001Good evening everybody. It is September 22nd, 2025. Mer County Board of Education is in session. It's just a little after 6 o'clock. Um, three board members are present, two are absent. Mr. Godfrey is out of town on a long planned trip and uh Miss Smith has had surgery and is recovering. So, please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Um with that, let's all stand and pledge allegiance to the flag. 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. >> The next matter on the agenda is board recognitions. Uh, it's one of our favorite parts of meetings because we get to praise our students and our faculty and staff for all the good
002work they do. >> Okay, good evening. As President Putish said, our favorite part of any board meeting is an opportunity to recognize staff or students. And this evening, our first board recognition is for a 110% club. Merro Melrose Elementary is proud to recognize Carl Lester, custodian, as a 110% club recipient nominated by his colleague Winston Huard. Carl is known for always lending a hand no matter the task and doing so with a smile. His professionalism, reliability, and positive relationships with both students and staff make him an invaluable member of the school community. With nearly perfect attendance in the 2425 school year and a willingness to cover shifts whenever needed, Carl goes beyond every single day, truly embodying what it means to give 110%. Carl Lester, custodian at Melrose Elementary. While we're taking pictures, I just
003want to say custodians are one of the unsung heroes of our work and they keep they keep the effort going. They keep the school clean. They help the pay attention to them. They do all these things. We appreciate the hard work. This is one way Our next recognition is certificate of achievements and these are for the perfect score on the West Virginia summitive assessment. We are proud to recognize the outstanding achievement of the following students who attained a perfect score on the writing portion of the West Virginia summitive assessment. Strong writing skills are essential for success in school and beyond. They sharpen critical thinking, strengthen communication, and provide a foundation for future opportunities. These students exemplify the power of clear, effective expression, and we commend their dedication and and their accomplishments. The first school students
004that we will recognize are from Glennwood School and we have Kylie Honeaker, Kinsley Coburn, Kylie Ramsey, Grace Smith, and Brooklyn Bailey. All from Glennwood. [Applause] Ask those students come up. Please come on up. All right, come here. Get in front. >> So, or these kids, man. We appreciate your hard work. Okay. All right. What about you? >> I think you're gay. That's okay. We just wanted to tell you how proud we are of all you're doing. Keep up the hard work. [Applause] Our next group of students for a perfect score on the writing portion of the West Virginia assessment are from Pike View Middle School and Pike View High School. We have Abigail Allen, Jillian Biggs, Abigail Compton, Christopher McBride, Maya Panel, and Connor Honeaker. [Applause] You are a little speechy. That's awesome. You know,
005it's okay not to have yet. [Applause] >> Okay. Our next school for recognitions for a perfect score on the writing portion of the West Virginia Summitive Assessment are from Melrose Elementary and Princeton Middle School. We have Addison Sarver, Eden Ninski, Tegan Fuller, Jacqueline Sutter, and Madison Deskkins. Turn around. Any idea what you want to do when you graduate? >> A journalist. Great career. We've had a whole work hard, right? Okay. [Applause] Okay, we do have one additional group of recognitions this evening which is a surprise recognition. We would like for um Dr. Philipek and Emily Huddle and Amber Refe if they can come on up please or a surprise. >> So these three ladies became national trainers for the happiness advantage the orange frog um experience and they did a training with us Wednesday and
006Thursday and it's a lot of work and thank you so much. We're still uh doing a lot of things with the orange frog. So, thank you all and appreciate your hard work and dedication and we snuck this by. You'd had no idea, right? >> No. And Amber, you can head out pretty soon. You don't have to stay in the board meeting very long and all that, but thank you. Anything else, Dr. Evans? But thank you all. really hard behind the scenes. They don't get a lot of accolades on the Facebook page and working hard. So, we really appreciate [Applause] That's next. >> No, I just have a few other things. >> Okay, go ahead. >> Then President Purdich, also I wanted to let you know that Western Union Department of Vet has identified Mercer County
007Public Schools comprehensive support and improvement schools. That would be Bluefield Intermediate School and Mountain Valley Elementary School and Dr. Atkins will go through that process when he reports out for 2322. >> Okay. >> Also have a piece in there about the orange frog training that we had that happened on Wednesday and Thursday and uh it was two amazing days for the central office and again thank you ladies for your hard work and dedication for bringing that to us and uh thanks again. And then we have Mike Mlanahan uh the AD uh Blorium purpose-driven management large group session on overcoming dysfunctions of a team. This Wednesday at 9:00 here at the uh seminar center and then f Monday October 13th is a faculty senate professional de development day and there'll be no school for students. So
008I just want to share that and also in the package is the letter that you see from the state department. I wanted to share that with you and that's it. You want to commend uh the tech center for their >> you know that just came out on the uh social media today that Amy put out that the tech center got the the top five >> press release from the department of education and this this is farmer and please stand up so everybody can see who you are and principal at the tech center Danielle Farmer. So thank you. Thank you. >> Actually, we're number one, but they don't do it that way. >> We have this >> and also tomorrow, um, Mr. Elliot from the school building authority is coming to the tech center to uh
009meet with Mrs. Wellman and uh, Miss Farmer and are going to he's coming down as a representative. He contacted me today and uh, to look through the process of our project. So, okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. So, the next item on the agenda is citizens input. And before we get to that, I just want to make a few comments. So, you know, I am active on social media, so I'm not deaf or blind to the community conversations and the commentary in social media, and it's probably why many of you are here tonight. Um, but I would like to say without regard to any specific event, when matters of personnel are involved and the way we address them are controlled by state law, we have a process that we have to follow and we will
