Roane County Schools

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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the
Board of Education of the County of Roane

September 11, 2025

6:00 pm @ Roane County High School, Spencer, WV

  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. Superintendent Spotlight
      1. Future Leaders ProgramIn observance of 9-11, our Future Leaders Program team presented the American flag, as Mr. Minney recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Tyler Caruthers, Instructor of the Future Leaders Program (FLP), announced that starting next year, the FLP will become a recognized Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, opening up opportunities for grant funding. He passionately shared the program's impact on students-especially those previously struggling-by teaching practical life skills like personal finance, emergency preparedness, CPR, and first aid. Caruthers described noticeable personal growth in students, including one formerly disruptive student who is now a class leader. Sophomore, Addison Lowe, the program's company commander, spoke about how the program helped her gain confidence, build friendships, and prepare for a future in healthcare through certifications and hands-on training. With about 60 students enrolled and more trying to join, the program's popularity is growing.
    2. Public ParticipationCorrie Ota set the public participation sign-in sheet out at 5:45 pm and it was removed at 5:55 pm. Justin Shears, Gabe Boggs, and Sierra Thaxton spoke on school consolidation. Nona Perkins spoke on consolidation, over hiring, and school needs. Rachel Hays spoke on consolidation and class sizes. Ashley Glaspell spoke on board bond recovery and consolidation.
    3. Policy 2322
      1. Facilities and TransportationJerry Garner, Director of Facilities and Transportation, presented a transportation and facilities efficiency report that outlines key compliance requirements under policies 2322, 3336, and 3166. For transportation, indicators include ensuring all bus drivers are certified with up-to-date CDLs and physicals, tracking annual bus inspection defect rates, conducting monthly preventive maintenance, participating in training (though points will be lost this year due to not attending the state conference), maintaining a lean parts inventory, and monitoring spare bus ratios (currently above the 30% threshold due to aging fleet). Additional reporting includes ridership, total bus count, student ride times, and illegal passing incidents. A score of 91 out of 130 (70%) is needed, and despite a few deductions, the department expects to exceed that. On the facilities side, the Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan (CEFP) must be updated annually by December 1, with errors from previous drafts being corrected, while the annual safety and indoor air quality reports must be submitted on time to earn full points. Projects over $50,000 must be pre-approved by the Department of Education to avoid penalties. Additionally, under policy 3166, a Request for Proposal (RFP) is being prepared to map 3-5 schools with digitized floor plans, integrated with 911 and local law enforcement systems. Principals are responsible for room numbering, and the state provides $4,500 per school, with any excess costs covered locally.
  3. New Business for Consideration and Potential Action
    1. Establish Board Goals for 2025-26 School YearMotion by Daris Harper and seconded by James Minney to approve. Motion carried. (6:55 pm)
    2. Establish Superintendent Goals for 2025-26 School YearMotion by Dennis Carpenter and seconded by Daris Harper to approve. Motion carried. (6:56 pm)
    3. Update on Roane County School State of EmergencyRoane County Schools is facing a budget deficit of $3.24 million, which has grown from the initial $2.5 million, due to lower student enrollment, required staffing increases, and unexpected expenses. In response, the district is exploring various cost-cutting measures. One proposed solution is the closure of Spencer Elementary School, with students possibly moving to Walton and Geary, though savings would be offset by increased transportation and facility costs. A range of other cost-cutting ideas were discussed, including eliminating related arts, reducing staff, increasing class sizes, and moving to a four-day school week, though many of these are extreme and not guaranteed for approval. Leadership has already made some budget reductions and is seeking additional funding, but tough decisions still lie ahead. A revised financial plan is being developed to meet state requirements, with a focus on transparency and minimizing negative impacts on students.
