who work in the personnel office, impacted employees. Uh, there's a time of the year where we have what we call reduction in forces and transfer hearings. If an individual is recommended for a reduction in force, that's a term candidly that we do not like. Mr. Lavley is recommended for a reduction in force, which means that he is not guaranteed employment for next school year. If an employee is recommended for transfer, the employee may be in a different position next school year, not in the same assignment, uh, but would have employment. But as it relates to Mr. Lavly. Um he would not have employment for next school year if the board accepts the superintendent's recommendation.
004Any employee that asked for a hearing in front of this board, uh you board members should recognize that that's what their right is. You know, it's doesn't mean that the anything other than they're exercising that right. All the employees that appear before you this evening or whenever the case may be, you should assume they're all exit employees. This doesn't have anything to do with with Mr. Lavly. You should expect that he does an excellent job for our students. Mr. Lavley's been employed by the school system, I think, since 2013. >> 2010. So again, this doesn't have anything to do with with uh you know, the performance or otherwise. You just would assume that that um you know, all these folks do an excellent job. But Mercer County, just like every other county throughout the state,
005continues to see a decline in enrollment. If I look at this year's numbers, I think it's 7,96 somewhere in that range. The year before it was 8231. the year before 8416. So we all recognize that the trend continues to decline and at the same time you board members recognize that we have to run a thorough and efficient system of free schools. In terms of Mr. Lively, Mr. Lively is employed at at uh the technical education center and he teaches machine tool technology. We understand that the tech center is a thriving institution. I think that I've seen that in 2021 it had 19 programs and I think is up to 32 programs for example. But unfortunately there are programs that need to be evaluated and re-evaluated to see if we're being thorough and efficient. We look
006at our student enrollment and unfortunately as we look at the machine tool technology classes the enrollment numbers have declined over the years and as a result the recommendation from the superintendent you'll hear from the principal as well is is that is a program that is being recommended to be abolished. It's not the only program that's recommended for abolishment at the center. Uh but Mr. Labley is the employee uh at the facility whose program is being impacted and has requested a hearing. Um in terms of how the process would work tonight, I understand you know the formal script. Uh typically what would occur would I'd give administration an opportunity to provide to the board the reasoning behind uh the recommendation, what the numbers are in the program, and then give Mr. lively an opportunity to address
007the board or ask any questions that he may have. I don't know if there's any objection to that if we're okay with with moving forward with hearing from administration on the recommendation. >> Okay. Uh first of all, let me say I'm not used to doing this particular job here. So I need to ask some questions. In this script that I was given, it said that you Mr. Lively was given opportunity to present a brief initial statement and then the administration will present its position. Have you presented your position or is that more yet to come? >> More yet to come. Obviously, the board needs to hear opening statement I think. Am I correct? Then you will present yours and then you'll give more evidence. And am I correct that that's the way it works? >>
008That that's fine. If we want to proceed with that formality, yes. >> Okay. Any way y'all tell me to do it, I'll do it. Sorry. >> Your chance to speak now. >> Say what you want to say, Mr. >> Two or three. >> No, I No, I was just confused as one of you. Not me, too. >> Well, I I would prefer, again, I understand the formal process of this because I got a man set aside. Adam, it's not going to have employment for next school year. And I'd like for him to have an opportunity to hear what administration's reasoning is behind the recommendation and then afford this gentleman opportunity to address the board. >> Yeah. So that >> okay with you? >> Yes, that's fine. >> Let's do that then. Okay. >> All right.
009And again, you know, Mr. Ladley has been employed by the school system for a number of years, >> right? You folks in this county have not had I think personnel hearing on riff and transfers for quite a while. U but each year the numbers continue to decline and we have significant changes in enrollment and your regular meeting for tonight at 6 p.m. you've got a lot of decisions to make on a number of employees. Mr. Lively is just one of those. Um, I've got principal farmer here and I'm giving principal farmer an opportunity to discuss the nature of this program, why the recommendation is being made to to reduce it, which again I'm going to assume it's not an easy recommendation to make, but recommendations have to be made that aren't easy to remain thorough
010and efficient. But Miss Farmick, we'll give you an opportunity to address the board and you know, if Mr. Lavly has questions of administration who have the opportunity to do that but give you an opportunity to address the program what the numbers look like the recommendation that's being made uh is that of the superintendent but you're familiar with the program itself >> right so during uh staffing we looked at numbers for all of the programs at MTech and um we needed to make three cuts. So the first cut was obviously a position where we did not have a teacher in which is marketing. Um that program had good numbers. Um 40 applicants last year, 36 interviewed, 32 were accepted. So it was a bigger program. We lost our teacher. Uh she went to another position. So
011that was the first position obviously that we chose to cut because there wasn't a person filling it at the time. The second position um was computer repair, another program that has low enrollment traditionally over the past few years. Um we're down to four students in that. Machine tool um has 18 students this year um which is up from previous years. The students in there are mostly uh option pathway or students who did not get into the welding program and when they applied um there are some students in there that chose to be in there. He had eight that applied last year, six that interviewed and we accepted 18. A lot of those were option pathway or students that um tried to get into another program and and weren't able to. through the past couple years.
012Um, looking back just at enrollment numbers, he had 14, 13, 11, and then we go back to 15. So, the program traditionally had lower numbers. Um, that's really all I have. It's low numbers. We needed to cut three positions. It wasn't um my recommendation as far as what I want to happen, but you know, obviously tough decisions have to be made when we lose enrollment like we are. >> Board members have any questions for administration on the recommendation? Then Mr. Lav will have an opportunity to address the board as well. You said that um most of the students were option pathway students um meaning these are kids students that >> is your mic on >> I'm sorry um option pathways is is a program that we offer for our students. So why would it deem
013necessary to drop a program? I understood they couldn't get in welding. Um, so we had we had something for them to choose and to to to go to to have a class. So why would we take away a program if you've got 18 kids students? >> They told me we needed to cut three positions because we are a school with electives. So, you know, in in the words of staffing, it's more important for students to, you know, read and write than have electives. So when you're looking at cuts, our school is the one that looks at those cuts because we are electives. >> Question that's not probably not real popular. >> You said three cuts. They said who's they? >> Is it staffing? Who >> staffing committee? >> Okay. >> So I'm sure you guys
014are familiar with the process of staffing. You go in with your enrollment numbers. um you sat down with the team, they kind of let you know roundabout what your numbers look like and and in comparison what you'll have for the next year, what you're projected to have for the next year. So that's kind of the process. It's not like, you know, I just say, "Oh, this is what we're going to do." It's it's a committee decision and it's a team. So it's not like it's just one person picking and choosing what we do. But um enrollment is a big factor. And if you look at students who apply for the program, um the number of applications received for machine tool is significantly lower than other programs. Um right now currently we have two and those
015two for next year came in this week and one of them is not a student that we have been able to locate at a high school. So right now we have one applicant for next year which we had few applicants last year. Um and we were able to get up to 18 students utilizing option pathway students. >> All right. I'm confused now. So the 18 was this year not next year's projection? >> Next year's projection is one. >> So >> and that student applied for multiple programs. What kind of activity are we as this as a system doing to um encourage students to take these type programs? I we've got we've got shops all over Princeton area. You've got them out on you know going to Pike STEM. You've got them out in Brush Fork.
016You've got them all over the county. And if you remember several years ago when we brought the people in here, we couldn't provide them and and a lot of them are are doing stuff for our kids now. Why all of a sudden are is are those numbers are what did we do back then that we're not doing now to provide students for these programs to learn this? >> Yeah. I mean, our enrollment's decreased. >> I'm sorry. >> Our enrollment has decreased. Um not ours at the tech center, but yeah, as a school system. But as far as machine tool in particular, I mean a lot of the programs across the state are going to the wayside because machining is not a career that students are choosing to take unfortunately and a lot of the employers
017will tell you that they can't find employees for that reason. So >> and I think >> we've recruited, we've done different things, we've made videos, we've went out and Miss Roenberry's talked to the students, we've brought the students into Mr. Lively shop, we've brought all the 10th graders here. Um the issue is interest but >> shame >> and I think that that's a question again just further even if our folks in administration have additional answers to that is what are we doing to try to benefit and help the program are or did we just take a back back seat to see the numbers decline for example >> I can address >> so I'm I'm going to allow Rosemary Mitchell kind of address that which the principal just did but I'm sure the board wants to
018okay have we tried to do anything to increase the enrollment of the program because there's a need even though we're having decline in enrollment throughout the county we see the increase in in our technical center programs what if anything have we done to try to see this program be successful >> one of the things that that um has been done and it's been done for the last several years but again this year is in addition to the tours that we let students come to the tech center and visit some of the programs. Um we also have reached out to our partners. You know, we we have a lot of people CMS is one that uses um the same type of machines that we use in this. Everybody now is going to more of the technology
019type programming and that running their machines. What's happening is we can't get the interest in the kids to do the hands-on. And I'll be the first to tell anybody, Mr. Lively is an amazing teacher. He does a great job, but we have had to um recruit and put kids in who did not want to take the program, but they wanted to come to the tech center. And so I can tell you that even last year, Miss Farmer called me because the numbers were so low and she said, "I can move some option kids because they don't have an assigned, you know, career pathway." Um, and so we were able to do that. The the problem is we've had to do this with other programs, and I'm going to use the example of the culinary program.
020Um, for those of you that might have been around during that time, when it first started, it was called ProStart. And ProStart is a culinary program that's designed for people who want to be restaurant managers. Our numbers were very low. We we were going to lose that program. It is one that was discussed about losing what the teacher did that is in the position now. When she came to that position, she has different pathways that she took on. She's teaching baking and pastry. She's teaching chef as far as like full meal type things. Um, so we had talked to Mr. Lively about possibly going into more and Miss Farmer will tell you better than I will what the CTE name for that is right now where we are using that. Miss Farmer, can you if
021you find it out? >> Yeah. So, we discussed maybe moving it to more of like an advanced manufacturing um more CNC type machine and less manual um machining because that seems to be the push. Um Marshall has a big advanced manufacturing push right now and that's really where it came down from and that came from guidance from the state department of um these are our numbers, what are some strategies that we could use? So those were were the um recommendations. So we offered uh Fusion 360 training which would help about a month ago and and Mr. Lively was not able to attend but those trainings would be things that would allow us to use those different machines. >> When you say use those different machines, we have those machines on campus. >> We have some
022of them. Yeah. getting conflicting. >> Okay. >> Um I got a lot of friends who are machinists and most of them at this point retired and I honestly don't know. I've seen what they do and it amazes me what they do. Matter of fact, I've asked some of them to do some things for me and it's amazing. Um, but I have no clue why our numbers. It would seem if there was jobs there and some of the kids knew there was jobs that they'd be more interested. >> Mr. We have actually had people come in from Conwell and from CMS to talk to us about what they need and if we can just get the kids to them, they will train them. They'll make sure that they have what they need to get be employed.
