001Good evening. It is time to call the January 6, 2026 County Board of Education meeting the order. First order of business is our pledge of allegiance. And we have our football team. If you guys pledge, you can do it right where you flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Okay, we're down to approval of agenda. Do I have a motion to approve the agenda? So move. Okay, on the agenda, uh looks like on under routine business uh two and three, we have two resations that were conditions and our first is Mr. Smith here. No. Okay. So, we'll move down to the uh War County High School football team and Mr. Macau if you want to take it.
002>> So, we had this on the agenda before and with basketball and everything, it was a busy time. So, I appreciate you all taking the time to join us this evening to recognize the awesome um high school football season that you guys had. So, coaches, if you want to come up, say a few words about your season, introduce your players, and then uh talk about the teams that you have uh the folks that you have made all state. >> No pressure. Yeah. And you may have to hit the button to turn that thing on. audience will take care of you. >> Oh, thank you. Because I can remember uh thank you for having us here this evening. It was a good season. Um being able to we lost to St. Mary's at the end of
003the year, but being able to turn around the next week and go beat them when it really counted in a good for all of us for sure. Um we did have some um individuals recognized at the conference and the state level uh for all state um this season. We had Eastston Wire. East there. All right. He was uh second team uh defense. We had Braden Whipy and Jake Moore were first team all state guys. If you guys would All right. There you go. Okay. Good deal. Um Tyler Smith uh and Anthony Morgan and Andrew Limley were all second team offense all state players this year. So but again uh great group of kids. Looking forward to working with uh those uh that you know the the underassman we have that's coming back. But we will
004definitely miss this group of seniors. Great leadership. uh we wouldn't have gotten to where we got to without the leadership of these guys that that we're definitely going to miss uh through graduation. So, thank you guys for all your hard work and the commitment and the effort that it takes to be successful. Thank you. >> Coach, don't want to put you on the spot, but can you introduce the team? >> Oh, everyone else? >> Yeah. >> All right. >> Yeah, we have him here. >> Okay, we'll do it. All right. That's Sam Moore. Played uh offensive line in some defensive line for us this year. Frankie Bolick, offense and defensive line. Luke Hickman, barely know him. He played uh some receiver for us this year. Um we have Tyler Kirby, offense and defensive lineman. We
005have Jason Murray, who's a uh wide receiver, defensive back. We have we call him Mcloven, Alex Murray. Uh he he plays uh outside linebacker for us on defense. um did came into the playoff game at Clay Battel and had about eight tackles. So, did a great job for us there. Let's see. Uh we've recognized Braden Whipkey. We have Andrew Limley sitting back here. Andrew acknowledge your presence. Thank you, sir. All right. And we have we call we call this young man Big. [laughter] >> Yes. Yes. First team all all LKC here for sure. Um and then of course we have Eastston Wire, Tyler Smith, Jake Moore. that's here this evening. I did that. Get everybody. Lucas Paul, by the way, that's his name. Not just Big, but to us it's big. [laughter] >> And I
006see you have one of your assistants. >> Absolutely. Coach Moore been with me every year I've been here. He's been right with me. So, I don't know if that makes him crazy or what, but he's been right there with me. So, I really appreciate all the effort and everything that and the dedication he puts in as well. >> Absolutely. >> All right. Let's get a picture and we'll send it to the paper. >> All right. I also want to just touch on the fact that every time I encountered any of these guys off the field, it was nothing but respectful, too, which says a lot about their character. So, that's awesome. >> [clears throat] >> How do you like I'm We do have one set of parents here this evening, the Murray. They part of
007our club. They do a lot of behind the scenes work for us that probably go unnoticed, but we're extremely thankful for the work that they put in. Congratulations. [applause] >> Very good. >> Thank you, coach. Okay, now we're down to our national board certification teachers. And I see Mrs. Flanigan here. Uh I do not do not see the other two. So Mr. Macau. So, we have the pleasure of adding three more National Board Certified Teachers to our ranks and that is Kelly Flanigan, Christy Dye, and Cali Dy. And I just wanted to say um a little bit for those of you that don't know what that is. Um National Board Certification was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is the most respected professional certification
008available in K12 education. Created by teachers for teachers. The national board standards represent a consensus among educators about what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. Board certification is available in 25 certificate areas spanning 16 disciplines, preK through 12th grade. The certification process requires that teachers demonstrate standardsbased evidence of the positive effect that they have on student learning in alignment with five core propositions. They must exhibit a deep understanding of their students, their content knowledge, use data and assessments and teaching practice. They must also show that they have participated in learning communities and provide evidence of ongoing reflection and continuous learning. [cough] So it is not something undertaken lightly and um it is um a lot of work and a lot of hours put in. So I thank you for the the time
009>> and all of the effort that you've put in to attain that outstanding credential. >> Mrs. Lanigan. How long did it take you? >> I started last December. >> Okay. >> In May. >> Okay, that's good. Well, we want a picture with you. Congratulations. It really is a a path for teachers to go down that I mean it's tough. >> Yeah, >> it's really tough. >> Congratulations, >> Miss Wagon. What What grade do you teach? >> Second grade. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Okay, so we are down to uh our monthly attendance narrative, Mr. Smith. Okay, give me just one moment here. >> Mrs. Flanigan, don't feel that you need to stay. Okay. >> You're welcome to stay, but don't feel like you have to. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Macau. Thank you,
