Roane County Schools

Print these minutes

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. Superintendents Spotlight
      1. 2025-26 RetireesThe Roane County Board of Education recognized all 2025-26 retirees for their years of dedicated service to Roane County Schools. Becky Boggs and John Baker were present to receive their recognition in person and share brief reflections, with Boggs expressing gratitude for a career she thoroughly enjoyed and Baker highlighting the great teachers, students, and school events that made his time memorable. The board also honored outgoing members Jeff Mace and Dennis Carpenter for their service and leadership. Carpenter reflected on the challenges of school consolidation, the importance of employee and community input, and his commitment to making decisions he believed were in the best interest of students. Mace spoke about his many years of service, the difficult decisions faced by the board, and his unwavering focus on doing what was best for Roane County students while thanking colleagues, staff, and his family for their support.
         1. Professional Personnel
            1. Robert Taylor, Rebecca Boggs and Tamara Cook
         2. Service Personnel
            1. Richard Mullen, Rebecca Hildreth, Peggy Lycans, Linda Keaton, Joseph Skaggs, Joyce Evans, Terry Goodwin and John Baker
   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. The following individual spoke: Terri Brown
   3. Policy 2322 - 2025-26 Academic ReviewThe Roane County Board of Education reviewed preliminary academic performance data for the 2025-26 school year, noting that final state assessment results remain under embargo until the data is verified and officially released later this fall. Superintendent Michelle Stellato reported that overall student performance held steady despite a year marked by school consolidation, staffing challenges, and other disruptions. District data showed continued gradual improvement in reducing the number of students performing below benchmark levels, particularly in math. The board also reviewed i-Ready assessment data from each school, highlighting growth in several areas and strong progress at Geary Elementary/Middle School despite staffing reductions and other challenges. Principals acknowledged that distractions throughout the year impacted instruction but emphasized the dedication of teachers and staff to maintaining student learning. Looking ahead, district leaders said academics and student achievement will be the district's primary focus, with increased attention on assessment, instructional practices, data monitoring, and school improvement efforts.
3. New Business for Consideration and Potential Action
   1. Rescind Non-Renewal of Probationary Contract
      1. Rescind non-renewal of probationary contract for Brianne Hurd, Teacher / Art at Spencer Middle School (Board Meeting March 12, 2026) Reason for non-renewal of probationary contract no longer exists. School Year 2026-27 will be her 2nd year Probationary Contract.Motion by Dennis Carpenter and seconded by Daris Harper to approve. Motion carried. (6:53 pm)
   2. Title Programs Budget OverviewThe Roane County Board of Education received an overview of the district's federal Titles program budgets for 2025-26 from Director of Federal Programs and Compliance Amy Cole. The district expects a decrease of about $70,000 in Title I funding and approximately $16,000 in Title IV funding, while other federal allocations remain largely unchanged. Cole explained that federal funds are restricted to specific approved uses, including intervention services, professional development, technology, family engagement, and student support programs. A key budget proposal includes using Title I funds to support assistant principal positions at Spencer Elementary and Spencer Middle schools, allowing principals to focus more on classroom instruction, teacher support, and academic monitoring. Superintendent Michelle Stellato emphasized that strengthening instructional leadership is part of the district's renewed focus on academic achievement. The board also discussed the importance of grant funding, after-school programs, and planning for potential changes in future federal education funding.