010follow that because in order to to meet all the legal requirements in handling personnel issues, we have to follow the law. So the way it works is pretty simple. If the superintendent is given information regarding a personnel issue or finds out about a personnel issue, then he investigates it and it has to remain confidential during the investigation uh until he completes it and that includes from the board members. We don't know what his investigation entails until a future point. Once he completes his investigation, he makes an initial determination based on the facts he has and he communicates with the employee and says to them, "Here's what I'm planning on doing." The employee then has a couple options. Their first one is to accept it, which if you look back at our uh prior agendas and
011minutes, many do. And the second option is to say, "I don't agree and I want a hearing." Well, that hearing is held before the board. The board acts as a jury, so to speak. We listen to the evidence. It's presented. Both sides have an opportunity to present their case. Once we have the hearing, then we have to go back to public session because all personnel matters and for that matter even student discipline has to be done in open session. That is to comply with the open meeting laws and it's the right thing to do. So, we go into open session, superintendent makes a recommendation, it's voted on, it's placed in the meeting, the minutes of any meeting that we have. So, people will say, and I've seen in social media that you'll try to avoid
012having the crowd there. No, we'll issue the agenda just like we always do. And you'll see on their personnel discipline. That's all it'll say. It might be one that you think of. It might be a different one, but that's what it'll say. At the time of the at the agenda, when it comes to that point, the superintendent will make a recommendation and the board will vote in open session on that issue. That's how it works, folks. And that's the way it's going to be done as long as these board members, these five, four others, and myself set up here, we're going to follow the law. We're going to do it the right way. And we do it the right way because we we're supposed to. It's the law, and it's the right thing to do.
013So when you see on streaming, social media, wherever you look, Tik Tok, and I don't think there's many Tik Tok users in here, but there might be. If they're not saying those things, then it's not accurate because that's how we do it. That's how we've always done it, and that's how we will always do it. So if you see on an agenda and you want to come talk to us about it, we have a sign-in sheet. As I told you guys, if you wanted to speak, sign in and you are welcome to speak. Now, as to making public comments to the board, we welcome anyone who wishes to speak and address areas of concern affecting our schools. This is a public school system, and the public's thoughts and concerns on our school matters are important
014to the board. Public input is very helpful in making best decisions for our schools. With that in mind, a few housekeeping matters to address before we do our public speaking. Uh, the meeting is being spray, please. Then the meeting is being streamed and recorded. Uh that's required by law. So make sure you use your microphone so the people that are watching and people do watch can hear you. Otherwise, they will not hear you. They'll just see your mouth moving. So that's important. By policy, please limit your comments to three minutes. I'll give you some kind of signal about 30 seconds left. So you know, people fuss about the 30 minute limit. Some counties only do 20 minutes or I'm sorry, two minutes. Uh we're we want to hear what you got to say and all
015of us are available at any time before and after board meetings to talk to you. In any event, please address your comments to the board. Importantly, in this day and time, we just need to be mindful that we need to be factual, courteous, civil, and polite. And please avoid naming names and pointing out people. uh it can create problems for them. Because of the open meeting laws, the board cannot comment on or answer a matter during public comment that is not on our agenda. And when we when a specific matter involving personnel is on the agenda, the board will consider the public comments made at that time when it comes up for discussion on the agenda. We take all public comments seriously and consider them in addressing matters. So, we thank you in advance for
016your input this evening. And I would note that there are no personnel issues on the agenda this evening. So with that, we'll start with Miss Bowlan, Senate Bill 280. My name is Katrina Bolan and I'm here to discuss Senate Bill 280. But I also want to discuss something else too. Senate Bill 280. This is a frame copy here. Uh and I've seen them. You've got one here in God we trusted the flag there. You have one as we come through the door, but we can't see that while you all are doing live stream. So, I have a framed copy that I would like to present to the board and ask that maybe you hang it right up front center so we can all see it during the live stream because you're right, we do watch
017the live stream. >> We appreciate that. >> So, I'm going to give you this. And I would also like to request to be placed on your agenda for the next Mercer County Board of Education meeting information as it relates to our prek daycarees. You, the Mer County Board of Education, allocates thousands of taxpay dollars to prek daycarees that follow your curriculum. So, I would like to see three things. One, a listing of all those prek daycarees. two, the total dollar value expensed by preK daycare by physical year including physical twiscical year fiscal year 25 because this fiscal year 25 ended on June 30th, 2025. And by law, you, the Mercer County Board of Education, must have your financial statements completed within this current month. the Mercer County. And the third thing I'd like to see
018is the Mer County Board of Education policy for the prek daycarees. I look forward to all these three agenda requests in order to take another step in the right direction right after the first step of Senate Bill 280 that will continue to improve the quality of education in our public school system. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Next person is Mr. Stillwell. >> My name is >> It's on. >> Yeah, it's on. >> Sounds like it. Anyway, >> you're asking me >> test. >> Okay, there you go. >> My name is Jeremiah St. Before I begin, can anybody read me the comment from Mr. Von that I'm here about and anybody quote it for me real quick before I start before my time starts? >> No, sir. >> The one that keeps up with social