023But the students are not just not moving in that direction. And one of the other programs that that is up to be cut for this coming year is is the same type of thing. It's a computer class. And we all know kids love computers and technology, but kids have moved more from computer repair to now they're wanting to do esports. They're doing gaming. They're doing those things. And I mean, we have, if we're going to keep our programs, then we have to look at where we can get the students. And and but you're absolutely right. I will tell you that a couple years ago, one of our secretar's husband is a machinist and he was the youngest still working for his company and he was in his mid-50s. So, you know, it it is a
024dying trade unfortunately. It's desperately needed and it's desperately needed in our area. We just cannot draw these kids in that particular direction. We think we might could if we upped it a little, >> Miss Farmer. And that's when I you were speaking Latin, Greek, whatever language you want to me about the the upgrade. Could you >> It's not really an upgrade. Um I don't I don't think of as an upgrade anyway. It's just a different It's kind of the buzzword right now in manufacturing is advanced manufacturing. Um, they're trying to make it a actual collegiate pathway so you can go to college for >> I've listened to the guy from Marshall talk about and they aeronautics and stuff also. >> Yeah. I mean it's um they're they're also honestly having a hard time getting students
025to enroll in it at the college level. It's just not something I think that kids understand. So, you know, we've talked to them about it. the the easiest thing is to bring them in and let them see what they do, which is what we do with the eighth and the 10th grade tours. Um, but for whatever reason, those tours don't translate to student applications, and that's the issue that we've been unable to solve. >> And I do know Miss Farmer checked with the state department several times on, you know, some possibilities kind of like we did with the culinary, what can we do? And and again and I think you said that um that they had advised that you know maybe changing and going to the advanced manufacturing might would be something that would maybe
026draw some attention from the kids. >> That's where the issue >> and an example would be um at skills. So there are many different machining competitions at skills CNC 3 axis CNC 5 axis several different things. um manual machining which is you know primarily what we do they don't they had three and four competitors whereas the others had 12 13 so the machine tool programs in the state are kind of getting away from the manual machining and more into the advanced manufacturing type of machining >> I have a couple questions Mary you said that dying trade is it is it really a dying trade or just a trade that can't workers. >> The trade isn't drying. It's a it's a dying interest in in people >> among young people, >> right? And that's where, >>
027if I heard the numbers correctly, and I probably didn't, there were more people in his class last year from option pathway than there were those who applied. Is that correct? >> They weren't all from option pathway, but yes, as far there are more students in the program than applied for the program. So what do we do with those option pathway people next year? >> They would take a different program. >> There are other programs they could take. >> Mhm. >> Any more questions? >> So those Yeah, I actually just now had it wrote down. What grade are these students in? >> The option 18. >> Um he's got 10th, 11th, and 12th grade. the option pathway students regardless of what grade they're in. >> I mean, so the program itself, is it a one-year program?
028>> Yes, it's a one-year program. >> So, they're one and done. >> Yes. >> Oh, okay. I thought maybe kind of like welding, it took two or three years. >> All of our programs when when the change went from block to period, everything but healthc care is a one-year program. You're >> talking to a dinosaur here. >> Yeah. >> Okay. We would love for them to be two here, but >> most of them juniors. >> No, >> she said no. >> It's a mix >> because we've got the partnerships with Conwell and CMS and others. If they became completers in their junior year, then they could get advanced training going to one of those two places. >> The problem with that is that our partners will not take them unless they're 18 years old. And
029a lot of them don't turn 18 until the end of their senior year. And that's the issue that we've had with internships in welding and machine tool and in carpentry >> masonry. >> And that was from the Department of Justice that that all department of labor, I'm sorry, that was about four years ago. Department of Labor, >> you know, let us know that we couldn't do that unless they were 18. >> Yeah, we have had students from Machine Tool that that have done successful internships and are still there. Um, I can think of two right off the bat that are still at the places that they started in internships, but you have to find a student who is 18 or going to turn 18 in the fall for it to be beneficial for them. >>
030Is that an insurance problem or is that a license? It's >> it's an HR >> nightmare >> issue at their at at the employer. I mean, it has nothing to do with us. We would send them at 16 if they would let us. I mean, they're running the m the machines in the shop. There's no reason they couldn't do the same thing on the work floor. But >> yeah, >> do we not when those when our students are they're doing an internship, are they not covered under our work workers comps? >> No. >> Why not? >> That's a question for somebody that >> our employee. >> They not our employee. a student is not covered under workers comp because they're not unemployed. >> They do get the brim insurance certificate for being a business partner
031and for allowing them to come, but they all won't employ the student. >> Have you had the I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> Sorry. No, they say that it's a OSHA thing and that it's our state. So, over the spring, the state tried to do an apprenticeship program to drop the age to 16. that would hopefully allow that to happen, but we haven't seen the fruits of that yet because it was just passed this last legislative session. >> We're beating a dead horse, guys. >> Well, you're asking the right questions, >> but I'm not the one that can answer them, unfortunately. >> Feet, you know, in terms of asking the right questions about a program for this gentleman to have an opportunity. >> It's just if we've got jobs out there, it's a shame. kids. I
032mean, that's what blows my mind. >> Okay. >> Well, I mean, if you'd let me keep all my programs with no cuts, that'd be wonderful. But >> losing 325 kids, I don't think allows that to happen. >> Don't you think it's time for that? >> Well, the key to me, though, is jobs. If there's jobs available, that's the key. >> There's jobs. >> Okay. Mr. Lively, let's let you have your say. >> Okay. Um, I know. Let me get my glasses on. I can't see what I wrote. I'm sorry. I know. Um, and Danielle and I have talked about this and and she has really worked hard with me and and we've we've tried to discuss a few things, but as far as my options kids, Danny, I only had two right now and um
033I don't know where the numbers things come from for next year. Last time I checked my email, which I was out all last week, well, I had six signed up, which is still low, don't get me wrong. That's super low. But that was through the email thing that Kim sends us. >> You have two and one of them we can't find. I did it today. That's what I worked on all day today. Not yours, but >> everybody's in total. >> And um you know, I I'll be honest with you guys. Um Mr. Tomman, I don't know exactly which year you got here. Is it 21? Maybe 202 is that when you started? Um, I haven't had a new piece of equipment since 2020 in this shop. None whatsoever. So, I'm not blaming that on Danielle.
034I'm not going to blame that on Rosemary. I just It just hasn't happened. And we're talking about getting new stuff in. How do you maintain a program when you're constantly working on equipment? I mean, that's I mean, Mr. Bailey, do you remember when we had the stuff the lathes moved out? They moved the lathes out, turned one sideways, and guess where it's still sitting? >> Probably still sitting there. >> Still sitting there with a hole in the floor. Yes, sir. And I'm I'm not trying to blame that on student recruitment. But you know what? If if you don't what what happens to your car if you don't do something with it after six years, you still going to be driving it? I don't think so. I mean, I it seems like we're putting >> I'm
035sorry. No, you're good. I >> I ran over here, so I forgot to tell you. >> It seems like we're not putting some funding towards this program, and I don't quite understand why. Um >> Brian, would that make Would that really >> I mean, you don't know. To >> be honest, I can't. >> Let's let him finish first, please. >> Um I've got seven working machines right now. Seven. If we can't all be on CNC and manual at the same time. So, I have seven manual aids working right now. Last year, I had 13 kids in one class. What are you going to do with the other ones? You going to double them up? You see, I I I'm I'm at a standstill here. So, now I got two kids working on the same piece
036of equipment. That's not good. I mean, it's not good for me. It's not good for the kids. What do we do? Um I don't I don't understand that either. Um, and yes, I have asked before for a workstation. And the one I did give Danielle a probably an unrealistic um, request here maybe last year. She's talking about this advanced manufacturing and I'm all for it. I'll be I would do anything to try to get that in there. I mean, if you want to do it without me, that's fine, too. But it's not all going that way, guys. I work during the summer in a machine shop in Rich Creek. The reason I work there is because there again, they can't find anybody. So, they call me. I mean, I work a few days a week.
037There's not a CNC machine in that place in sight. None. You see very, very few at Smith services. The manual stuff's still there. The jobs are still there. I get calls from I've got calls from Greensboro, North Carolina. I don't know how to get them there. I'm at a loss with Hill. I absolutely don't know. I do know I don't think and maybe this is my fault too. I don't think we get it out there enough. I mean um who who wants picked on up here? Um did does any of you guys know what machine what machinists do actually do during the day? >> I mean I I really know that um I'll be honest with you. I hadn't seen any of you in my shop to come through and say, "Hey, what's the kids
038doing today?" You know, I mean, if if one of you guys is a principal or something and sees a kid, well, they do machine shop. What are you going to tell them? You don't know either, right? I'm not trying to put anybody on the spot here. I'm fighting for my kids and my program here, so I'm pretty much laying it out here. The request I give Danielle to go along with this advanced manufacturing was a five axis CNC meal. Would anybody care to guess how much a small one would cost? $249,000. Yeah. And I mean, I I laid that out there for her. I knew she wasn't going to buy. I mean, what do you do here? I mean, we do have two axis CNC machines in here. I've got two. I got a lathe
039in a meal. There again, there's two kids. What are you going to do with the rest of them? I mean, that's something regardless whether you keep my program or you go to another route. You're going to have to look at. I mean, this is it's a serious issue. I don't know what the answer is here. And and there again, maybe I'm not the best recruiter. I didn't realize that my job was as a recruiter. I thought my job was to teach kids. Um, I do all the career fairs they ask me. I host all the tours. You know, I try to keep them interacted the best way I can, but I, you know, I can't take three days a week off to go to Pike View High School or Bluefield High School where I mean,
040we want me to do here. I mean, yes, we have made videos, but it does not get the point across. And I'm not trying to put my program problems on anybody else because there again, I I don't know the answer. I do know this. There is tons of jobs out there. They're good paying jobs. And as far as the options kids go, a lot of those kids when they get there, they don't want to be there. But they most of those kids have turned out to be some of the best students that I have put out because they're not going to college. They're going to try to get a skill and they're going to work. And the there's some they're talking some good a lot more money than I make good jobs out there right
041now right here in this area. and they're there and I hate to see these kids miss out on that. I mean there again, if it's something to do with me, I mean, I I'll be glad to be gone. That's going to keep the program and get keep some students going, but I don't think that's the answer. Um there again, I I just I'm not trying to blame anybody, but I there I haven't seen any of you guys down there and say, "Hey, let's let's go to machine shop today. Just see what they're doing down there." So, you don't know how to explain it either. I I mean, that's pretty much it. I I mean, what else can I say? I have no new equipment. I work on mine constantly. I'm doubling up with kids. And
042there you go. I mean, that's that's an issue. You know, if the the word of mouth is the best thing. And if when kids go back to school and say, "Don't take that class. All we do is repair machines all day long." And we get to do nothing. I'm not saying we do it every day, but some of that stuff's getting old. I mean, I've got a lathe in there that was on a battleship. And I don't know if it's a Korean War, World War II, but if anybody wants to look at it, it's very front and center right there. That's that's what we're looking at here. And I'm not putting this on on Danny Ed former at all, but I don't even know that she realized we hadn't got any equipment. It's uh it's
043an issue. But there again, what I mean, if there's something I can do to make that better, I'm all for it. I'll work with Daniel. I absolutely love working with Daniel. We don't see eye to eye on everything, but we we work together, I think, for the most part. And I'm not trashing her by any any way, shape, or form, but that's an issue that's been coming for a while. And that's something you're going to have to address whether you keep machine or you do base manufacturing. That's pretty much all I got, guys. Talked out there and I'll answer. If you got a question for me, I'll try my best to answer it. But um I feel like we've kind of been looked over a little bit for other issues, for other things and not
044too pleased. >> You got any questions? >> No. >> And I would think, you know, after administration had an opportunity to hear from the employee, if Miss Farmer, Miss Mitchell want to address anything, you know, now's the time to do that. None of these are easy. Miss Farmer this back to it's not like you're making this recommendation you're jumping up and down and and wanting this among any of our riffs to occur as superintendent or recommendation comes from the superintendent. But obviously anything that you all want to say to address the board one way or the other would be appropriate of any concerns that you had after listening to Mr. Lavley. The only thing I would respond with is um we had a significant ceiling leak in Machine Tool and the office that used to
045be there fell down. We put in a small manufacturing lab over on the side and that was the last piece of equipment we've bought. But if you're looking at an allocation of resources, it's hard to allocate $249,000 for a piece of new equipment if you have seven, eight students. So that's, you know, unless unless we have a plethora of money that comes through. Most everybody at MCTech gets equipment through grants. So I don't know if Mr. Lively has written any grants. I know he's tried a few things, but I mean most of our pieces of equipment that are costly like that come from a grant. So >> we got a catch 22 here. You need more equipment, but you can't buy that because you don't have a student. you don't have more students because you
046don't have the better equipment >> and that is just kind of stuck. And just one question Dr. Farmer, if you has there been any attempt to see if any of these machine shops would contribute to if we're providing people for them, maybe they could give us some equipment or something that >> Well, I I had um David Graph at CMS offer a >> press break. >> Yeah. and um all we had to do was come and get it. >> But what they're what they're doing is giving us stuff that they've replaced. >> You know, they they just recently spent like $1.4 million >> on on a piece of equipment and automation, but somebody's got to still know how to operate that automation piece. I mean, I've they load it at night with with sheets of
047steel and then they put the jobs in the in the machine and it's done while they're not there. So, when they come in the next day, then they take it to a another location. But these people aren't going to um they're not going to give up a piece of equip a new piece of equipment. They're just going to give us their >> in 20 years when it doesn't work anymore. That's what we >> came off the battleship. But um that's that's the problem there. >> Yeah, I agree with you. It is a problem. The equipment's expensive. But no, I'm not saying that we have to have the $249,000 piece of equipment. I mean, some of those ladies 5 $10,000, you know, you're ready to roll. Some of them 60 70,000. Depends on what you're buying.