010Mr. Mets. Um, first thing, uh, since the beginning of the school year, 83 student households have been sent 5-day unexcused absence letters. Um, the year-to- date attendance rate as of 12:30 of last year. Uh, primary center was at 94.5. Uh, the middle school was at 93.3. The high school was at 92.3 and districtwide we were at 93.3 year to date as of 12:30. Um the average attendance by school and district as of December 30th was primary center was at 94.6, the middle school was at 92.6, the high school was at 91.7 and districtwide we were at 93%. District enrollment by school and district as of the 1230. Um, primary center was at 310, middle school was at 247, high school was at 273, districtwide we were at 830. Uh, the total enrollment increased by four
011students in comparison to last month's attendance narrative. In comparison to that narrative, also primary center enrollment increased by two students, middle school increased by one student, and high school increased by one student. Um what changed the the uh numbers and enrollment? Uh the primary center had two students that enrolled from uh primary center from West Virginia virtual academy. We had one student enrolled in the middle school from West Virginia Virtual Academy and one student enrolled from the high school from a different county's instate public school system was what made the four the four student increase from last mass narrative. Um, in regards by grade, preK was at 52, kindergarten was at [snorts] 62, first grade was at 49, second grade at 48, third grade at 46 students, fourth grade at 53, and then at the
012middle school, fifth grade was at 65, sixth grade was at 59, seventh grade was at 56, eighth grade was at 67, 9inth grade was at 75 students. 10th grade was at 63, 11th grade was also at 63 students, and 12th grade was at 72. So, um, is there any questions or concerns about any of that information I went over? It's all in your packet, but do you have any questions or concerns, concern? Okay. >> Any questions from Mr. Smith on attendance? >> Does it seems like it's gradually once the elementary looks like it's really small and then it kind of gradually goes up. Is that kids coming in maybe from private schools or is that just just a trend that we're going into? >> Well, it's kind of a fluid situation. I was looking at
013the months. The last few months were going up and down like you're saying. So, it's like like you were saying, you had uh three kids come back in from virtual school. Who knows, next month, three could go back out. There's just no really rhyme or reason to it to be honest with you, Brent. But we're sticking around 820 something to 8:30 something is what we're consistently. It looks like we're sticking around as of now. So, Any other questions? >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Smith. Now, maintenance report. >> Okay. Give me just a second here. Sorry. Just give me a moment here. Sorry. There it is. Gotta love technology. Let's see. Let's see here. Thank you for your patience. It'll just take me a second here. [clears throat] Okay. Oh, we don't want to get into
014that. Sorry. >> I think he's trying to get up on the screen. >> Just a second here. Sorry about that. >> Feel free to, Mr. Well, there's that. >> I don't know if he has it up there or not. >> No, no, that's Oh, we Well, I've got it here, but I have some pictures I was wanting to share. Thank you, Mr. Okay. >> Give me just a second. Sorry about this. >> Okay, I think we're ready now. >> No, I'm good. >> Okay, now we're good, I think. right now. >> All right. Okay. Uh the maintenance report as of 12:30 2025. We have uh RM Huffman Company completed installation of the new bleachers at the high school and at the Work County Primary Center. The company also removed the old bleachers at the high
015school. The Work County Schools maintenance staff, Riverbend Supply business owner, and Jack Cheeseman shop class helped with the process of removing the old materials and unloading the new bleacher materials at W County High School. And like I said, the the maintenance staff was helpful, but also Riverbin uh their owner spent a half a day down here helping unload the materials. We were very appreciative. We called and told him thanks for doing that to moving them down here from when they brought them in. and Jack's uh shop class did a good job. It It made the process quicker. They were taking the boards out to the shop class as they un, you know, undid the old bleachers. So, it sped up the process and we appreciate them doing that, too. So, it made the process go
016quicker. So, [clears throat] okay. And some of you have probably been in the gym since the new bleachers have been put in, but I thought I'd bring a couple of pictures so you can see. And, uh, everybody's been ecstatic. I haven't heard anything negative at all with the high school bleachers. Not that there was anything wrong with the old bleachers. They were just worn out, you know, so many years. And these are a lot more these are handier. Like for example, the handicap accessible uh railings, they close up with the unit where you had to take them in and out with the old bleachers. There's just a lot of perks to it. And of course, there's a control. And uh we've really been happy with the bleachers. The one on the uh home side has
017the electric, you know, where you have a controller, but on the other we decided just to stay stationary. We just shove them in like the old way because 99% of the time those bleachers are at on that side on the uh visitor side. Um there's just a picture of the visitor side. I showed you a picture of the home, but that's on the visitor side. Um and here's at the primary center. They're very ecstatic about their bleachers because if some of them have been at the primary center, all they had before was a set of bleachers like from maybe here to where Sherry's sitting in three or four rows. So, this was a big improvement when we started talking about telescopic bleachers and, you know, bringing them out clear to the floor. They've really been
018ecstatic with the whole thing. So, nothing but good news on that so far. So, >> Danielle, can you sit most of your kids on them if >> we have not tried yet? >> Okay. >> I suspect The seats are about this big. Younger kids, you can fit two of them on the seat. Um, we're going to have a super secret day in January. We're going to play basketball staff versus other staff or maybe some fourth grade kids. And at that point, we'll know. >> And who is the little cutie you have with you? >> This is my grandson. >> Okay. >> Can you say hi? >> Hi, Eli. He's not since I picked you up. [laughter] >> Scary bunch here. >> And those shove in too to the wall. >> Yes. >> With with Yeah.
