Roane County Schools

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

May 14, 2026

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. RCHS student Xandy Lewis - Associates Degree from Glenville State UniversityRCHS student Xandy Lewis was recognized for completing about two years of college through dual enrollment and earning an associate degree with magna cum laude honors. Lewis shared experiences, thanked supporters, and announced plans to attend West Liberty University. Board members praised the achievement and noted its significance for the district.
      2. RCS Golden Horseshoe WinnersThe Superintendent Spotlight recognized three Roane County Golden Horseshoe winners: CJ Strickland, Skylar Myers (not present), and Eli Simmons. The Golden Horseshoe is one of the highest honors for eighth-grade students in West Virginia. Students briefly shared their preparation experiences, including using study resources and knowledge of state history. Board members and the superintendent congratulated the students and recognized their achievement, noting the upcoming Golden Horseshoe ceremony.
    2. Public ParticipationCorrie 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 - Federal Programs Monitoring Update - Amy ColeAmy Cole presented an update on federal programs monitoring, noting the county completed its self-assessment in October and was fully compliant in all areas, including Title I, II, IV, and V. Two Title III (English as a Second Language) areas included recommendations regarding service delivery during the school day and required annual assessment training, both of which have since been addressed. The county received a low-risk rating, with only 10 points attributed to a new director role, and will undergo a desk audit next year. Board members commended the successful results.
    4. Roane County Schools Champions of Learning: Teacher of the Year, Service Person of the Year, Counselor of the Year, and Principal of the YearThe Board recognized the 2026 Champions of Learning, including Service Personnel of the Year Sarah Marks, Teacher of the Year Stacey Engle, Counselor of the Year Melinda Parkins, and Principal of the Year Lori Hamric-Cottrell. Each honoree was acknowledged for outstanding service and dedication to students, and all will advance to state-level competition. Board members congratulated the recipients and expressed appreciation for their contributions to the district.
    5. Superintendent's Student Advisory Council report- Braxton Nichols, MemberBraxton Nichols reported student feedback from recent meetings. He highlighted concerns about limited elective offerings, reliance on online courses, and the need for a study hall period. Nichols emphasized expanding student recognition and maintaining strong teacher-student engagement. He also noted a desire for more clubs and activities to improve school culture. Concerns were raised about discipline consistency, restroom misuse, and instances of bullying and discrimination, with a call for a more inclusive environment. Board members thanked Nichols for his detailed and thoughtful report.
    6. Superintendent's Advisory Council report- Holly Terrell, MemberHolly Terrell reported that the meeting focused on consolidation planning and emphasized transparency, including documenting school property and clearly communicating next steps to the public. The council recommended involving community volunteers to assist with moving, providing meals for staff during the transition, and potentially hosting town halls for community input. They also noted the need to better promote the Roane County Schools app. Discussion further addressed school climate concerns, including vaping, discipline issues, and incidents of bullying and discrimination. Administration noted these issues are taken seriously, addressed under state policy, and require continued focus, along with stronger communication and community collaboration moving forward.
  3. New Business for Consideration and Potential Action
    1. Instructional Materials Adoption for 2026-31 Adoption CycleMotion by Daris Harper and seconded by Eileen Richardson to approve. Motion carried. (7:05 pm)
      1. K-8: Music - Quaver
      2. K-8: Art- The Art of Education (FLEX)
      3. K-5: Wellness, The Children's Health Market, Inc - "The Great Body Shop"
      4. 6-8: Wellness - McGraw Hill - "West Virginia Teen Health"
      5. 9-12: Wellness - McGraw Hill - "West Virginia Glencoe Health"
      6. 9-12: Drivers Education - American Automobile Association - "How to Drive"
    2. Annual Review of Service Personnel Classification WV Code 18A-4-8(l)Lorra Tanner provided an update, noting that Amanda and Amy were reclassified from Secretary I to Secretary III based on having more than eight years of service, in accordance with West Virginia Code. These changes are reflected further down the agenda under the personnel consent agenda.
      1. Reclassify Amanda Legg to from Secretary I to Secretary III
      2. Reclassify Amy Morris from Secretary I to Secretary III
    3. Service Seniority Drawing - (WV Code 18A-4-8g) Bus Operators, Jacklyn Smith and Calvin Harper hired at April 21, 2026 Board MeetingA service seniority drawing was performed for two bus operators. Both were approved at the April 21, 2026 board meeting, and based on legal guidance, their seniority dates were aligned, requiring a drawing to determine order. The drawing results were as follows: (1) Calvin Harper and (2) Jacklyn Smith.
