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. Roane Jackson Advanced Academic Middle School ProgramThe Roane County Board of Education met with all members present and recognized three 8th-grade students selected through a competitive process for early entrance into a technical center program. The opportunity allows students to attend career-focused training while completing required academic coursework, including some online classes. Board members congratulated the students and highlighted the program as both a significant honor and responsibility.
   2. Public ParticipationMs. 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 - Special Education Update - Danylle Popp and Sarabeth MonkDanylle Popp and Sarabeth Monk gave an update on special education. During the special education update, staff reported that approximately 25% of students are identified for services, with 21 students currently under evaluation, placing the district above state (~20%) and national (~15%) averages. Teachers were recognized for maintaining services through staffing challenges, while the district continues improving procedures, compliance, and academic supports, with two schools identified for targeted assistance. A prior review showing 50% compliance in transition planning prompted implementation of the PACE lab, a hands-on program to build job and life skills; initial use included 17 students and showed positive engagement. Continued support includes a $62,000 grant for transition services. Ongoing needs include consistent scheduling, staffing, facility upgrades, and resources, with plans to expand access through a daily elective and stronger work-based learning opportunities.
3. New Business for Consideration and Potential Action
   1. Superintendent's Evaluation for 2025-26The Board discussed the superintendent evaluation for the 2025-2026 school year, noting that several members submissions remain incomplete and the evaluation will be finalized at the June 25 meeting.
   2. Board of Education Self-Appraisal for 2025-26The Board also reviewed the Board of Education self-appraisal process, a 29-question survey assessing governance practices, decision-making, and focus on student achievement. Members were reminded to complete the appraisal prior to the next meeting, after which results will be compiled, approved, and submitted to the State Department by the end of July.
4. Continuing Business
   1. State of Emergency
      1. RCS Closure and Consolidation Move PlanThe Superintendent provided an update to the consolidation move plan, sharing that the first phase was successfully completed. The Superintendent expressed sincere appreciation for the dedication and teamwork shown by staff across the district-including teachers, service personnel, bus drivers, administrators, and central office staff-who supported one another and worked tirelessly to sort and organize materials into surplus, discard, and repurposing categories, completing the effort in approximately five days. Plans were outlined to declare surplus items and hold community sales during the first full week of July in the evenings. Remaining tasks include moving larger furniture, addressing classroom needs, and determining plans for exterior items.
   2. Property matters involving Walton Elementary Middle and Geary Elementary Middle SchoolsMotion by Daris Harper and seconded by James Minney to go into an executive session to discuss property matters, as per WV Code 6-9A-4(b)(9). Motion carried. (7:11 pm)Motion by Dennis Carpenter and seconded by Eileen Richardson to return to open session. Motion carried. No action was taken in closed session. (7:46 pm)
5. Consent Agenda - (Action)Motion by Dennis Carpenter and seconded by James Minney to approve the following consent agenda as recommended by Michelle Stellato, Superintendent. Motion carried. (7:48 pm)
   1. Approval of the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held May 28, 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 ReportsMs. Hardman provided a financial update, reporting P-card payments totaling $185,094.12 and a check register of $102,191.27, with supporting documentation provided. Current balances include $725,889.00 in the Cook Valley Bank account and $314,334.00 in the investment pool account, for a total cash position of $1,040,223.00. The cash analysis indicated the district is $287,000.00 positive as of June 30, with no questions from the Board.
      4. Board Member Pay for Meeting Attendance
   3. Policies
   4. Contract(s) / Bid(s) / Agreement(s)
      1. MOU with Mountain State ESC for financial mentoring services
      2. MOU with Mountain State ESC for school bus driver training
   5. Field Trips
      1. RCHS Lady Raider Basketball to Morgantown, WV for Basketball Skills Camp (6/11/26 to 6/13/26)
   6. Volunteers
   7. Student Transfers
6. 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. (7:49 pm)
   1. Resignation(s)
      1. Lowe, Eric - Coach, Boys Basketball (Spencer Middle School), effective May 29, 2026
      2. Hoskins, Carrie - Aide II, Itinerant, Temporary (Roane County High School), effective June 1, 2026
      3. Waggoner, Jennifer - Custodian III (Geary Elementary / Middle School), effective June 30, 2026
   2. New Employment(s)
      1. VanDam, Olivia - SOAR Into Summer Aide / ECCAT (Spencer Elementary School), effective July 6, 2026
      2. Goffreda, Tessa - SOAR Into Summer Aide / ECCAT (Spencer Elementary School), effective July 6, 2026
      3. May, Lori - SOAR into Summer Aide/ECCAT (Spencer Elementary School), effective July 6, 2026
   3. Transfer(s)
      1. Cobble, Austin - Substitute custodian (RCS - Substitutes) to SOAR into Summer Custodian (Spencer Elementary School), effective July 7, 2026
      2. Bass, Tracy - Bus Operator (Bus #56) (RCS - Operations) to Bus Operator (Bus #19) (RCS - Operations), effective August 10, 2026
      3. Petry, Roger - Substitute bus operator (RCS - Substitutes) to Bus Operator (Bus #49) (RCS - Operations), effective August 10, 2026
   4. Extracurricular(s)
      1. Raines, Pepper - Transportation Aide (morning, Bus #28) (RCS - Operations), effective August 17, 2026
7. Reports of Committees
   1. Faculty Senate Minutes
      1. Spencer Elementary School
      2. Geary Elementary Middle School
      3. Walton Elementary Middle School
      4. Spencer Middle School
      5. Roane County High School
8. Superintendent's RemarksSuperintendent Stellato reported that Food Service Director Chris Melonas will provide a food service update at the July 9 meeting, expressed appreciation for staff efforts during recent transitions, and summarized a leadership retreat focused on aligning goals and prioritizing academics. Mrs. Tanner is developing summer professional development, with possible Capturing Kids' Hearts work involving Ms. Cole. Transportation updates, including added pickup points noted by Ms. Cottrell, will be finalized before school starts. Student data was described as stable, with iReady comparisons to be presented later due to embargo restrictions. Mr. Minney asked that more information regarding bus pickup options be communicated to parents.
9. Adjournment
   1. Adjournment until the next regular meeting on Thursday, June 25 2026, at 6:00 pm at Roane County High School.Motion by Eileen Richardson and seconded by James Minney to approve. Motion carried. (8:01 pm)