View High School Auditorium. This data was compiled in compliance with West Virginia Board of Education Policy 62.04: School Closings or

2.1 The county board must prepare and reduce to writing, reasons and supporting data concerning proposed school closings or consolidations to be submitted to the West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) for approval in accordance with this policy and the West Virginia Code. Reasons and Supporting Data Anawalt Elementary School ( K-5) is being proposed for closure at the completion of the 18-19 school year. The purpose of this closure is to consolidate with the attendance area of Kimball Elementary School and Welch Elementary School beginning with the 19-20 school year. The following reasons are provided with supporting data for the proposed closure. Decreasing trend in overall McDowell County population based on actual census data; Overall decreasing trend in McDowell County student enrollment; Declining student enrollment within the Anawalt Elementary School attendance area over the past ten years; Redistribution of resources for the benefit of all students in McDowell County Schools; Both Kimball Elementary School and Welch Elementary School have the appropriate capacity to accept the Anawalt Elementary School attendance area in its entirety; The use of temporary portable housing for Anawalt Elementary, after the State Fire Marshal mandated the original school not be occupied during the 2012-2013 school year; An annual cost savings estimated to be in a range of $527,000 after the closure of Anawalt Elementary School; Maximize utilization and operating capacity of schools specified herein; McDowell County financial constraints; Access to a full-sized gymnasium, which will allow participation in many extracurricular activities; and Enhanced economies of scale enabling McDowell County Schools efficient use of available resources to meet the educational needs of its students. The educational programming opportunities for the affected students will be maintained and enhanced following their enrollment at Kimball Elementary School and Welch Elementary School during the 2019-2020 school year. 2.1.1 Written reasons shall be available for public inspection in the office of the county superintendent during the thirty days preceding the date of the public hearing; The data supporting reasons will be available beginning November 9, 2018 for public inspection in the Office of the Superintendent at the McDowell County Board of Education, 30 Central Avenue, Welch, WV 24801, and shall remain available through December 12, 2018. The data will be available for public viewing at Anawalt Elementary School, Welch Elementary School, and Kimball Elementary School from November 9, 2018, to December 12, 2018. A public hearing is scheduled for December 12, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at Mt. 3

View High School Auditorium. This data was compiled in compliance with West Virginia Board of Education Policy 62.04: School Closings or Consolidations. 2.1.2 Written reasons shall be delivered in duplicate to the: 2.1.2.a Principal of a school which is proposed to be closed and of any school which the county board designates to receive the students who are transferring as a result of the closure; and The delivery, in duplicate, of the reasons and supporting data to the principal of the potential school to be closed, Ginger Blankenship, Anawalt Elementary School, along with the delivery in duplicate of the reasons and supporting data to the receiving school principals, April Hedinger, Kimball Elementary School and Kristy East, Welch Elementary School will take place on or before on November 9, 2018. 2.1.2.b to the chair, if any, of the Local School Improvement Council representing a school which is proposed to be closed, and any school which the county board designates to receive the students who are transferring as a result of the closure The delivery, in duplicate, of the reasons and supporting data to the Local School Improvement Council representing Anawalt Elementary School will take place on or before November 9, 2018. The delivery, in duplicate, of the reasons and supporting data to the chair of the Local School Improvement Councils of the receiving Kimball Elementary School and Welch Elementary School will take place on or before on November 9, 2018. 4