    4. Proposed closure of Geary and Walton Elementary Middle Schools and the consolidation of their grades K-5 into Spencer Elementary, and their grades 6-8 into Spencer Middle School and the consolidation of Pre-K students from all schools into the space now occupied by the office of Student Support Services at Roane County High School The Superintendent has presented us with a proposal in the form of an Impact Statement and Supporting Data to close Geary and Walton Elementary Middle Schools at the end of the 2025-26 school year, and consolidate their K-5 students into Spencer Elementary and their 6-8 grade students in Spencer Middle School, and consolidate all Pre-K students from all schools into the space now occupied by the Office of Student Support Services located at Roane County High School. In accordance with West Virginia Code 18-5-13a and West Virginia Board of Education Policy 6204 governing school closing and consolidation, I, Dennis Carpenter, move: 1) That without at this time making a decision on the proposals, the Board approves, as to form, the Impact Statement and Supporting Data submitted at this meeting by the Superintendent. 2) That the Board directs the Superintendent to cause a Class III legal advertisement to be published of the proposed action by the Board of Education, and of the required public hearings on the Superintendent's recommendation, as set forth in the attached legal advertisement. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS PROPOSED CLOSURE OF GEARY AND WALTON ELEMENTARY MIDDLE SCHOOLS AND THE CONSOLIDATION OF THEIR GRADES K-5 INTO SPENCER ELEMENTARY, AND THEIR GRADES 6-8 INTO SPENCER MIDDLE SCHOOL AND THE CONSOLIDATION OF PRE-K STUDENTS FORM ALL STUDENTS INTO THE SPACE NOW OCCUPIED BY THE OFFICE OF STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES AT ROANE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL ROANE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION The Roane County Board of Education will hold five public hearings on the Superintendent's recommendation to close Geary and Walton Elementary Middle schools at the end of the 2025-26 school year, and consolidate their K-5 students into Spencer Elementary and their 6-8 grade students into Spencer Middle School, and consolidate all Pre-K students from all schools into the space now occupied by the Office of Student Support Services located at Roane County High School. Public hearings will be held at the following locations, dates, and times listed below: -LOCATION: Walton Elementary Middle School, 90 School Dr., Walton WV 25286 DATE AND TIME: Monday, October 27, 2025, 5:00 pm. -LOCATION: Geary Elementary Middle School, 9538 Clay Rd. Left Hand WV 25251 DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 5:00 pm. -LOCATION: Spencer Elementary School, 85 Clay Rd. Spencer, WV 25276 DATE AND TIME: Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 5:00 pm. -LOCATION: Spencer Middle School, 2 Raider Way, Spencer, WV 25276. DATE AND TIME: Monday, November 3, 2025, 5:00 pm. -LOCATION: Roane County High School, 1 Raider Way, Spencer, WV 25276 DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 5:00 pm . If at the time a hearing is called to order, the Board determines that the location is of insufficient size to accommodate all who desire to attend, the hearing will be recessed and moved to a new location of sufficient size to accommodate all those who desire to attend. If that happens, the new meeting location will be posted at the original meeting location. If a public hearing is not completed by 11:00 pm, it will be recessed, to be continued on a date and a time designated and announced by the Board just prior to the hearing recess, to be continued day-to-day until concluded. The public hearings, as well as any reconvened session of the public hearings, shall end at the conclusion of each hearing's business or at 11:00 pm, whichever occurs earlier. ALTERNATE DATES AND TIMES If, due to inclement weather or other cause, any hearing cannot be held on the scheduled date, the hearing will be held at the same location as originally scheduled, but on the following dates and times: Walton Elementary Middle School, Thursday, October 30, 2025, beginning at 5:00 pm. Geary Elementary Middle School, Saturday, November 1, 2025, beginning at 9:00 am. Spencer Elementary School, Saturday, November 1, 2025, beginning at 5:00 pm. Spencer Middle School, Wednesday, November 5, 2025 beginning at 5:00 pm. Roane County High School Thursday, November 6, 2025 beginning at 9:00 am. If for any reason a hearing cannot be conducted on the alternative dates or times listed, the Board will determine a date and time. HEARING PROCEDURES For a period of 30 minutes prior to the commencement of a public hearing, persons shall register at the hearing location for the purpose of making statements, offering testimony, and questioning school officials concerning the proposals. Each hearing will begin with an oral summary by a representative of Roane County Schools on the reasons and supporting data in connection with the proposed action by the Board. Speakers will then be recognized in the order in which they registered. Each speaker shall be limited to 5 minutes unless, in accordance with Board Policy 020, the President reduces that time limit to provide all persons wishing to speak the opportunity to do so. SUBMISSION OF WRITTEN MATERIAL The Board will consider any written material submitted by members of the public concerning the proposals if the material, with 6 copies, is submitted to and received by the Office of the Superintendent of Schools at 813 Capitol Street, Spencer, WV 25276, before 12:00 pm on Friday, October 24, 2025. REASONS AND SUPPORTING DATA Until the date of the first hearing, written reasons for the Superintendent's recommendation in the form of an Impact Statement and Supporting Data are available for public inspection in the Office of the Superintendent of Schools at 813 Capitol Street, Spencer, WV 25276, on weekdays between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:00 pm FINAL ACTION The Board of Education will take formal action on the Superintendent's