    4. Superintendent's Report on Employee Feedback Surveys (Spring semester)The Superintendent reported on the spring employee feedback survey, which included 76 anonymous responses. Results showed strong staff commitment to students, positive relationships, and appreciation among coworkers. Key concerns centered on student behavior and safety, inconsistent discipline practices, staffing and substitute shortages, and morale related to consolidation and financial uncertainty. Employees expressed a need for safer classrooms, improved behavioral and mental health supports, better communication, and additional staffing. Board discussion emphasized the importance of consistent discipline enforcement, including adherence to cell phone policies. Administration further explained challenges related to student behavior, including legal requirements for supporting students with identified behavioral needs through IEP processes, which can impact classroom environments. Efforts to address concerns include alternative education placements, expanded supports, and ongoing planning to improve safety, communication, and working conditions based on survey feedback.
    5. Superintendent's Evaluation for 2025-26Members reviewed the evaluation process and materials, including superintendent and board goals, and determined that feedback on progress toward established goals would be needed to complete the evaluation. The timeline was adjusted, with a draft discussion remaining on the May 28 agenda if needed, and final evaluations due by June 5 for review and compilation, with formal action scheduled for the June 11 meeting.
  4. Continuing Business
    1. State of Emergency
      1. RCS Closure and Consolidation Move PlanThe Superintendent gave an overview of the school closure and consolidation move plan, outlining the framework and timeline for relocating classrooms and materials. Departments are providing detailed expectations to principals, who will develop teacher checkout procedures. The move will occur in phases beginning with preschool the week of May 26, followed by kindergarten and remaining grade levels. The schedule includes NTI days on June 1-2, a teacher preparation day on June 3, and official move days on June 4-5, with bus drivers assisting in transporting materials. Furniture moves will take place the following week of June 8. Surplus items will be addressed through sales at closing schools in July, pending Board approval. Community volunteers may assist with the moving process. Administration emphasized the complexity of the transition and ongoing coordination to ensure a smooth and organized relocation.
  5. Consent Agenda - (Action)Motion by James Minney and seconded by Daris Harper to approve the following consent agenda as recommended by Michelle Stellato, Superintendent. Motion carried. (8:22 pm)
    1. Approval of the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held April 21, 2026, and the Statutory Meeting convened and recessed on March 26, 2026, and reconvened on April 21, 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 ReportsAnn Boggs presented the financial report, including check register activity, P-card purchases, and the monthly financial summary, noting that two check writes were issued between meetings. In the month of April, the General Fund reflected revenues exceeding expenditures by $842,000, while the Special Revenue Fund showed revenues exceeding expenditures by $283,000. During April, General Fund revenue increased by approximately $500,000, including $326,000 in property tax revenue and $105,000 in local revenue, while expenditures decreased by approximately $500,000. Year-end projections indicate revenues coming in $66,000 over budget, along with savings of approximately $9,000 in salaries, $7,000 in benefits, $50,000 in purchased services, $67,000 in supplies, and $135,000 due to the absence of a food service transfer. These adjustments total approximately $347,000 and reduce the projected deficit to about $1.2 million. Board members commended staff for their effective cost-saving efforts.
      4. Board Member Pay for Meeting Attendance
    3. Policies
    4. Contract(s) / Bid(s) / Agreement(s)
    5. Field Trips
      1. RCHS to State High School Track Meet in Charleston, WV (5/22/26-5/23/26)
    6. Volunteers
      1. Spencer Elementary School
        1. Lyndsay McCune
      2. Geary Elementary Middle School
        1. Nicole Looney and LeeAnn Fields
    7. Student Transfers
    8. Clinical Experience
      1. Nicholas Perkins, Glenville State University, placement at RCHS
  6. Personnel Consent Agenda - (Action) Motion carried. (9:11 pm)
    1. Abolish Position(s)
      1. Teacher / 3rd Grade (SES), effective June 30, 2026
      2. Teacher / 2nd Grade (SES), effective June 30, 2026
    2. Resignation(s)
      1. Sinclair, Nancy - Aide / ECCAT (Spencer Elementary School), effective April 14, 2026, Pending certified replacement
      2. Cobb, Kathleen - Bus Operator (Bus #13) (RCS - Operations), effective May 4, 2026
      3. Miller, Brayden - Coach, Boys Basketball (Roane County High School), effective May 7, 2026
      4. Keen, Michelle - Teacher/Special Education (Spencer Elementary School), effective May 15, 2026
      5. Richards, Meghan - Teacher / 3rd Grade (Spencer Elementary School), effective June 30, 2026
      6. Metz, Alexis - Teacher / 2nd Grade (Spencer Elementary School), effective June 30, 2026
