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. K-2 School-Level Science Fair Winners: Colby Grogg, Cooper Stepp, Docker Stepp, Nadine Mertz and Harper MetzStudents, Colby Grogg, Cooper Stepp, Docker Stepp, Nadine Mertz and Harper Metz were recognized for earning blue ribbons at Spencer Elementary School's Science Fair with projects including experiments on milk-based plastic, Skittles color diffusion, mud brick strength, and wildlife shelters. Certificates were presented, and the Board commended students and teachers for their creativity.
      2. Geary High Tunnel - Darlene NormanMs. Darlene Norman shared the success of the Geary High Tunnel with the Patch Program, highlighting hydroponics, student involvement, and community engagement that produced over 1,000 pounds of organic vegetables annually for the students and the community.
   2. Public ParticipationNone.
3. New Business for Consideration and Potential Action
   1. Update on Roane County Schools' State of EmergencyMr. Nathaniel Perry, a technology contractor, reported that network stability issues are due to compatibility issues, which are being addressed. He will be working with Frontier to make some necessary upgrades.
      1. 2026-2027 Personnel Realignment TimelineThe board reviewed the tentative personnel realignment timeline, noting that job postings came down but some remain due to an influx of positions. Principals will receive applicant information tomorrow and have until January 12 to decide on interviews per Policy 5000, with recommendations due January 17 and final forms by 4 PM. Interview recommendations must be submitted by January 20, allowing updates to the agenda before recommendations are finalized on January 22. The reduction-in-force/transfer process begins January 22-23, with initial letters distributed January 26-27 and the hearings scheduled for February 16 and 19, followed by a second letter distribution February 2-3 and the additional hearings on February 19 and March 12. The board also discussed adjusting training and meeting schedules, financial concerns related to the deficit and cash flow, and the upcoming state board review on January 14 regarding the district's state of emergency status.
   2. 2026-27 School Calendar (public hearing 1)The board held the first public hearing on the 2026-2027 school calendar draft, noting no public comments were submitted except one teacher's request to add a professional learning day after the Christmas/New Year holiday. Due to the holiday placement, this adjustment was deemed impractical without disrupting another week. Attendance at this year's similar day was generally good, though slightly impacted by absences, and leadership is reviewing attendance trends for future planning. The board discussed whether timing affects participation and agreed to bring the second public hearing and final draft to the next board meeting.
   3. Property matters involving Walton Elementary Middle and Geary Elementary Middle SchoolsMotion by Daris Harper and seconded by Dennis Carpenter to go into an executive session to discuss property matters, as per WV Code 6-9A-4(b)(9). Motion carried. (6:58 pm)Motion by James Minney and seconded by Daris Harper to return to open session. Motion carried. No action was taken in closed session. (7:18 pm)Motion by James Minney and seconded by Daris Harper to to direct the superintendent to start the process of liquidation or disposal of excess property. Motion carried. (7:18 pm)
   4. Personnel matterMotion by Daris Harper and seconded by James Minney to go into an executive session to discuss a personnel matter, as per WV Code 6-9A-4(b)(2)(A). Motion carried. (7:19 pm)Motion by Dennis Carpenter and seconded by Eileen Richardson to return to open session. Motion carried. No action was taken in closed session. (7:47 pm)
4. Consent Agenda - (Action)Motion by Dennis Carpenter and seconded by Daris Harper to approve the following consent agenda as recommended by Michelle Stellato, Superintendent. Motion carried. (8:21 pm)
   1. Approval of minutes of regular board meeting on December 18, 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. Second Reading
         1. Policy 524 Transfers and Reductions-in-Force
         2. Policy 154 - Termination of Administrative Contracts and Other Contracts
   4. Contract(s) / Bid(s) / Agreement(s)
   5. Field Trips
   6. Volunteers
   7. Student Transfers
   8. Clinical Experience(s)
      1. Maddox Lewis, Glenville State University (practicum courses with placement at SES)
      2. Carly Harper, Glenville State University (practicum courses with placement at SES)
5. Personnel Consent Agenda - (Action) Motion carried. (8:25 pm)
   1. Create New Position(s)
      1. Aide V (SMS), 200 days, effective January 9, 2026, Self-Contained, one-on-one aide
   2. Resignation(s)
      1. Roberts, Justin - Substitute teacher (RCS - Substitutes), effective January 15, 2026
   3. New Employment(s)
      1. Keen, Michelle - Teacher/Special Education (Spencer Elementary School), effective January 9, 2026, Pending release from Kanawha County School
   4. Transfer(s)
      1. Slingerland, Michele - Custodian III (Roane County High (80%), Spencer Middle (20%)) to Custodian III (Roane County High School), effective January 9, 2026
      2. Chaney, Eric - Bus Operator (Bus #43) (RCS - Operations) to Bus Operator (Bus #55) (RCS - Operations), effective January 9, 2026
      3. Gainer, Katherine - Teacher / Title I (Spencer Elementary School) to Assistant Principal (Spencer Elementary School), effective January 9, 2026
      4. Hoffman, Loana - Principal (Walton Elementary / Middle School) to Assistant Principal (Spencer Middle School), effective July 1, 2026, Created due to closure/consolidation & influx of students
      5. Boggs, Curtis - Custodian III (Geary Elementary / Middle School) to Custodian III (Spencer Middle School), effective August 3, 2026, Created due to the closure/consolidation & influx of students
      6. Westfall, Joseph - Custodian III (Roane County High School) to Custodian III (Spencer Elementary School), effective August 3, 2026, Created due to the closure/consolidation & influx of students
   5. Extracurricular(s)
      1. Rector, Joseph - Assistant Coach, Boys Track (Roane County High School), effective January 9, 2026
   6. Suspension(s)
      1. __________________________, Ratify Suspension Dates of Service Substitute from October 22, 2025 to January 8, 2026Motion by Dennis Carpenter and seconded by James Minney to go into an executive session to discuss item #9.a, as per WV Code 6-9A-4(b)(2)(A). Motion carried. (8:26 pm)Motion by Daris Harper and seconded by Eileen Richardson to return to open session. Motion carried. No action was taken in closed session. (8:32 pm)Motion by Daris Harper and seconded by Dennis Carpenter to ratify the suspension of Service Substitute, Amber Lambert, from October 22, 2025 to January 8, 2026. Motion carried. (8:33 pm)
6. Reports of Committees
   1. Spencer Middle School Faculty Senate Minutes (12/19/25)
   2. Roane County High School Faculty Senate Minutes (12/19/25)
   3. Spencer Elementary School Faculty Senate Minutes (12/19/25)
   4. Geary Elementary Middle School Faculty Senate Minutes (12/19/25)
   5. Walton Elementary Middle School Faculty Senate Minutes (12/19/25)
7. Superintendent's RemarksThe superintendent reported that teacher training on Policy 2499 will occur February 16, led by Mrs. Monk, with schedule adjustments for hearings. The Head Start three-year-old classroom partnership is going well, serving eight students, though continuation depends on space needs next year. A payment issue with surplus technology sales persists after a bounced check, and legal action may be required. Plans for school rebranding will be discussed at the January 22 meeting due to significant costs and logistical challenges, with phasing that in and community involvement recommended. The Superintendent's Council is expected to begin meeting in February to increase community engagement.
8. AdjournmentMotion by Eileen Richardson and seconded by Daris Harper to approve. Motion carried. (8:41 pm)
   1. Adjourn until the next regular board meeting on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 6:00 pm at Roane County High School.