Roane County Schools

Print these minutes

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

March 12, 2026

4:00 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. PresentationsMr. Mace revised the order of business to begin with presentations, followed by Superintendent Spotlight and public participation, then moving to new business for expulsion hearings, before returning to the presentation on Policy 2322 - MOY Benchmark Assessment Data Presentations
    1. Superintendent Spotlight
      1. Appalachian Vision Outreach Program - Anna ShafferMs. Anna Shaffer, School Psychologist with the Office of Student Support, provided an overview of the Appalachian Vision Outreach Program. She highlighted the program's provision of free vision screenings and low-cost glasses to students and community members at RCHS and WEMS. The Board expressed appreciation for the program and recognized its positive impact on student success.
    2. Public ParticipationCorrie Ota set the public participation sign-in sheet out at 3:45 pm and it was removed at 3:55 pm. The following members from the public spoke: Rick and Jeanette Atkinson.
    3. Policy 2322 - MOY Benchmark Assessment Data PresentationsMs. Stellato commended the principals for maintaining a strong focus on academics amid a challenging year and emphasized that assessment data should be reviewed based on individual school starting points rather than cross-school comparisons. It was also noted that the principals of Spencer Elementary School and Spencer Middle School were selected by the State Department of Education to participate in a targeted cohort designed to support student movement toward proficiency. The importance of student data talks in promoting engagement and academic growth was further emphasized.
      1. Spencer Elementary School - Lori HamricLori Hamric reported i-Ready ELA proficiency growth from the beginning to the middle of the year, with kindergarten improving from 14% to 53%, first grade from 7% to 29%, second grade from 14% to 29%, third grade from 29% to 34%, fourth grade from 21% to 25%, and fifth grade from 23% to 26%. Mid-year state benchmark assessment results for grades three through five were presented in both ELA and mathematics, noting measurable growth, particularly in third grade, which represents students' first administration of the assessment, with beginning-of-year math proficiency at 1%. Action steps included targeted interventions based on specific skill deficits, differentiated and small-group instruction, use of instructional modules and test authoring, and data-driven professional development to support continued academic growth.
      2. Geary Elementary Middle School - Megan StarcherMegan Starcher reported ELA benchmark growth, with kindergarten increasing by 58%, first grade by 27%, and second grade by 16% using i-Ready assessments, and state benchmark data showing growth in third grade by 10%, fourth grade by 22%, and fifth grade by 12%; middle school results reflected decreases of 6% in both sixth and seventh grades and no growth in eighth grade. Mathematics results were also reviewed, showing growth in kindergarten by 26%, first grade by 24%, second grade by 4%, third grade by 11%, fourth grade by 10%, fifth grade by 13%, sixth grade by 17%, a 7% decrease in seventh grade, and a 12% increase in eighth grade. Action steps included implementation of PLCs, targeted small-group and differentiated instruction, spiral review of standards, revised pacing guides, professional development in literacy and numeracy, and student incentive programs to support continued academic growth.
      3. Walton Elementary Middle School - Loana HoffmanLoana Hoffman presented progress in ELA and mathematics, noting improvement in kindergarten through second grade and identifying ongoing needs in phonological awareness and mathematics. Action steps included targeted small-group and differentiated instruction, use of PLCs to analyze data and identify skill gaps, increased co-teaching support, implementation of spiral review strategies, and student incentive programs to improve engagement and performance. Enrollment declines were also noted as a contributing factor to variability in assessment results, and professional development was planned to support continued academic growth.
      4. Spencer Middle School - Annette ClaypoolAnnette Claypool presented ELA proficiency gains in sixth and eighth grades, with seventh-grade performance remaining relatively unchanged, and emphasized a continued focus on standards-based instruction, student ownership of data, and writing improvement at the eighth-grade level. Mathematics results demonstrated the strongest overall growth, with an average proficiency increase of 13 percentage points across all grades, including a reduction in sixth-grade students not meeting proficiency and significant gains in eighth-grade proficiency. Planned action steps include standards-aligned instruction, student data discussions, targeted MTSS interventions, increased special education inclusion and co-teaching, use of instructional and assessment tools, and ongoing strategies to support student engagement and academic growth.