019media, nobody knows what he said. It was something to the effect that Charlie Kirk was a posos, which everybody knows what that stands for, and that he deserved what he got instead of some child. I'm here sixth generation in these mountains in rooms like this. There's four or five of you that I got roots with, including a lady I thought was mine. I won't call you out by name according to the rules, but I have a teacher here who taught me how to run problems with stride in order to deal with them. My father was a general contractor. I have somebody sitting in here that we was in competition with for most of his life and I'm in competition with now for mine. I have a boy here that me and him fought over a
020girl and she's married to another man now. Point is is that the God that we give our pledge to, when I was a little kid, I had a six-w weekek old when I looked down and Iraq was going on and I had signed up to be a reser because of my child's age and because of the pledge and because of the teachers that we have that actually took the time and care. I volunteered my trip to Iraq. By volunteering, I mean within two weeks they had me there. I didn't expect to be there, but I did my part for the next 12 months. award was a part of my history forever. It's gave me some of the most honorable attributes that I carry to this day. The man's words were just that words. But understand
021this, he was a school teacher. I found out a lot about his personal life as I posted a job listing to try to give him a job with me. The man said something he shouldn't have. But here's the thing that caught me the most that if even the Christians and that I'm around in my churches doesn't know, he apologizes immediately. The man tried to repent and repent means to turn away from. In this country, we believe in a God and that God's Jesus Christ. Where was the outcry when through I've seen the protest, but where was the outcry when they took Bibles out of the school? Within a month of that, I went to the school for that 14 year old sitting there. He was 13. He was 12 or 10, somewhere in that range.
022And I asked the teacher why on page 76 of a book she had given him. It was mentioned that a 10-year-old should consider worshiping the devil as an option. This man has a family. I know what it is to have an authority and have a board take everything from you three times over in the last five years. My reputation isn't the greatest, but no one is. And that's my whole point. There's not one of us here that haven't made a mistake. The difference is is that the man apologized. The man took into consideration what his responsibilities to it were, who was influenced by it, and he addressed it all. He made a statement, and freedom of speech is one of those things. That's one of the things that I went to Iraq for. I'm a
023Christian. I try I'm cried over Charlie Kirk and as a man, it's hard for me to admit because of where I'm from for three days. >> You got 30. >> His wife and kids is what got me. All I'm trying to say is before we damn this man, let's show him what a Christian is because obviously he doesn't know. And if you talk to him, tell him I have an important report for you. Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. >> Deli I'm Dale Lee, the co-president of Education West Virginia, emergency county teacher, and I'm going to shock you tonight. I'm going to keep it well under three minutes. At the last board meeting that I spoke, we uh you all talked about a work session to address the issues that I've come the last two
024board meetings to discuss. My request is that uh you let me know when that work session is going to be here. My second request is that uh I be placed on the next board agenda if that's the work session hasn't been hasn't happened until then. so that the next board agenda we can discuss these issues and I would suggest that we discuss them in executive session but if we need to discussion in open session I'm more than happy to do that too. These are not going away. They're not going to suddenly disappear. Nor am I going to suddenly disappear. So with that I'm well under three minutes. Mr. President, I did better this time. You did better this time. >> And so I will see you next next meeting, >> Rick Kendrick. It's on. You
025see the green button? Green light. >> I'm on. Okay. Uh this won't take This is very quick. Uh most of you all don't know me, but uh I grew up in Mercer County. Uh much of my life has been in and out of Mercer County. And one of the things that my family has been passionate about education for my whole life. And if you could check, we probably have contributed more financially to education in the state of West Virginia than any family in the state. That's from West Virginia University through the college system, through the Mercer County school system. Uh we have always been there and we've never asked for anything. This is the first time I've ever spoken at a meeting like this because I believe that the school system should be run by
026the superintendent and by the school board and by the principles and by the teachers and I've always supported that. In this particular case, I'm very disappointed in knowing that we have a teacher in our system. And I heard what this young man said. And I believe in forgiveness. But I also believe that when you make mistakes in life, you pay for them. In this particular case, what was said is so egregious to me. And the reason it is, not only is it a terrible thing that he said, "My family was the original family to support Charlie Kirk. He came to us 13 years ago in Arizona and we helped to fund his program with no idea that it would evolve into what it's evolved into today." And I'm very proud that we have an association
027with him. or had an association with him. His tragic death was sad and I know everyone here agrees it was a terrible thing and nobody would condone that kind of violence. The other side of that is there are people who felt the need to express their happiness over his death. A person who does that to me disqualifies themselves for being an educator and to preach and teach and to be with young people. I believe that. I don't wish any ill will towards the young man who did this. But I also believe he needs to be in another profession because education is the basis for everything we do in this country. And I think he forfeited his right to be an educator. Thank you. >> Thank you. [Applause] >> We appreciate everyone's comments and and as
028I said, we will put my phone down now so I don't need the timer anymore. >> All right. So the next matter on the agenda is review of policy 2322 support and accountability performance student outcomes and student achievement. >> Mr. T. >> Thank you president. Dr. Atkins or Mitchell >> short before we proceed for I just boards love to have crowds of people at their board meetings because we rarely do and you are certainly welcome to stay if you want to. we would love to have you so you could listen to what we're doing. But if you want to go because you've got other things to do, uh that's fine as well, but we would ask you to do it quietly uh so it doesn't disrupt the meeting. But as I said, you know, this