   3. Surplus Material DeclarationTreasurer Ann Hardman explained that the surplus includes furniture, shelving, books, classroom supplies, musical instruments, sporting equipment, and other materials from SES, GEMS and WEMS that are no longer needed by the schools. The items will be offered for public sale in accordance with state policy governing the disposal of public property, with sale dates to be announced.Motion by Dennis Carpenter and seconded by Eileen Richardson to approve. Motion carried. (7:35 pm)
   4. Superintendent's Evaluation for 2025-26Mr. Mace requested that Item 4 be tabled until after Personnel Consent Agenda.Motion by James Minney and seconded by Eileen Richardson to go into an executive session for the Superintendent's Evaluation for the 2025-26 school year as per WV Code 18-4-6(d). Motion carried. (9:14 pm) Motion by Dennis Carpenter and seconded by Daris Harper to return to open session. No action was taken in closed session. Motion carried. (11:06 pm)In accordance with the West Virginia Constitution, Article 7, WV Code 126-143, WV Code 18-2, WV Code 18-4, the State Board of Education Policy 5309 and Roane County School Policy 121, the members of the Roane County Board of Education have completed their evaluation of Miss Michelle Stellato for school year 25-26. Board members were provided with the West Virginia State Board of Education approved evaluation tool consisting of mutually agreed goals and objectives for Ms. Stellato approved before September the 15, 2025. As required by code, the goals support progress of the county's strategic plan with one of the goals related directly to student achievement and performance of low performing schools. Additionally, the Roane County Board of Education established a 37-point evaluation across 9 separate categories related to required evaluation areas as set forth in WV State Code and the WV State Board of Education Policy. Ms. Stellato provided a narrative response to these goals for all board members. Each board member independently completed an evaluation document. Based on those responses, the board president compiled and presented one aggregate report to the whole board for discussion of the superintendent's strengths and weaknesses, as well as the board's own performance as the public body ultimately charged with the educational responsibility of Roane County. During this formal evaluation, the Roane County Board of Education found Ms. Stellato to have met the standards on the majority of the standards set forth by the evaluation tool. Areas needing improvement were identified and discussed for future performance for both the superintendent and the board. In respect to the required goals related to student achievement, the board established a measurable goal to ensure that the percentage of students in 3rd through 8th grade increased mastery in mathematics and English language arts by 5%, as measured by a recognized system of benchmark assessments at the beginning, middle, and end of the year in 25-26. Benchmark assessments from i-Ready on grade level and mid-year GSA benchmarks demonstrated that this objective was not met. It is noted that the end of the year GSA data was embargoed at the time of this evaluation. Improvement in future performance before both the superintendent and the board were also part of this discussion. Changes of terms and benefits of salary were not discussed in executive session as Ms. Stellato's contract remains in effect until June 30th of 2027.
   5. Board of Education Self-Appraisal for 2025-26The Roane County Board of Education reviewed and approved its annual 2025-26 Board Self-Appraisal, a state-required evaluation completed anonymously by all five board members. The results are below, with all 5 members answering every question. The appraisal will be submitted to the West Virginia Department of Education and posted on the Roane County Schools website.1. I can communicate the county's mission. Strongly Agree: 20% | Agree: 80% | Disagree: 0% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 2. I believe in learning for all, whatever it takes. Strongly Agree: 40% | Agree: 40% | Disagree: 20% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 3. I make decisions as a board member based on the established mission of our county. Strongly Agree: 20% | Agree: 80% | Disagree: 0% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 4. Board members share a commitment to the county's mission. Strongly Agree: 0% | Agree: 100% | Disagree: 0% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 5. Board meetings include meaningful discussion about county goals and means of achieving them. Strongly Agree: 20% | Agree: 80% | Disagree: 0% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 6. Our board expects central office staff to be committed to all students obtaining mastery of state standards. Strongly Agree: 20% | Agree: 80% | Disagree: 0% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 7. My commitment as a board member impacts my actions and my expectations for students and staff. Strongly Agree: 60% | Agree: 40% | Disagree: 0% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 8. Our board evaluates the Superintendent based on board goals, expectations for student achievement, and compliance with state and local policy, and W. Va. Code. Strongly Agree: 60% | Agree: 40% | Disagree: 0% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 9. Our board members provide feedback to the Superintendent when appropriate. Strongly Agree: 20% | Agree: 80% | Disagree: 0% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 10. Our board upholds a clear set of expectations of performance and professional qualities when hiring and evaluating the Superintendent. Strongly Agree: 40% | Agree: 40% | Disagree: 20% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 11. As a board member, I have the necessary information to make decisions about issues. Strongly Agree: 0% | Agree: 80% | Disagree: 20% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 12. Student performance and