proposal to close Geary and Walton Elementary Middle Schools and consolidate their K-5 five students into existing Spencer Elementary School, their 6-8 students into existing Spencer Middle School, and all Pre-K students from all schools into the area currently operated by the Office of Student Services, located at Roane County High School at its regular meeting at Roane County High School, 1 Raider Way, Spencer, WV 25276, on Thursday, November 6, 2025, beginning at 6:00 pm. If, due to inclement weather or other cause, the Board meeting cannot be held on the scheduled date, the meeting will be held at the same location and time as originally scheduled, but on Friday, November 7, 2025. Michelle D. Stellato Superintendent Roane County Schools Newspaper: WV News-Roane County Reporter First run: Friday, October 3, 2025 Second run: Friday, October 10, 2025 Third run: Friday, October 17, 2025 Fourth Run: Friday, October 24, 2025 3) That for at least 30 days prior to the date of the first hearing, a copy of the notice of hearings shall be posted in conspicuous working areas at all the Board's schools, including, but not limited to, Geary Elementary Middle School, Walton Elementary Middle School, Spencer Elementary School, Spencer Middle School and Roane County High School and at all bus garages and maintenance areas in the county, for all professional and service personnel to observe. 4) That the written reasons in the form of the Impact Statement and Supporting Data that the Superintendent presented to the Board at tonight's meeting shall serve as the reasons and supporting data that, by law, must be (a) made available for public inspection at the office of the Superintendent during the 30 days preceding the date of the first hearing; (b) delivered in duplicate to the principals of Geary Elementary Middle School, Walton Elementary Middle School, Spencer Elementary School, Spencer Middle School and Roane County High School; and (c) delivered in duplicate to the chairs, if any, of the local school improvement councils of Geary Elementary Middle School, Walton Elementary Middle School, Spencer Elementary School, Spencer Middle School and Roane County High School. 5)That the Superintendent, on behalf of the Board, comply with all procedures that are required for the public hearings under the statute and State Board policy. This motion was seconded by James Minney. Motion carried. (8:11 pm)
  4. Consent Agenda - (Action) Motion carried. (8:46 pm)
    1. Approval of minutes of regular board meeting on August 21, 2025
    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 Reports
    3. Policies
    4. Contract(s) / Bid(s) / Agreement(s)
      1. Transportation contract for 1 student
      2. The Developmental Advantage MOU for Board Certified Behavior Analyst fieldwork supervision services.
      3. WVU Board of Governors to provide field experience for WVU Program Students
      4. KVC Behavioral Healthcare, West Virginia, Inc. for mental health servicesUnder consent agenda motion, a vote was taken to approve item 4.d. and item 6.a.i. Daris Harper recused himself from the discussion and vote and left the room. Motion carried. (8:46 pm)
      5. MOVRC AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program
    5. Field Trips
      1. RCHS FFA to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana (10/28/25 to 11/1/25)
      2. RCHS FFA to State CDE's in Morgantown, WV (9/24/25 to 9/26/25)
    6. Volunteers
      1. Spencer Elementary School
        1. Tina Armstrong, Angela Atwood, Sierra Ball, Courtney Bise, Carly Brohard, Krisheana Carey, Kayla Conley, Kristen Drake, Kelsey Hall, Ryan Hall, Amanda Harper, Daris Harper, Sara Jarvis, Angela McGlothlin, Sara Moore, Milly O'Brien, Courtney Pritt, Ashley Pursley, Delores Saunders, Judy Saunders, Andrea Shamblin, Abby Sherman, Susan Shreve, Katie Shultz, Brooke Starcher, Jason Starcher and Cathy Whysell
      2. Geary Elementary Middle School
        1. Adam Smith, Lauren Lawson, Heidi Goodwin, Brittney Duffield, Anne Sullivan, Erica Ward, Sarah Looney, Dawn Jett, Amy Shears, William Shears, Audrey Engle, Gwynna Midkiff, Terra Keen-Smith, Daniel Jurkovich and Krislyn Abbott
      3. Roane County High School
        1. Andrea Hays, Natalie Roberts, Amanda Mitchell, Laura Mace, Brandi Workman, Dianna Carpenter, Clark Hunt, Bonnie Kirk, Emily Jackson, Sallie Spinks, Janice Ray and Megan Anderson
    7. Student Transfers
      1. 1 Student transfers from Kanawha County Schools
    8. Clinical Experience(s)
      1. Sarah Hewitt, Wilmington University (practicum courses)
  5. Personnel Consent Agenda - (Action)Motion by Daris Harper and seconded by Eileen Richardson to approve the following personnel items as recommended by Michelle Stellato, Superintendent. Motion carried. (8:56 pm)
    1. Abolish Position(s)
      1. Accountant II / Secretary II (SMS), effective September 12, 2025
      2. Accountant II / Secretary II (RCHS), effective September 12, 2025
      3. Social Media Coordinator (SMS), effective September 12, 2025
      4. Social Media Coordinator (RCHS), effective September 12, 2025
      5. Social Media Coordinator (SES), effective September 12, 2025
      6. Social Media Coordinator (WEMS), effective September 12, 2025
      7. Social Media Coordinator (GEMS), effective September 12, 2025
      8. Coordinator of Special Educator Support (Stu Srv), effective September 12, 2025
    2. Create New Position(s)
      1. Teacher/Special Education, Itinerant (GEMS), 200 days, effective September 12, 2025, Position is for the remain 2025-2026 school year only.Item 2.a. is a half-day position
      2. SOAR Program Coordinator/Collaborative Liaison (CO), 220 days, effective September 12, 2025, (Funded by 21st Century Grant and Federal Funds)(Flexible Calendar)
      3. Coordinator of Special Educator Support & Transitions (CO), 210 days, effective September 12, 2025, (Funded through Step 7d and Guidepost to Graduation Grant)
      4. Teacher / Special Education, Itinerant (WEMS), 200 days, effective September 12, 2025, Itinerant position for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year. Item 2.d. is a full-day position.