029is a great a good crowd and we hope you stick around and listen to what we've got going on. >> All right, go ahead, >> President P. I have Dr. Atkins and Mrs. Mitchell to give an update on 2322 and then any other staff. So, thank you Dr. Atkins and Mrs. Mitchell. Thank you, Mr. Toman. Um, I will start by sharing that I did have most of uh our beginning of the year principal conferences with the elementary principles last week. I think I have one more to complete this week. And what we do during those conferences is set their student learning goals and leadership development goals um as required by code in the platform at that time, the evaluation platform that I work with them on. And uh that of course is based on uh
030data. It's based on their experiences in their classrooms and in their schools, their work with their teachers. Um very very proud of all of our elementary principles and they're they're doing a great job and we had very good conferences. That was largely based on it was timely that we did receive our balance scorecard information and uh created one of those reports for each principal and I will bring you all a summary copy copy of that at the next meeting. But we went through that because that is uh as we've discussed many times our measure and there's variety of measures on there but we went through those to help guide us throughout the year. Mr. Mr. Toman mentioned that we do have our uh new CSI um schools that have been identified by the state. That
031is a three-year designation. The schools that we currently have are in their fourth year, which is called a sustainability year. So, they'll be coming off after this year. They have minimal funds in year four to try to maintain the improvement that they have made, which they've made incredible improvements. It's been a very positive process. Um we had a meeting, Mr. Toman and I and others had a meeting on teams last week with the state department on this and they framed it very much in uh in that it's a positive process. It's a supportive process that provides funds and resources and support for schools that are experiencing some challenges. We um it is only title one funded schools. So in Mercer County that limits it to elementaryaries only. Um and then Bluefield Middle is a title
032one school this year but they were not during the the time of the identification. So, you have to be a title one school to be identified as CSI. The state also said that it's required by federal code for the bottom 5%, but the state doesn't have that anymore as far as schools that are all red. And so, they have to keep going. They have to keep finding uh another layer, another method of identification. And so we do have two schools um Bluefield Intermediate School and Mountain Valley Elementary and they were identified uh both schools have been growing, both schools have been having success, but they were identified by a subgroup um within their school that is lacking the the uh three-year growth that the state had been looking for. And for uh Blue Intermediate School,
033that is their multi-racial subgroup. And for Mountain Valley, that is their special education subgroup. We will be working with those schools for the next three years. Starting this year, we have a training um on October 7th at Waterfront in Morgantown to start this process. The state has asked us to identify an administrator with certain qualifications to become a trained school improvement coach. So, Amber Reich as our elementary and prek supervisor meets those qualifications and she's excited about that opportunity. So, she will be our dedicated school improvement coach and that's uh why she thought she was here this evening. So, I lied just a little bit to get her here for Orange Frog. Um, so I that was not very orange of me, but Mr. Toman uh made me do it. Um, >> that that's exactly
034right, but uh very very deserving. But uh we will have uh more balance scorecard information for you next board meeting and we have more board members at the time. But just wanted to kind of talk about the CSI uh process and that we're getting ready to get started on that. Any questions for me? a little bit of a question. What's the plan >> for those two schools? >> Well, you know, and we always have a we have a focus on continuous school improvement in Mercer County and have a lot of great data and a lot of great information that shows that we're being very successful um elementary and secondary uh in that regard. But we do have some schools that we're providing internally some additional support for. And these uh um CSI stands for continuous
035school improvement. And so what that will allow is uh pretty significant funds that will be provided to to help with uh with that. Uh thank you, Brent. Um >> nobody can see that online, but that's my new grandbaby. He was born this morning. >> His name is Sterling. >> That's an awesome name. >> Amen. >> That's right. >> That's front. Sorry. >> I'll take it. But yes, sir, we'll have a much better idea of the uh details of the training. It's on October 7th. So, uh myself and Mrs. Refe, the principal of each school and a lead teacher that they've selected that, you know, makes sense to be part of that team based on their subgroup identification. We'll be going and we'll have a better idea. But there will be historically in the last three
036years with our CSI schools, you know, they do provide us with a lot of funds to be able to support growth and achievement, including additional staff if there's enough funding for that. >> Yes, sir. And so we uh the principles are um you know at first it's it's a a disappointing thing because they know that overall they've done very very well and been very successful but um you know we also know that this is a a specific group that we're going to work very hard um to be able to improve and then the improvement will affect the whole school is what we experienced at the other schools. We have CSI schools that are coming off this year that have truly become uh some of the leaders in our district in achievement and against um you
037know variables that are challenges to them and we're very proud of them. >> Yes, they'll have they'll have additional training, additional curriculum support. They'll have hopefully additional staff. We have um typically someone that's assigned to our district from the state department that will come down and support and help in those improvement efforts is always tied to the West Virginia standards for effective schools. Um that we place a big emphasis on here anyway. Um largely in part by some of the experiences we had with one of the CSI coordinators that worked with Blue Well and uh that individual still there and uh they have several coordinators. So, we won't really won't know until October 7th, you know, who our support is and what level of support we're going to have. And then the role of a
