RITCHIE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING DWC VOCATIONAL CENTER HARRISVILLE, WV May 22, 2017 6:00 p.m. The regular meeting of the Ritchie County Board of Education was called to order on May 22, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. by President Edward Cokeley. Other members present were, Carolyn Bowie, Torie Jackson, and Betsy Wells. Brian S. Walton participated by phone conference. Also in attendance were Superintendent, Ora E. Coffman, III; Lori Wells, Director of Finance; David Weekley, Director of Support Services and Attendance; Deborah Bever, Director of Special Education, Federal Programs and School Improvement; and April Haught, Director of Instructional Services and Personnel. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. MINUTES Dr. Jackson made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Wells, that the Board approve the preliminary minutes of the Special Meeting/Budget Workshop of May 8, 2017, the Regular Meeting of May 8, 2017 and the Special Meeting/ Board Work Session of May 15, 2017. SUPERINTENDENT S INFORMATION Mr. Coffman recognized the following retirees: Carol Spangler, Steve Lewis, Gregory Andy Lipsmeyer, Phillip Harris, Connie Luff, and Georgia Canaan Cox. Mrs. Haught assisted in presenting each retiree with a plaque. Andy Lipsmeyer, Phillip Harris, Connie Luff, and Canaan Cox were unable to attend. Mr. Coffman recognized Ritchie County s Teacher of the Year, Regina Davis. She was presented with a plaque. Ritchie County s Service Personnel of the Year, Pat Boone, was also recognized. He was presented with a plaque. Mr. Coffman explained that this year we are starting a new recognition to honor Jeff Sheets, a former bus operator. This award was presented to James Mitchell, mechanic. Mr. Coffman also recognized the following foster grandparents: Sharon Moore, Fay Jones, Kathy Davenport, Donna Cottrill, Karen Potchak, Carol Schofield, Susie Cutright, Helen Haugh, Barbara Reed, Donna Rae Mullenix and Judy Vincent Mrs. Bever shared a word of appreciation for the grandparent program. Dr. Jackson assisted with presenting each one with a certificate. DELEGATIONS AND GUESTS None PERSONNEL Personal Leave seconded by Dr. Jackson, that the Board approve the following request for personal leave:
Phillip Harris requests 2 ½ days personal leave without pay Employment seconded by Mrs. Wells, that the Board approve the following employment: Michael Jones - Bus Operator Route 5107, for the remainder of the 2016-2017 school year Melanie Allender - Preschool/Preschool Special Needs Teacher EES, for the 2017-2018 school year Russell Gay - Custodian III/Groundsman/General Maintenance HES/RCBOE (261 day position), for the 2017-2018 school year Sharon Napier - Special Education Instructional/Bus Aide /RCHS, for the 2017-2018 school year Brian Davis - Special Education Instructional/Bus Aide /RCHS, for the 2017-2018 school year Debbie Haugh - Special Education Instructional/Bus Aide CCES, for the 2017-2018 school year Upon recommendation of the superintendent, Dr. Jackson moved, seconded by Mrs. Wells, that the Board approve the following employment: Steve Lewis Substitute Principal RCS, 2017-2018 school year Phillip Harris Substitute Cook RCS, 2017-2018 school year Phillip Harris Substitute Custiodian III/Groundsman/General Maintenance RCS, 2017-2018 school year Landry Marrs - Assistant Football Coach, for the 2017-2018 school year Steven Parks Substitute Mechanic RCS, pending CIB fingerprint check Upon recommendation of the superintendent, Dr. Jackson moved, seconded by Mrs. Wells, that the Board approve the following summer employment: Jean Mace - Special Education Extended School Year Teacher Severe/Profound RCHS Carolyn Morris - Special Education Instructional/Bus Aide for Special Education Program Extended School Year - RCHS Angie Summers - STARS 21 st Century Summer Program Teacher/Site Supervisor /CCES Kellie Beall - STARS 21 st Century Summer Program Teacher Regina Davis - STARS 21 st Century Summer Program Teacher Lou Ann Henger - STARS 21 st Century Summer Program Teacher Paula Hogue - STARS 21 st Century Summer Program Teacher Mallory James - Half-Time STARS 21 st Century Summer Program Teacher Sonya Haught - Half-Time STARS 21 st Century Summer Program Teacher Ann Post - Half-Time STARS 21 st Century Summer Program Teacher CCES Elena Jones - Half-Time STARS 21 st Century Summer Program Teacher CCES Lily Rogers - STARS 21 st Century Summer Program College Tutor Kevin Cantrell - STARS 21 st Century Summer Program College Tutor Chance Hughart - STARS 21 st Century Summer Program College Tutor