048I just threw that out there because in order to get into advanced manufacturing, you're going to have to have something with five axis >> with five axis. That's XYZ. Head rotates. It's Yeah, it's crazy. >> They got A and B and I mean there's all kinds of axis there. But you're not going to get into that for cost money. >> Okay. Does either side have like to make a closing statement or have you said all you can say? >> Miss Mitchell, was there anything else you wanted to add? You >> just again >> I don't think so. I think I think pretty much we've covered um you know the reasoning behind it and and I think everybody would agree it's not has nothing to do with Mr. Lively as far as a teacher. He's he's
049a great teacher. we just cannot get the interest up and and we've cut several programs over the last few years for that reason. Some of you will remember we cut our agriculture program which we had a a great program and it was doing very well but we couldn't keep students and we didn't have more than 10 in a class and we were consistently staying at that and we had to make cuts. So that was the class that ended up being cut. Um you know the hope is that we'd get interest back around and that we could start a program again. um if we could find a teacher because you know that's the other part of it. Um but this is I mean truly we looked at this from the standpoint of numbers and and money
050and that's why the as far as who who this Dr. Farmer turned into us as far as us meeting as a a staff. I I mean Dr. Philipe is there anything else that you can think about? I mean I think >> we've done that. We did meet with Mr. Lively. We met with him and discussed concerns um earlier and that was one of the things we discussed was the advanced manufacturing and possibly looking at a different pathway. Um that was Dr. Philipc, Dr. Farmer and myself um and Mr. Lively. So that's kind of where we are with it. For the record, it's not a recommendation coming solely from me. Again, it's part of the team. Everybody keeps making, you know, it's not like I went and said we really need to cut this program. If
051if we could keep all of our programs, that would be wonderful. But >> Danielle, I've been in your shoes before. >> Miss Farmer, she's like our our other building administrator's principal given a directive to recognize that cuts need to be made so that you can continue to balance among other things with the reductions that are countywide. So again, yeah, it's you're in a tough spot in terms for your benefit. I've been in your shoes before, too. >> I was rifted in 1988. >> You know, I I totally understand and understand, >> but that that program is needed whether I'm there or not. I mean, it's got to be there, guys. I mean, I'm sorry. Summits with something or another. I mean, you got CMS down here that holl at me all the time. I don't
052do a whole lot with Conwell. Sometimes I do. There's I'm temping down here. I mean, they're everywhere and they're calling me constant. >> Anything else? >> I know this is your first time, first rodeo with this. So, there's anything you can think of before. What what the board does is the meeting. They have a meeting at 6 and I think there's a whole plethora of personnel action. This is one among several. But, >> you know, this is your opportunity. So we don't vote now. >> Do they don't don't do a vote now. It's We've got a memo right there in line that way. Dr. Phil, would you want it that way or one in the group? >> You going to leave? >> Typically I think it's done with the group. >> Okay. Got you. We'll
053wait. Good deal. >> I saw the memos on this is what I was wondering because it has a motion right there on >> Oh, for agenda one and two. >> Is that what you're talking about? >> Is it on the 6:00 meeting? All the personnel actions are >> all of them are in the in the whole memo in this meeting. >> Okay. >> So, >> right then I guess that >> completes this hearing. >> Let me say I think I say for everybody we if you end up losing this position, we really hate it. It's it just don't make sense to us except monetarily >> and that's the world we live in. The only question I do have is can you please let me know within the today or tomorrow please? >> Be tonight. >>
054Someone please text me and let me know one way or another. >> Yeah. I mean here again guys you know I I'm not going to sit here and say I haven't had other job offers. I have but some of them don't have the insurance we got. So I'm gonna have to start looking if one comes along I got to go. I mean I'm not doing it for spite. I don't want to do it to the kids, but I'm going to have to go. >> Yeah, we understand. Okay, then we'll during this hearing. Am I correct in that? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Did I have a >> Can I talk to Good afternoon. Today is the 13th of April, 2026. It is 5:09 p.m. The superintendent and three board members are present. The Merc County
055Board of Education is here today to address an employees request hearing request regarding the reduction enforced by the administration. This matter will be closed session. The hearing is to be recorded by audio device. Wait for him to close it. 5:31 p.m. Superintendent You didn't hear any of it. >> Do I Okay, I'll do it again. That's not a problem. We're still working on this streaming stuff, folks. Um, today is the 13th day of April, 2026, and it is 5:31 p.m. The superintendent and three board members are present. The Mercer County Board of Education is here today to address an employees hearing request regarding reduction enforced action by the administration. This matter will be a closed hearing and the hearing is being recorded by audio device. So, we'll take a moment to Nice. We're back from
056our uh employee hearings and ready for our regular session. Uh four board members are present. I think uh Mr. Godfreyy's on his way and we'll be here shortly. He's had some vehicle issues. We're going to do the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> By the way, if you like baseball, copers going on over here if you watch them. >> I do like baseball, so I won't be watching them tonight, but I'll get them tomorrow. All right. So, uh, let's start with recognitions. Our favorite part of the board meeting. If all our board members could come down. >> Okay. As Mr. You said our favorite part of every board
057meeting is the opportunity that we have to recognize staff or students. This evening we will be recognizing awards for certificate of achievement for our Jason Learning Argonauts. The following are the 2026 Jason Learning Argonauts. I'm going to read the description before reads tonight. proudly recognize these three outstanding members of Mercedes chosen through a highly competitive rigorous application process. These two students and one teacher represent the very best of our district. This summer they will travel to Houston, Texas where they will engage with leading STEM professionals and participate in an immersive design thinking expedition focused on real world challenges in aeronautics engineering. We congratulate them on this incredible achievement and look forward to the impact they will bring to our schools and community. We have Peggy Moore which is our teacher Argonaut from Pike View High
058School. We have Dylan Donathan a student argonaut from Princeton Middle School. And we have Grace Macowski, student argonaut from Pikeview High School. If you all come up, please. Yes. And parents, please come up to get pictures. >> Makowski. Mahalski. >> Mahalski. I apologize. >> I tried so hard. Peggy >> Mr. So, I lived in Houston about three and a half years. The place is massive. It is unbelievably big. But you're going to be in a really cool section. Johnson Space Center and that is just the neur and I love space. So >> Take lots of pictures and come back with lots of information. We want to hear from you when you get back. This is a lifeang. I hope it leads to something huge for you guys. It's a big deal. So what made you
059want to do this? >> Well, I wanted to doss I decided to try again this year and I've always loved space. >> Well, this is my first year ever hearing about it. >> And they gave a really good presentation like one girl, it was Savannah, she talked about MIT and that's always school I was interested in. And then um Finn talked about his environmental research in Oregon and those both really piqu my interest. So I had to try What about our instructor? What cur? >> Well, my sister was the first argon from Mercer County and she just went on and on about the whole Boston, MIT, Harvard experience. And I just thought, gee, that would be really cool to to have that opportunity. And then when the Houston NASA park came up, I'm like, be
060still my heart because I have been a NASA junkie. I mean, since I was in the eighth grade, I did a This is going to reveal one page. space shuttle student involvement project that was actually accepted and I got to go to Langley as an eighth grader >> from the free state of MDO and >> it was on NASA for a very long time so this is really there's something you want to do it's there to do take advantage of the food there's a food you want to eat it's there >> try to tell >> Mr. Gothrey, Mr. Hodes was at this surprise when we did the surprise announcement, but tell them a little bit about the surprise, how that went and some of the questions and how >> students had to the parents had
061to keep that a secret for one night. >> Yeah. My sister told me that you had contacted her the day before and I thought it was really strange because we usually talk every evening. She didn't call that night. What have I done to upset? So then when you all walked in that day, I was looking around my class because that's my smallest class. Okay, one of these kids got it. Yay. And then you started walking towards me and I was like, "Oh my go." >> So yeah, and everybody just came in smiling after >> How about you guys? a little bit about surprise coming off the bus from Tech. >> Yeah, I was just kind of focused on because I had my skills USA. So, I was just kind of focused on that. And then
062one of my friends text me, she's like, "Are you like I don't know." Because I knew my mom was going to come to the school anyway to pick me up and I walked in and I'm like, I didn't It was a big surprise. Even though she spoiled it, it was still >> Dylan, you hit your teacher up the day before about, "Hey, what am I doing walking down?" And I thought it was really weird how she sped away from me. >> She did at that point >> when they came in. I was like, "Wow." So, I didn't know it's actually for the Argonaut. I gave Blake enjoyed it. >> Take advantage of every moment that you get to do this. Every single moment. This is a once in a lifetime deal. Of course, you never
063know. You might end up back at NASA. Who knows? >> Right. Grace is going to be a teacher. She's back here. >> But you can use your experience. >> It's awesome, guys. >> That's it. So, I'll tell guests what we always say at this point in the time. You are welcome to stay and watch our board meeting, but if you want to go, now's the time to go. >> There are six court students back. >> Yeah, I saw that. >> They're in the education program. >> Oh, wow. How many of you plan on staying in West Virginia to educate? >> Oh, yeah. >> Wait a minute, guys. >> Yay. Crystal, stay safe. >> Awesome. >> Go hand out your business card. >> All right. So, there's no citizens input, so we'll go on to the
064superintendent's opening remarks. >> Yeah. Members of the board, I gave you a little sheet of some information I'm going to go over, but just preliminary details with the of the SRO DARE program, a memorandum. I'm working with U. Chief Dlo in Bluefield >> Dilla, excuse me. Thank you. And uh working on a SRO, a DARE program, and he's looking at wanting to do something at Bluefield Primary, Bluefield Intermediate, and then also do some of the DARE also in Bluefield Middle School. Would it actually be an SRO? We're in talks of that, but this person would be there all day. they would teach the DARE program at both schools and also at the middle school one class but then uh he's going to roll with the DARE program one way or the other at our schools
065but to place her all day and looking at Amanda Moore >> and um >> looking at possibly 30,000 um >> you know the cost of a SRO is is higher than that for a 200 day salary u but 48,000 minus the insurance and all the extra for friends benefits. But uh in talk of that, I'll get a memorandum together. Uh is it actually an SRO? Not necessarily, but she will be there all day and that would be something special. And then also I'd like to with that maybe that's something we could work with Princeton to do something over this way and uh do something together. We're working on the budget and we're going to probably have both those added in there and then see if we can get some talk there and I'll talk to
066Chief Wood and see what we can find out. But, uh, that's where we're at. The name of SRO DARE, that's not necessarily it. That's just real quick talk. It's a phone call and it's another follow-up phone call today and try to put something together. >> You know, the how I view it is if there's an officer in the building. If they're teaching classes and something goes wrong, they're not going to sit around and keep teaching. They're going to go do >> Is she former law enforcement? >> She is a law enforcement right now. She's once >> and she's been >> and she is trained with the DARE program. It is updated and new from not what we had in the past that had some controversy with it uh being successful but uh active doing that
067and uh again I got to work on the details of the name. Uh we will have an armed person at definitely Bluefield Primary, Bluefield Intermediate and then again some classes over Bluefield Middle School and we got an officer at Bluefield Middle School right now. But anyway we can try to attract and and do more there. I think it's a win for Mercer County schools and our kids. And I just wanted to share that. So once I get that, I'll bring that memorandum to you, but just I didn't have time to put that together that he was uh in favor of. We're working on that. Also, the 2026 green book. Uh we had this uh given to us at our superintendent association meeting. I have one hard copy, but I did send you a digital copy