038school improvement coach, which is what uh Amber will be trained to be, is new. Uh and I think that will be something that will be very beneficial, but we don't know much more than that at this time. >> Thank you. In secondary, we will do our meetings this week. I'll be meeting with all the principles um to set goals. U one of the goals that we're all going to have that's common is going to be on our chronic absences and what what we're going to do to get that in much better shape. Um the other thing that that we're going to definitely look at is our academic achievement. Math is definitely not where it needs to be. Um as with Dr. for Atkins. You as we keep getting more information, we just keep compiling it
039and we'll be able to bring you a better report. But what I can tell you that we're doing for now is um we do have one school, Princeton High School, was selected by the state department to pilot a program called instructional rounds and there's two schools in southern West Virginia, us and Oakill. We're working together. We'll visit them, they'll visit us. Um we actually critique each other and give each other ideas on instructional strategies. Um, and the reason the state is checking into it is they've been told that in other states it's been used and it made a big difference. Instructional rounds focuses on exactly what that school needs at that time. We start our uh beginning of year um boot camps with our high schools that have part of mastery prep. We start that
040this week. um each school. Mcoms is like a three-day um event and then you've got Princeton which is like a week and a half and then Pipe View and Bluefield in between. But um they start that this week. So we're excited about that. Um we are also looking at um for their agendas this year when they have their faculty senate meetings that they address the instructional strategies that we're using and that they use part of that time during the faculty senate that there is a training in in math and whether it be from someone at the central office, someone at their school or one of the people that we've sent to like state and national trainings that come back like the M3 3T math. Um they'll they'll work with the teachers so that we are
041focused on specific things and not just having general meetings. They'll be focused on whatever the need is. Um we let's see we have trying to see we have um probably without looking exactly at the numbers we probably have um with all four of the high schools we have 20 teachers that have really got on board with what we're doing and what we need to do to be able to train and reach out to the other schools. Some of them went to some state trainings this summer. Some of them they presented here to be able to say this is what we're doing and this is what we're bringing. Um but we we really think that's going to make a huge difference. Um Gear Up moved into the high schools this year. So we're real anxious to
042see how that goes. We had scholarship night here last week and we had over 200 parents and um and students here. So we were real excited. Gear Europe sponsored it, but we had um people here talking about FAFSA and we you know what things we could do to help the kids, how we can help them apply for scholarships, how they can get promised. We're focused on the as we called them the bowl kids. Um the state is calling the move up kids. So we have focused on that and in doing that we're actually reaching out to individual students. their principles are sending letters, making contacts with parents um so that we can get those those are the kids that just a few more points could make a huge difference for them. So that's where we
043are with the start of the year. So this this week will be my week to meet with my principles and set the goals. >> All right, board members. >> Okay, anyone else with 2322? Mr. I just have uh something briefly about positive and safe environment. If you haven't had a chance um seen Mountain Valley behind Mountain Valley, it hadn't been mowed in about seven years since school was built and we were able to buy a remote control slope mower and the whole hill has been mowed. We mowed uh several hills at Timberwood that we wouldn't safely be able to put an employee on and mower and do uh to my knowledge and Leslie knows more than me. There was someone hired seven years ago to mow the bank one time at Mountain Valley and he
044quit. I mean, he was went wasn't hired by us, but he was a contractor. He said, "I'm not doing this." >> Broke his equipment and just and just said, "I'm not coming back." So, we did that. We did the little ditch between Pike High and Pike View Middle. Just areas that we felt a needed attention, but b weren't really safe for our employees. So, uh, with the purchase of that remote controlled track driven slope mower, we're able to accomplish quite a bit for for the students and the community. >> Great. So, I just I have to ask cuz I haven't seen it. How big is that thing? >> Uh, it's what weighs about 400 lb, but it's it's not too large. It's about this >> 36 big 36 in. >> It doesn't cut that. It
045cuts about 24. Cuts like a flail mower underneath. Gotcha. >> Uh it does did terrible in the tall grass at um Mountain Valley, but it the shrubbery and the little trees, it just eats right through that stuff. >> Good. >> So, uh we're hoping that to do it once or twice a year at each location and never have to spend the amount of time. It took us over a week straight at Mountain Valley to get that accomplished. But I had two uh substitutes that just took the bull by the horns and went out there and uh really learned how to feather the the throttle on that bad boy. so it didn't die every 12 seconds, but uh it worked great. Uh it's it's a product that Brent and I researched briefly on on the internet
046and just thought it would be a good opportunity. So uh it's it's proven very worthwhile. >> Good. Thank you. >> All right, then we'll get into the agenda. take my long distance classes off and this work. So, minutes for approval are the September 8:25 AM meeting, September 28:25 p.m. meeting and September 15, 2025. Is there a motion to approve? >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> It's a motion and a second. Uh, are there any additions, corrections, or deletions? There appearing to be none on the motion. All in favor signify by saying I. I >> oppose. Likewise. That motion carries. Three in favor and none opposed. Under old business. All right. That's that's the minutes. Now we do old business which is P board member 50. Yes, sir. That's correct. >> I thought so.
