Roane County Schools

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1. This meeting can be joined remotely. The public could join by calling 1-304-553-7794 and entering the provided conference ID or on Microsoft Teams using the provided link.
2. Presentations
   1. Superintendents Spotlight
      1. Capturing Kids Hearts (CKH) - Good ThingsBoard members, students, and staff members shared positive events from across the district. Board member Terry Miller recognized the success of the Roane County High School FFA program. Board President Daris Harper praised the success of Dolly Days at Spencer Elementary School. Board member James Minney shared that he attended the FLP Program promotion ceremony and commended the program's continued growth. A student representative reported strong participation in the upcoming homecoming dance, while Anna Grace Hayes highlighted student involvement in the FFA Fall Leadership Conference at Cedar Lakes. Jennifer Hunt, principal of Roane County High School, shared students' enthusiasm for homecoming spirit week activities and staff participation in dress-up days.
      2. Roane FFARCHS FFA members and advisors were recognized for their outstanding performances at state competitions. Several teams earned first place finishes, including Entomology, Floriculture, Nursery Landscape, Poultry, and the eighth-grade Agri-Science team. Students shared information about their respective competitions and the preparation required for success. Advisor Mr. Hayes reported that multiple first-place teams qualified for National FFA Convention competition in Indianapolis and emphasized the need for future fundraising efforts to support travel and participation. Board members and administration congratulated the students and advisors on continuing a long tradition of excellence within the Roane County FFA program.
   2. Public ParticipationMs. Ota set out the public participation sign-in sheet at 5:45 pm, and it was removed at 5:55 pm, in accordance with Roane County Schools Policy 020 - Meetings. No individuals signed up for public participation.
   3. Policy 2322 - RCHS Accountability Report / LSIC MeetingThe Roane County High School administrative team and LSIC representatives presented the annual accountability report. Enrollment was reported at 434 students, including 25 virtual learners. Attendance data showed an overall attendance rate of 94.26 percent and a chronic absenteeism rate of 13.34 percent. Administrators outlined attendance interventions including support from Communities in Schools, administrative parent contacts, SAT referrals, attendance incentives, and partnerships with student support services. Discipline data reflected reductions from the previous year; however, concerns remain regarding vaping and THC-related incidents. Administrators explained ongoing implementation of PBIS, Capturing Kids' Hearts, counseling supports, detention programs, and requests for consideration of a school resource officer. Achievement data showed ELA performance above state averages while math achievement remained an area of concern. The school reported four-year and five-year graduation rates exceeding standards and noted improvements in post-secondary success indicators. Administrators discussed interventions focused on SAT preparation, Khan Academy usage, monitoring of failing grades, parent communication, credit recovery options, Options Pathway opportunities, AP course offerings, CTE program expansion, and the addition of Intro to Agriculture for eighth-grade students. Questions from board members focused on attendance interventions, PBIS implementation, math achievement concerns, student support systems, credit recovery, and CTE program development.
   4. Information:
      1. SB 890 - Changes to School Calendar RequirementsSuperintendent Michelle Stellato provided an overview of changes resulting from Senate Bill 890. The legislation changes school calendar requirements from 180 instructional days to 900 instructional hours while allowing counties greater flexibility in scheduling. The superintendent explained that employee contracts, public hearing requirements, faculty senate requirements, and other statutory obligations remain in place. The flexibility may allow counties to consider modified schedules, professional learning opportunities, and different approaches to instructional delivery while maintaining required instructional hours. Administration will engage stakeholder groups, including the Superintendent's Advisory Council, employees, and community members, to gather input as future calendars are developed.
      2. Engagement with Neola for RCS policy revisionsSuperintendent Stellato discussed the need to update and align county policies with current state requirements. Administration recently identified policy gaps while reviewing requirements related to third-grade retention under House Bill 3035. After discussions with Neola, the company offered to review and update Roane County's policies to incorporate approximately fifteen updates that have occurred since the county departed from the service. Administration recommended moving forward with Neola's assistance to ensure policies remain legally compliant and current. Board members expressed support for pursuing the engagement given its potential long-term benefits and liability protection.
3. New Business for Consideration and Potential Action
   1. FY26 Financial Statement PresentationTreasurer Ann Hardman presented the FY26 financial statements. The district closed the fiscal year with an unassigned fund balance deficit of $415,745, representing an improvement of approximately $951,000 over the prior year's deficit. Positive factors contributing to the improvement included increased Medicaid reimbursements, higher-than-budgeted tax revenues, delayed bus purchases, food service savings, grant balances, asset sales, and cost reduction measures implemented throughout the district. Despite the progress, the county remains in deficit status and still must rebuild fund balance reserves to meet state requirements. Additional financial reports reviewed included revenues and expenditures, debt obligations, variance comparisons, statements of activities, and net position reports. Administration emphasized that maintaining the current level of improvement may be difficult due to changing funding circumstances and enrollment-related financial pressures. Board members commended district leadership and employees for the collective effort that resulted in the substantial reduction of the deficit.