019It has the electric control like >> is just one side with them or >> Yes. Yes. And trust me, that's all you wanted, would it, Daniel? We >> Yeah. It would get a little claustrophobic in there on both sides. >> Yeah. >> Let us know how it works when you get all your kids in there. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um, the next thing I want to discuss, uh, was the, uh, work county school's maintenance staff with the assistance from the high school custodial staff installed 160 acoustic panels in the rafters of the high school gym. Primarily at the maintenance staff, it was Josh Moss doing that and the custodial staff helped with that. But, uh, Mr. Macau and I collaborated with Mr. Cotra William and he we got a good price on some acoustic thing
020and our maintenance staff put those panels up as you'll see here in just a minute. I hope the pictures do them justice because it's hard to see them up in there unless you're out there looking at them. But you can see these panels are turned downward like this. There's 160 of them. What it does, it knocks all the sound down. And I've heard positive remarks about how the acoustics has got much better in the gym because before, if you remember, we had a drop ceiling for years and we took that out of there, which that eliminated balls going up there and busting tiles all the time. But the trade-off was the acoustics were really poor after that. So this was an opportunity to try and fix that and and it was real affordable compared if
021you'd had somebody come in. It was much cheaper that way to have our people do it. So [clears throat] um work county schools in the process of getting three quotes for labors and material to build the four necessary office complete electrical wiring and other small remodeling needs for the new board office the the property we just purchased to put the board office over there at 50 Senior Circle. So, we're close to having final figures on the bids. We've got one more company coming tomorrow to uh look at the property and give us an assessment on on uh what needs done and the cost. So, um uh work county schools since this since I we sent out the final agenda, uh Mr. McCall, I wanted to put on there about we've also had uh family carpet
022come in and they're looking at at potential flooring replacement over there. Um, and they're part of a co-op, so we have them come in. I haven't got a quote on it, but whether we go with LVP or LVT or whatever we do throughout there. Uh, I should have numbers probably in the next few days from that, but I just didn't have those numbers to come to you today at the board meeting and give those officially to you, but I wanted to make you aware we were getting bids and they're part part of a co-op. So, you don't have to go and get three bids like you do with other people. They're part of the co-op just like RM Huffman is with the bleachers. >> [clears throat] >> Um, work county schools participated in meetings with
023two different mapping companies, CRG and GICOM to discuss mapping of our facilities to meet the requirement under House Bill 3166. These companies are both members of N National Co-ops if we just mentioned there a minute ago. This bill was passed under the 2025 legislation sess sessions. There is a grant in place to pay $4,500 per school. So, they'll allow $13,500 um for our three schools to to take place in this. And we're required to do this by September of this year, 2026. Uh we but we've met with CRG and GICOM, Mr. Macau, and I need to sit down and discuss that and and decide which one we're going with. We just wanted to make you aware of the process. And going leading right into the next thing, tomorrow we're going to have a safety meeting
024that will relate to some of this mapping and stuff. Um the the work county school safety meeting will be scheduled uh tomorrow, January 7th. It'll be at 9:30 and it'll be at the volunteer fire department building. And our new representative, Chris Smith, is scheduled to be introduced and attend the meeting to discuss like active shooter training, some other things we need to discuss. There should be there's plenty of topics we need to address. So, okay. Anybody have any questions or concerns? >> Three schools, that also include the new board office. >> Ye. Yes. Yes. Uh that our intent was to do that and they said they'll come in and do that. That'll be an additional cost. I'll have to get that figured out. But yes, they'll do that. That's a good question, Mr. Low. Yeah,
025that they said if we'll get a floor floor drawing or they'll come do a visit and they'll do map it for mapping for the new facility, the new board office as well. That was a good question. Yeah. Mhm. So, they didn't think it would be nearly as costly. Of course, you're just talking about a small area. But, yeah, >> it'll be interesting to see when when they know that you have this amount of money >> per school. >> It's very competitive, Mr. Mets. Let's just leave it at that. >> It's very competitive, Mr. Mets. Yes. Let's leave it at that. So, it'll be interesting >> with your safety meeting. Uh, I'd be very interested to make sure we get something available for the upstairs in the middle school. Yeah. Shooter, you know, active shooter, anything
026like that because way it is now, they're jumping off the roof. >> Okay. >> You're welcome to attend that if you're going to be you're welcome to attend that if you're going to be free during that time. >> Yeah. 9:30 tomorrow as a volunteer. Yeah, you're more than welcome, Brett. Huh? >> Anything else? >> Any other questions? >> Thank you. >> Okay, we have no delegations, so we're down to agenda. Um, need a motion to approve the minutes of the uh December 9th, 2025 regular meeting. >> So moved. >> Any corrections, comments, concerns? Hear none. We have a motion to approve the minutes of the December 9th, 2025 regular meeting. All in favor say I. >> I. Oppose say nay. Eyes have it. Motion carries. Down to finance. Um need a motion to approve the
027payment invoice in the amount of $380,000 200 I'm sorry $380,25316. >> So move. >> Okay. three runs of expenditures this evening. The first on 12162025 totaling $93,45428. Noteworthy in this, we have our um athletic trainer services with Camden Clark. We have Marietta office supply um for doormats for all of the schools. If you've been in front of the school at the high school, um it's a really nice graphic doormat there in front of each of the schools. We have some termite pest control services with Orcin and we have um the F Jones group with our audit. So that run totals the $93,45428. The next run is on 1219 2025 and it totals 2,611.31. That's utilities. And then finally on 12:30 2025 we have a run of expenditures totaling 284,29957. Noteworthy on that of a huge
028chunk of that is the bleachers for that Mr. Smith just spoke about for the high school and the primary center with some various and sunundry travel and other bills mixed in there. And these three runs total minus the $112 of Mr. Mets's travel $380,25316. >> Any questions on invoices? >> What's that, Sherry? >> Oh, I'm sorry. That amount plus the 12. >> Yeah. >> Any questions on invoice? Hearing none. We have a motion to approve the payment of invoices in the amount of $380,253 16 cents. All in favor say I. >> I. Both say nay. Eyes have it. Uh board member travel is mine. So at this time I will recuse myself. Um Mr. Cheryl. >> Yes. >> I'm sorry. I never told you before usually board uh [clears throat] board member travel for $112.