      5. Aide II, Itinerant, Temporary (SES), 200 days, effective September 12, 2025, Temporary Itinerant position that will remain in affect as long as there is a need. Position is only for the 2025-2026 school year.Item 2.e. is a half-day position.
      6. Teacher/Special Education, Itinerant (SES), 200 days, effective September 12, 2025, Position is for the remaining 2025-2026 school year only.Item 2.f. is a full-day position.
      7. Aide II, Itinerant, Temporary (RCHS), 200 days, effective September 12, 2025, Temporary Itinerant position that will remain in affect as long as there is a need. Position is only for the 2025-2026 school year.Item 2.g. is a full-day position.
      8. Aide II, Itinerant, Temporary (RCHS), 200 days, effective September 12, 2025, Temporary Itinerant position that will remain in affect as long as there is a need. Position is only for the 2025-2026 school year.Item 2.h. is a full-day position.
      9. Secretary I (SMS), 205 days, effective September 12, 2025
    3. Resignation(s)
      1. Ellis, Melinda - Aide / ECCAT (Spencer Elementary School), effective September 8, 2025
    4. New Employment(s)
      1. Goffreda, Tessa - LPN / Aide (Walton Elementary / Middle School), effective August 5, 2025, Correction from Board Meeting on August 14, 2025. Position is not an ECCAT position.
      2. Moore, Wendy - LPN / Aide (Geary Elementary / Middle School), effective September 3, 2025, Change of effective date from board meeting on August 21, 2025
      3. Haynes, Lisa - Substitute teacher (RCS - Substitutes), effective September 12, 2025
      4. Patton, Cassie - Substitute secretary (RCS - Substitutes), effective September 12, 2025
      5. Ellis, Heather - Substitute teacher (RCS - Substitutes), effective September 12, 2025
      6. Keaton, Rebecca - Teacher / 5th Grade (Spencer Elementary School), effective September 12, 2025, Pending Release from Kanawha County Schools.
      7. Bradley, Kolleen - Aide V / Special Education Assistant Teacher (Spencer Middle School), effective September 12, 2025
      8. Huffman, Billie - Secretary I (Roane County High School), effective September 12, 2025
    5. Extracurricular(s)
      1. Jett, Cynthia - Student Council Sponsor (Roane County High School), effective September 12, 2025
      2. Hunt, Jennifer - Homecoming Sponsor (Roane County High School), effective September 12, 2025
  6. Reports of Committees
    1. Faculty Senate Minutes (RCHS, SMS, SES, WEMS and GEMS)
  7. Superintendent's RemarksChange orders were presented to the board to use SBA safety grant excess funds for a $30,000 intercom system at RCHS. A low-cost ($2,500) technology audit, funded by a Tools for Schools grant, will help identify ongoing issues. Balanced scorecards were received and will be reviewed at the next meeting. LSIC meetings are being scheduled, and a voluntary "car rider bus" program will be piloted to address Spencer Elementary traffic concerns. The board acknowledged a recent bus accident, noting all students are safe and praising the quick response. Preliminary food service data shows increased student participation, and faculty feedback survey results are in. Canvas rollout has been difficult due to hidden tech system issues-not Canvas itself. The district has found resources to fix these, with support from the State Department, and communication continues with staff. Staffing remains a challenge: a certified sub has filled the 2nd grade position at Walton after three postings, while pre-K still lacks a certified teacher. Board members were reminded of recent and upcoming trainings, including the November 15th Stonewall session.
  8. AdjournmentMotion by Dennis Carpenter and seconded by Eileen Richardson to approve. Motion carried. (9:09 pm)
    1. Adjourn until the next regular board meeting on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 6:00 pm at Roane County High School.