  3. New Business for Consideration and Potential Action
    1. Student expulsion hearing #20260312AMotion by Dennis Carpenter and seconded by James Minney to go into an executive session for Student Expulsion Hearing #20260312A, as per WV Code 6-9A-4(b)(3). Motion carried. (4:16 pm)Motion by Eileen Richardson and seconded by Daris Harper to return to open session. Motion carried. No action was taken in closed session. (4:52 pm)Motion by James Minney and seconded by Daris Harper to accept the Superintendent's recommendation to expel Student #20260312A for no less than 365 days, pending the Superintendent's evaluation recommendations. Motion carried. (4:53 pm)
    2. Student expulsion hearing #20260312BMotion by Daris Harper and seconded by Eileen Richardson to go into an executive session for Student Expulsion Hearing #20260312B, as per WV Code 6-9A-4(b)(3). Motion carried. (4:54 pm)Motion by Eileen Richardson and seconded by Dennis Carpenter to return to open session. Motion carried. No action was taken in closed session. (6:23 pm)Motion by James Minney and seconded by Dennis Carpenter to accept the Superintendent's recommendation to expel Student #20260312A for no less than 365 days, pending the Superintendent's evaluation recommendations. Motion carried. Daris Harper opposed.(6:24 pm)
    3. Discussion on Coaches Pay 2026-27 SYAdministration presented information related to a potential temporary freeze on annual coaching step increases as part of ongoing budget review efforts, noting that step increases resulted in approximately $6,300 in additional costs at the high school level from the 2024-2025 school year. Board members discussed the structure of coaching stipends and requested additional comparative and historical data. The item was tabled for further review and will be brought back to the Board.
    4. Discussion on 92.3 FM Radio LicenseMotion by Dennis Carpenter and seconded by Daris Harper to authorize the Superintendent to work with Mr. Goffreda and the FCC to transfer the FM radio license to a private nonprofit organization, with all future costs assumed by that organization. Motion carried. (7:25 pm)
    5. Spencer Elementary and Spencer Middle Schools - Renaming / RebrandingSpencer Elementary and Spencer Middle School Rebranding/Renaming: Administration presented a summary of community feedback regarding the potential rebranding and renaming of Spencer Elementary School and Spencer Middle School. Survey results showed mixed community opinion and limited support for funding the effort. Board members discussed financial, ethical, and operational considerations, emphasizing the district's current financial constraints. Discussion included the possibility of future planning tied to financial recovery and engaging advisory or community groups for input. No action was taken.
    6. Personnel HearingsThis item was withdrawn as there were no requests for hearings.
    7. Personnel Realignment for 2026-27Motion by James Minney and seconded by Dennis Carpenter to approve. Motion carried. (8:06 pm)
      1. Administrative Transfer & Reclassification for Service for the 2026-27 School Year
        1. Place Sumer McGuire, (GEMS -Position abolished on Dec. 18, 2025) on Administrative Transfer and Reclassify from Aide / ECCAT to Aide, Effective for the 2026-27 School Year
        2. Place Kimberly Moore, SES, on Administrative Transfer and Reclassify from Aide / ECCAT to Aide, Effective for the 2026-27 School Year
        3. Place Shannon Stockner, SES, on Administrative Transfer and Reclassify from Aide / ECCAT to Aide, Effective for the 2026-27 School Year
        4. Place Amanda Legg (GEMS- Position Abolished on Dec. 18, 2025) on Administrative Transfer and Reclassify from Account II / Secretary II to Secretary, Effective for the 2026-27 School Year
        5. Place Amy Morris (WEMS - Position Abolished on Dec. 18, 2025) on Administrative Transfer and Reclassify from Account II / Secretary II to Secretary, Effective for the 2026-27 School Year
        6. Place Sarah Marks, SES, on Administrative Transfer and Reclassify from Account II / Secretary II to Secretary, Effective for the 2026-27 School Year
        7. Place Melissa Strickland (GEMS - Position Abolished on Dec. 18, 2025) on Administrative Transfer and Reclassify from a Cafeteria Manager /Cook III to Cook III, Effective for the 2026-27 School Year