068along with we'll share that with administrators or anybody who wants that. But what's noticeable uh different this year, it is probably the thinnest ever of the new legislation that has uh been given to uh but that's uh I just wanted to share that I did email you the online version and if anybody wants that, that's just a matter of contacting me. Uh this Wednesday, um we have student discipline hearing starting at 1 o'clock. That is at our board office. Uh also we have administrators meeting this Thursday at 8:30. We have a statutory meeting next Tuesday and I have 8 a.m. but Mr. Prud we talked possibly going to 7:45 if that works. >> AMG Paul agrees with me. We protest. We all have >> We got to go to Charleston. >> Yeah, we all have
069a >> Oh, are you doing >> You do, too. >> I'm not going. >> Oh, she wasn't. >> Oh, that's right. Okay, never mind. >> Thank you. >> Is that the training? >> No, we haven't. >> It's the hearing that >> Oh, I wasn't here. >> Right. It's the grievance hearing. >> I got lucky. >> So, what are we talking about that 7:4? >> It is right there written other 9:00 a.m. on my schedule. I like that better. But okay, so I need >> I have 8 a.m. on my sheet, but in in pin 7:45 was discussed so other members of the boards can get to Charleston. Um, >> don't expect me to look good at that hour. >> Also on April on April 22nd, we have the teacher of the year banquet. Um, that
070is at 6 pm at the Chuck Mthena Center. And then also I put this on there again. We have the final activity leadership game through Mike Mlanahan the adorium uh purpose-driven management leadership game. It's going to be a lot of fun and we've got that scheduled at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 on the 30th of of April. So I just want to give you that information members of the board and thank you. >> Thank you. Well, let's go into policy 2322. Okay, I have a couple just a couple quick things this evening. Um, tomorrow afternoon after school, we do have our Title One Tuesday training for um, elementary and it will be our grade level PLC's. We had one in the fall. This is one for the spring. They will have a 1-hour training. Uh, we're
071calling it math power hour. It will be from our math experts that have been doing a lot of training. uh Kim Yawya and Emily Smith and Katie Carter, Shelley Whis and others provide that training across the county. We'll have uh K1 at Princeton Primary, 23 here, and four five at Mountain Valley. You are always welcome to attend. And then Bluefield Middle School is a title one school, so they will have something similar at their school during that time. Um also just wanted to share these dates. We do uh we are required to uh provide some type of a summer learning academy through the third grade success act legislation and we've done the the same thing the last two years. Those dates will have two weeks in July. We're looking at July 13 through 17 and
07220 through 24. Very similar to what we've done the last two summers. Probably an 8 to 8 to 1:30 type day. you know, regional transportation provided, meals provided, qualifying students in grades K through three, and we'll have two sites, one at Princeton Primary and one at Bluefield Primary. >> What's attendance like for those? >> Well, last year was lower than previous years. So, we're looking at some ways and Amber's uh behind me. We've worked on this and also with our uh leadership group to determine how we can increase those numbers and provide some opportunities to some students that may not fit the qualifiers that we'd used the last two years but could benefit from the program. So, we're going to talk with elementary principles about that during our breakout session on Thursday and then probably
073send information home starting next week uh and then give the information to Dr. Philipec to post jobs. Okay. Anybody else? Any other questions? >> Any questions? >> Any other thing, Dr. Atkins? I uh mentioned on Wednesday at Mountain Valley Elementary that uh we have the TR state treasure coming. >> We we do um on Wednesday and so board members, we encourage you to come at 9:00 Wednesday morning uh at Mountain Valley. We have a smart 529 uh SA winner. Uh and very excited about that. Have the treasur secretary coming down and do some recognitions there. And uh Mrs. Squ always does a very good job uh with any any type of recognition or guest that she has in her building. So encourage you to come if you can. >> I'll text you that also if
074that helpful. >> All right, Miss Mitchell. >> Okay. I have a few things too. Um, one is we were asked about the hope scholarship and uh if we were receiving any funding with with our sports programs and we have not done that in the past. So this past week being at the WVASA meeting with the other superintendents in the state and the treasurers were with us this time we were able to talk to several of them. There are some counties in the state that are that do have that in place that they are charging for students that receive hope, but they're charging for them to be an active participant in sports. However, each one of them told us they have not collected anything. They have not gotten any money from it. So, they're looking at
075tweaking their policies to to make some changes. Um, Mrs. Wellman um can even elaborate on this too. Um, we have our policy um mimicked from what Cana County and Raleigh County had put in place. But Cana County is one of the first places that um that they started using the contract that they would charge and um Dr. Potter was able to tell us that she has not collected any money. So, one of the >> from the state or from the parents >> from the uh parents or if the money's at the school it would be yeah >> it would be whoever has that money for that student whether it's hope or if it's been turned into a school document >> well here this is what they're doing um one of the superintendent is part of
076the SSAC committee they are working on a plan he said it would not be a policy it'll be a proposal with regulations that they're recommending thing and that way it could be consistent across the state as to what we would ask for and what we wanted. One of the things that they brought up and that he brought up was that um you know is it fair to charge every sport the same amount because volleyball certainly doesn't cost as much to maintain the program as it would a football program. So, they're looking at those things and he hopes to have something in place for us by the middle of May >> that we can share. And yes, and Mike Collins, if you have not heard, Mike Collins was reappointed to the um SSAC and he'll be
077on there for the next five years. So, he is, you know, he's a go-to person for us. He's part of the um the committee that will be looking at um the charges. So hopefully by miday we'll be able to say this is what SSAC is recommending and this is what the um WVASA is suggesting. Doc u superintendent black did tell us that she the WVDE had not been involved in it at this point that it was through SSAC and the school systems. >> How many students are we talking about at this point? >> I don't know how many students we have though. Do you want to know? I don't know how many we That is something we were going to talk to principles about at our meeting this coming week to get a more accurate
078number of just county obviously >> but it you know it regardless of what the number is it it's not huge but it continues to grow and so we need to know >> so that we have it in place. >> Well this started when I got an email from a parent who was being told to play softball their child was going to have to pay over $1,000. that's not commensurate with the cost of having a student play softball, >> right? >> So, the question was, well, can we not fix that? I know policy currently says 17th of the this the policy. So, that was the whole point of this was trying to figure out a different way uh to just basically recoup the cost of of that sport from them because they're not paying into the
079school system. That money left us and went with them. you know that it f the money follows the parent or the student as they say. >> So, we don't have the money. And if we get involved in a football player, that's a substantial amount of money. If we're talking about a volleyball player, uh it doesn't cost as much. We still have transportation. We still have the the coaches fees and or the coach's salaries and all that stuff, but it it it's uh it just seems to be fair as as far as I understand it. And correct me if I'm wrong, uh Leslie, but for classes we're required to collect, are we not? Isn't that am I wrong about that? Well, I know I met Danielle introduced me to some boys last year, I think, that
080were homeschooled that came here for welding in your office. There's four of them. So, they're spending half a day here learning getting wel welding comp. >> They're doing the um Foster >> Pen Foster >> they started as a public school student the year and they went home through the year. >> So were they on the hope scholarship though? >> Because if not we would be getting funding if they weren't. Correct. >> If they're not on HOPE then we're getting funding, right? >> If they were enrolled in October when we submitted our certification. >> Oh, okay. >> Um we would get funding for them. But >> but if they had already pulled out before then we would not. Um, we did conduct a second. >> Rosemary, are you moving on something else now? >> Yes. Unless
081you want to ask me. >> Check. Sure. I don't know if we still do carry a liability type insurance. Uh, does that cover schools? I mean, students who are not enrolled in our school. >> That's a good question. >> Their liability insurance. I know we have to have sometimes additional, but need to check on that. >> That that's a very good question. >> Only lawsuit I've ever been involved in was over an insurance issue over sports. >> So, we will report out again on that and we will check on that. That's a very good question. We need to we need to know. Um then um we did a survey with Montcom Elementary and Montcom High School and when the results came in, we shared those um at the last meeting, but that that survey was
082open to anyone at those schools. Both schools put that out. So, we did a more concentrated survey and asked specific questions where parents could um elaborate on not just yes or no, but if they really agreed with it, didn't agree with it at all, um >> didn't have a thought on it, whatever they needed to put. And we've got those results back. And with those results, we um do not have the support to move forward with moving sixth grade to Montcom High School. And I I feel like this late in the year and as little time as we've had to talk to parents and the community that for now we just leave things as they are, not make a change for next year and then we can revisit this in the fall and if it's
083something that they want to talk about through the year and can get more information out. My recommendation to the board would be that we at this time go with the results of this survey because these are the parents of the Montcom elementary kids who would be affected. questions. >> Okay. >> And um let's see. The blockout policy is another thing that we're looking at. Um Miss Harrison has been kind enough to make sure I had what I needed um so that we can meet with the principles on Thursday during our breakout. We're going to talk about this a little bit. Um, the way things are right now, if they do a block out, you know, in the past it was one block per each class they took or one block if they taught or they
084went to work. Well, we don't have blocks now. We have periods and one period is certainly not enough for a kid to go somewhere and get back. And so, we realize that's got to be changed. So, that'll be something we're looking at and try to have it ready for a first reading and and give to you all to look at ahead of time. Um but one of the things that we want to make sure we include is even right now with the blockout that we have um we option kids have a situation where if they complete option the option program and pass the test and they complete their CTE then they can get a block out. It's a request parents fill out the form sign it or the student does if they're 18 and and
085then we process that. Um we have uh situations for um hardships in families where a student is working because of the need in their home. If they can pro you know provide evidence of that then we allow that. But one of the things that we want to make sure and Mr. Godfrey you brought this to my attention when we first were talking about this a few years ago and that was you know if we can verify verify that they are employed or verify that they are still in school. Not that we just take that at the beginning of a semester and say, "Okay, you know, Johnny has a job." And then three weeks later we find out Johnny's quit that job. They would have to produce a payub to show us they were working or
086grade if it would be through school. So that those are the changes we want to to look at in their secondary um attendance and graduation policy. And the other thing is the school mapping and you know that's part of the safe schools um um project and we got a call last week that um the team there there is like a team of four people that will be coming down and going to each of our facilities walking through they've sent us a list of the things that they want to look for while they're there. Uh Mr. Atkins and I will be working on the schedule as to where they go on those days. But they'll be coming May 5th through May 8th will be our visit from from the team um on school mapping and other
087than that that's pretty well mine. >> Questions? Anybody? >> Did you have a 2322? So I really just wanted to report in I know that many of you have attended trainings on financial stability and last week treasurers were asked I don't know why everyone looked at Mr. Bailey, but um but um treasurers were asked to attend and the majority of the the meeting was spent um with Uriah Cummings, WBDE um head of finance and then JP Mauy, who's a long-term treasurer from Pendleton County, who has also taken over as our mentor um as my mentor um with the passing of Dave Mccclure. And if I could summarize everything, it would be we are doing a very good job. There are three areas that impact the financial stability of a county. The majority of those three.
