BY BILL ABRAHAM, Staff Writer

A male student at Hundred High School has been expelled for one calendar year for alleged multiple violations of the West Virginia Safe Schools Act and state and county board policies.

The student, whose identity is protected by law, allegedly was discovered using marijuana on school property earlier this month. The expulsion period became effective immediately on the board’s unanimous vote Feb. 16 following a closed hearing.

The action brings to eight the number of students who have been so disciplined this school year. The expulsion period may be reduced upon recommendation of the county superintendent of schools.

Elsewhere, the board gave second and final approval to a policy revision that will allow use of the West Virginia One Card for purchases according to definitions to be developed and approved at later dates.

The board also acted on a number of personnel matters, including accepting the retirement of Darlene A. Michalec as a teacher and SAT coordinator at Hundred High School, effective June 30, 2009.

Angelle M. Copeland’s request was approved for an unpaid medical leave of absence as half-time countywide MI/LD/BD with Autism teacher beginning March 24 through June 9. Copeland was based at Long Drain School.

David S. Blair resigned as head girls’ track coach at Magnolia High School and Sarah H. Bohrer was approved to succeed to that non-certified position. In addition, John F. Stender resigned as a countywide substitute teacher.

All other staffing changes approved during the meeting were at Short Line School and included contracted services for Christina N. McCoy as busy duty supervisor, effective Jan. 21.

In addition, contracted services were approved, effective Jan. 26, for a number of persons as After School Tutors, which services are authorized under and paid from Title I funds: Julie A. Channel, Josilea V. Chapple, Marsha L. Derby, Lisa M. Ferrell, Susan K. Flesher, Linda J. Haught, Abram S. Highley, Ellen L. Horner, Patricia M. Potts, Sarah R. Rodriguez, Danielle M. Standiford, Mollie A. Toppe, and Kelly J. Yoho.

The board also approved an out-of-state trip on June 2 for New Martinsville School Principal Fay Shank to take approximately 117 eight grade students and six chaperones to tour the Moundsville Penitentiary.

The trip will continue to Washington, Pa., for the Wild Things Baseball game, with funding from student fees and the school’s eighth grade account.

The board also approved a trip to the Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome Conference in Baltimore, Md., on March 20 for the following NMS staff members: Pam Shockley, Amy Littell, Mary Young, Aaron Vigliotti, and Anita Howell. The trip will be paid from NMS funding.

A special non-legislative work session was scheduled for 6 p.m., Feb. 17. The board also adopted the following meeting schedule for next month:

-March 2 at 7 p.m., regular meeting in the board office, 333 Foundry St., New Martinsville;

-March 16 at 7 p.m. in the board office, statutory and regular meeting to determine levy rates;

-March 23 at 6 p.m. in the board office, a special meeting for Reduction-In-Force hearings; and

-March 25, a special, non-legislative budget work session for the 2009-10 school year, beginning at 6 p.m. in the county office building.