        8. Place Terry Lupardus (WEMS - Position Abolished on Dec. 18, 2025) on Administrative Transfer and Reclassify from a Cafeteria Manager /Cook III to Cook III, Effective for the 2026-27 School Year
      2. Terminate Contract Length & Reissue New Contract Length for Service for the 2026-27 School Year
        1. Reduce Amanda Legg's Contract length from 210 and Reissue a 205 Contract Length, Effective for the 2026-27 School Year
        2. Reduce Amy Morris Contract length from 210 and Reissue a 205 Contract Length, Effective for the 2026-27 School Year
        3. Reduce Sarah Marks Contract length from 210 and Reissue a 205 Contract Length, Effective for the 2026-27 School Year
      3. Termination of Continuing Contracts for Professional - Effective June 30, 2026
        1. Termination of Continuing Contract of Haley Camp, (2/3 Grade Split, Position Abolished at February 19, 2026 Board Meeting)
      4. Reduction at Central Office, Effective June 30, 2026
        1. Abolish Technology System Specialist effective June 30, 2026 and Terminate Continuing Contract of Anthony McIntyre
        2. Abolish Coordinator of Educator Support, effective June 30, 2026, Place Tamara Cook on Administrative Transfer List
      5. Reductions at Roane County High School, Effective June 30, 2026
        1. Abolish Position Teacher / Foreign Language, effective June 30, 2026
      6. Terminate Extracurricular Contracts - Geary, Effective June 30, 2026 (All Positions listed were Abolished on December 18, 2025)
        1. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Rebecca Boggs, Head Teacher, Effective June 30, 2026
        2. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Megan Starcher, Yearbook Advisor, Effective June 30, 2026
        3. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Brittney Vaughan, Technology Support Coordinator, Effective June 30, 2026
        4. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Elizabeth Tawney, Teacher Support Coordinator, Effective June 30, 2026
        5. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Lana Underwood, After School Teacher, Effective June 0, 2026
        6. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Rebecca Boggs, SOAR After School Lead Teacher, Effective June 30, 2026
        7. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Lisa McGlothlin, SOAR After School Bus Driver, Effective June 30, 2026
        8. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Orville Strickland, Morning Specialized Transportation Run, Effective June 30, 2026
        9. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Mitchell Evans, Mid-Day Run Specialized Transportation Run, Effective June 30, 2026
        10. Terminate Extracurricular Contract, Kenneth Osborne, Math Field Day Sponsor, Effective June 30, 2026
        11. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Laurinda Swiney, Instructor, Archery, Effective June 30, 2026
        12. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Kenneth Osborne, Assistant Coach, Boys Basketball, Geary, Effective June 30, 2026
        13. Termination Extracurricular Contract of Brittney Vaughan, Game Manager, Effective June 30, 2026
        14. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Brittney Vaughan, Digital Family Engagement Coordinator, Effective June 30, 2026
        15. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Melissa Strickland, Cook for After School Supper Program, Effective June 30, 2026
        16. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Sarah Looney, Coach, Volleyball, Effective June 30, 2026
        17. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Misty Karickhoff, Coach, Track, Effective June 30, 2026
        18. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Geneva Cross, Coach, Girls Basketball, Effective June 30, 2026
        19. Terminate Extracurricular contract of Jackie Strickland, Coach, Boys Basketball, Effective June 30, 2026
        20. Terminate Extracurricular contract of Joseph Swiney, Assistant Instructor, Archery (Auxillary), Effective June 30, 2026
        21. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Kenneth Osborne, Assistant Coach, Volleyball, Effective June 30, 2026
      7. Terminate Extracurricular Contracts - Walton, Effective June 30, 2026 (All Positions listed were Abolished on December 18, 2025)
        1. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Misty Karickhoff, Game Manager, Effective June 30, 2026