088The first being headcount. That is 85% of our budget, 80 to 85% of all 55 counties budgets. How do you contain that cost? That's your riff and transfers. Hancock County was discussed multiple times, not to slam them, but as we sat there, we looked at their enrollment. Their enrollment dropped 450 students in a period of three years. They made no headcount cuts. They made no facility changes. The number two way you can control expenses to is to control your facilities. The first is rifts and transfers that are being presented to you tonight. I didn't invent this procedure. Neither did Dr. Philipek. Most counties follow this. I am very very confident that we handled this correctly over the past many years. But as a board, if there are three things, number one, headcount, 85% of our
089budget. Number two, buildings and building efficiencies, we've presented that to you as well. You have a list of all of all of our facility efficiencies. We also provided our I did it. Um Dr. Atkins provided our principles and administrators updated procedures on how to do that. So those will be updated. We'll present that to you again. The second biggest thing and the third are purchases. As you know, every single purchase over $15,000 comes to you. I'm learning that we are one of the few counties that actually do that. We provide a board memo and it kind of blows people's minds to to put it in layman terms. No treasurers have will say that they do the extent to present to you the purchases. >> So in summary, those are the three things and and I
090feel like we we do a very good job of presenting that to you all. >> And just to clarify, Mrs. Wellman's state, the memos that you get on every every board meeting saying where it's coming from, all those things. Most of them just do an action item that it's on there that the superintendent explains what it is all the details that you know >> we make sure how we provide how we comply with policy whether it's a bid RFP RFQ co-op source of funds >> the cost if there was a prior year cost as well all of those help us comply with policy 8200 so again to summarize those are the biggest things that were discussed at that meeting did I learn yes do I feel like we are doing a very good job in
091those areas. Absolutely. Um, reporting is a need, but I will tell you as I told them and it actually got reported in the meeting, the Weas financial system is very poor in a reporting functionality. I could do more reporting. I I'm very limited on time because you have to manually do it. >> So, did they recommend that all the counties do what we're doing with purchases? to uh ask >> you your rise say well they're doing it right why don't you do what they're doing >> no they >> because he's quick to tell us a hundred other things that we're supposed to be doing >> no I I feel confident in what we are doing however and that was really all I was trying to to do is show you how we comply with the
092biggest markers of financial red flags I shall say is what they they Mr. Mauy presented. >> I'm not as bad as I was. >> Well, it's a matter of opinion. >> Mine's the only want to count. >> Our meeting was only 30 minutes today preparing for this. So, I I do feel that he's doing a better job. >> All right. Any other uh >> questions? >> Anyone else for 23 22? You guys good? Okay. Thank you. Thank you all. And I know that personnel and finance are working really closely together to make all this work and that's really important and we do appreciate that. It helps us understand a whole lot better. >> Absolutely. >> All right. If there's nothing else then we'll move on to the uh business meeting approval of minutes of March
09323 26 and March 27 26. So a motion to approve. >> Second. All right, there's a motion and a second. Any additions, corrections, or deletions? There appearing to be none on the motion. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Opposed. Likewise. That motion codes five in favor and none opposed. Under old business policy board member number 295 is policy J19, resident student transfers. This is a second reading of this policy and it is being changed to update policy uh language and grammatical changes. One comment was received and is attached. Superintendent recommends approval. Is there a motion to approve? >> Move we approve. >> Second. >> There's a motion and there's a second. Questions, comments, or discussion. >> Then on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I. >> Opposed? Likewise. That motion
094carries five in favor and none opposed. Policy G41, which is board memo 261, is another attempt at the employee right to record meetings involving disciplinary performance. And I think this one's much better. Just personally, I like the way it's it's a little less adversarial and uh puts the onus on the board uh super on superintendent administrators to to offer instead of someone requiring to ask. Um, this is the first reading, so this will go out for public comment. The board have any comments, thoughts, discussion about this? >> I read through it two or three times because I couldn't find, you know, we talk about it's it's our responsibility to ask up front if they're interested. Do you mind or do you want this meeting to be >> recorded? >> And I didn't until I read
095my third time that there are some there's yeah um there's areas to where if they do it secretly and don't have there is repercussions to somebody who does that and that was 4.4 under administration. So the idea being we don't want comments about students or other employees going out into the world. >> Yeah. which has unfortunately happened. So, um any anything else from anybody else? >> All right. I mean, I've sat in meetings where we representation not always pleasant. But if you offer then that takes adversarial side of it, >> I think it was. Well, okay. Well, it'll go out for public comment. We'll get it back in after the comment and see what happens after that. So, we'll move on to the consent agenda. Board me board memo number 348. It's quote 860, student
096athletic insurance renewal number two. This is from student athletic insurance uh provider sports specialty. Price MA remains the same as last year. Superintendent recommends renewal uh for supplemental student athletic insurance in the sum of 17,998 covering the 2627 school year. It also covers covers band students and it is funded by the excess levy. Board a memo number 349 is the West Virginia Extension Service Memorandum of agreement. This is the annual memorandum we enter into with the West Virginia University Extension Service beginning the fiscal year July 1st to 26. The agency is requesting $45,920, which is an increase from fiscal year 25. Uh, and this was a an increase on a prior increase. So, it looks like it's gone up approximately $7,000 since 2024. This is funded through the excess levy. The superintendent recommends approval. Board
097memo number 350 is u contract approval for professional development using Gear Up Southwest, excuse me, SWV funds. In compliance with our policy, Gear Up SWV is seeking contract approval for professional development provided by I'm going to just take a shot at it, Kishnik and Associates uh to secondary teachers during the 26 27th school year. It includes a sixperson instructional coaching days for all high schools. Coaching will occur on three consecutive days cycles during the fall and spring of 27. One high school served per cycle. Uh there is a contract attached for the sum of $57,000. Funding is graciously provided through Gear Up West Southwest Virginia grant. Superintendent recommends approval. Board amendment number 351. Now we're getting into buying textbooks. Board amendment number 351 is the purchase of the AAA driver's education textbook materials. Uh this
098quoted price includes a teacher's guide, digital access, student print edition, and digital. Uh this is from the list provided by the state board of approved vendors that we can select from. Adoption is for high school drivers education. The ad adoption period is July 1 of 26 to June 30 of 32. The cost of the program and the supplemental resources is 9,588 for the life of the adoption and it's funded through the excess levy. Superintendent recommends approval. Board memo number 352 is the purchase of the music K8 textbook materials. The submitted for approval is recommendation from the music textbook committee for quaver music for K8 music. The quoted price incu includes digital access to music lessons, automated assessments, 1,200 plus songs, unlimited student accounts, resources in Spanish, professional development, and the like. This comes from the
099list of approved vendors from the state board. Uh, this adoption is for K8 music for the period of July 1st, 26 through June 30th of 32. The cost of the program with all supplemental resources is 134,316 for the life of adoption. is funded through the excess levy. Superintendent recommends approval. Board memo number 353 is the purchase of art education textbook materials. Uh the recommendation from the art textbook committee for the art of education for high school and middle school art. Uh again this comes from the list approved in vendors. This adoption is for high school and middle school art for the period of July 1st 26 to June 30th of 32. The cost of the complete program with all supplemental resources is $68,879.99 for the life of the adoption as funded through the excess levy.
100Superintendent recommends approval. Board memo number 354 is the purchase of music first band textbook materials as recommended by the text band textbook committee for middle and high school. Uh the price includes digital access to music first performance solution, classroom practice, site greeting factory, Aurelia first u flat for education uh professional development is included. Uh this uh comes from the approved list of vendors. Adoption is for the period of July 1st 26 to June 30th of 32. Cost of complete program with all supplemental resources is $66,285 for the life of the adoption and is funded through the excess levy. The superintendent recommends approval. Board memo number 355 is the purchase of Goodart Wilcox health textbook materials is recommended by the health textbook committee for highend middle school. Uh this is from the approved list vendors. The
101adoption is for the period of July 1st 26 to June 30th of 32. Uh it's a complete program with all supplemental resources. The total cost is $247,335 for the life of the adoption and is funded through the excess levy. Superintendent recommends approval. Give me a second here. Okay. Board amendment number 356 is the purchase of McGraw Hill personal finance textbook materials. It's recommended by the personal finance textbook committee. Uh this includes digital access, student print edition, and digital. Uh they are from the approved list of vendors. The adoption is for the period of July 1st 26 to June 30th of 32. The cost of the complete program with all supplemental resources is $43,92 for the life of the adoption and is funded through the excess levy. The superintendent recommends approval. Board amendment number 357 is
102updated pricing from Omnia Partners Group co-op contract from TK Elevator Corporation for preventive maintenance and inspection services for the elevators and lifts and all the various Mercer County schools that have elevators and lifts. The lifts are located uh in various locations. The TK elevator submitted a 5% increase in pricing. Uh comparison is shown below. Uh it's looking like uh expenditures for the 2425 school year were 56,96218 for maintenance and repairs. Uh the hourly service uh for preventative maintenance is 14774 a unit. Uh 31835 an hour. Uh 5449 for overtime and 385.88 for annual safety test. Superintendent recommends award the elevator maintenance to TK Elevator Corporation for elevator maintenance excess levy funds this purchase. Last action item on the agenda is the payment of invoices for the month of April. The checks have been written or
103being held in the office of treasury pending consideration by the school board. They will be issued to the vendor upon the schoolboard approval. And that's the end of the consent agenda. Are there questions, comments, or thoughts on the consent agenda? >> The W The West Virginia Extension is that the forage thing? >> Yes, sir. >> That's part of it. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Healthy meals. >> Okay. >> All kinds of basically 4 >> under the gear up thing with the I'll try to the Kishnik. Is that the guy who spoke to us over at Blueville? >> Okay. >> It is. Anything else from anybody else? >> Okay, there appears to be nothing else. I'll accept a motion. >> Move to approve. >> Is there a second? There's a motion and a second. Questions, comments, or
104discussion? There appearing to be none on the motion. All in favor sign by saying I. >> I. Opposed. Likewise. That motion carries five in favor and none opposed. Under additional business items, get my computer down here. Board memo number 359 is the summary of the fall 26 audit findings for each school. Uh you'll find listed by each school the principal's response. Uh several >> you do payment invoices. >> Yeah, that was part of the consent agenda. >> Oh, sorry. >> No problems. Always good to be on top making sure. >> Sorry. Uh the uh multiple schools had no findings. Some schools had a few and some had a few more, but it looks like we've caught them all and are dealing with all of them. Uh is there a motion to approve the audit finding
105summary? >> A second. >> A motion and a second. Questions, comments, or discussion? Did Did you feel uncomfortable with anything you saw or was it just mistakes, oversightes, things like that? Okay. >> But we have provided them support and the principal is very focused and she actually emailed me today and asked for some training from her as well. So I feel very >> good. Good. All right. Anything else? Then on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Opposed. Likewise. The motion carries. Five in favor and none opposed. Board amendment number 360 is a proclamation for teacher appreciation week for May 4 to May 8, 2026, which has been designated as teacher appreciation week. May 5th is National Teacher Day. Uh, we have a proclamation before us to adopt. Uh, let me
106read it here real quickly. Teacher appreciation proclamation for Mercer County Schools. I, Edward T. Tomen, superintendent of Mercy County Schools, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the board of education, do hereby proclaim May 5th, 26 to na as National Teacher Appreciation Day and May 4th through May 8th, 2026 as National Teacher Appreciation Week. I call upon all students and parents to recognize the hard work and dedication of our county's teachers and to observe this day and week by supporting our teachers. Therefore, I, Gregory Prudish, on behalf of the Mer County Board of Education, do affirm the proclamation that May 4th to May 8th, 2026 is National Teacher Appreciation Day signed today. Is there a motion to approve? >> Move approved. Second. >> A motion and a second. >> Should Mr. Tman's on
107that as well. So it's his he's the one proclaiming I don't know if that's just his fault. >> That's something I asked back when I was president. I think they said that every >> year, but that's what uh >> I mean I don't see any reason why he votes cancel on it, but that's just my >> coming from both of you. >> We'll get it corrected. >> All right. >> I think that makes more sense, but >> No, that's fine. So with that correction, you'll adopt the motion. >> Yes. I don't know who did it, but >> Yes. Okay. All right. Then on the motion, all favor signify by saying I >> oppose. Likewise. >> This is one of those mistakes that replicates itself. >> Time to stop it now. >> Okay. So, >> nip
108it. >> The the the purpose of that is to recognize the hard work of our teachers, but we got to it should be a proclamation for the year, not the week. We can't educate our children without our teachers. And and I've said it many many times, the most important thing we do as a community is educate our children. If we don't educate our children, then our society will fail. Everybody in here was taught by a teacher. Everybody. You guys are getting it. Of course, you have, you know, you're young, so you you probably remember some really good high school and elementary teachers. My kids still say one of their elementary teachers was the best teacher they ever had all the way through college. If you ask any of the four, they'll say the same person.