2.2 The county board must prepare and reduce to writing, reasons and supporting data concerning proposed school closings or consolidations to be submitted to the West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) for approval in accordance with this policy and the West Virginia Code. Executive Summary 2.2.1 Population and Enrollment Study During the past ten years, the student enrollment has declined at Anawalt Elementary School,as well as in McDowell County. The population of Kimball Elementary School and Welch Elementary School has also declined. The receiving school enrollment is 250 at Kimball Elementary School (PK-5) and 312 at Welch Elementary (PK-5). The maximum student capacity for Kimball Elementary School is 330 students and Welch Elementary School is 430 students. Anawalt Elementary School enrollment on the October 2018 2 nd Month Report was 56. U.S. Census Bureau data illustrates an overall population decrease in McDowell County from 2010 to 2017. The overall decline in population, the shift in population demographics, and the declining enrollment trend all indicate the decrease in the population of school age children in McDowell County will continue (Pages 10-13). 2.2.2 Facilities Physical appraisals of all affected schools are included. Operating capacity and utilization calculations will improve with this proposal from 68% to 72% at Welch Elementary and from 60% to 67% at Kimball Elementary. Anawalt Elementary is housed in portable units purchased in an emergency situation by the SBA and McDowell County Schools in 2012 due to the original school declared unsafe to inhabit. The purchase of the units was to be temporary in its intent, and the units are still in use today. The units are showing normal deterioration for that type of structure. The floor tiles are cracked and peeling where the joints of the structure meet. The ceilings are buckling and separating at the joints. The pressed wood flooring is beginning to show stages of rot due to exposure to water and otherwise natural weakening over time. In the units, there is no space for physical education (PE) to meet the requirements of WBVE Policy 6200. A shared space for the cafeteria and PE area is cumbersome at best. The entrance to the school site is very limited in nature and is not easily accessible. Welch Elementary is an older building with the newest addition completed in 1980. The building is in need of a new roof. The heating and cooling system for the gymnasium does not meet ASHRAE guidelines. Several classrooms need acoustic ceilings and lighting upgrades. The school needs tile and bathroom renovations as well. Welch Elementary rated above average on the Facilities Evaluation Matrix (Pages 84-96). 6

Kimball Elementary was constructed in 1978. It is in need of a roof on the two story section of the building. Windows are needed to replace the originals. Air conditioning needs added to the gym as it does not meet ASHRAE standards. Kimball Elementary rated above average on the Facilities Evaluation Matrix. (Pages 52-65) 2.2.3 Finance This section compares the current costs with anticipated costs to achieve a net savings for the citizens of McDowell County by potentially closing Anawalt Elementary School. The areas of utilities, personnel, transportation, and maintenance are included within this calculation. (Pages 108-109) 2.2.4 Personnel An analysis of the personnel needs associated with the closure of Anawalt Elementary School indicated the county would save 4 professional positions and 3.5 service positions (Pages 110-111). 2.2.5 Transportation Based upon existing transportation routes and proposed route changes, this section provides one-way transportation times of the routes that would be traveled by buses transporting students to the affected schools. The changes, however, will not meet the recommended travel guidelines of WVBE Policy 4336 (Pages 112-113). 2.2.6 Educational Programs The following West Virginia State Board of Education policies were reviewed and followed. (Pages 114-116) 1. W. Va. 126 CSR 16, WVBE Policy 2419 Regulations for the Education of Exceptional Students. 2. W. Va. 126 CSR 42, WVBE Policy 2510 Assuring the Quality of Education: Regulation for General, Vocational and Special Education Programs 3. W. Va. 126 CSR 44, WVBE Policy 2520 Content Standards and Objectives for West Virginia Schools 4. W. Va. 126 CSR 172, WVBE Policy 6200 Handbook on Planning School Facilities 5. W. Va. 126 CSR 176, WVBE Policy 6204 School Closing or Consolidations 6. W. Va. 126 CSR 86, WVBE Policy 4321.1 Standards for School Nutrition 7. W. Va. 126 CSR 92, WVBE Policy 4336 WV School Transportation Policy 8. W. Va. 126 CSR 48, WVBE Policy 2450 Distance Learning and the WV Virtual School 2.3.1 Legal Notification 7

A copy of the legal notice is scheduled for publication in the Welch News once a week, for three consecutive weeks beginning November 14, 2018. This legal notice, along with required materials per WVBE Policy 6204, will be available, beginning November 9, 2018, for public inspection in the Superintendent's Office at the McDowell County Board of Education at 30 Central Avenue, Welch, WV (Pages 117-119). 8

2.2.1 A Trends in Population Growth or Decline in the County a. McDowell County Schools 2.2.1 B Trends in Attendance Area of School Targeted for Closure (Anawalt Elementary) Anawalt Elementary School 2.2.1 C Trends in Attendance Area of the Schools Designated to Receive Students Affected (Kimball Elementary and Welch Elementary) Kimball Elementary School