well-being can be measured effectively. Strongly Agree: 0% | Agree: 60% | Disagree: 40% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 13. Our board engages in frequent, meaningful conversations about improving student achievement throughout the district. Strongly Agree: 20% | Agree: 40% | Disagree: 40% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 14. Our board has specific, measurable goals, frequently monitors progress toward meeting them, and makes changes as needed. Strongly Agree: 0% | Agree: 80% | Disagree: 0% | Strongly Disagree: 20% 15. Our board operates effectively as a policy-making body. Strongly Agree: 0% | Agree: 80% | Disagree: 20% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 16. Decisions and actions of the board are grounded in state and local policy as opposed to focusing on management. Strongly Agree: 0% | Agree: 80% | Disagree: 20% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 17. All potential county-wide issues are referred to the Superintendent for management. Strongly Agree: 0% | Agree: 80% | Disagree: 20% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 18. Our board has established a schedule for reviewing policies for relevance and alignment with state policy and W.Va. Code. Strongly Agree: 0% | Agree: 80% | Disagree: 20% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 19. Our board's behaviors align with established norms and operating procedures. Strongly Agree: 0% | Agree: 100% | Disagree: 0% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 20. Our board allows and expects the superintendent to serve as the chief executive officer and run the day-to-day operations of the school system. Strongly Agree: 0% | Agree: 100% | Disagree: 0% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 21. The relationship between the board and the superintendent is one of mutual respect, open communication, trust, and confidence. Strongly Agree: 0% | Agree: 80% | Disagree: 20% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 22. The authority of our board is as a corporate body and not as individual members. Strongly Agree: 0% | Agree: 100% | Disagree: 0% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 23. Our board's goals are established and communicated to all stakeholders. Strongly Agree: 0% | Agree: 100% | Disagree: 0% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 24. Our board has an established process for communicating information with the public. Strongly Agree: 0% | Agree: 80% | Disagree: 20% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 25. Our board meetings effectively allow time for both board business and input from community members. Strongly Agree: 20% | Agree: 80% | Disagree: 0% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 26. Our board procedures for allowing public comment are fair, clear, and consistent. Strongly Agree: 20% | Agree: 80% | Disagree: 0% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 27. Board members attend school, district, and community events throughout the year when possible. Strongly Agree: 0% | Agree: 100% | Disagree: 0% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 28. When speaking publicly regarding a county issue, board members align their statements with the boards official position on the issue. Strongly Agree: 0% | Agree: 80% | Disagree: 20% | Strongly Disagree: 0% 29. Our board communicates with government leaders (local, state, and national) on issues dealing with public education. Strongly Agree: 20% | Agree: 80% | Disagree: 0% | Strongly Disagree: 0%Motion by Eileen Richardson and seconded by James Minney to approve. Motion carried. (7:45 pm)
4. Continuing Business
   1. Property matters involving Walton Elementary Middle and Geary Elementary Middle SchoolsMotion by Dennis Carpenter and seconded by Daris Harper to go into an executive session to discuss property matters as per WV Code 6-9A-4(b)(9). Motion carried. (7:45 pm) Motion Daris Harper and seconded by Dennis Carpenter to return to open session. No action was taken in closed session. Motion carried. (8:35 pm)Motion by James Minney and seconded by Dennis Carpenter to authorize the Superintendent to engage in a conversation with the County Commission involving the sewer system at Geary Elementary Middle School. Motion carried. (8:35 pm) Motion James Minney and seconded by Daris Harper to authorize the Superintendent to engage a surveyor to survey the Geary Elementary Middle School property for division, as amended by James Minney. Motion carried. (8:37 pm) Motion by James Minney and seconded by Eileen Richardson to authorize the Superintendent to engage a surveyor to survey the Walton Elementary Middle School property for division. Motion carried. (8:37 pm)
5. Consent Agenda - (Action)Motion by James Minney and seconded by Eileen Richardson to approve the following consent agenda, as recommended by Michelle Stellato, Superintendent. Motion carried. (9:12 pm)
   1. Approval of minutes of regular board meeting on June 9, 2026
   2. Finance
      1. Transfers/supplements to the budget
      2. Payments of bills as submitted; pre-approval to release checks not to exceed $60,000 prior to the next board meeting
      3. Financial ReportsTreasurer Ann Hardman reported year-end budget transfers required to clear budget red lines and finalize accounts by June 30; bus auction proceeds totaling $15,000; the May financial report showing month-to-date revenues less than expenses by $177,000 and year-to-date revenues exceeding expenses by nearly $1.6 million. Mrs. Hardman reported a Medicaid cost reimbursement of $347,000, compared to the $135,000 budgeted amount, resulting in approximately $212,000 in additional revenue. The Board also reviewed a food service surplus of $29,869, a cash position of $1,086,023 consisting of $35,481.65 in the Poca Valley Bank account and $1,050,541.04 in the investment pool, and a projected year-end positive cash balance of $858,000. Additional discussion included authorization to increase pre-approved checks to $60,000 and staffing and enrollment projections.