Kevin Cantrell - (1) Half-Time STARS 21 st Century Summer Program College Tutor - Brian Owens - Custodian III/Groundsman/General Maintenance Summer Contract for Energy Express/STARS 21 st Century CCES Donna Hiley - Cook III Summer Feeding Program /RCHS Linda Goodnight - Cook II Summer Feeding Program /RCHS, as needed Janet Dodd - Cook III Summer Feeding Program - CCES Pauletta Eakle - Cook III (June Camp) 4-H Grounds Pauletta Eakle - Cook III (July/August Camp) 4-H Grounds Richard Johnson - Bus Operator Summer Contract for Energy Express/STARS 21 st Century Summer Program CCES Bill Goff - Bus Operator Summer Contract for Energy Express/STARS 21 st Century Summer Program Tony Marshall - Bus Operator Summer Contract for Energy Express/STARS 21 st Century Summer Program Upon recommendation of the superintendent, Mrs. Wells moved, seconded by Mrs. Bowie, that the Board approve the following summer employment: Crystal Freed - Custodian III/Groundsman/General Maintenance Summer Contract for Energy Express/STARS 21 st Century Motion passed 4-1, with Dr. Jackson abstaining. Rescind Reduction in Force Action of April 18, 2017 seconded by Mrs. Wells, that the Board rescind the reduction in force action of April 18, 2017 for the following employee: Jennifer Pauley Custodian III/Groundsman/General Maintenance /RCHS Vacancies Upon recommendation of the superintendent, Dr. Jackson moved, seconded by Mrs. Bowie, that the Board approve the following vacancies: 6 th Grade Multi-Subject Teacher, 2017-2018 school year Custodian III/Groundsman/General Maintenance (261 day position) /RCHS, 2017-2018 school year Custodian III/Groundsman/General Maintenance (210 day position) /RCHS, 2017-2018 school year Half-Time Cook II SES, 2017-2018 school year (4) Teachers for 6 th Grade Transition Camp Extend: Speech/Language Pathologist RCS, for the 2017-2018 school year Extend: Assistant Boys Basketball Coach RCHS, for the 2017-2018 school year FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Payroll Deductions/Bills FY2017 seconded by Dr. Jackson, that payroll deductions/bills be approved in the amount of $278,569.85. Budget Revision Requests Upon presentation by Mrs. Lori Wells and upon recommendation of the superintendent, Dr. Jackson moved, seconded by Mrs. Wells, that the Board
approve supplements totaling $37,200 and transfers totaling $64,000. Motion passed unanimously. Finance Reports Mrs. Lori Wells presented the Board with a Yearly Summary Financial Report and the April Financial Report. No action needed. Hearing/Approval of the Final Budget 2017-2018 Mrs. Lori Wells presented the FY18 Final Budget to the Board and reviewed a few differences which included; a few salaries moved from the general fund to levy and some changes in transportation expenses, which would allow more flexibility. After discussion, the superintendent recommended that the Board approve the FY18 Final Budget as presented. A motion was made by Mrs. Bowie and seconded by Dr. Jackson. Motion passed unanimously. School Fundraisers seconded by Dr. Jackson, that the Board approve the following school fundraisers: Ritchie County High School Volleyball Team Volleyball Camp, July 18-20, 2017, to raise funds for the volleyball team. Projected profit $1,500 Ritchie County Middle School / Ritchie County High School Cross Country July 22, 2017, Parent helping with Ellenboro Volunteer Fire Department Bash, to raise funds for cross country needs. Projected profit unknown. Ritchie County Middle School Track Hurdle Camp, June 27-28, 2017, to provide opportunity for skill development. Projected profit unknown. seconded by Dr. Jackson, that the Board ratify the following school fundraiser: Ritchie County High School Creative Writing Class Selling class-made poetry collections, May 17 until end of school year to cover cost of student created children s book that cost $25 per copy and provide copies for classroom. Projected profit $400 Discussion and possible action on an Order of the Board directing an election to be held for the purpose of submitting to the voters of Ritchie County School District all questions connected with the contracting of a debt and the issuing of bonds to finance (I) a new consolidated elementary school to replace Harrisville Elementary School, Ellenboro Elementary School and Creed Collins Elementary School and (II) and certain improvements to Ritchie County Middle School and Ritchie County High School Mr. Coffman introduced the following members of the bond committee, who were present to help review and answer questions on the bond call: Bill Ratcliff, Thrasher Engineering Dana Womack, School Building Authority Roger Hunter, Attorney - Bowles Rice Tom Piercy Attorney Bowles Rice Joe Nasiff Financial Advisor Mr. Hunter began by reading through each paragraph of the bond call, and asking for any questions periodically. Mr. Piercy also reviewed some sections of the bond call with the board.