029Any discussions? >> All so moved. >> So moved. Any discussions? >> I was kind of confused there at the last. Is it less that or or added to it? So the total is the $380,365.16. What Mr. Mets approved was everything but his $112. >> So that will be added to that. >> So we are adding the $112 to what Mr. Mets already approved. And then that total figure is the $380,36516. >> Okay. So the the first number plus the the uh 112 travel equals that total payment. All in favor? >> I >> All opposed. >> Thank you. Okay. So, just for the public's information, the total with the travel was $380,365.16 was the total all of the invoices. Okay. We have no budget supplements and we have no budget transfers, uh, no policies. So, we're
030down to personnel matters. First uh resignations and leave absences. This first one is need a motion to accept the resignation of Daniel Mcclo, assistant esports coach War County High School effective December 19th, 2025. >> So move. >> Yeah. William, you were coaching with him. Would you like to >> Sure. I I really I wish he been able to make it, but uh Daniel was great. I hate losing him. I tried to keep him every way I could. So have nothing but respect for him and it's because of him that our Overwatch team will be traveling to Morgantown on the 23rd for the quarterfinals in the state. So great coach and just hate losing him. So I just want to say that publicly so that everybody could hear out there how much uh the team appreciated
031and the kids just loved him. So thank you. >> Thank you. Yeah, we do appreciate the coaching job that he did for us, but I believe a new employment opportunity arose and >> and um as he explained in the letter in your packet. >> Any questions here? None. We have a motion to accept the resignation of Daniel Mcclo as assistant eports coach effective December 19th, 2025. All in favor say I. I. >> Post say nay. I have it. Motion carries. Okay. Need a motion to accept the resignation of Janie Jamie Venoi where County Primary Center kindergarten teacher effective at the end of the 2526 school year [clears throat] or when a qualified replacement is employed. >> So move. >> So um got to tell you I was a little sad to see this one cross
032my desk. Mrs. Venoi is a top-notch teacher. um fantastic at what she does. Um not only with the the knowledge of curriculum, but the way that she um interacts with the kids and um has really done a lot of leadership roles at the primary center in addition to her teaching duties. And so um but as her letter in your packet has stated, she's had another employment opportunity um come her way. And so I am asking you to accept this and her contract runs through the end of the year, but we will upon your action on this, we will post that position and do our best to fill it to let her move on to her new employment opportunity. >> And and if we say no, she has to stay. [laughter] >> You could Yeah. I
033mean she's contracted obligated to >> she yeah >> I know you what you're saying but >> no uh when we whenever we show the uh the uh midyear and endofear grades for the last two or three years there's always a higher bump on the on those classes >> y >> so it's a a shame to to >> Yeah. She's another one of those nationally board certified teachers. One of the actually one of the first that we had and uh definitely as Mr. Macau said, you know, had leadership roles in that primary school and and uh she'll be missed. She'll be missed. >> Any other comments? standard thing. >> Yeah. Because every time we'd see it, I'm like, "Wow, there's one that's uh uh doing better than uh better than the the high standard." But okay,
034so we have a motion to accept the resignation of Jamie Venoy, War County Primary Center, kindergarten teacher, effective at the end of the 2526 school year or when a qualified replacement is employed. All in favor say I. >> I. Post say nay. Eyes have it. Okay. Need a motion to accept the resignation of Denton Bell where county middle school is assistant softball coach effective immediately. >> So move. I'm >> so wanted to thank them for the coaching that they did for us and their letter and explanation is in your packet. >> Any questions? Okay. We have a motion to accept the resignation of Denton Bellware County Middle School assistant softball coach effective immediately. All in favor say I. >> I. Oppose say nay. Eyes haven't. Motion carries. No employments. Uh under new business. First one
035is to need a motion for board approval of the excess levy call. So moved. >> Okay. I don't know who wants to take this. >> So I'll just say before I turn Mrs. Cummings loose, I've given you two documents here. They look very similar. The first um shows you what the current levy amounts were in each box. And then underneath that, they've got what the new levy amounts would be in each box. And then the other document is similar to that. It's only got the new numbers in it, which is the actual document that you'll be voting on to approve. And with that being said, I'll kick it to Mrs. Cummings to talk about it and answer any questions that you might have. Yeah, we're very pleased to be able to bring before you another
036excess levy call. Uh with the state code the way it's written right now, you can only bring uh these matters to the public based upon an election that's actually already currently being held. So, our options at this time were either the May election or the November. >> I'm sorry, Miss Cummings. Uh William, can you turn hers up a little bit? I'm sorry. >> I'm having Nobody else but I am. I even got my hearing. >> Am I Am I good now? >> Testing. >> Good. All right. I can hear myself now. >> I'm sorry. >> Sounds like my webinar earlier today. Okay. um the excess levy call that we're bringing to you tonight, our options were either this uh May or November because you actually have to hold them now whenever there's already a scheduled
037election. So that's in state code now. So we chose to approach this um with our May election and what we have before you uh is pretty much a continuing levy. This is not something new. Our levies have existed here since 1961, I believe, is the year. So, we're going on almost 65 years of being blessed with having an excess levy uh to support our school system for extra things that we're able to do. So, what we have before you to look at is the actual levy call amounts um with strikethroughs so that you can see the areas that are increasing. And we base this off of the most current assessed valuations. So for right now, those were the amounts that were presented to you back in March of 25. So those assessed values for our
038excess levy are going to bring in a potential collection per year of 1 point almost 1.8 million. So 1,791,117 in collections is what we propose. uh that we think will be raised each year for the next five years. The proposed levy call will go into effect beginning July 1 of 27. So that would be our fiscal 28. So the old levy we still have this year, fiscal year 26 and fiscal year 27. We'll finish it out. Um so we're in year four of our five-year levy right now. Our purposes are exactly the same as what we have had. It is a 90% levy. So that means that um of the amount that's actually allowed to be raised, we're only asking for the 90% which we've done that now for several years. The max that can
039be raised is at 22.95 cents per $100 in valuation. We're asking for 90 cents or 90% of that, which is the 20.66. The levy call still stands that it has a provision that if the assessed values raise greater than four 104% that we will roll it back and that has been done I think twice since I've been here um for that purpose. So that language is still in there for that provision. Our purposes are are identical. Um our very first one is within instruction for textbooks, instructional supplies, equipment services and technology support. Um, our second purpose is our co-curricular and extracurricular activities that supports our coaching salaries as well as um student transportation. And that's a pretty big one. Um, for us it's right around $70,000 for the trips that our our kiddos actually take
040out there. Um, so we're fortunate to be able to have a levy to help provide for that support. Um, third is very important. Um, it actually provides for county supplements um, for our professional staff and our service staff. So, we're uh, fortunate to be able to have that to entice qualified applicants to stay and and to come here. Next, we have a provision for our transportation to provide or help assist with the purchase of buses. My goodness, a bus now is expensive compared to when I first started here. We're looking at 150 grand. Back in the day, we could buy it for around 70,000. Um, maintenance and fuel for the buses, insurance on the fleet, and facility improvements. Uh, in addition, we also have a provision for our uh, facilities that includes custodial maintenance supplies,
041building insurance. It allows us to set aside monies for building improvements and also to pay for utilities. And finally, we also have a provision in there to lend support to our library. Um it is at 19,000 is what we're proposing and to our WVU extension service at 17,000. Previously those amounts for the library it was 12,000 and 10 for the 10 for the extension. But the extension usually would come back annually and ask for increases along the way just because of the sheared cost of of things over the over the years. So right now we're looking at a five-year levy that'll begin July 1 of 27. Um so this is for your review. We're starting now. Um we hope that you'll approve this tonight. And if not, if we have other revisions, things that you
042need to discuss, then we have the next board meeting in January and then we've got to get moving so that we can meet all the deadlines um to get it to where it needs to be in order to have it on the ballot for the May election. >> And again, for the viewing audience out there, this is nothing new. This is the same levy that we've had as Mrs. Cummings just shared since 1961. So the same categories and the same uh money is going towards the same thing. So >> thank you for all that. I appreciate >> the work that you put in work with this. >> Questions for Mrs. Cummings? >> Yeah, Miss Cummings. >> Yes. So from from how I'm reading it and what you're saying, the actual amount taxed on the different
043classes of property if this levy were to pass are exactly the same as they currently are. Is that correct? >> The rate of assessment. >> So So like if you look at uh class one property of uh 20.66 >> cents uh per $100 of uh assessed volume, >> right? Uh if this were to pass, that is not a change. That is currently what it already is. >> Correct. Absolutely. >> Along with all four property classes. >> Correct. It's the same rate that has been utilized now for several years. So there's been no change to it whatsoever. >> So it's the same rate, the same levy that has been in existence now for several decades. And um you the percentage you said if it was more >> was that was that >> yeah we are at
044a 90% levy. So the maximum that's allowed is 22.95 and we are at 20.66. So that is 90% of the max that's allowed >> and our rate has been that. Um >> and if it brings in more than 104% then >> it rolls back. So if property values rise >> correct >> 4% over this projection >> exactly >> that would that would trigger a reduction in this number. Is that correct? >> Correct. If it if the values increase greater than 4% now you have to take and there's an exclusion in there for new property. But if existing property if the rate would go greater than 4% then we would roll the levy rate back to where it would only it would not go greater than the 4%. Yeah. And that has happened. >> It has.