      4. Board Member Pay for Meeting Attendance
      5. Board Member Travel Reimbursement
   3. Policies
   4. Contract(s) / Bid(s) / Agreement(s)
      1. Best Life Therapy LLC contract for deaf and hard of hearing services
      2. Best Life Therapy LLC contract for sign language interpretation services
      3. Dot-One-Three Vision contract for vision, orientation and mobility services
      4. Linguacare Associates, Inc. contract for physical therapy services
      5. Linguacare Associates, Inc. contract for speech therapy services
   5. Field Trips
   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. (9:15 pm)
   1. Create New Position(s)
      1. Assistant Principal (SES), 210 days, effective August 10, 2026, Contract 210 Days (Federally Funded)
   2. Resignation(s)
      1. Smelko, Ernest - Coach, Baseball (Spencer Middle School), effective June 2, 2026
      2. Raines, Pepper - Transportation Aide (evening, Bus #28) (RCS - Operations), effective June 9, 2026
      3. Harold, Jennifer - Teacher / Business Education (Roane County High School), effective June 26, 2026, Resigns from the FBLA Advisor, she will retain her contract Teacher / Business Education
      4. Schreckengost, Bonita - (), effective June 30, 2026
   3. Retirement(s)
      1. Cook, Tamara - Coordinator of Educator Support (RCS - Central Office), effective June 30, 2026
   4. New Employment(s)
      1. Parkins, Melinda - Therapist (Summer) (RCS - Student Support Services), effective July 6, 2026
      2. Cobble, Austin - SOAR Into Summer Custodian (Spencer Elementary School), effective July 6, 2026, Effective date revised from board meeting on June 9, 2026
      3. Harper, James - Custodian III (Roane County High School), effective August 10, 2026, 220 day contractThe effective date was edited to July 27, 2026, to accommodate the 220 day contract.
   5. Transfer(s)
      1. Huffman, Deborah - Accountant II Secretary II (Roane County High (51%), Spencer Middle (49%)) to Accountant II Secretary II (Roane County High (51%), Spencer Middle (49%)), effective July 20, 2026, Through mutual consent contracted days will go from 240 Days to 230 Days.
      2. Sherry, Thomas - Bus Operator (Bus #43) (RCS - Operations) to Bus Operator (Bus #56) (RCS - Operations), effective August 10, 2026
      3. Barker, Joyce - Cook III (Roane County High (60%), Spencer Middle (40%)) to Cook III (Roane County High (60%), Spencer Middle (40%)), effective August 10, 2026
   6. Leave of Absence(s)
      1. Patton, Cassie - Secretary I (Spencer Middle School), effective June 8, 2026 to June 9, 2026, Without pay
7. Reports of Committees
   1. Roane Jackson Technical Center Administrative Council (6/24/26)Board member Dennis Carpenter reported on the Roane-Jackson Technical Center Administrative Council meeting held June 24. Carpenter summarized personnel actions, including employment recommendations, contract approvals, and the retirement of Assistant Director Todd Layhew. The council also approved training and clinical sites, the cosmetology student handbook, annual service agreements, and administrative meeting dates for the upcoming year. Additional discussion included updates on adult education programs, recent LPN and cosmetology graduates, ongoing School Building Authority projects, and Career Technical Education initiatives.
8. Superintendent's RemarksSuperintendent Stellato reported that the school year has concluded successfully and preparations for the upcoming year are already underway. She expressed appreciation for the Board's support and acknowledged the upcoming departure of board members Jeff Mace and Dennis Carpenter, thanking them for their years of service while welcoming the newly elected board members. Mrs. Stellato also thanked the Board for its support during her first year as superintendent and stated she looks forward to continuing the district's work and progress in the coming year. Board members and administration reflected on their years of service together, expressing appreciation for the relationships developed, differing perspectives shared, and collective commitment to the students of Roane County. President Mace thanked Superintendent Stellato for her leadership during a challenging year and voiced confidence in the district's direction, staff, and future. Retiring board members Carpenter and Mace each offered remarks of appreciation to fellow board members, administration, and the community, while encouraging continued support for public education and the success of future board members.
9. Adjournment
   1. Adjourn until the Statutory meeting on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 6:00 pm at Roane County High School. The next regular meeting will be on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 6:00 pm at Roane County High School.Motion by Daris Harper and seconded by James Minney to approve. Motion carried. (11:21 pm)