Rebecca Butts

The meeting served as the second special hearing for the consideration of the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school calendars. Key discussion points included the analysis of public feedback, which consisted of four submissions, with one specific comment noting the proposed start dates for staff and students were too early. A significant agenda item addressed the scheduling of high school graduations to avoid Memorial Day weekend; the recommendation adopted was to move graduations one week earlier to the Sunday preceding the holiday weekend. This adjustment ensures compliance with the requirement for seniors to attend at least 175 days. The final action involved a motion to accept the 2026-2027 calendar for official submission to the state and designating the 2027-2028 calendar as tentative.

The meeting began with acknowledgments and a moment of silence for two recently attacked West Virginia National Guardsmen, one of whom was a former Berkeley County student. Student recognitions were omitted due to a scheduling conflict. The minutes from the November 10, 2025, regular board meeting were approved. During citizens comments, a representative from the local and state NAACP, along with other community groups, expressed strong support for Principal Civil Terry of Blue Ridge Elementary School, citing remarkable academic growth in math, science, and reading under her leadership, while also noting that she has faced unwarranted hostility and racism. The agenda continued with the consent agenda, which had one item (item number 20) removed. Presentations and reports focused heavily on instructional updates, including community partnerships like the MCOM dispatch program, the MedEd program (noting 100% of graduates entered healthcare), and plans for future welding and plumbing programs, often in partnership with institutions like WVU Medicine and Shepherd University. Dual credit opportunities were expanded by offering in-house and free/low-cost courses in psychology, math, chemistry, forensics, biology, and more, allowing some students to start college as sophomores. Updates on the Alex program for middle school math intervention were provided, detailing its individualized, AI-driven approach aligned with the math textbook adoption series. Teacher and student perspectives on the Alex program were shared, highlighting student engagement and topic mastery.

The meeting included discussions and reports on various topics, such as an update on child nutrition, Neola policy updates, and a proposed easement. The child nutrition update covered the implementation of a new inventory management system, a future cafeteria manager training course, and local backpack programs. The Neola policy updates for policies 5223 and 7540.02 were approved. The discussion on the proposed easement was postponed until the January meeting at the request of the developer. Board member comments included updates on the Eastern Panhandle Legislative Forum and recognition of student achievements.

The meeting included an announcement regarding the loss of an employee, Michelle Wilson, a cafeteria manager at Charlestown Middle School, followed by a moment of silence. The board approved the minutes of the regular board meeting held on October 13, 2025. Citizens made comments about teacher and staff turnover at Blige Elementary, and concerns about the board's decision to end the program covering a portion of AP exam fees for students. There was discussion about modifications to the consent agenda, specifically regarding resignations noted as breaking contracts. Updates were provided on the safety center functions plan and transportation efficiency indicators, including compliance data and areas needing technical assistance.

The Justin County School board convened for a special session to discuss HB 2499 and policy 24/19, focusing on training related to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The session included a presentation covering the state's interpretation of IDEA, ensuring free and appropriate education for students with disabilities, and the responsibilities of state and local education agencies in complying with IDEA. Discipline procedures, parental rights, and due process were also addressed.