045I believe it's happened twice since I've been here. >> Yeah. I just I just want people uh listening to realize that voting for this levy then keeps things at the same rate. >> It Yes, it is. Okay. >> Yes, absolutely it does. and the breakdowns between the categories. I use the previous excess levy call by purpose and for the amount that was be raised at that point that percentage and to try to establish how much we need to put in to this year's levby call in order to keep it in within the definition of continuing so that way it looks exactly the same. It's so the percentage and the purposes mirror what we had before >> and and then also uh the assessed value of people's property are stable for three years. It's every third
046third year that it's reevaluated >> or every sixth year. >> Uh assessed valuations those are determined um by at the assessor's office. So I don't have any control over that. >> Right. Because in in here it talks about the triannual Mhm. >> So I'm assuming that that means that that is every every third year. >> Um I would have to rely on Mr. Wilson with the assessed with assessor's office as to like when he actually conducts that and and how often >> and you know I sort of hesitate to say this but not not really but we just want people also to understand that you know we've had discussions about building a new high school and a bond issue. Okay, this is nothing to do with that. Okay, this is our excess continuation of what
047we've done since in the 60s. Okay, has nothing to do whether you like a new high school or don't or want a bond. This has nothing to do with that. Okay, this is our bread and butter that allows us to do good things for kids. Okay, it allows us to run school buses to athletic events. Whereas if you go to some of our neighboring counties, they pay that. Okay? >> And eventually bumps down to the parents paying it. >> But that's what this is about is providing those good things that we do for our kids. And it is a continuation levy and uh that that we've had forever. Nothing to do with other. >> Thank you for that. That's that is something we'll work on down the road, >> but nothing to do with that.
048>> Yeah. >> Well, the the piece that I was asking about was in uh on on page uh four of uh page four, paragraph 11. Um >> yeah because it's it's listed any appraisal trienal appraisal or general or general valuation of property. So again, I would have to rely on Keith uh Wilson in order to uh you know explain exactly how often they do their appraisals because this one it references right before where you see trienal annual appraisal trienal or the general evaluation. >> So so I do not know how often to the to the 4% over the 100. >> Yeah. And on that 4% it takes out any um brand new construction. So any new construction is not considered within that 4%. So it would just be on existing property if it would go
049up by that 4%. >> Yeah. I remember when that that years ago that was and Mark probably remembers it too. We're the two old guys there. Years ago that wasn't in there. So it it would and I don't think it ever happened to us, but it happened in other counties. Okay. To where it went up and they were Yeah. So that's that's why it was put in there. So that if we do have that boom, we still are staying within what we said we'd take. >> Sure. Because I don't want to see people that have an existing home. That's right. See the value >> the value of the home rises. their income doesn't rise but their tax rate does over a sign significant amount then we would trigger this to prevent us as a school
050board from taxing >> we'd be taking what we said that they would or what they voted on we wouldn't be taking extra from them and it used to be we had 100% levy and we were doing well with the levy and it was felt we didn't need that 100% so it was kicked down to 90 and that's probably been 40 30 years ago Do you remember when Karen, you weren't here? >> No, I wasn't here. Um, >> Mark and I were >> for the 22 years I've been here, we've been at a 90% >> at one time. It was 100% and and you know, it was we took it down to 90 to for you know, it's >> getting old >> for taxpayers >> 22 years. And then uh the other thing is if my
051understanding of this is correct even if we don't exceed that 4% over if the raw numbers are over more than what what we are asking for then as a board we could ask for it to be reduced. Is that correct? >> Okay. >> So which would imply that it's from new construction not existing. Um the way the calculation is is that it excludes the new con new new construction >> for the raise. But if the total amount is larger than what we anticipate collecting, then we should be able to as uh as uh the discretion of the board lowered. Is that correct? Well, at the discretion of the board, any surplus greater than the 1.7 million, we can put back towards any of the approved um uh purposes is what it says. Because right now,
052these assessed valuations are based back in March of 25. When this actual excess levy will go into place, it will be two years in the future. So, the assessed valuations will change. Therefore, the collections will change. And you'll see the wording that it's um an average at the top of the heading. It's an average annual annual collection. Uh we cannot forecast an exact amount uh for that per for total for two years in the future. But on average, these are the purposes for which we're doing. Um any extra above the 1.7 million will be used for one of these purposes or multiple purposes at our discretion. And that's happened before, too. >> Yes. >> You brought it back to us and we said, "Oh, well, we want to put it into textbooks or we want
053to put it into transportation or or um >> yeah, >> you know, to to to salary or to whatever." So, >> yeah, I mean, textbooks themselves are hit and miss. One year it was almost a quarter of a million dollars in textbooks. So another year it might just be 50,000 to 100. Um >> reading and math are expensive years. >> They are very expensive but collectively over that period of time um it usually averages out to uh to about what we need. >> But I will say again to any of our public that if you have when this levy call comes out, it'll be in the paper and stuff. If you have questions about it, uh please uh give Mrs. Cumins a call, Mr. Macau a call. >> Yep. >> Uh you give me a
054call. Uh any board member for that, and if we don't know the answer, we'll get an attorney, tell us what the answer is. >> Right. So, so what so what I was referring to was uh paragraph five on page three >> where it says that we reserve uh as a levy body the right and authority to reduce the rate of the excess levy uh should increased assessments produce funds beyond projected needs. >> Yeah, we can. We've we've never >> So, >> we've never reduced it. Um, we generally use it for the purposes for which are outlined because our needs generally exceed far exceed what is listed here. >> But we could >> we could so this could be this could be passed and with unplanned for increase through what I would assume be new construction.