Mr. Coffman stated that he had the signed land donation agreement and the core drillings have been done. Mr. Ratcliff said he had confirmation that there were no issues with the soil survey and said he is expecting the report soon. Mr. Nasiff reviewed the levy rates, with a comparison between 4% and 6% rates. Mr. Womack said there were no guarantees that the SBA will approve our project, but they have followed our process and have been well informed. He stated that it is a valuable plan and if we get the bond, we will submit our NEEDS Project in October, we will interview mid-november and in December we will know. Mr. Piercy stated that a condition of the bond is that we must secure the $8,000,000 to issue the bonds. Mr. Ratcliff stated that it is good that the infrastructure is all there and available. Mr. Hunter completed the review of the bond call and stated that if the bond passes and we get funded by the SBA, we will have some flexibility in the building design. After review and discussion, Mr. Coffman recommended approval of an order of the Board of Education of the County of Ritchie directing an election to be held for the purpose of submitting to the voters of Ritchie County School District all questions connected with the contracting of a debt and the issuing of bonds in the principal amount not to exceed nine million nine hundred thousand dollars. Mrs. Bowie made the motion, seconded by Mr. Walton, that the Board approve the bond call as recommended. Motion passed 3-2, with Dr. Jackson and Mrs. Wells opposing. p.m. A short break was taken at 8:30p.m. The meeting resumed at 8:40 SUPPORT SERVICES AND ATTENDANCE Maintenance Issues Mr. Weekley reported that he has been working with Thrasher Engineering on the Smithville Sewer Plant Project. He said Pre-bid is June 6 th and bid opening will be June 21 st. He said if the project is delayed, school can start on schedule. The sewer will run into tanks that can be pumped out. SPECIAL EDUCATION AND FEDERAL PROGRAMS Mrs. Bever stated that we will have a policy to discuss later in the meeting. She stated that if the staff has their staff development hours, their last day is May 24, 2017. She said there are required on-line trainings and if any staff member has not completed these on-line trainings or completed their staff development hours, there will be a room set up for them to complete the online training together on May 25, 2017. Mrs. Bever said the testing and make-ups were complete last week, with no exemptions. She said we have been monitoring student results, which are coming in but we cannot print reports or release the information yet.
She also said we are working on PreK enrollment. She said Headstart will be collaborative next year and will not have a separate classroom. She said they will be working with Harrisville Elementary School and Creed Collins Elementary School. INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES Calendar Update Mrs. Haught stated that the students finish tomorrow. She said we have been busy with grades, WVEIS reports, transcripts, student data, employee evaluations, the summer program, personnel/staffing, student scheduling, and year end reporting. Mr. Coffman reported that CEP (Community Eligibility Program) for the high school is looking solid for next year. Mr. Weekley said we will know by the end of June. REQUESTS None POLICIES Mrs. Bever said that it is a compliance issue to review each year our Parent Involvement Policy. She said they reviewed the policy last Friday and have highlighted any changes or additions. She reviewed the changes with the Board and asked the Board to acknowledge that it had been reviewed. seconded by Mrs. Wells, that the Board acknowledge the changes in the following policy: Accept Federal Program Compliance changes to Policy 6010 Ritchie County Parent Involvement Policy MISCELLANEOUS/COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Coffman informed the Board that we are still expecting to get money through e-rate. He also stated that we might have to look at calling a special meeting to approve the contractor for the Smithville Sewer Plant. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS Mrs. Bowie said graduation was very nice and orderly. She said she was proud of the speakers, the class and the audience. She said the kids are going into another phase of life. Mr. Walton said he agreed with Mrs. Bowie. Graduation was nice and it was not very hot. NEXT MEETING DATE The next regular meeting was scheduled for Monday, June 12, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. Due to a conflict with that date, Mr. Coffman asked if the Board would agree to changing the date to June 5 th at 6:00 p.m. Upon recommendation of the superintendent, Mrs. Bowie moved, seconded by Dr. Jackson, that the next meeting date be changed to June 5, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT At 9:07 p.m. Mr. Cokeley declared the meeting adjourned.