047>> You have the travel policy. Mr. Hodgees. The second second reading of the travel policy. >> It's board board amendment number 50. The second reading >> a policy G12 travel. It's being changed to update and clarify language and make grammatical changes. Uh there was one comment received. The effective date on the travel policy will be October 1st of 2025. So you know about 10 days from now, nine days from now. So is there a motion to approve? >> Is there a second? There's a motion and a second. Any comments or any questions or discussion? What was the comment by the way? There was one grammatical error and then the other was to see >> forms be available >> for Yeah. to forms be available hard copy as well as digital. >> Okay. Okay. >> But
048those were the only two comments. >> All right. >> And this policy we ask be effective October 1st at the start of a new month. >> Yeah, I just said that. >> Oh, did you? I'm sorry. I missed. Sorry. you were work you were busy working and I get it that's fine you work all the time anyway um okay um so uh is there any further discussion then on the motion all in favor signify by saying I >> I opposed likewise that motion carries three in favor and none opposed we'll go through the consent agenda now board amendment number 104 is a request from Concord College regarding their Bonner Scholar students to be placed in Mer County schools to complete community service for the Fall semester, Bonner scholars are required to complete direct community service
049hours for an average of 8 to 10 hours per week. They'll be placed at Pike View, it looks like. And so, is there a motion to approve? >> Thank you. I do that. I do that every week. So, all right. >> Notice nobody said it. >> Echo board member number 105 is echolab government sales administrative pricing for contract. Uh basically we're requesting pricing for products used in our school dishwashers for the June July 1st 25 to June 30th 26 period. Uh all of our dispensers in our dishwashers in Mer County schools require Echolab products. Huge increase in their price 21% this year. Um but it's a GSA schedule contract so uh we'll be dealing with them. Uh, superintendent recommends the award to Echolab for dishwashing products for the 2526 school year. And I'm having trouble
050advancing without making a big There we go. Uh, Mer County School has purchased 27,968.97 during the 2425 school year. So, you had what was what was the increase? We're going to take a recess so Paul can get his computer figured out because we need him to know what's going on. >> Reason I couldn't find that thing because >> 28,000 We're back on and nothing was discussed except getting Paul back on his his proper agenda on the right day. So, we're good there. So, uh the next memo is board memo number 106, which is a listing of student placements for Bluefield State University. in to complete classroom observations during the fall of 2520 or fall of 25 semester. Placements as always are contingent upon the appropriate forms, acceptable background check, and the naming of site supervisor.
051Superintendent recommends approval. Board amendment number 107 is proximity learning for the 25 or 26 school year. Uh proximity is our virtual uh coursework. We currently have 125 full-time virtual students in Mercer County. Uh there are estimates below that add five students for each grade band throughout the year because people do come and go from the virtual program. Students will be added only under extenduating circumstances. Um line items are as follows. Uh and it breaks down by grade level. K12 is about $31,000. uh 6 through 12 is $273,000. 6 through8 is $21,000. 9 through 12 is $82,000. Monome High School's oneoff additional court is $8,000 and the SCSC administrative fee is $12,456. This brings the total cost proximity learning to $427,656 to be funded through the excess levy. The superintendent recommends approval. Board memo number 108
052is student placement from conquered university. They're requesting that we place a student in Merch County Schools for the fall 25 semester to complete 45 hours. Uh she will be placed at last meet MOA contingent upon the appropriate forms background check. The naming of site supervisor superintendent recommends approval. Board amendment number 109 is RFQ874 nur nursing learning platform. uh quotes were requested for a nursing learning platform to assist nursing students in the outcome of their national council lensure examination. It's a 12-week course with a personal coach, inperson and virtual intensive prep sessions. Uh we received or three the RFQ was advertised sent to three vendors. Uh one was disqualified for not meeting the in-person virtual prep sessions. Uh, one prevented no provided no bid. Uh, we have 24 nursing students and the only bid, the only
053appropriate bidder is ATI nursing. It's $1,700 per student. Superintendent recommends approval and purchase of the nursing learning platform to ATI nursing for $40,800. Student tuition will pay for this purchase. Board amendment number 110 is the purchase of a used 2024 GMCA Sierra 3500 for maintenance. Uh policy under West Virginia state code does permit for the purchase of used vehicles and disposal of used vehicles by trade in if it's determined by the treasur to be in best interest of the board. uh maintenance director located a 2024 CMA GMC Sierra with 3,827 miles priced at 59,449. Uh it has the remainder of the 3year 36 and the remainder of the 550 power warranties. Uh the blue books uh look good. They're actually higher than what we're doing. They're going to trade in a 2012 Ford F-150 Super
054Crew truck, which is currently being used, and we'll get about $7,000 for that, bringing the total of for this purchase of a 2024 Sierra or GMC Sierra, 3500 heavy duty to 52,449 from Rainey Auto Group. Excess levy funds will fund the purchase and superintendent recommends approval. Board memo number 111 is surplus textbooks. We have a lot of textbooks that we can no longer use as they're obsolete. Superintendent recommends that they be declared surplus and sold at public auction through govdills.com. Uh we have we reserve the right to make additions and deletions. Uh superintendent recommends to offer these books as surplus. Board amendment number 112 is a college contract for placement of students for clinical experience. This is that contract we see from now and then uh that we have in place covering the agreements with
