The Wetzel Board of Education bio-weekly meeting began with the gathered visitors reciting the Pledge of Alliengance and Doctor Rob Christen giving words of invocation.

First on the nights agenda were a group of three young lady’s giving a presentation on their training at the Wetzel Technical Center. Each of them stood at the podium and gave a very professional review of the program and it credits. The three young ladies are Lexi Williams, Jessica White and Ava Black. Each of the three explained how the Heath Science program is giving then insight into their future careers in the medical field. During their presentations they spoke of the simulated work place with patients. They also explained that in addition to the sciences they are receiving class in English, Health Sciences and Medical math.

Next on the night was Mr. Elliott Kendle: WCEA representative. Mr. Kendle explained the county is experiencing a serious shortage when it comes to substitution staffing with in the county. At the time of his presentation he reveal a shortage of 29 critical teaching positions. He feels there are several reasons for shortages in both substitutes and teachers that need to be addressed to improve the county’s education system.

Following Mr. Elliot’s presentation, Superintendent Wells asked that the board approve the minutes of the February 10th and 13th meeting minutes. Motion was approved by the vote of four board members present.

Next Superintendent Wells made a motion to approve the following personal matters.

Personnel Matters: Retirement: Lisa Neff from position as Pre-K ECCAT at Long Drain School, effective June 30, 2023.

Resignation: Jason Bennett from position as 7/8 Girls Track Coach at Paden City High School, effective February 22, 2023. Darren L. Cook from position Assistant Superintendent and Personnel Director of Wetzel County Schools, effective May 5, 2023. Michael Dantrassy from position as Spring Events Coordinator at Magnolia High School, effective February 21, 2023. Jaclyn M. Kitts from positions as countywide Substitute Teacher and 7/8 Girls Basketball Coach at New Martinsville School, effective February 10, 2023. Cindy Long from position as countywide substitute cook, effective February 21, 2023.

Professional Personnel: Savanna R. Bates employment as countywide Substitute Teacher, effective February 28, 2023. Abigail L. Means employment as countywide Substitute Teacher, effective February 28, 2023. Hannah Rux change in assignment from MI/LD/BD with Autism Teacher at Short Line School to MI/LD/BD with Autism Teacher at Valley High School, effective the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. Danielle Standiford change in assignment from Kindergarten Teacher at Short Line School to K-6 MI/LD/BD w/Autism Teacher at New Martinsville School, effective the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year.

Service Personnel: Samuel N. Floyd employment as countywide Substitute Custodian, effective February 28, 2023. Heith M. Howell change in assignment from Bus Operator, Huff/Schupbach/American Ridges, Bus 18-2, to Bus Operator, Downtown New Martinsville, Bus #52, effective February 28, 2023. William W. Leasure employment as countywide Substitute Custodian, effective February 28, 2023. Michael P. Rush change in classification from Cook II, 676/B, at New Martinsville School to Cook III, 677/C, at New Martinsville School, effective March 1, 2023. Tammy L. Watson change in assignment from countywide Substitute Cook to Cook at New Martinsville School, effective February 28, 2023. Jennifer K. White employment as countywide Substitute Custodian, effective February 28, 2023.

Extracurricular: Mark D. Blair employment as Athletic Director at Magnolia High School, effective February 28, 2023. John D. Kocher employment as Assistant Baseball Coach at Valley High School, effective the beginning of the 2022-2023 WVSSAC Season. Eric C. Mason employment as Head Baseball Coach at Magnolia High School, effective the beginning of the 2022-2023 WVSSAC Season. Janet C. Phillips employment as Head Girls Track Coach at Hundred High School, effective the beginning of the 2022-2023 WVSSAC Season. Stacey N. Yoho employment as 7/8 Athletic Director at Paden City High School, effective February 28, 2023. Mentor Teachers for the 2022-2023 School Year: Ted Sumner Special Education Hundred High School

Reconfiguration for 2023-2024 Sherry Stanley Upon the recommendation of the Principal, in accordance with WV Code 18A-4-7a (u), change in assignment from fulltime Kindergarten Teacher to fulltime 1st grade Teacher at Paden City Elementary School, effective August 21, 2023.

