Ronnie Wade addresses the Board concerning unanswered questions

At the Wezel County BOE office on Foundry Street in New Martinsville, President Linda Fonner called to order on April 21, a continuation of the statutory session from March 24, 2026. All board members were present. She asked if there were any objections to the Levy Order: hearing none she called for approval of the levy order of the general current expense fund and entering the same into the school budget for the fiscal year beginning on July 1 2026. A Motion was made by Member Christine Nice and seconded by Member Christine Mitchell. The motion passed unanimously.

The Statutory meeting was called to adjournment on a motion by Member Nice and Seconded by Jimmy Glasscock. The motion was passed unanimously.

Next on the agenda was Mr. McPherson’s presentation for the 2026-2027 school calendar. Followed by approval of 2026-2027 levy estimates and general fund expense funds. Staff was given two possible calendars Options, one Easter 2027 long weekend. Option two, week before. Motion by Member Nice and Seconded by Board President Lindda Fonner. The Board unanimously approved option one.

Superintendent’s report, Ben McPherson standing in for Mrs. Porter, gave an update on the progress at the work site and permitting process for the New School.

Superintendent’s recommendation to approve regular meeting minutes March 10th and special meeting April 1st. Was unanimously approved by the board following a motion by Member Brian Castilow and seconded by Member Nice.

The Board unanimously approved the following personnel matters: Sarah Morris resignation as head volleyball coach at Shortline. Isabela Forget as 5th grade teacher at NMS. Warren Grace Jr. as substitute teacher. Kerri Hendershot as substitute teacher. Jennifer Piekarski from 4th grade teacher at NMS to 3rd Grade teacher at NMS.

Tara Collins Approval from 2nd grade aide at NMS to 3rd Grade aide at NMS. Susan Fox, as substitute secretary. Sierra Lemley as substitute aide. Janice Lookadoo, as substitute aide. Madison Arnolds, as Head girls Basketball coach at Valley HS. Kelly Lloyd as assistant Girls basketball coach at Valley HS.

The Board approved the Superintendent’s Recommendation for a service employee Christopher Smith ‘s unpaid suspension and termination. Motion was made by member Nice and approved by a 4-1 vote with Board Member Glasscock voting no.

The Board unanimously approved school chaperones as requested by principles. NMS: Leah Adams, Anita Carr, Wendi Simmons, Morgan Arbogast, Tylar Conner-Cronin, Clarissa Snider, Amada Blake, Chelsea Dennis, Rachel Wetzel, Joanna Bruneau, Mikayla Harris, Shaula Willaims, Shayla Burge, Misty Lowe, Ryan Yost, Matthew Burge, Kyle Morris, and Kaylee Hulin. Shortline: Joshua Highley. Hundred Heritage: Ashley Hess. Paden City: Victoria Jean Rudder. Valley: Harrison Roy II.

Requests to attend Wetzel County Schools for the 2026-2027 school year were unanimously approved as submitted.

Also approved unanimously by the Board were the following out of state trips requests: Mary Young Principal at Paden City to take 2nd grade to Stacey Farm in Marietta. Eric Emch Principle at Shortline to take 2nd grade to Stacy Farm. Cassie Porter for Jonathan Snider to attend NSPRA conference in New Orleans. Treasa Loy Transpiration Supervisor for Chad Flower to attend STN Expo in Reno NV. Approval for Amanda McPherson Tech Director for Edward Davis and Josh Weekly to attend Brainstorming Educational Tech Conference in Sandusky, Ohio. Deanna Ammons, supervisor of child nutrition to attend Gordon Food Show in Pittsburg and Deanna Ammons to attend Supervisor Child Nutrition conference in Charlotte, NC.

The Board gave unanimous approval for Cheernastics to use Magnolia High School Auxiliary Gym on Sunday April 29th from 2pm to 7 pm.

The Board unanimously approved the payment of bills for March and April, and also for transfers and increases in the budget.

On a motion by Castilow and second by Nice the Board unanimously approved the Audit report for the year ending June 30th 2025.

The Board held the first reading of revised Wetzel County Policies. A motion to approve the first reading was made by Mitchel and seconded by Nice and unanimously approved.

The board unanimously approved the first reading for grades pre-K-12 textbooks adoption as recommended by the committee for the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year. Five-year action plan. Total five-year cost, $289,911.15 NOTE: THERE ARE NO PHYSICAL BOOKS, ALL ARE ELECTRONIC. Recommendation to purchase digital books motion by Mitchel, seconded by Nice and approved by full board.

Following a motion by Mitchel and seconded by Nice, the board unanimously approved an agreement with Williams Ohio Midstream LLC. of pipeline right of way and easement of road ways in the amount of $2,500,000.00 at the new school site.

Approval of memorandum of understanding between Tyler County school and Wetzel County School: Board gave consideration for approval of a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the establishment of a Cosmetology Program at the Wetzel Technical Center. Board member Mitchell made a motion to approve, seconded by President Fonner. Before the vote was taken Member Nice raised concerns about the possibility of the upcoming levy failing and the resulting cost to the board. Mr. Glasscock joined her in objecting at this time to moving forward with the approval of the Cosmetology program at this time. The issue was tabled until members can agree on what to do at the present time with the levy looming soon.

DELEGATIONS: Mr. Ronnie Wade, a candidate for the Wetzel Board of Education in the upcoming elections, spoke concerning questions he has received from the public that have gone unanswered. He asked, where is the money coming from for the new school? And does the board have a breakdown of Levy cost?

Mr. Todd Barcus, spoke on naming committee progress, and the Wetzel County Classic Track Meet. Mrs.Tammy Chambers spoke about the Academic Awards Ceremony, and Mr. Paul Huston spoke on updates to the testing and Military Signing program.

Date and time of next meeting: April 28, regular meeting at 5:30. April 29, special budget meeting at 9:00 am

The meeting was adjourned.