055colleges and universities when they want to place students observers in our school system. All teaching service all teaching placements are pending our receipt of a background check and the site supervisor. The current college seeking approval is Southwest Virginia Community College and the superintendent recommends approval. And then uh that same college, Southwest Virginia Community College on board member 113 is requesting placement for a student for classroom observations in one of their classes. Uh they'll be placed at Bluefield High School contingent upon completion of appropriate forms, background check, and university naming a site supervisor. Superintendent recommends approval. Board amendment number 114 is a celebration of freedom week proclamation. County boards uh by statute are required to recognize one full week as celebrate freedom week. We don't really need to be forced to do it. We enjoy doing
056it. Uh the purpose of this is to deepen the understanding and knowledge of our founding documents, freedoms and sacrifices made to secure them. And the proclamation reads as follows. Whereas the freedoms we cherish as Americans are rooted in the sacrifices of those who came before us in the founding principles enshrined in our do nation's most historic documents. And whereas the Declaration of Independence declared our unalienable right to unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and set forth the vision of a free and self-governing people. And whereas the Emancipation Proclamation, man, I'm slider than this, boldly affirmed freedom for those who had been enslaved and moved our nation closer to realizing the ideals of justice and equality. And whereas the United States Constitution, especially the Bill of Rights, established the framework of our
057democracy and secured the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. And whereas it is vi whereas it is vital that students learn the historical context, intent and significance of these documents to gain a deeper appreciation of the values of freedom, democracy and self-government. And whereas whereas the observance of celebrate freedom week will encourage all schools in our state to provide meaningful social studies instruction that fosters civic understanding and honors the sacrifices made to preserve liberty. Now therefore, the Mer County Board of Education does hereby proclaim the week of November 10 to 14, 2025 as Celebrate Freedom Week and calls upon schools, educators, and students to join in commemorating this week through lessons and activities that strengthen knowledge of our nation's founding values and inspire a continued commitment to freedom. Adopted this the 22nd day of September, 2025.
058Next action item on the agenda is board amendment number 115, the uh rental agreement with Athens Baptist Church, who was always so wonderful with us. This is for fiscal year 2526. This agreement authorizes Athens school teachers and employees to use 30 spaces for the parking of their cars on regular days on Athens Baptist Church property accepting the advantage church events where there's 24-hour notice. It's a one-year agreement from August 125 to June 30 of 26. The rental has not changed and it remains $800 per school year annually. Recommend approval of the agreement with Asen Baptist Church for use of their church parking lot for $800 a year for the school year of 2526. All right, let me get down here further. Board a memo number 116 is the Melrose parking lot lease and this is
059with uh for many years the Melrose Presbyterian Church. uh doing business as Melrose Community Church located right by right by Melrose School. Superintendent recommends the execution of the renewal of the lease parking lot at Melrose for Melrose Elementary School. Board amendment number 117 is the PECard transactions for approval from the last month. Superintendent recommends approval. You have those invoices in your uh packet. payment of invoices for number board member number 118 is payment of invoices for the month of September. You have the list of vendors and amounts uh in your packet. The actual checks have been written or being held consider considering pending consideration of the school board. Checks will be issued to vendors upon schoolboard approval. That is the end of the consent agenda. So, do we have questions about the consent agenda? >>
060Yes, sir. regardless of the new read that we still I'm assuming still working on to build it up and function. >> It is an add-on onto aptagy and the payment that you saw for 35,000 is is for that portion for the rooms portion that's the messaging. Yeah, it it's a way for uh teachers, principles to uh have communication with families. >> So, this this $35,000 is added on to what we're >> Yes, sir. >> Yes. >> I've seen it in action that, you know, Jenna, she doesn't tell me what they're going on, what's going on, but she says, you know, I today I had a bunch of messages from from parents that I needed to respond to. Um, and you know, they can look. I mean, I know my son was looking at his his
061my grandson's grades yesterday while he was sitting there and he's flipping through them and I'm like he's he says, "I hope he missed something and this isn't a mistake because I said I hope it's a mistake, too." Yeah, he's a tough one. >> Melrose parking lot. >> No, sir. >> Proximity the numbers that we looked at is that That doesn't include any of the students that are expelled and put into >> correct. You are correct. >> So that that pricing that's in addition to >> Yes. For the alternative education. Yes. >> Okay. That's it. >> On the invoices. I think I might know what this is, but Maline Motor Truck $279,000. >> That's Matheni Motors. And those are for buses. >> What buses? Yes, those are two years. >> Yes, we're we're still two years
062behind, but we are starting to get some of our buses. >> That would not be our fault. >> CO, >> it's still still CO related supply chain. You know there there is no automobile truck that is quote Americanmade that is 100% parts from America. They don't exist >> anywhere. >> So that's part of the problem right there. >> Okay. >> How many buses is that by the way? Would that be two, three? >> One $285,000. >> Wow. They have really gone up in price, haven't they? Wow, >> that's a shock. >> They last a long time, however. We >> They do. They do. That's just a lot. >> It is. >> That's gone up a lot. Okay. So, any other questions on the consent agenda? >> Is there a motion? >> Also add that these