055Uh, then we could lower that levy amount if we had more than what we were asking for. >> If it was the pleasure of the board. >> Yes. >> [snorts] >> But it is truly um >> what sets us apart from a lot of counties. Uh all you have to do is talk to counties that do not have a levy. >> Yeah. >> And uh you know just those basic things that we take for granted being [clears throat] able to buy cheerleading outfits. Mhm. >> Okay. Which, you know, we did being able to, you know, uh, put a new goalpost. I'm talking sports because that's one, >> but same way with academics, being able to put >> Prometheium boards in each classroom. >> Not all of it. >> Yeah. >> But a bunch of it.
056>> County back in the day was one of the first counties to be able to actually do the one-on-one netbook adoption. Yeah. >> Um we were actually pretty leading in the state in our technology initiative and it was through able to have funding provided um through our excess levy that we were able to do that >> and we've maintained it. Um >> but please if you have questions uh Mrs. Cumins is sort of our expert and uh she she can't figure it out, Mr. Macallen can't figure it out, we'll get a hold of an attorney to to get our answers. We want to be transparent. Uh we want just I can't say enough how we appreciate our citizens for taking care of our school system and this is really one of the ways they do
057it. >> Yeah. Other questions, comments? Want to take all time it takes. No. Okay. So, we have a motion to approve the excess levy call as presented. All in favor say I. >> I. Oppose say nay. Eyes have it. Motion carries. Uh, okay. Number two, need a motion to authorize substitute licensed practical nurse LPN iter. >> So, move. >> Mr. Macau. >> So, we have haded that LPN nurse position for some time, but we hadn't really thought about it. We have not authorized a substitute position for that healthy in position. So when we realized that we brought this together and asking the board to to authorize this so we can post that so when she is absent we could potentially get a sub for her questions here. None. I have a motion to authorize substitute
058license for pract substitute licensed practical nurse LPN for I 10. All in favor say I. >> I. Post say nay. I have it. Motion carries. And then need a motion to finalize the plan and the vision project with Kenna Wagner. >> So move. >> And I believe M. Mcken, you take it over and see. This has been something that's taken a little while to come to fruition and I I forget exactly when you sent the email out with the good news, but um I think it was past when the last agenda went out by a little bit and we couldn't get it on there, so we asked to put you on this one. So, I appreciate you joining us and to give the board an update of of this project that um you have worked
059so very hard on. >> Yes, we have. Um, I I have like some information about the school side. I printed out one for each of you guys. >> So, it's been four years since I said I need some money. And um four years >> um that's when I came was that long ago. So, um, yeah, I'll start from the beginning. So, I came, um, back, I guess you could say, um, to work as a nurse practitioner, and I quickly realized how bad the students eyes were, um, based off of sports physicals, we check their eyes, or if they do a wellchild check, or if there's a complaint, we would check it. And I was referring kids to an opthalmologist or an optometrist. And then I kept getting papers back that they were no showing or
060that they canceled and didn't reschedu. And it became apparent that the problem was getting them there. Um whether a parent didn't have a car or you know insurance that would cover glasses or whatever it is. Um so I said we have to figure out a way to fix this. So I started researching companies that would come to this area to bring it to the people is kind of what I was thinking. So, um, sorting through the the situation, I found this optical academy, um, and they will come here. They're going to bring everything to us. It's a mobile unit that's becoming more and more common is take the things, you know, where the people are that need it. So, um, today we scheduled it. It will be March 24th and March, uh, 25th. Um, that's
061a Tuesday and a Wednesday. um these this this company is going well I guess I should back up. I needed money. That was the part of it. Um and I could get a little bit of money from a grant with sisters um of St. Joseph's Foundation. They would give me $2,000 and then another group would give me $500, but the stipulation is you have to spend that money within a year and I couldn't come up with the full $19,000 to be able to do it. So, um I met someone at the student um or at the schoolbased health conference and then submitted a grant and uh for the whole amount and they gave it to us. And I approached it as um this is a a statewide problem is kids not being able to see.
