Daniel Cunningham

The special work session focused on personnel matters and financial considerations, specifically addressing the need to reduce a significant number of positions (professional and service) to align with current funding constraints, including projected state funding reductions per student. Key discussion points involved potential strategies to achieve these reductions, such as schedule changes like shifting from block scheduling to a seven-period day, or implementing a mixed schedule, though the impact on student opportunities for advanced coursework (like AP/Dual Enrollment) and curriculum planning was debated. The group prioritized protecting classroom staffing levels and avoiding layoffs where possible, exploring administrative position adjustments and the status of extracurricular contracts. The potential for future structural changes, such as school consolidation, was also mentioned as a necessary consideration due to dropping enrollment and reduced financial resources.

The special meeting addressed the current state of personnel positions relative to state funding, which is impacted by declining enrollment figures (a decrease of 429 students compared to the previous year). Discussions covered personnel adjustments, which can only be addressed between January and May annually. Staff detailed the process of abolishing positions through attrition since July 1, totaling 28 abolished positions (16.5 professional, 11.5 service), despite having to create 6.5 new positions. Future projections indicate a plan to abolish 47 positions in total (26 professional, 13 service, 8 extracurricular) to realize estimated savings of over $2.8 million, contingent upon board approval. The conversation also involved analyzing enrollment variations, including homeschool and private school students, and the financial benefits of utilizing existing staff to teach extra classes instead of hiring new personnel. Further review of funded positions for the current year showed a net loss of 56 positions totaling a $2.5 million reduction in funding when accounting for UTC and charter school allocations.

The meeting included a presentation regarding athletic programs, noting the achievements of the volleyball team and the girls swim team. A major discussion focused on fundraising and securing financial partnership for turfing a sports field, which was motivated by a community member's son asking why local facilities were not as modern as those in neighboring counties. A representative from Hope Gas discussed their commitment to community investment, including support for the field project (committing to 50% of the cost), building local career pipelines through 'Hope Academy' for high school students, and providing summer jobs and apprenticeships to encourage youth retention in West Virginia. The Hope Gas representative also mentioned their prior involvement in rebuilding a gymnasium in Lewis County.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and the proclamation of National FFA Week, where the Board recognized FFA teachers and students for their dedication to leadership development in agriculture education. Recognition was also given to the South Harrison High School girls swimming team for their county championship win and the South Harrison High School volleyball team for qualifying for the state tournament for the first time in 25 years. Updates were provided regarding an outstanding student achievement at the Delta Career Center, enrollment figures, and construction progress for the center's water and fire systems. The board also addressed the retirement of a long-serving nursing program instructor. New business included the approval of an out-of-state travel request for students to Washington D.C., the allocation of $18,000 from contingency funds for South Harrison High School band uniforms, approval for the furnishing and installation of new playgrounds at Simpson Elementary, an agreement waiver with the City of Bridgeport for the Simpson playground project, and the approval of architectural and civil engineering services for an SBA project at Bridgeport High School.

The meeting featured special recognitions and presentations, including honoring recipients of the 2026 Rose Bowl of America Honor Band, where a sophomore shared details about her experience in the parade. Certificates were awarded to numerous students for their achievements in the elementary and middle school math field days, spanning multiple grades and schools. High school math field day winners were also announced, noting their upcoming participation in regional and state competitions. A significant portion of the meeting involved an update on the English Learner (EL) program evaluation committee's recommendations and action steps. Key discussions included addressing a lack of professional development opportunities by implementing the BE GLAD training modules, establishing dedicated times for collaboration among stakeholders, improving awareness and access to EL resources via a shared One Drive folder, and discussing secondary support systems for EL students' paths to graduation, including newcomer support programs. Furthermore, progress on increasing awareness and clarity regarding the special education process for EL students through mandatory training and resource development for families was reviewed.