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. Superintendent Spotlight
      1. Compass Program, Melinda Parkins and Shane MoatsMelinda Parkins and Shane Moats presented the Compass Program, a pilot short-term alternative education setting for K-5 students with significant behavioral or social-emotional needs. Operating on a four-day week, the program provides intensive interventions from a teacher-counselor team, small class sizes, and individualized support to help students regulate behavior and return to regular classrooms within 4-8 weeks. Parent involvement is required through a signed contract, and transitions back to the general education classrooms are gradual and documented. Placement pauses if a suspected disability requires special education procedures under Senate Bill 199 and IDEA. The program currently serves 3-4 students at a time and has successfully reintegrated all first-quarter participants. Staff have shared information with all elementary schools, and the team hopes for renewed grant funding and potential regional collaboration as demand grows.
   2. Public ParticipationNone.
   3. Policy 2322
      1. Office of Child Nutrition Report, Chris MelonasFood Service Director Chris Melonas reported on federal meal program participation, including the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, CACFP for supper, and planned expansion of evening snacks. The county's CEP rate is 92%, allowing most meals to be reimbursed at the free rate through the current cycle, though future rates may change based on needy data. Participation has increased across schools, boosting revenue by $143,000 compared to last year, while food costs dropped by $20,000. Supper reimbursement alone totaled $733,000 against $298,000 in costs, reducing the general fund contribution to about $106,000 and preventing a $540,000 shortfall. Roane County ranks #1 in WV for supper reimbursement and top-three per student. Staffing challenges remain due to extended hours, but all schools currently offer supper. The director also noted efficiencies from managing child nutrition across three counties and the superintendent expressed appreciation for local staff.
      2. Spencer Elementary School LSIC Spencer Elementary reported continued academic and climate gains, supported by state-funded math PD and implementation of HB 3035, which identified students below benchmark and required individualized SAT plans. Attendance improved significantly, with chronic absenteeism dropping from 32% to 15.6%, and current rates holding near 15% through incentives, daily monitoring, and family outreach. Behavior data showed 245 total incidents, including 26 in-school and 3 out-of-school suspensions, with most issues categorized as Level 1 disruptions. Staff also reviewed curriculum supports such as i-Ready, Wonders, 95% phonics, Reveal Math, and specialized interventions, and highlighted strong community engagement through family events and partnerships that reinforce academic and social-emotional growth.
3. New Business for Consideration and Potential Action
   1. Update on Roane County Schools' State of EmergencyRoane County Schools is on the State Board agenda for December 10 to approve the closure and consolidation plan and amend the CEFP. Six-month updates have been moved to January. If approved, personnel realignment will begin immediately, with staff voting on hiring priorities moved up to December 19 following a meeting of faculty senate presidents and principals on December 15. Leadership will provide an overview of RIF and transfer processes to ensure clarity. Public comment for the State Board meeting requires online registration and is limited to two minutes per speaker.
   2. Consideration of Draft School Calendar for 2026-27The board reviewed the draft 2026-27 school calendar, developed with leadership feedback and aligned as closely as possible with Jackson County. Key changes include scheduling Faculty Senate time before professional learning days to avoid conflicts, starting faculty on August 12 and students on August 18, maintaining staggered starts for preschool and kindergarten, and preserving breaks such as a full week for Thanksgiving, two weeks for Christmas, and spring break with out-of-contract and OS days for flexibility. The draft will go to principals for review, then schools, and open for public comment before final adoption.
4. Consent Agenda - (Action)Motion by Daris Harper and seconded by James Minney to approve the following consent agenda as recommended by Michelle Stellato, Superintendent. Motion carried. (8:36 pm)
   1. Approval of minutes of regular board meeting on November 20, 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. Policies
      1. Third Reading & Adoption
         1. Policy 491 (revised)
   4. Contract(s) / Bid(s) / Agreement(s)
      1. Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy MOU
      2. Marshall University MOU for clinical teacher of record
   5. Field Trips
   6. Volunteers
   7. Student Transfers
5. Personnel Consent Agenda - (Action)Motion by Eileen Richardson and seconded by Daris Harper to approve the following personnel items as recommended by Michelle Stellato, Superintendent. Motion carried. (8:37 pm)
   1. Resignation(s)
      1. Myers, Kristen - SOAR After School Teacher (Spencer Elementary School), effective December 8, 2025
   2. New Employment(s)
      1. _______________________ - Substitute teacher (RCS - Substitutes), effective December 5, 2025Item 2.a. was withdrawn.
   3. Extracurricular(s)
      1. Swiney, Joseph - Assistant Instructor, Archery (Auxiliary) (Geary Elementary / Middle School), effective December 5, 2025
      2. Dolan, Corena - Yearbook Advisor (Spencer Elementary School), effective December 5, 2025
6. Reports of CommitteesNone.
7. Superintendent's RemarksThe superintendent discussed two major court rulings: (1) an immunization order requiring continued denial of religious exemptions for enrollment, and (2) a stay on the creation of new charter schools, allowing current charter students to remain enrolled while giving the legislature and governor 60 days to act. The charter ruling cites constitutional rights for county residents to vote on school establishment. Additionally, the superintendent reported attending a House Education Committee meeting with other superintendents to discuss funding formulas, personnel issues, and flexibility for high school programs, including CTE and NOCTI testing. Further guidance is expected at next week's Superintendents Association conference.
8. Adjournment
   1. Adjourn until the next regular board meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 6:00 pm at Roane County High School.Motion by Dennis Carpenter and seconded by Daris Harper to approve. Motion carried. (8:41 pm)