        2. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Misty Karickhoff, Technology Support Coordinator, Effective June 30, 2026
        3. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Suzanne Rector, Teacher Support Coordinator, Effective June 30, 2026
        4. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Misty Karickhoff, Student Council Sponsor, Effective June 30, 2026
        5. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Dawn Raynor-Sears, SOAR After School Teacher, Effective June 30, 2026
        6. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Lori May, SOAR After School Lead Teacher, June 23, 2026
        7. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Jason Rhodes, SOAR After School Bus Driver,Effective June 30, 2026
        8. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Mitchell Evans, Mid-Day Specialized Transportation Run, Effective June 30,2026
        9. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Misty Karickhoff, Math Field Day Sponsor, Effective June 30, 2026
        10. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Misty Karickhoff, Head Teacher, Effective June 30, 2026
        11. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Joseph Rector, Game Manager, Effective June 30, 2026
        12. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Jackie Strickland, Assistant Coach, Football, Effective June 30, 2026
        13. Terminate Continuing Contract of Ashley Mills, Digital Family Engagement Coordinator, Effective June 30, 2026
        14. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Amber Jarvis, Coach, Volleyball, Effective June 30, 2026
        15. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Joseph Rector, Coach, Track, Effective June 30, 2026
        16. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Bobby Shafer, Coach, Girls Basketball, Effective June 30, 2026
        17. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Misty Karickhoff, Coach, Cheer, Effective June 30, 2026
        18. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Roger Starcher, Coach, Boys Basketball, Effective June 30, 2026
        19. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Misty Karickhoff, Assistant Coach, Volleyball, Effective June 30, 2026
        20. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of Misty Karickhoff, Assistant Coach, Track, Effective June 30, 2026
        21. Terminate Extracurricular Contract of James Smith, Assistant Coach, Girls Basketball (Auxiliary), Effective June 30, 2026
      8. Administrative Transfer for Service
        1. Place Ashley Freeland on Administrative Transfer as an Aide / ECCAT, effective 2026-27 School Year
        2. Place Kacie Holcomb on Administrative Transfer as an Aide, effective 2026-27 School Year
      9. Probationary Contract Renewals for 2026-2027
        1. Regular Employees
        2. Substitutes
        3. Extracurricular Positions
      10. Remove from Administrative Transfer List
        1. Remove Misty Karickhoff from the Administrative Transfer list from board meeting February 19, 2026
  4. Consent Agenda - (Action)Motion by Eileen Richardson and seconded by Daris Harper to approve the following consent agenda as recommended by Michelle Stellato, Superintendent. Motion carried. (8:27 pm)
    1. Approval of minutes of regular board meeting on February 19, 2026 and special meeting on February 24, 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 Reports
      4. Board Member Pay for Meeting Attendance
      5. Board Member Pay for Travel
    3. Policies
    4. Contract(s) / Bid(s) / Agreement(s)
      1. Mowing Bids for 2026-27 school year
        1. Geary Elementary Middle School - Wards Bush Busters
        2. Walton Elementary Middle School - Rick's Lawn Care
        3. Spencer Elementary School - Rick's Lawn Care
        4. Roane County High / Spencer Middle Schools - James's Lawn and Landscape
        5. Bus Garage - Rick's Lawn Care
    5. Field Trips
      1. RCHS FBLA to State Leadership Conference in Huntington, WV (03/23/26 to 03/24/26)
      2. RCHS FFA to Morgantown, WV for WVU Winter CDE Contest (3/25/26 to 3/27/26) *Date changed from board meeting on 2/5/26
    6. Volunteers
      1. Spencer Elementary School
        1. Tina Mealey
    7. Student Transfers
  5. Personnel Consent Agenda - (Action) Motion carried. (8:29 pm)
    1. Resignation(s)
      1. Merrell, Kimberly - Teacher / Math (Spencer Middle School), effective February 27, 2026