4. Consent Agenda - (Action)Motion by Terry Miller and seconded by John Gray to approve the following consent agenda as recommended by Michelle Stellato, Superintendent. Motion carried. (8:44 pm)
   1. Approval of minutes of regular board meeting on September 17, 2026
   2. Finance
      1. Transfers/supplements to the budget
      2. Payments of bills as submitted; pre-approval to release checks not to exceed $20,000 prior to the next board meeting
      3. Financial ReportsTreasurer Hardman presented the monthly financial report and check register. She reported a balance of $25,324.28 in the Poca Valley Bank account and $2,127,070.17 in the Investment Pool account, for a total cash position of $2,152,394.45. Ms. Tanner noted that recent tax collections had reduced the need to transfer funds from the investment pool. Board members briefly discussed utility expenses associated with former school buildings and the importance of ensuring facilities are winterized prior to colder weather.
      4. Board Member Pay for Meeting Attendance
      5. Board Member Travel Reimbursement
   3. Policies
      1. First Reading
         1. Policy 221 - Program of Study for Early Learning Programs (Grades PK through 5) (revision)Policy 221 was presented for comment. The proposed revision removes language related to student promotion, acceleration, placement, and retention and transfers those provisions to a separate policy.
         2. Policy 222 - Program of Study for Middle School (Grades 6 through 8) (revision)Policy 222 was presented for comment. The proposed revision removes language related to student promotion, acceleration, placement, and retention and transfers those provisions to a separate policy.
         3. Policy 219 - Promotion, Acceleration, Placement and Retention of Students (new)New Policy 219 was presented for comment. The policy establishes procedures regarding the promotion, acceleration, placement, and retention of students and was developed to address current state requirements, including provisions related to third-grade retention.
   4. Contract(s) / Bid(s) / Agreement(s)
      1. 2027 GEAR UP Grant Agreement- West Virginia Higher Education Policy CommissionA Gear Up grant agreement was presented to the board.
   5. Field Trips
   6. Volunteers
   7. Student Transfers
5. Personnel Consent Agenda - (Action)Motion by Eileen Richardson and seconded by James Minney to approve the following personnel items as recommended by Michelle Stellato, Superintendent. Motion carried. (8:46 pm)A drawing was conducted to determine the calling order for substitute aides. The results were as follows: 1) Wendy Moore, 2) Ottumn Metheney and 3) Sumer McGuire.
   1. Resignation(s)
      1. Keen, Barbara - Substitute teacher (RCS - Substitutes), effective October 1, 2026
      2. Miller, Allison - Teacher / 2nd Grade (Spencer Elementary School), effective October 16, 2026
   2. New Employment(s)
      1. Vaughan, Brittney - SOAR Morning Teacher (Spencer Elementary School), effective October 2, 2026
      2. McGuire, Sumer - Substitute aide (RCS - Substitutes), effective October 2, 2026The effective date for item 2.b. was changed to October 5, 2026.
      3. Moore, Wendy - Substitute LPN / Aide (RCS - Substitutes), effective October 2, 2026The effective date for item 2.c. was changed to October 5, 2026.
      4. Deel, Lisa - Substitute cook (RCS - Substitutes), effective October 5, 2026
      5. Metheney, Ottumn - Substitute aide (RCS - Substitutes), effective October 5, 2026
   3. Transfer(s)
      1. Freeland, Lori - Substitute cook (RCS - Substitutes) to Cook III (Roane County High School), effective October 5, 2026The effective date for Item 3.a. was corrected to October 5, 2026. It was noted that the position carries a Limited Length of Contract as specified in the job posting.
   4. Leave of Absence(s)
      1. Roberts, Sherri - Communities in Schools Coordinator (Spencer Middle School), effective September 15, 2026 to June 30, 2027, FMLA - Intermittent Usage
   5. Extracurricular(s)
      1. Jett, Cynthia - Homecoming Sponsor (Roane County High School), effective October 2, 2026
6. Reports of Committees
   1. Roane Jackson Technical Center Administrative Council (9/22/26)Board member John Gray reported on the recent meeting of the Roane-Jackson Technical Center Administrative Council. The Council approved financial reports, expenditures, carryover supplements, and personnel recommendations, including the retirement resignation of the Grow Your Own instructor and revisions to that position's job description. Additional approvals included teacher mentors, clinical and co-op training agreements, a change order related to roofing improvements, and the sale of a student-built tiny house to the Calhoun County Commission. Mr. Harper further reported that the CDL class is full, adult programs remain stable, the new building project is substantially complete, and the annual Open House and Tech or Treat is scheduled for October 22.
7. Superintendent's RemarksSuperintendent Stellato addressed increasing concerns regarding THC vape usage at Roane County High School. Administration reported multiple recent expulsion recommendations and outlined plans for student education, accountability measures, cessation programming, and continued enforcement efforts. The superintendent emphasized that while the problem often begins outside school, schools must address behaviors that impact the educational environment. She also provided an extensive update regarding behavior concerns at Spencer Elementary School. Administration has identified a relatively small group of students requiring intensive behavioral and special education support. Efforts underway include a state-requested cultural review, analysis of special education services, multidisciplinary interventions, improvements to communication procedures, review of PBIS practices, and assessment of alternative education options. The superintendent assured the board and community that the concerns are receiving significant administrative attention. The remarks concluded with recognition of student participation in the Black Walnut Festival and appreciation for opportunities the event provides local students.
8. Proposed Executive SessionThe proposed executive session was withdrawn.
9. Adjournment
   1. Adjourn until the next regular meeting on Thursday, October 15, at 6:00 pm at Spencer Middle SchoolMotion by Eileen Richardson and seconded by John Gray to approve. Motion carried. (9:08 pm)