062And I convinced them to give us the money to make this as a pilot program. And the people that are giving us the money um have agreed. this was that this was kind of why they gave us the money. If if this is a success and we can show them the data, they're willing to consider rolling this out to the other FQC's that have schoolbased health centers. So, not only does this have a huge, I believe, impact on students in W County, it's potentially going to, you know, be the framework for the entire state. So, I'm very, very excited about that. Um so Optical Academy is going to come here. They're going to bring all of their um paroptric um technicians, their um doctors, some administrative people and they will um come to the school
063and it will be um in the gym. They will set up and take over basically the whole gym and it will be like sight table by table kind of thing that everything will be done and every kid will be uh get a screening eye exam like do you need to go ahead and see the eye doctor or hey your vision's good and you can go on. Then they'll work their way through see the doctor if they're needed to get glasses that day. Um they will go pick out frames. There's I think it says in there how many hundreds that they can pick from styles and the glasses will either be made on site that day or depending on the volume be made off-site and then shipped within I forget the time frame. It's pretty quick
064turnaround in there as well. So after you know getting numbers together and how could I do the most good um we are going to do this for every we're going to offer it to every student at work county schools and then also any school any students who are homeschooled or basically every school age child in the county is going to have the opportunity to get an eye exam and a pair of glasses for free is at the end of the day what It's going to be um and then with that I we have to pay in increments of 200. So there are 800 and I don't know I have it wrote down how many students and then there's like 110 homeschool students. So there was a little bit of room left and I wanted to
065maximize that um amount. I don't want to leave any eye exams on the table. So, I actually approached the um it's the Benedom Foundation is who gave us the grant to see about um offering that to school staff since it was a school-based health initiative. Um and they preferred that we not do that. They wanted us to reach out to other people who may not have who may have barriers as no insurance or all of those kinds of things. Um, so then I I pitched the idea to them as what would that cost if if that were something that could be done that they could do that because the initiation fee of getting them here is a big chunk of the money, but then once they're here, could you maximize that? So, um, in addition
066to just sharing what we're doing, I I asked them um what something like that would cost if that was something that the board would want to discuss. Um, we did send out, we meaning Kelly, the nurse, school nurse, um, sent kind of like a survey out to staff to their email to say, "Hey, if there was a place that you could, if if somebody was going to come on site, would you want to get an eye exam?" And about 70 staff members um, responded back. >> 70 that they would get an eye exam at school if it were um, offered. Um, and then Kelly said some people came in after that over the next week or two and said, "I missed the boat." Um but when I called the board office, they said there were
067approximately 175 employees. So um after talking to the company, if it's something that um the board would want to entertain, there's different options that you could do. So for they they could come on and just screen everybody and then give them a prescription and they could go get glasses wherever they would want. Um or they could do glasses on site for all of those people as well. Um, but it's the timing for that. They kind of assume that most of the adults are probably going to need glasses, so they can only do like a hundred adults per day. So, it would take up both days kind of thing. Um, but you wouldn't be getting any of those fees, the origination fees. So, um, if if she gave me an idea of for a 100 staff
068members, if 100 staff members got an exam only, the cost would be $9,500. And then the max that it would be would be $25,000. And that's if every single person needed glasses. So, what she said, um, a lot of places do is they say if it's something you would want that we'll bring them on. You can get the eye exam. If you choose to get their glasses, you can pay for the glasses or just take the the prescription and take it elsewhere. Nobody I was just getting the information because like I said, they're already going to be here and I thought maybe that would be something that you guys may want to entertain or not. If that is something that you would decide to do, I can put you in contact with her and you
069guys would take over your portion. of that, but it they wouldn't come another day or anything like that. It would just be maximizing them why they are here and and have that here. Um the um we're going to do an opt out. We're not doing an optin after, you know, talking to the board and um everyone. So, we want we want everybody to get an eye exam. There's no negative I I can't imagine anything negative of getting an eye exam. So there's going to be an opt- out form go home and then any opt- out forms that come back is are going to go to Kelly the school nurse first and she's going to personally reach out to each of those people to explain you know this is what it is or you you know
070we're happy to honor that but we just want to make sure you understand what you're opting out of and then try to get as many as we can. Do >> you have questions for me about what we've got going on? How many I I probably messed it, but how many did you get approved to do regularly for the students? >> So the money that I have would cover for every student. So it's um >> 8:30 what we have now. But >> and then 110 I think of homeschool students. So for all of them to have it. >> Okay. So if it goes up or down it'll go with it. >> So I have to pay in increments of 200. So if I do if if 801 students get eye exams, I have to pay for
071a thousand. >> Okay. >> Home schoolers will be made aware of this. >> Yep. Yes. We have um the they're going to give us information that we're going to be able to send out to all of them and offer it to them. And then I we strategically picked the date so that it is the week after the last preschool screening so that or registr I don't know what it's called screening or registration so that when they get that information they're made aware of it and if you're wanting to do that it's um I think that screening is the 20th and then we're the 23rd you just a few days later so we'll be able to catch both groups of those students that are coming. So, >> one other thing I got is who says we're
072finalizing the planning. Will we come back if like if the uh what we will want to do with the uh staff that wants them? Is that what you're saying? Also, >> I just was getting you the information because I had asked I I didn't want if I have a 801 students, I didn't want to leave 199 exams. So, I asked the grant, the person who gave us the grant, can I use since it's a school-based health initiative, would I be able to offer it to the staff? And they said that they would prefer that they wanted it to to be for students. >> Okay. But, >> so I inquired to them just on my own, you know, what would that cost since they would already be here because the the big part of the cost
073is to get them here >> and that was 9,500. So, what the what we're going to approve tonight, >> I don't need anything approved for you. I'm just letting you know the update it's going to happen kind. >> But we we need to we have a motion on the table, >> right? >> Will be the dates. >> Yes. >> Okay. So that it becomes >> legitimate w within the board that you can go out and say the board approved these dates and stuff. >> Yes. Yes. That's as far as adults. That's a conversation that we probably need to have and uh not tonight. It's not on the agenda. >> Yeah, we did not have >> Yeah. I'm just saying I'm happy to give whoever that person would be that contact information so that you guys
074could work it out. Um >> yeah, >> they're happy to do it in conjunction so they would teachers, staff, everybody would be done while they're here during the day and nothing extra. >> Yeah. I just want to make sure that wasn't what we're was voting on. >> Yep. Nope. It's just that March 24th and March 25th is when they're going to come and the opt opt out not opt in and the process of how we're going to reach out to them. >> Questions for Kenna. I'm sorry. >> I was just saying it's a very good deal. You know, I've said this all along. I bet our reading ELA will go up. >> I hope so. >> Yeah. >> Mr. Macau. Um, since there's uh possibility of students receiving this service that aren't going to school
075here, is this something that we could reach out to see if we could get in the paper to let >> Yeah. >> additionally uh let them know about this service because they don't wouldn't get it through our normal uh information distribution. >> I think you guys have that already pretty well figured out, don't you? How you going to contact everybody? And >> we have we have addresses and phone numbers for them >> for the the homeschool students. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Jeff got me that list of information and I anticipate that once people hear about it, they're going to, you know, spread the word as well. And >> we're going to try everything we can because I want >> I want to use all >> thousand if that's what I need. She said
076to expect because I was like she said, "Well, how many do you plan that will opt out?" And I was like, "Well, hopefully zero." Um but she said on average about a hundred whether it's absenteeism or opting out or you know whatever. So >> Kenna I I think we'd had this conversation before um you know when you know it says there that you know they have over 500 frames and it something is two weeks if it's within some range. We had talked about or or this was brought up before about will parents have can we let parents have an option to come if my child's going to get classes a as in their second grader or first grader what they would probably want maybe and what I would think as a parent might be different
077um will parents have an opportunity do you know or is that something that you've looked into to to be able to >> they we have talked about it okay it's the >> I know that could gum up the works. >> Yes. And so you can imagine taking care of almost a thousand children in two school days is um a lot. Um they are available to talk to parents. I don't she hasn't told me the specific about the glasses. They are picked out that day, but they do um at the end of the day, every student is given a report that they saw the eye doctor and this is what it was and they also get a copy of their prescription. So, if they want to go get another pair somewhere, they need it, they can.