109It's just something that that we all know we live in a time when teachers don't get the the recognition that they should. So, we need to make sure that the public understands how critical a role that teachers play every day in so many ways. You guys will find out it's not just about teaching in the classroom. It's also talking to the kid about the bruised knee, where did that come from. It's also talking about them about about why they're hungry that day and all those things that you have to do that you're probably not prepared for, but you're going to have to deal with anyway. Um, so I I just u just wanted to say that it it is uh uh it's unfortunate that teachers don't get more recommend recognition in particular from our state
110government and funding. Uh let me get on that box real quick. Uh they had a plan and then they just basically threw it out. And uh that's that's not how this should work. uh when you come up with a plan, you get everybody, oh, this is going to work. It's going to be a great idea, and then they play politics because that's what happened. They got they were playing politics on the last few days of the session. Um and it died and and it's affected us in a lot of adverse ways, but we have a really outstanding faculty in Mercer County and we do a good job. So, uh that proclamation matters. >> All right, board member. I'd like to move. Go ahead. >> Just a different version. You said without educating our society will
111fail. I agree 100%. As the social former social studies teacher, without educating our children, our democracy will fail. >> I agree. I agree. Board amendment number 361 is the discussion regarding possible action for blue school. So, we all kind of know what's going on because Skip Crane, God love his heart, is not quite wallflower. uh he says what he thinks when he's thinking it. Uh and he would like to see the section of we've talked about this before, the section of the Blue Well School that is the newest section and that is the gym and the cafeteria section uh kept and allow them to allow the Bluefield Improvement Association, I think it's called, which is a 501c3 >> Blue Whale. blue well, I'm sorry, to take over the that property and utilize that as a
112community resource. Uh he is going to have a business plan. He is working on it. We don't have that yet, but if we tear the building down in the meantime, then the the plan is irrelevant. So, um my personal opinion is is built by taxpayer dollars. It's still usable. taxpayers want it for the community. Uh if they have a viable plan that will work, I don't see why we should not provide them with the property. >> I agree. >> 100% agree. If the if the building was dilapidated beyond repair, it'd be a different situation. But why wait? Why tear down something that has a function still? I do think it's important to ensure that they have the funds to move forward because we've had a lot of issues with that in the past in our
113communities with the bu buildings being abandoned and it always looks poorly on us. So >> I think as if as long as there is a wellthoughtout plan and evidence of funds, I'm okay with it. But otherwise, I mean, I like Skip a lot and I admire the work that he does, but we need to know that it's going to be you know, he can't do it on his own. He has to have financing to back it up and >> agreed. And we've talked to him about that and and I think he he recognizes that fact. >> And part of the plan with part of the building is going to have to be torn down. >> All of it's going to be torn down but the gym, >> right? And we that's us doing, >> you
114know, that's the next action item on the agenda. >> Yeah. that that old section of the building which it looks to me like and Tom it looks like there's three different periods of construction or four. What do you think? >> Yeah, I believe it was at least three. >> Okay. And so you can kind of tell when something got added on. Does anybody know if the gym was added on when they when the all the construction was done in the early 80s all over the county? I was just curious if anybody knew because it does kind of look newer, particularly when looking at the brick. You can kind of tell from the brick which stages there were. Uh but the old the old building is in atrocious shape. It's it's horrible. It's horrible. So it's
115ready to go. >> Um so is there a motion to do something at this point? >> That'd be the question because you all voted to demolish the full amount for the demolition, >> right? That would be the form of the motion is to to uh resend the prior the motion would be to resend the prior action as to that one part of that one building. >> Do can I ask a question? >> Sure. >> Do we do we have a timeline on when >> he's supposed to be doing it imminently? >> That's that's what we're talking. If you're going to tear it down, you want to tear it down in the rest of the >> cuz I I and the police, we've battled breakins and someone broke in Brush Fork this week, this weekend, and
116vandalized it even more. >> Sir, Tom, couldn't we ask that it be done? I mean, they've got three buildings to tear down. Couldn't they start it? >> Oh, we're going to have to rebid all this if we'll have to rebid all this. >> This will have to go back to square one. We'll have to do a whole new bid. So >> that's that's the second part because we already put the bid out to do all the demolishing. So then that's the that's the part that Tom's explaining >> and we'll have to have a plan and ensure that structurally >> we get an architect to determine whether structurally we can demolish parts of it. All of the power and sewer piping, everything's connected. So, is that what you want us to do to make sure that
117it's safe? >> That's on them. >> I would think the blue wall group would need to >> That's on the blue. >> When we met with him, that's what we told him that they would have to have some kind of a plan whether it's architecturally or structurally or whatever to show them what what they're asking us for and then what they have to do to move forward to be able to use it. >> He was aware that the power was in a different part of the building. would have to be completely moved over into the >> everything every utility, everything will have to be >> I don't doubt it. I don't doubt it. >> It's I mean it's going to be a huge project for them if they and if he doesn't I I would
118like to see for us like if there was if I know you said he's imminently working on it, but if he doesn't have anything in writing or a plan or anything at this point in time, how long how long could >> funding is going to be the main >> I I'm we're still mowing it. are still taking care of it and it it it's a struggle weekly to keep people out of them. >> So that building was there four sections. The first was 1954, 1970, 1975 and 1982. >> Okay. So the the gym was built >> 823 >> in 82 83 when Malcolm High School >> those schools were built. Yeah. Okay, that makes sense. >> I think he's going to have to have a deadline. I don't know what that needs to be, but
119you can't just leave it wide open. >> Well, if this goes we need a deadline >> because they because it's also holding up brush fork and series in addition because it all has to be rebid. So, >> I don't I think >> I I understand everything everybody's saying, but I also have been in the building and looked at it and I hate to tear it down. I'll just be just as blunt as I can. it's a usable facility for that community and to just tear it down just because it's easier or convenient doesn't make sense to me. >> It seems to me like if we're going to go forward with giving them opportunity to come up with something then meanwhile we need a to go ahead and tear the other two down. >> Well, certainly
120that >> yeah has all three. >> I don't see that. >> Well, then reid the price of all of them though. Like is there any volume discount from that? Uh I I don't know on that deal. >> I mean it's going to cost us more >> rebid the other two >> partially demo a building than it will be to totally >> demo because you have to be careful when you're demo. >> Sure. >> And I'm not sure that I'm not sure that um vendors would even be willing because I'm sure there's a liability with just tearing up part of it. But >> I guess we'll have to if that's what you all vote. I mean, they when they tore down the Sears and and and the Belk at the mall, they partially demolished. They were
121there with the with the hoe picking bricks off the wall to make sure the other wall didn't collapse. So, it's doable. >> And there is the only thing connecting the >> the only thing connecting the gym with the main building >> is a small hallway >> and it's a short section. It's not that big. So, you could tear it off at the front end of that hallway >> and be done. you wouldn't even have to get to the the actual building itself and leave it to them to to do this. Um Okay. >> So, would you all prefer that we go ahead and tear down the other two if the if Blue Well's not going to be torn down now or what is your preference from a maintenance and financial? >> I definitely want them
122I want them gone. >> You'd rather go ahead and do anything that >> we're willing to do. Okay. Can we set a timeline to have financial >> and assuming you all are going to evaluate whether they can financially support this going forward and and with their plan, can we have a deadline? >> Sure. I don't I don't have any problem with that deadline. How long is it going to take to rebid? >> We we estimate at least six weeks to get it published in the paper and to meet the board deadlines. It will take another six weeks. But does that cancel like does that cancel out the prior bid if you rebid it? >> We will have to cancel that bid. We'll have to notify vendors and have another pre- bid and go through advertising
123and pay to advertise. >> Because my point is if you advertise it to leave the gym and then they don't come up with the money, then we're back to having to do it again. So that doesn't make a lot of sense either. >> You know what I'm saying? >> If we cancel that contract, is there any penalty for that? >> No, not right now. We haven't awarded the bid. So it's just the vendor's time and effort we've put in and their money not ours so far. as far as suggestion to separate the two we know into a bid can be delayed or go ahead and go forward with it. I mean the people who bid this they're going to know I don't know what the legal know >> typically we do get a better price
124if we bid in volume because mobilization and the efficiencies they'll have equipment etc. >> Exactly. Um, what we could do is bid the two and bid an alternate either full demolition on the third or a building. We could we could have two options and those >> right there. >> There you go. >> Here's a solution. >> So, six weeks. >> I mean, I I think he already had >> my tear down. Sorry. decision because I still get calls about the old schools down in Montamed. >> We get blamed if it has school or it was a school, they're going to call the school wherever. I mean, we still get >> and the issue is I know Mr. Crane is very active, but succession planning is important too because it does affect the community if the
125building isn't maintained after we donate it. And that was the reason the board moved in this direction years ago. six weeks. >> Well, I mean, Blue Weld's a pretty active community. They got Alliance Club. They got >> a dozen churches. I don't think they're going to let a community center just fall. >> The problem is going to be the money >> if if it's like our Lions Club in Athens. They're not going to have much money. >> That's what I'm saying. >> No, I'm not talking about I'm not talking about the money. I'm >> We might We might get $500, >> but there's going to have to be a funding source going forward, not just for >> for electricity, nothing else. Sure. >> Maintenance, not just for the redoing of it. There's going to have
126to be funding going forward. It's not going to be cheap, I'm sure. But >> June 1st on the deadline. >> Are you all comfortable with that, Leslie? Are you comfortable with June 1st as a deadline? That's like six weeksish basically. >> Okay. If you can bid it with the alternate, then would you have to award it? If you start bidding it now, it's going to You said it would take about six weeks anyway, right? toward the bid >> to get it. >> So due to the size policy 8200 requires we um publish this under a legal a class two legal ad and that has to run two consecutive weeks. So we have to give a weekly time to get the ad in. So that's all built into that six week time frame and then we
127always look at the board meeting and kind of move backwards so that we have the submission to Amber in time to get it on the agenda. So that's why I give the six weeks, give or take a week or two. >> Okay. >> So if we give him a six week deadline though, that should line up if you do the alternate bids, right? >> We'll do a line item. >> Okay. >> Award and then a lump sum. >> Okay. >> All right. >> So what we do on these two? Well, >> we need a motion on the because we previously decided to demolish, we would need a motion, as I was indicating earlier, to to um ask that we rebid the project with the idea that the that section of the building will be maintained
128pending the appropriate uh response from the Blue Well Improvement Association. I move what Greg just said. >> All right, there's a motion and a second. >> Then on the motion, all in favor signify saying I. I. Oppose. Likewise. >> That motion carries. Five in favor and none opposed. So that obiates the bid number 983 which is board member number 362. We'll be taking no action on that. So, employee discipline number 363, Mr. T. >> President Purich, I would uh recommend the approval of a 3-day suspension without pay for James Lynn, a custodian at Bluefield Middle School for violation of employee code of conduct. He already served his time of uh suspension and that was um March 26, 27th and March 30th of 2026. >> Any desire to go to executive session on that? >> There's
129a motion to go in executive session. >> Second. >> There's a motion and a second. All in favor signify saying I. >> I likewise. That motion carries. Five in favor, none opposed. We'll be back quickly. Just give us a minute. We are back from a brief uh >> Executive session. Thank you. I was having a senior moment there. I was searching for the word and I couldn't find it. um on that personnel disciplinary employee disciplinary matter. So uh we have discussed it now. Uh is there a motion to approve the recommendation? >> So moved. >> Is there a second? >> There's a motion and a second. Any further discussion? Then on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I oppose. Likewise. >> That motion carries. Five in favor and none opposed. All
130right. So Dr. Philip, you're going to have to help us here because some people get to vote, some people don't get the vote. Uh, yes, old dear is exactly right. >> Also, Dr. Philipek, Mr. Bailey's wife is, I believe, on one of them. So, that may pull out and vote separately with him walking out also. I believe she's in there is what he thought. >> She is. >> This is exhausting. >> It is, but we'll be able to we'll be able to move one out. >> Yes. >> I don't think the the two >> It's in the emergency substitute plan. >> Okay. Can you leave first then? Can you leave first? >> Well, let me ask this question. Um, >> the personnel number two, which is the second item on the agenda. >> Yes, sir.