      7. Seabolt, Anita - Teacher / Science (Roane County High School), effective June 30, 2026
    3. Retirement(s)
      1. Goodwin, Terry - Bus Operator (Bus #01) (RCS - Operations), effective May 29, 2026
      2. Baker, John - Custodian III (Walton Elementary / Middle School), effective June 30, 2026
      3. Taylor, Robert - Teacher / Special Education (Spencer Elementary School), effective June 30, 2026, Effective date revised from board meeting on April 21, 2026
      4. Boggs, Rebecca - Teacher / Title I (Geary Elementary / Middle School), effective June 30, 2026
    4. New Employment(s)
      1. _______________________ - Director of Student Support Services (RCS - Student Support Services), effective May 15, 2026
      2. Hull, Jeremy - Substitute, Psychologist (RCS - Substitutes), effective May 18, 2026
      3. Salisbury, Shannon - Substitute aide (RCS - Substitutes), effective May 18, 2026
      4. Eplion, Tammy - Substitute teacher (RCS - Substitutes), effective May 18, 2026
      5. Cobble, Austin - Substitute custodian (RCS - Substitutes), effective May 18, 2026
      6. Tolley, Sarah - ESY Speech Language Pathologist (RCS - Student Support Services), effective June 8, 2026
      7. Kendall, James - ESY Teacher of Severe / Profound Handicap (RCS - Student Support Services), effective June 8, 2026
      8. Elmore, Richard - SOAR Into Summer Bus Operator / Aide (Spencer Elementary School), effective July 7, 2026
      9. Woods, Courtney - SOAR Into Summer Aide / ECCAT (Spencer Elementary School), effective July 7, 2026
    5. Transfer(s)
      1. Hively, Jamie - Custodian III (Walton Elementary / Middle School) to Custodian III (Spencer Middle School), effective July 27, 2026, Change start date from Aug. 10, 2026 (Board Meeting April 21, 2026) to July 27, 2026.
      2. Waggoner, Jennifer - Custodian III (Geary Elementary / Middle School) to Custodian III (Roane County High School), effective July 27, 2026, Change start date from Aug. 10, 2026 (Board Meeting Aug. 10, 2026) to July 27, 2026 (220 Day Contract)An amendment was made to item 5.b. to read, "...(Board Meeting April 21, 2026)" instead of "...(Board meeting August 10, 2026)."
      3. Morris, Amy - Secretary I (Spencer Middle School) to Secretary III (Spencer Middle School), effective August 5, 2026
      4. Legg, Amanda - Secretary I (Roane County High School) to Secretary III (Roane County High School), effective August 5, 2026
      5. Strickland, Orville - Bus Operator (Bus #05) (RCS - Operations) to Bus Operator (Bus #49) (RCS - Operations), effective August 10, 2026
    6. Leave of Absence(s)
      1. Nair, Ramesh - Math Field Day Sponsor (Roane County High School), effective January 1, 2026 to June 5, 2026
      2. Waggoner, Jennifer - Custodian III (Geary Elementary / Middle School), effective April 20, 2026 to May 29, 2026
      3. Richards, Meghan - Teacher / 3rd Grade (Spencer Elementary School), effective September 23, 2025 to June 5, 2026
      4. Cook, Tamara - Coordinator of Educator Support (RCS - Central Office), effective May 18, 2026 to June 15, 2026
    7. Rescind action(s)
      1. Resignation of Hurd, Brianne - Teacher / Art (Spencer Middle School), effective April 13, 2026, Pending certified replacement [from April 02, 2026]
    8. Suspension(s)
      1. __________________________, Ratify suspension with pay for Professional Personnel during investigation with no disciplinary action taken from April 9, 2026 to April 28, 2026.Jeffrey Mace requested to vote separately on item #8.Motion by James Minney and seconded by Eileen Richardson to go into an executive session to discuss personnel, as per WV Code 6-9A-4(b)(2)(A). Motion carried. (8:33 pm)Motion by James Minney and seconded by Eileen Richardson to return to open session. Motion carried. No action was taken in closed session. (9:09 pm)Motion by James Minney and seconded by Eileen Richardson to change the superintendent's recommendation from suspension to administrative leave. Motion carried. Daris Harper opposed.(9:12 pm)Motion by James Minney and seconded by Dennis Carpenter to ratify administrative leave with pay for Lana Underwood during investigation from April 9 to April 28, 2026, with no disciplinary action taken. Motion carried. Daris Harper opposed.(9:14 pm)
  7. Reports of Committees
  8. Superintendent's RemarksThe Superintendent expressed appreciation to all staff across the district for their collective efforts in managing finances and supporting school operations, noting that cost-saving measures are beginning to show positive results. As the school year nears its end, the district is preparing for upcoming events, including graduation scheduled for next week. The Superintendent also acknowledged the emotional impact of school closures on the Geary and Walton communities and encouraged continued support for those affected during the transition.
  9. AdjournmentMotion by Daris Harper and seconded by Dennis Carpenter to adjournment until the special meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 6:00 pm at Roane County High School. The next regular meeting will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 6:00 pm at Roane County High School. Motion carried. (9:17 pm)
    1. Adjournment until the next regular meeting on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 6:00 pm at Roane County High School.