063were special needs buses. We've been ordering more special needs buses so that they're not just the standard. >> Yes, they have the lift and like the one that they put down to um There's a motion and a second. Any further discussion? And on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I. I. Oppose. Likewise. Motion carries. Three in favor and none in part. All right. Let me get further back here. The next action item on the agenda is board memo number 119, counting position. So, if y'all recall a few meetings ago, we eliminated a position uh due to declining enrollment and related staffing considerations. uh the finance department I think realized fairly quickly that that was not the best approach. Uh they continue to have to manage complex financial responsibilities that require specialized knowledge and
064technical expertise. They continue to receive additional responsibilities including the most recent policy passed involving invoicing non-public school students and purchasing reporting. uh position requires proficiency in Microsoft Office products and invoicing such as software similar to in it QuickBooks both of which are integral to the accounting and reporting process without this role. The concern is is that workload will be increased. Uh there will be delays and or errors in financial reporting and we could be at risk of financial deficiencies or findings on audit. um considerable overtime has occurred and substitute costs have increased but while the position has been vacant. So the treasurer worked with department of education uh and education consulting to analyze whether we're in the in the same range with positions in in the treasury and they were determined that we were not
065to be overstapped by filing this position. So, the superintendent recommends authorize the posting and filling of professional accountant position to invoice non-public students and assist in other financial duties. >> My pin bust today, they said I got to look like a smurf, huh? >> Thanks, Mr. Atkins, for letting me know instead everybody else out there. Huh? >> I'm afraid going on. >> I just want to know why you have a pen on top of your head. >> I sat there tap and you guys went after this stuff. American is pretty bad. Is it better if I clean it up? >> It could be a birth mark. I mean, it'll be fine. >> We're live streamed, though. That's a bad thing, huh? >> Well, I mean, that, you know, >> I was going to come up
066here with my thumb and they could light them up like my mom used to do. >> It open it opened up pretty inky. >> It just goes to show we're all human beings and we're doing the best we can do in the situation that we're in. >> And Mr. Atkins is getting a recognition next meeting for taking care of himself. >> Okay. Thank you. The rest of you, I'm telling you that's terrible. >> I'll do it. >> Is that right? >> What's that? >> I think you did something to it, Mr. Hodgees. So, thank you. >> All righty. >> We're all human. Thank you, President Prud, for taking my back. >> It's absolutely fine. >> Thank you, Mr. >> That's funny. >> He's hurting bad back here laughing. So, uh, the superintendent recommends the board
067authorize the posting and filling of a professional accountant position to invoice non-public students, assist in other financial duties, and to maintain compliance with policy 2322. >> Motion to approve. Is there a second? >> All right. Make sure I got the right place. >> Any further discussion, questions, thoughts on the motion? All in favor signify by saying I. I. Oppose. Likewise. Motion carries. Three in favor and none opposed. Last action item on the agenda is personnel, which is board member number 120. You're going to notice that uh one of our board members is leaving uh due to the requirement that we exit whenever we have a potential conflict. Um some people will be looking and saying, "Well, you've only got two board members voting. How is that possible?" The Robert's rules is very clear. If you
068start a meeting with a quorum and you maintain that quorum, then if someone leaves, you still maintain the quorum. So, we're going to proceed forward uh on the personnel agenda. Um is there a motion to approve? >> And I will second that. All in favor signify by saying I. I likewise. >> That motion carries. Two in favor, none opposed, and one not voting. That being Mr. Bailey. All right, we are at the the last that is the last of our action items. Mr. Tyman, >> president, we have discussion, administrative updates. So, first uh I want to give a great shout out to uh Mr. Atkins for taking care of me. So, uh any anybody else have Mr. Mitchell? You're >> welcome. You're you're picking up. So, any anybody else have any updates? I I thank
069you all and uh anybody else have any updates? Uh Miss Huddle, Dr. Philpek, anybody else? >> No, >> I couldn't hear a word. >> We couldn't and they couldn't hear on streaming. >> So, we need that mic. Where's the mic? >> For preK. >> There you go. Thanks, Amy. >> Awesome. >> Thank you. You actually did work for that. They didn't just call you and say, "Here's $6,500." >> That's right. You got to You got to say that part. We gota We worked hard and and proposed one and they sent us the money, >> right? It's okay to brag when you do something good. >> That's all right. Anything else? >> No, sir. Unless u anybody else has anything. >> Anybody else want to just hang out for a while? >> Do we want >>
070No. Do we want to go into executive to discuss? >> Yes, we do. We do. And so everybody can just leave and we'll just stay with you. Uh so there are no other action items on the agenda. However, we need to go in executive session to discuss a matter of potentially purchasing real estate which is permitted by uh state law for us to go into executive session. When we come out of executive session, the only action we've be taking is adjournment because there's nothing further on the board's agenda or there are no other action items to attend to. So, with that, we'll excuse everybody that doesn't need to be here, and we'll go into executive session for just a few minutes. We got wrong. >> We're back out of executive session. Uh the only issues
071we discussed were property acquisition. Uh we have no further action items on the agenda. >> Is there a second? Any objection? >> We're adjourned. Good night, everyone.