131>> Is that the one where we're That's not the one where we're going to have these issues, right? >> No, that is where we put everyone that has been on a reduction in force on recalls so that they can be called back first. >> So, let's take care of that one first because we got no issues with that one and the whole board can be here. You got lively on there. >> No, I'm wrong. Okay. >> Incorrect. Sorry. >> All right. No, it's fine. That's I want to get this right. I don't want to mess it up. >> So voting on preferred recall doesn't matter for any of them being a hearing, I don't think. >> No, it doesn't. But some of the actions that you would vote on for agenda one, >> they may
132not be there. Yes. >> All right. Okay. So that that's that answers the question then. Good. Because we want to get it right. All right. So the first one is >> Mr. Bailey, if you will leave the room, we can vote on the personnel agenda related solely to your wife. >> Chop chop. >> There's a bunch of other people on there, too. >> No, we're just doing that one to make it clean for you. >> Chop chop. >> So, so the public understands, we get a long personnel agenda. We have the updated one here. It's It's a lot. >> Okay. And we had some personnel hearings today uh that some of us could not participate in. Some of us were not here to participate in. So those people can't vote on those personnel matters because
133they weren't involved. All right. So we've got to kind of deal with these things one at a time. So as to the personnel agenda regarding uh Jim Bailey's wife, uh is there a motion to approve? >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> There's a motion and a second. Any discussion? Then on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> That passes. Four in favor, none opposed, and one not voting. Mr. Mr. Bailey did not vote. >> All right. So, that's number one. >> We got to get Mr. Bailey back in. >> All right. >> I thought he might be looking in the window. >> All right. Okay. So, as to get my notes Do you want me to go through? I have >> It would be great if you just
134told us which ones and we can figure out. >> Okay. So, page 10 is the Montcom transfer from elementary to high school. So, we've decided we're going to table that. So, on page 10, Caleb Brock, >> I think all of you all can vote on that one because you were all present during that time. >> All right. >> So, that would be Sure. That would be I'm sorry. Tell me again who that would be. >> Uh Caleb Brock. >> Bottom of the page. Okay. Page 10. >> All right. That's the only one. >> And that would be scratched. >> Right. Right. Is it? So as to the matter of Caleb Brought on agenda number one, the revised agenda. Uh is there a motion to remove her name from the transfer due to Montcom sixth grade
135classrooms being moved to Montcom High School? >> So move. >> Is there a second? There's a motion and a second. Any discussion? And on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I. I. Opposed. Likewise. That motion carries. Five in favor and none opposed. Okay. >> Okay. Page seven. Um Mark does not need to be present for this one. This is on Lmana Stevenson. >> This me too. I wouldn't be present. >> You weren't too. >> So we need to go. >> No, you don't have to. You don't have to go. >> We're just not voting. >> Right. You just abstain. >> Right. So, no, you're fine. >> So, page seven. >> Okay. So, there was a a personnel hearing this afternoon as regards Miss Stevenson >> uh as to the board members that were
136present >> at that at that. It's a transfer. It's not a termination. Right. >> Um >> and the rest of hers is on page eight if you're looking her location where she's going. >> Okay. Gotcha. Yeah, that makes sense. >> Okay, >> thank you. >> You're welcome. >> So, is there a motion on the matter of Lammana Stevenson and the transfer? >> So, move a second. >> There's a motion and a second. Any further discussion? And on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I oppose. Likewise. And who's abstaining? >> Me. >> Okay. So, we have three in favor, none opposed, and two abstensions. That's number three. All right. >> Dr. fell back. >> Page nine. >> All right. >> Brian Lively got >> page nine. >> Brian Lively and Mark and
137Justinda do not vote. >> And I I had to abstain. So >> no Mark does vote. I'm sorry. You're right. I don't >> All right. As to that position of Brian Lively, which is a a riff. Correct. Correct. >> Right. Okay. That's a riff. >> Uh, is there a motion? >> Is there a second? There's a motion and a second >> on that motion. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> All right. All opposed. >> Abstensions. I >> I >> Okay. Three in favor, none opposed, and two abstensions. >> Hearing a note that to make it clean, >> right? Yeah. I had to recuse myself from that hearing. I had too much outside information that I >> Okay, so the next one, >> page 35, Ernie Shrewberry. That was for a shift
138change. >> Okay. >> So, Mark and Descender were not present for that one. >> All right. on the matter of of that position. Is there a motion to approve? >> Is there a second? >> Page 35 under right under the pink. >> That was the shift change >> pink. >> Got it. >> Okay. Second. >> Your His is a motion. >> Oh, was his motion. >> You moved. >> Yeah. >> He said okay. I said that second. >> There's a motion and a second. Any further discussion? Then on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I. I. >> All opposed. >> All abstaining. >> I. >> Okay, that motion carries. Three in favor, none opposed, two abstensions. >> What did you say? >> We're abstaining. >> Oh, you're >> I said all abstaining. >>
139One more thing to note on the personnel agenda that has changed. Um, we had a resignation from principal >> and that is on page two. >> Oh, okay. All right. As to the remainder of personnel number one, board member number 364 excluding those five positions. Is there a motion to approve? >> So move. >> Is there a second? There's a motion and a second. >> Questions, comments, or discussion. Then on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Oppose. Likewise. That motion carries. Five in favor and none opposed. >> All right. >> Thank you. That was complicated. >> Very well. >> You got us through that. Great. >> So, if I'm ever lost at sea, I'm going to look at you and go, "Get us out of here." All right. So, personnel
140number two. >> I thought we already got >> No, we got it. We're good. >> All right. So, as to personnel agenda number two, what changes would take place on it? Any? >> So, no changes. Do we have a hard copy or we just have >> number two? Yeah, >> we don't have hard copy. >> No, that's a very >> letting her tell us if there's any changes. >> So, there would not be any changes on agenda two for professional and there would not be any for service as well. So, you can vote on them as is. Place them on a preferred recall. >> Yes. That means we have to bring them back first before we hire any outside new people. >> And we can all vote on that. >> Yes. >> Okay. I'll make
141a motion we approve. >> All right. >> The personnel number two. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Motion and a second. Questions, comments, or discussion? And on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I. >> Opposed? Likewise. That motion carries. Five in favor and none opposed. So, are we about to see a slew of postings coming up here soon? >> Yes. >> They bailed. They It was late. >> I think they said they were juniors anyway. So, >> so a great portion of these on recall will be getting jobs. That's great. That's my biggest worry is not having jobs for people. All right. Um, >> administrative updates. If any of the team has any update that didn't do 2322, Mrs. Harrison did you had update? I got >> I just wanted to
142talk to you a little bit about uh a conference that I went to on April 1st on April Fool's Day. It was in Morgantown and it was called the Focus Forward Conference. It's a free conference that they give every year and each year they focus on uh the future and and what is coming down the pike. And there were over 600 people in attendance. People from K12 education, higher education, businesses, uh both presidents of of um WBU and Marshall were there. Um we had Sal Khan from Khan Academy who spoke there. Oh, that's >> virtual virtually. Um, but it it was set up like a fireside chat where they would have four or five people up on the stage with some moderators that would ask them questions and they spoke about the future of manufacturing,
143healthc care, technology and education using AI and it was illuminating and and again this these were fireside chats. We didn't get a chance to really interact with them. We just had to listen. Like I told Mr. Tolman, I I used AI myself to uh catch every word and to turn it into my notes so that I could give you a few little tidbits here. Um they said one of the most important concepts is what's called the adaptability gap. Technology, especially AI, is advancing very quickly, but systems like education naturally move more slowly. And several speakers said we can expect major workforce disruption within the next three to five years. So if you put that into perspective, a kid going into ninth grade in the fall will be stepping out into this world where things have
144changed so much. Uh so we need to know how to prepare students now for a world that's changing faster than our traditional systems are designed for. um they the people from manufacturing talked about how they're already using it and even their uh so-called bluecollar workers are using AI and actually helping them uh do things more efficiently. They'll work through it and they'll see what the AI can do and they'll say, "Well, wait a minute. What if we do this?" And they're able to bring that back to the people in charge and and save them time and money. Health care blew my mind. um just different types of technology to help people who have had strokes, who uh have Parkinson's disease, who have been paralyzed. And this is just around the bend uh where they put
145something that's about the size of a piece of scotch tape onto the top of the brain and it can stimulate those parts of the brain that that are no longer functioning. Um I mean, it was real Star Trek stuff. It it was super cool. Okay, so moving on from that. So, Salcom from uh Khan Academy, he said that we need an educational paradigm shift. He talked about how education has to shift from a one-sizefits-all model to a masterybased model. Meaning AI helps us with the students to make sure that they have mastered a concept before they move on. And the example he gave was um a kid is learning about exponents and makes a C on the quiz. Well, C is good enough, right? So then they just move on to the next section where
146it builds upon uh the previous section and then they just continue to get further behind. And this is where AI could kind of help tutor that student and get that student up to where they need to be. Once they master that that um objective, then they move on. Um the durable skills orbit across every session there was one consistent theme. human skills matter more, not less. Things like critical thinking, communication, problem solving, and adaptability. And one speaker even said that AI will amplify human intent. So the stronger the students thinking skills, the more powerful the tool becomes. And I've seen that myself. Uh the more you know about a subject and the questions you know to ask is when it really really goes on to the next level. um the symbiotic classroom. There was a
147lot of discussion about the role of teachers and the message was very clear. AI does not replace teachers. You still need the teachers there to provide the relationships, mentorship and guidance and the things that technology cannot replicate. And the balancing act, we have to strike a balance. Uh if we avoid AI completely, students may not be prepared for the workforce they're entering. So the goal is responsible use, teaching students how to question, verify, and think, not just accept answers, and it it was just I think we all should go next year. >> So everybody sign up next year. It's it was amazing. It it it was mind-blowing. >> Thank you. >> So what are we doing to prepare for that >> right now? We're doing it right now. >> We are. >> What are we
148doing right now? Yeah, we uh yeah, we had a training last week with some of our um our secretaries at central office. Uh I think I we blew Jim Dy's mind as well. He came to the training. I don't know if I've converted them yet, but he did learn a few things. You learned a few things. >> I did went home and told my wife and she said, "You'll never use it." >> That's okay. We'll drag you kicking and screaming. Uh we're also planning a training at the beginning of the school year for teachers. Um, we're going to have um Christian Jackson and Nathan Crit uh the one who got Mr. Toman all excited about AI when he went to the conference in New Orleans. They're going to come and do a training the first
