West Virginia Dept. of Education

The board meeting focused on recognizing exemplary schools for their academic achievements and attendance practices. Discussion topics included the presentation of successful models such as the walk-to-intervention approach, strategies for reducing chronic absenteeism, and the implementation of literacy programs that emphasize writing across all content areas. Various school delegations were recognized for their progress, including improvements in proficiency levels and innovative practices to support student growth.

The Board conducted a swearing-in ceremony for a new board member. Recognitions were presented to Milken Educator Award recipients, followed by discussions regarding the importance of teacher passion and connection in student learning. Multiple public delegations addressed the board, primarily advocating for the maintenance of current student vaccination requirements and expressing support for public education initiatives.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. Delegations addressed the Board regarding proposed constitutional amendments concerning taxation and education policy, the HOPE scholarship program, and school safety/mental health concerns. A School Safety Update was provided, detailing the development of a unified statewide response plan and a mobile reporting app. The Board received an update on the 2021 Strategic Plan, focusing on economic preparedness, school readiness, and career/workforce readiness. The Consent Agenda included approvals for various items such as a waiver for professional development for a Kanawha County teacher, amendments to the Wood County Board of Education's Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan (CEFP), approval of CTE Endorsements and Testing Manuals, and placement of two policies (Policy 2445.40 and Policy 6200) on public comment. The Superintendent provided updates on an Academic Showdown, preliminary assessment results, and a new 'Public School Proud' initiative. The Board unanimously approved an amendment to the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) State Partnership Agreement concerning fee-based reviews. An update was provided regarding the Lincoln County Schools State of Emergency, followed by an executive session. Upon returning to public session, the Board unanimously voted to continue the state of emergency in Lincoln County for an additional six months, contingent upon specific corrective actions being taken by the county. Following a second executive session regarding personnel and litigation matters, the Board returned and approved the personnel attachment. The session concluded with member updates, a suggestion for a public service announcement, and the election of new officers for the upcoming term.

The meeting agenda included several action items under the consent agenda. These involved the recommendation to approve minutes from the February 2025 meeting, and several employment policies related to substitute teachers and retired bus operators in critical need and shortage areas for Putnam and McDowell counties. Furthermore, the Board was asked to approve affidavits from various counties for submission to the Consolidated Public Retirement Board, an amendment to the Monroe County Board of Education's Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan (CEFP) concerning HVAC upgrades at James Monroe High School, a statewide waiver concerning Policy 5100 regarding educator preparation programs during Residency 2, and approval of the updated West Virginia Licensure Testing Directory. New business items included a demonstration of the View My Assessment Results Portal, a Special Circumstance Review of Mingo County Schools related to local board member effectiveness, and approval of WVBE and WVDE personnel matters.

The meeting included several key agenda items, beginning with the approval of the agenda and recognition of a county schools business manager. Discussions with delegations covered Senator Manchin's Academy Training Day, school discipline reports, support for beginning teachers, and implications of Constitutional Amendment 4. The Board received updates regarding the Lincoln County Schools State of Emergency, including concerns over academic program changes, and a progress update on the Jefferson County Special Circumstance Review Report concerning High School Counseling, which was approved. Policy 2422.7 regarding standards for medical cannabis use by students was approved. A statewide waiver request for Policy 4336 related to the electric school bus pilot program was approved. Significant personnel discussions occurred in executive sessions, resulting in the approval of the State Superintendent of Schools' request to transfer to the Superintendent of the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind position, and the subsequent unanimous employment of a new State Superintendent of Schools. The Consent Agenda covered various items, including the approval of several county policies regarding substitute teachers and program documentation, acceptance of accreditation decisions for West Virginia State University and Salem University, and approval of Policy 1461 and Policy 2422.2. Reports included updates on the Strategic Plan concerning economic preparedness, a Year in Review, July Legislative Interims reports, and accountability assessment results. The Board also approved the meeting schedule for September 2022 through August 2023.