Welch Elementary School 2.2.1 b. Population Characteristics

2.2.1 d. Projections were calculated with input from The Thrasher Group Architecture, Engineering, Field Services utilizing Second Month Reports for the current year, three years prior, and the most recent census data for McDowell County. 12

2.2.2 Facilities. a. Maps showing the school(s) targeted for closure or consolidation and the school(s) that the county board designates to receive the students. A. The map includes a legend indicating the grade configuration and student enrollment for each school on the map. A map showing the school targeted for closure or consolidation with a legend indicating grade configuration is provided on the next page. Legend for the map: School Enrollment Configuration Anawalt Elementary 56 K-5 Bradshaw Elementary 293 PK-5 Fall River Elementary 166 PK-5 Iaeger Elementary 271 PK-5 Kimball Elementary 205 PK-5 Welch Elementary 313 PK-5 Southside 372 PK-8 Sandy River Middle 244 6-8 Riverview High 481 9-12 Mount View High 664 6-12 14

McDowell County Schools Closure School Anawalt Elementary School Grade Configuration K-5 Current Enrollment 56 Receiving Schools Kimball Elementary School Welch Elementary School PK-5 PK-5 205 213 15

b. Physical appraisal of the school targeted for closure or consolidation and the school or schools which the county board designates to receive the students. This appraisal should include age, number of buildings, general condition, and adequacy of structural, electrical and mechanical systems to provide a safe and healthful environment. Attach the most recent School Building Authority (SBA) facility evaluation form and an updated form if the most recent SBA facility evaluation form is five years old or older. Anawalt Elementary School Anawalt Elementary is 10, 394 sq. ft. The structure is comprised of seven mobile units that form the complete building. The units were installed in 2012. When purchased, the structure was intended to be temporary. There is no gymnasium. A shared space of 24 x 68 is used for both the inside play space and the cafeteria. Currently, the units are showing significant wear and tear that is consistent with construction of this type of structure. The wooden bathroom floors are weakening. The joints connecting the mobile units are showing significant signs of movement. The floor tile is cracking, and the acoustic ceilings have buckled and separated. There is no sewage treatment plant; holding tanks are used and have to be pumped. The city water supply has many issues due to leaks, frequently resulting in no water or boil water advisories. The exterior of the building is constructed of fiber board, which has been painted once. Most of the window and facing trim has been replaced. Guttering has been repaired to stop leaks, and several roof leaks have been corrected from the joints in the roofing. Restricted access to the property is of major concern, and the parking area has issues with settling. Welch Elementary School Welch Elementary School was constructed in 1954 and 1957 with a square footage of 38,571. An addition was completed in 1980 adding 15,404 square feet for a total of 53,975 square feet. The building was rated above average condition based on the Facilities Evaluation Matrix. Welch Elementary is a two story masonry wall bearing, steel beam and concrete floor structure. The school contains 15 regular classrooms PK-5, 1 special needs room, 2 resource classrooms, counseling office, elementary sized gymnasium, 2 computer labs, music room, library, cafeteria and kitchen space, and 3 Title 1 classrooms. Renovations are necessary, which include updating restrooms and floor tile throughout the building, acoustic ceilings added in several classrooms, as well as lighting upgrades Air conditioning needs to be added to the gymnasium. 16

Kimball Elementary Kimball Elementary was constructed in 1954 with a square footage of 10,562. An addition was completed in 1978 adding 38,424 square feet, bringing the total for the school to 48,986 square feet. The building is a two story load bearing masonry, steel joist and concrete floor with steel joist ceilings. The school contains 12 classrooms PK-5, 4 resource rooms, 3 Title 1 classrooms, music room, media center, computer labs, counselor office, social worker office, elementary size gymnasium and cafeteria and kitchen space. Renovations are needed including a roof on the two story addition of the building air conditioning needs installed in the gymnasium. Floor tile upgrades throughout the building would enhance the aesthetics, but are not functionally needed. c. Evaluation of the school targeted for closure or consolidation and the school or schools that the county board designates to receive the students in regard to the school(s) adaptability to the present and proposed educational programs and the provisions of related services. Based on the Building Utilization Program worksheets, the receiving schools will be able to accommodate the incoming students. The educational program improvement analysis (Section 2.2.6) reflects that the proposed educational programs and the provisions of related services can be accommodated by this closure/consolidation. Closure of Anawalt Elementary will allow for capital improvements to be made to both receiving schools. 17