149day back for teachers and just to show them the possibilities and how it can be used in the classroom um to prepare these students for the future. >> It's about training personnel and teachers, not training students. Well, the teachers would have to train the students, but we have to get the teachers there first. >> Tom, didn't your son do some training at one of the schools last week? >> Yeah, he did a Canva training for uh the teachers at Athens. >> Yeah, I heard that. >> That's great. >> That is important. >> I'm not allowed to say anything about AI. got two people in my family that absolutely rapidly opposed and that's really >> I keep my Joshua thinks that terminators coming anytime and my daughter's worried about groundwater which is actually >> and that
150is and and even Leslie Wellman and I have talked about that >> I have an ethical issue >> I mean the cat is out of the bag it's here it's not going back in the bag but they are going to have to figure it out >> what's interesting they're going to have to figure it out >> one of the best science projects I have ever seen in my life was a young lady over here at the regional science fair that had developed a cooling system for large capacity AI factories that used no water. >> Woo. Okay. See, and that's what's going to have to happen. >> It was a loop. It was a It was basic basically an HVAC system. Loop it in, it draws the heat out. You dump it outside going back and
151forth. >> But the physics of the situation, the heat has to go somewhere. It's going into the environment. It still could be a physical >> I get that. But at least we're not I mean >> you're not using the >> There's nothing that I know of that doesn't have an impact. Solar is great, but solar doesn't last forever. And what do you do with it when you're >> when it's when it's finished and everything's got a problem. I mean I I think the windmills up there in Tyler County are beautiful. >> But when they break, it's a nightmare. >> The the key, >> right? >> I've looked at this stuff quite a bit and the AI stuff I it's some of it's great. Now, I think some people said they it'll learn from you because
152I' I've already found multiple mistakes on some of the the issues. >> It's learning. >> Yeah, it's learning. But the key to this whole thing working is they have to downsize what they're doing. The computers have to be smaller. Plain and simple. Because again, the physics, huge buildings with huge amounts of energy resources, it just it's going to sink our our ecosystems. I really believe that. >> Or it's going to be West Virginia's going for renewable energy type of things. >> Amy, did they say anything about Clawude in that program? >> Uhhuh. >> Do you have you used Clawude? >> Huh? >> Have you used Claude? >> No, they were just talking about God, I couldn't use that. >> Claude. >> No, this this is a program they're talking about this morning. It's a new
153program that the people who developed it are afraid of it themselves pretty much. and they're they're doing the ethical thing the holding it back >> and basically basically as I understood it >> it it kind of hacks into other AI systems and finds some mistakes on those systems and it could really according to what they're saying it could really it got in the wrong hands our enemy's hands it could do tremendous >> well there are instances where AI has uh blackmailed >> uh people so that they won't get shut down like take things from and their email and things like that. So, and right now our government is not regulating it at all. Zero, >> right? >> Because the tech guys donate tons of money. So, there's going to have to be regulation and the
154environmental impact has got to be addressed. But again, it's the cat's out of the bag. >> Dr. Terry from that spoke at the top scholars, we talked about AI afterwards. She was very she wasn't negative. She was just um cautious, I think it was the right word. She said, "It's here." She said, "It's here." And she said, "We've got to use it." She said, "But we need to be cautious." And then she said that famous famous phrase that applies to all computers. Junk in, junk out. >> When AI goes out and looks in the internet for some information is looking at junk, too. >> And and actually, I was talking about mistakes. That's the mistake that's primarily being made out >> is it's my English teacher. I would think >> Miss Gasperitch in 11th grade
155when we as God love her to death talking about good teachers. The biggest lesson one of the biggest lessons I ever learned in life is to look at your source and its validity. And AI right now is not looking at valid sources. >> And we we taught our students at the age you dawn of the internet how to find reputable sources. And it's going to be the same sort of thing with AI too. And they always have to check. We have to teach them. You can't take it as gospel. You always have to do your research and check. But also, AI is getting better every single day. Just within the last year that I've used it, I can see a huge difference. >> A lot of it, what I've seen, the little bit I've used,
156it's kind of a glorified search engine. It's instead of going to one source, it's going to seven or eight sources. But that's the problem. out those seven or eight sources maybe two of them are way >> and that's another thing too we're not supposed to be using it just as that >> just as what >> as a a search engine >> but that's what it is >> it also calculations >> I understand that >> it does and that's how when we did the training >> can learn >> we actually deck on our trailer at the river with a >> oh that's what she wanted something out of it as well because what we want to do is build that to train everyone if you don't know how to use Excel. This is a resource to
157help you calculate something like >> we teach you the basics because you don't have time during a training to learn everything. Take those basics and go back and figure out okay now this is how I can use that and but it did you know break even analysis analyzing you know our financial statements running that's I did I ran our financials through and said give me these I still have to understand what I'm looking for but it will do a lot of analysis for you in that aspect >> and quickly >> it will also put citations in briefs that don't exist about cases that never were and then judges look at the lawyer and go did you use AI on this young man or young lady and they'll go well just to review it and he
158goes, "This case doesn't exist. Why is it in the brief and lawyers are getting in trouble with it?" Because they're not >> That actually happened at the Supreme Court. >> They're not doing their They're not doing what they're supposed to do. You don't ever site something if you haven't looked at it. >> Yeah, that's that's absolutely true. But it'll help you find those. It will. You can go look it up and see if >> But it's it's the story I always use with Jenna when she gets mad is is when cars first came out, the people that sold horses and built wagons went those things. You can't get gas for them. They break down the there's no roads to drive them on. And I said, "What happened?" If you were a buggy whip manufacturer, you
159went out of business. >> So, it's more dangerous as we go along. >> Well, everything's more dangerous as we go. >> In the green book, we had a Uriah provided a presentation on the micro grid law that just passed in West Virginia. And it um is interesting in the fact that the assessed value in this land, the increment is going to the state. We will not recognize a a significant increase in our funding for our schools or counties because 50% of it is going to >> maybe 15% I think the county gives 20 something like that. >> 15%. >> Resources. >> Yes. >> Well, we're about to find out. I was texting Amy from the meeting and and said the same thing and but that is what passed and >> no Ber County is about
160to find out. >> Are we getting I'm aware of one land's purchased ground gets broken in August. >> Good. >> What are we talking about? >> I cannot say it's coming. >> Data centers are >> Oh, >> let me say one thing and then I'll be shut up. You mentioned based on what you mentioned earlier when you first started. I've been preaching for years, ever since on the board, that we ought to be focused on teaching kids to think. Absolutely. >> And we can do that without AI. There's many ways you can get kids to think. >> We just got to work on that. >> Amen. Hallelujah. >> Do you hang out with kids much? >> But if AI can be a tool, you're still getting to your same goal. >> I think I think
161Amy's point is it's a tool, >> right, >> that we need to use. Well, and there is a there is a private school out there that's popping up all over big cities. The alpha school. Have you heard of this? >> I have not. >> Well, it's like $40,000 a year to go there. So, it's not for everybody, but the students core subjects are all taught through AI with a teacher that's there as a a facilitator. They have to master their lessons for the day. Takes two hours. The rest of the day they're doing STEM projects, project based learning, uh financial literacy, learning how to change a tire, swimming. >> Where is this? >> Uh they're in big cities. Dallas has one, Nashville, I think, has one. >> But um they're doing the competencybased education where
162once they've learned the skill, they move on. And then the rest of the day is collaboration, communication, and synthesizing all the things that they have learned towards a project. >> Interesting. >> I I like all that, but I still >> wonder what actual true part of our population can be successful in that. >> Exactly. But but look up the alpha school because it is interesting. But at 40 grand a pop, you know, hope scholarship wouldn't cover that. >> Yeah. >> All right. >> It's coming. We're going to learn this thing. >> That was gone. >> Is there anything else come before the board this evening? >> Anyone else have >> I do tomorrow. Tomorrow we have um >> the scheduled perk test for Sun Valley for the septic. We're still dealing with that issue. Um
163hopefully we'll get some more information and uh >> be able to to get more uh >> in depth with the architects and engineers to get us some sort of wastewater treatment. And then um um Dr. and I were talking this morning. Uh we we did kind of we hope we solved a little problem at Oakville. Uh flooding wise, we had two 24in pipes that during the last flood water was coming back through them from the creek up to the school and we were able to find and get some um inline check valves for those and got them got them placed in another hopefully just runway pipes. So, we were just just doing some some little things and we have some some >> paving and and excavation plan for Bluefield Primary uh the debacle of the
164parent loop bus loop. So, we're going to try to we have pretty good plan in place for that. I think it's going to work out well for us and and M. Rickman and Dr. Atkins and I we've all looked at it and think it's going to help. >> You're redesign you're redesigning the whole shebang, right? >> Sure. Uh yeah, we're taking where where they park and we're making that the bus loop essentially. We've removed a pole that we ran over during during uh plow season anyways. And then we're going to cut out cut out some of those islands and pave not that you know how they kind of jut out like that so that they're going to be straight and the buses will be able to come in and exit straight from there. >> Yeah,
165we got we have a plan there too. It's it's in our paving bid. Uh it's toward the toward the end where the basketball co goal is. >> I think I sent Don the dimensions the other day. I believe it's um 100 by 20. We're going to be able to extend it in and they'll be able to park down that way. So it's not going to be great amount of parking lots, but or spaces, but it will help. And we are we're building a we're doing kind of like we did at Princeton Primary, Princeton High at Booth at Pike View Middle. They when they have events, there's nowhere to park. So, we're building a gravel 100 foot by 200 foot parking area right there on that that side as you're coming into Pike View before you
166get to the sign up top. So, we're going to do that and then we hope the pavement next the next summer. So, we're addressing some facility issues that needed to be done a while ago. >> That should help with congestion on the road in front of Pike View as well. Yeah, that road gets very congested and blocks the interstate. Yeah, >> it's rough. >> They fly in front of my house. It's just been human nature. I'm in a hurry to get there. She knows what I'm talking about. She doesn't fly by my house, by the way. stop in the wall. >> So, anything else to come before the board? >> Exactly. >> Anybody else got anything? I do want to commend >> I do want to commend our personnel people for the excellent job you
167did and the hard job that you did. It's a tough thing and you are to be commended for the work you did. Uh it it um It was successful and we're hopeful that everybody when it's all said and done that once a job we'll still have a job unfortunately until the state figures out how to fund all this appropriately and there's a lawsuit in there somewhere. I even talked to them about open and wrecked again and they said it's still there. It could be reopened. So you maybe a parent will get mad and say, you know, it's not it's not equitable and get the right judge and we could get the appropriate funding. Anyway, you guys did a great job and we do appreciate your effort. Okay, >> now you're ready for Paul move. >>
168Any objection? Good night everybody. >> He's been waiting.