Leave of Absence: request from Elisabeth Brown for an unpaid medical leave of absence from her position as K-8 MI/LD/BD w/Autism/Severe Disabilities Teacher at Long Drain School, through March 8, 2023. MOTION FOR APPROVAL OF SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS AS OUTLINED UNDER PERSONNEL MATTERS: Approved by four present board members.

(c) Ratification of Superintendent’s Recommendation: Consideration and possible action on the superintendent’s recommendation that the following be ratified by the Board: service personnel employee’s paid suspension d) Routine Matters: Out of State Trip: Request from Amanda McPherson, Director, to attend the School Nutrition Association: Legislative Action Conference in Washington, D.C., on March 6-8, 2023. Funded through WV School Nutrition Association. Request from Teresa Sleeth, School Counselor, to take the 7th grade students at Long Drain School to tour Morgantown Technical Services in Mt. Morris, PA, on March 21, 2023. Request for Zach Willhoite, Teacher, to take the 6th grade students at Short Line School to the Pittsburgh Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, PA, on March 22, 2023, and the 7th and 8th grade on March 30, 2023. Funded through student fees and scholarships given by Carnegie. Request from Jane Beckett, VHS Principal, for Tara Byard, Teacher, to attend professional development at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, MI, on March 5- 8, 2023. Funded through VHS professional development allocation. b) Request to Use School Facilities: Request from Eric Emch, Principal, for the Wetzel/Tyler Chamber of Commerce to use the Short Line School gym and cafeteria for their annual Ramp Fest. Set-up to be on April 14, 2023, and Ramp Fest held on April 15, 2023. c) Request for Proposal Agreement: Approval for the Child Nutrition program to continue utilizing the HPS Purchasing Group, as member of the Mountaineer Highlands Cooperative, for food service delivery, effective July 1, 2023. MOTION FOR APPROVAL OF SUPERINTENDENTáS RECOMMENDATIONS AS OUTLINED UNDER ROUTINE MATTERS: Four Board Memebers Approved.

Approval of request from Tammy H. Wells, Superintendent, to present and attend the SREB Coaching for Change Conference in Atlanta, GA, May 15-18, 2023. Funded through staff development funds. Was approved by four Board Members.

Contract for Optimal Bus Routing and Time and Attendance Package: Approval to enter into contract with Edulog for GPS hardware, software, and professional services for optimal bus routing and time and attendance package, in the amount of $130,202.00. Approved by Four Board Members.

Electrical Switch Gear Purchase: Approval for the purchase of the electrical switch gear for the new bus garage project and WCTEC from Schneider Electric, in the amount of $158,799.05. e) Approved by Four Board Members.

Treasures Report: Board approved transfers with board’s approval.

Treasures Report: Budget Supplement: Three board members voted to approve and one voted to abstain.

BOARD MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS: Wetzel County Maintenance superintendent gave a report on an inspection by the state last week at Magnolia. The report was favorable to the overall condition of the school. One item that was raised by Mr. Darty was repairs that are once again needed in the tow locker room adjacent to the gymnasium. He pointed out that in the last seven years the two locker rooms have needed extensive repairs, not from use, but from destructive intentional vandalism. Ceiling tile have been pulled down and destroyed. The ceiling support grid suspension has been torn down. Soft drinks sprayed over the areas of the walls and ceilings. He expressed frustration that the situation will be remedy by his maintenance team and yet in a couple weeks the damage will return. The locker rooms are visible from the two adjoining offices. With an ability to view the rooms, no one seems to know who or why the destruction of the locker rooms is taking place year after year.

Discussion ­ Policy 2322, West Virginia Support and Accountability: school performance; student outcomes; academics; student achievement:

DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING: March 13, 2023 ­ Regular Meeting, 6:30