ANAWALT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Anawalt, West Virginia 21

KIMBALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Kimball, West Virginia 44

WELCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Welch, West Virginia 75

100

101

102

103

104

105

106

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

114

115

116

2.3 The county superintendent must provide notice for the public hearing which shall be advertised by the publication in a newspaper in general circulation in the locality of the affected school at least 30 days prior the date of the hearing. THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE COUNTY OF MCDOWELL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CLOSURE OF ANAWALT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO BE HELD AT THE MOUNT VIEW HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING: December 12, 2018. In the event the public hearing is not completed by 11:00 p.m. on December 12, 2018, it will be recessed and will be reconvened on the following day at the same location at 6:00 p.m. In the event a scheduled hearing must be canceled due to inclement weather or other factors beyond the control of the Board, December 17, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. is established as an alternative date. TIME OF PUBLIC HEARING: The public hearing and any reconvened sessions of the public hearing shall begin at 6:00 p.m. The public hearing and any reconvened sessions of the public hearing shall end at the conclusion of business or 11:00 p.m., whichever occurs earlier. PLACE OF PUBLIC HEARING: Mount View High School Auditorium. If when the public hearing is called to order, it is determined that the meeting facility is of insufficient size, the location of the public hearing shall be subject to change. A notice reflecting any change in public hearing location shall be posted at the original meeting location. In the event of a location change, the hearing will be held Mount View High School gymnasium. PROPOSED ACTION OF THE BOARD: The closure of Anawalt Elementary School and its consolidation with Kimball Elementary School and Welch Elementary at the end of the 18-19 school year, resulting in the reassignment of its student population. After all members of the public have had an opportunity to submit statements, testimony, and to question school officials, the Board will vote on the proposed action on December 12, 2018 or, if reconvened, on December 13, 2018, or, if rescheduled, December 17, 2018. SUBMISSION OF WRITTEN MATERIALS: Written material, may be submitted for consideration by the Board. Written materials must be received in the Office of the Superintendent, McDowell County Schools, 30 Central Avenue, Welch, WV 24801 by 4:00 p.m., by December 10, 2018. Any written materials submitted in a timely manner shall be duplicated and delivered, or otherwise made available, to each member of the Board in advance of the public hearing. Information will be accepted via certified mail, hand delivered, or emailed to McDowell County Schools email address: wrthomas@k12.wv.us. No information will be accepted via fax. 117

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Members of the public may be present, submit statements, testimony, and question county officials. Members of the public who desire to submit statements and testimony or to question county school officials shall be afforded an opportunity to register beginning one hour prior to the start of the public hearing and ending at the start of the session. Persons shall be called upon in the order of registration. All questions shall be initially directed to the Superintendent who may answer the question or designate another school official to answer the question. Based upon the number of persons who register, the presiding officer may limit, in a uniform manner, the time allotted to each individual. However, the time allotted may be limited to a period of three minutes to five minutes, but not less than three minutes. Registered individuals may not assign or relinquish their allotted time to another individual. Responses to questions by the school official shall not be included in the period of allotted time. Written materials may be submitted by the deadline indicated above, but may not be submitted during the public hearing. REASONS AND SUPPORTING DATA: Reasons and supporting data in relation to the proposed closure of Anawalt Elementary School and its consolidation with Kimball Elementary School and Welch Elementary School shall be available for public inspection beginning November 9, 2018, in the Office of the Superintendent of McDowell County Schools, during business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The notice of public hearing and data will be available for public viewing at Anawalt Elementary School. In the event the school is not open for business, the data will be available on the McDowell County Schools website (https://boe.mcdo.k12.wv.us/), at all other McDowell County schools work sites, the McDowell County Public Library, and in the Office of the county Superintendent, from November 9, 2018, through December 12, 2018. The document will be available at Anawalt Elementary School, Kimball Elementary School, and Welch Elementary School during normal hours of operation. Please publish in the Welch News as a legal advertisement on the following dates: November 14, 2018, November 21, 2108, and November 28, 2018. 118