078>> Um, and some of that's in this final paperwork of how it comes as to what they're going to do because if they do that, they have to bring more staff to kind of deal just with them. Um, so, >> okay. How hard would it be to to send something out that shows the different frames that the parents and kids could agree on before the I >> I will ask her about that. Like a pre-selection. >> That's a pretty good idea, Mr. >> Yeah. If they could see what the options were ahead of time and how to have it picked out ahead of time, that would be great if they have it. >> Yeah. >> The the variety. >> I'll definitely ask. >> And these people do this? >> Yeah. >> Yes. That's this is
079what they do. you know, they they it's not their first rodeo, so they they probably >> Yeah. >> know how to do it. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> So, some of like our measurements that we have to report on are >> how many how many students are there, then how many get an exam, how many opted out, but then that we were able to explain better and get, you know, >> Yeah. um them back in and then how many needed glasses that either never had glasses or their glasses were there's a few different data points that were gathered and I'm happy to share that with you, you know, at the conclusion of this as well. Um but I'm super excited. Like I said, it's been >> fantastic. >> A lot of times, >> can we I
080just can't tell you how proud I am of you. >> Thank you. >> Yes. >> Yeah. This has been >> good stuff for our kids. a long time to come to fruition, but we all truly appreciate all the time and effort you've put into this. >> Yeah, I'm super excited. >> So, what we're going to approve tonight is just that the board approves that this is going to happen. And um I think we did a preliminary approval before, but now we have the dates we'll approve and that way uh you know come out in our minutes, people will be able to see it. uh parents don't get something, they'll have time to uh uh you know get hold of you and I don't know if there's a need for volunteers >> just bring everybody and
081then in the grant we are providing people as well um to to help with the flow. We're going to um cover lunch for all of those people um >> all of that. Yeah. >> Fantastic. >> Making it official. We're moving forward. >> Yeah. We're We're saying the board approves. >> Okay. >> So, I don't have to give back the money again. That's the That's the the thing about >> do it before it runs out. >> Yeah. Yeah. Everybody's super excited. The um West Virginia Primary Care Association, which is a group of um the FQC's. Um they're super excited. They're going to um kind of the goal is that once it's successful, they're going to help negotiate a rate so that it is more feasible for the other health centers. And it really has the potential
082to be an ongoing benefit for every kid in the state. >> One more question. I know this is a lot of them, but is there a possibility that maybe two to three years, four years that this would happen again or what's the future plans, may I? >> Yeah. So the my goal would be like every two or three years to try to get it in. I guess it's going to depend on how the pilot goes, how what that rate would be and what that would look like. Um, I also, you know, inquired like is part of it billable to somebody that does have insurance? Could we build like the exam or, you know, those are some things that we're looking at that then you could roll to the next year. But >> those are questions
083that I have that I just haven't had the right person to be able to answer it for me yet. >> And then we'll ask Mr. Macau to put that on probably next agenda. and we'll discuss our staff and it'll give uh again that'll fall back on Karen. Okay. What's legal? What's not legal? >> Uh can they use their insurance? Okay. We do have vision insurance for our people. Can can they use their insurance to pay for it? Um >> so >> the packets that I gave you are specific to students. So those dollar amounts are not for adults because like I said they're all going and sometimes they'll need like bif focals or other needs that >> so that was just to give you information about the program and how it works and what they've
084been doing. >> Yes. >> When you brought up bif focus will that be included in the the price of the glasses any type of spatial lenses >> for students? >> Yes. Yeah. >> Fantastic. Any other questions? >> Thank you, Kenna. >> Yeah, thank you. >> I know you have a long drive. >> Okay, so we have a motion on the floor to uh to approve the uh vision project. Um and the dates are March 24th and 25th. >> Right. >> Any questions here? None. Um all in favor of that motion say I. >> I. Post say nay. Eyes have it. Motion carries. Okay, we have no volunteer chaperones, so we're down to information board concerns. Mr. Sherlock, >> Mr. Luke, >> n >> I've mentioned mine. So, >> okay. Um, >> so, and I will
085take that. Hopefully the fire department has got some ideas of some potential solutions for that issue that I I just I want to make sure if we pursue purchasing something that it's >> adequate for that job. But yeah, we'll get some input and try to get get something. >> Yeah, the way it is, we can't even do drills or have the kids, you know, go through what would happen. This is what you need to do because right now, you know, they don't they can't do it. Uh I just riffing transfers I know are we're going to be up into them here before long. I just wonder if maybe we couldn't have a little next board meeting Mr. Macau have maybe a little discussion about roof and transfers what you're seeing what our numbers are again
086putting work on Miss Cummings air she'll >> and then she handles the money side of that. So, uh, just so we know >> what, no names, no positions, just >> where we're at, what we're looking like we're going to have to do maybe. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> And then I had new building report, but Mr. Smith uh talked about that and and uh we'll have that stuff to come before us before very long. >> Okay. Anything else, M? Yes, sir. >> Okay. So, at this time, I will entertain a motion to adjurnn. No, >> we are ajourned.