Summers County School District

Key discussion points included the addition of Harvey Ward under contract termination in personnel matters, and the decision to strike Angela Rivera from presentations for the current meeting, postponing it to the next agenda. The agenda itself was approved with these adjustments. The Board recognized Christian Richmond for achieving National Board Certified Teacher status, noting the support provided by the state and county for this process. Financial actions involved approving payments for RT Rogers Oil Company and Safe and Sound Security Systems, along with approving various fund transfers and supplements within grants, including adjustments related to ITA and grant awards. The Board discussed the upcoming May 2026 levy, noting plans to approach the county commission. Several policies were approved, and the Board moved to executive session to discuss personnel matters per West Virginia Code 6-9A-4, paragraph 2. Finally, discussions addressed benchmark testing schedules and plans for future agenda items, including recognizing the Prostart students.

The meeting began with a pledge of allegiance. Agenda adjustments included pulling RT Rogers and Safe and Sound from the bills to be paid separately. Key discussions centered on student discipline, leading to an executive session, and employee discipline, which also necessitated an executive session resulting in the approval of paid leave for an employee. Presentations focused on benchmark assessments for K-8 students, highlighting academic growth metrics across ELA and Math for various grades, including specific attention to growth in grades K-2 and the performance of students with IEPs. Data analysis indicated overall academic growth across all classes assessed. Furthermore, discussions covered improvements in behavior metrics, noting a reduction in behavior slips and lower disciplinary issue counts compared to previous years, despite persistent challenges with chronic absenteeism, which was slightly aided by snow days. Secondary school data review focused on discipline rates, chronic absence rates (around 25%), and incentive card distribution related to attendance, performance, and behavior.

The meeting involved significant discussion regarding agenda adjustments, including separating payments for RT Rogers and Safe and Sound from the general bills, and adding the resignation of Pam Meadows, effective January 11, 2026. A presentation by Miss Rivera was postponed to a later date. The board approved the minutes from the December 2, 2025, regular meeting. Discussion on the May 2026 levy included reviewing briefing survey responses and planning for future work sessions to meet the January 30th deadline for submitting a levy call request. In new business, the board approved several policies, including the wellness policy (VE6) with three specific amendments: banning caffeine, mandating minimum meal times, and including a statement about using local food service when possible. The board also approved combining the Price and Steering Committees, following discussion on low attendance at separate meetings and ideas to boost parent participation, such as holding abbreviated Price Committee sessions alongside PTO meetings or organizing a tailgate event.

The meeting was modified as an emergency measure due to severe weather, bitter cold temperatures, and a declared state of emergency. Key actions included approving the agenda with adjustments, which involved adding personnel items for a 6 to 8 head baseball coach and a bus assignment, and striking presentations due to weather. Student discipline matters were discussed in executive session, resulting in the acceptance of the superintendent's recommendation via a 4-0 vote. The Board also ratified two sets of employee paid administrative leave actions (one pending investigation results, one ratified outright). The Board approved the placement of several policies out for public comment, accepted personnel recommendations including new hires, and discussed future financial savings ideas for a potential work session. A purchase over $25,000 for a technology refresh for second and seventh grade students, totaling $73,440, was approved. Discussion was held regarding the May 2026 levy, which requires subsequent action following legal review and a special meeting notice.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items included the approval of the agenda and subsequent personnel matters concerning professional staff (school nurse) and service substitutes (cooks). The Board voted to enter an executive session to discuss personnel matters. Upon returning to the regular session, the Board accepted the superintendent's recommendation for personnel actions, with specific changes made to the effective dates for two individuals, pending their documentation completion.