      2. Merrell, Kimberly - SOAR After School Lead Teacher (Spencer Elementary School), effective February 27, 2026
      3. Hevey, Jennifer - Substitute teacher (RCS - Substitutes), effective March 4, 2026
      4. Greathouse, Edsel - Substitute bus operator (RCS - Substitutes), effective March 13, 2026
      5. Greathouse, Edsel - SOAR Into Summer Bus Operator / Aide (Spencer Elementary School), effective March 13, 2026
      6. Huffman, Michael - Bus Operator (Bus #06) (RCS - Operations), effective March 16, 2026
    2. Retirement(s)
      1. Skaggs, Joseph - Bus Operator (Bus #58) (RCS - Operations), effective April 1, 2026
      2. Hurtado, Manuel - Teacher / Foreign Language (Roane County High (75%), Spencer Middle (25%)), effective June 30, 2026
      3. Keaton, Linda - Aide / ECCAT (Geary Elementary / Middle School), effective June 30, 2026
    3. New Employment(s)
      1. Gray, Fawn - Substitute teacher (RCS - Substitutes), effective March 13, 2026
      2. Eastman, Jeremy - Substitute teacher (RCS - Substitutes), effective March 13, 2026
      3. Petry, Roger - Substitute bus operator (RCS - Substitutes), effective March 13, 2026, Jackson County Schools completed his training
      4. Fox, Deborah - Substitute teacher (RCS - Substitutes), effective March 13, 2026
    4. Transfer(s)
      1. Karickhoff, Misty - Teacher / Math & Science (Walton Elementary / Middle School) to Teacher / Math (Spencer Middle School), effective July 1, 2026
      2. Ashley, Kimberly - Teacher / 4th Grade (Spencer Elementary School) to Teacher / 5th Grade (Spencer Elementary School), effective July 1, 2026
    5. Extracurricular(s)
      1. Greathouse, Karli - Assistant Coach, Softball (Auxiliary) (Roane County High School), effective March 13, 2026
      2. Schreckengost, Bonita - Assistant Coach, Softball (Spencer Middle School), effective March 13, 2026
      3. Keen, Jeremy - Assistant Coach, Baseball (Spencer Middle School), effective March 13, 2026, Effective Date Pending CIB Clearance and Receipt of Coaching Authorization
    6. Suspension(s)
      1. __________________________, Ratify Suspension with Pay of Service Employee from February 20, 2026, to March 12, 2026Motion by James Minney and seconded by Daris Harper to go into an executive session to discus the suspension with pay for a service employee, as per WV Code 6-9A-4(b)(2)(A). Motion carried. (8:29 pm)Motion by Dennis Carpenter and seconded by Eileen Richardson to return to open session. Motion carried. No action was taken in closed session. (8:39 pm)Motion by James Minney and seconded by Dennis Carpenter to ratify the suspension with pay of service employee, Lisa Short, from February 20, 2026 to March 12, 2026. Motion carried. (8:39 pm)
  6. Reports of Committees
  7. Superintendent's RemarksThe Superintendent Spotlight at the next meeting will feature the Roane County Car Derby, noting its success and thanking Mrs. Cole for leading the event. A special meeting was announced for approval of calendar revisions following the State Department's approval of a waiver reducing instructional days to 175, with proposed changes including restoring four spring break days while maintaining April 17 as a student instructional day. The Superintendent provided an update on legislative advocacy efforts, noting progress on pending legislation intended to eliminate an unintended staffing-ratio penalty that could have resulted in significant financial loss to the district. The Superintendent also advised the Board that upcoming personnel processes are beginning, including annual staff evaluations and end-of-year personnel actions, and noted that additional information regarding new recognition components will be shared when the embargo is lifted. Continued advocacy and appreciation for staff efforts during this period were emphasized.
  8. Adjournment
    1. Adjourn until the special board meeting on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 4:15 pm at Roane County Schools Central Office. There will be another special board meeting on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 5:50 pm at Roane County High School. Immediately following that meeting will be the regular meeting on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 6:00 pm at Roane County High School.Motion by Daris Harper and seconded by Dennis Carpenter to approve. Motion carried. (8:52 pm)

The next regular meeting is scheduled for 4:15 pm on March 26, 2026 at Roane County High School.