Roane County Schools

Print these minutes

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

July 9, 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. Superintendents Spotlight - SOAR into SummerSOAR Coordinator Fred Hammack reported a successful first week of the SOAR Summer Program, with attendance increasing daily and reaching 73 students. The program combines morning academic intervention with afternoon enrichment activities and swimming. Strong staff support, positive student engagement, and continued enrollment were highlighted. A full program report will be presented to the Board after the summer session concludes.
    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 - Food Service Update - Chris MelonasMr. Chris Melonas, Child Nutrition Director, reported that the county continues to provide free breakfast, lunch, and supper through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) with a reimbursement rate of 92.56%. Meal participation increased during 2024-2025, with 139,000 breakfasts, 168,000 suppers, and total federal reimbursements exceeding $2 million, up from approximately $1.7 million in 2023-2024. Food costs decreased from over $1 million in 2023-2024 to about $903,000 in 2024-2025. Mr. Melonas highlighted the importance of supper participation to program revenue and noted a positive financial outlook for the coming year.
  3. New Business for Consideration and Potential Action
    1. Camp Sheppard Request For Surplus ItemsCaleb Greathouse, representing the Camp Sheppard Advisory Council and Roane County Commission, requested surplus kitchen equipment, bleachers, and baseball field lights for Camp Sheppard, which serves approximately 150 children daily. Motion by Terry Miller and seconded by John Gray to to authorize Jerry Garner to work with Camp Sheppard and Roane County Commission Advisory Council to coordinate the transfer of available surplus items. Motion carried. (6:40 pm)
    2. Declaration of Surplus Materials - TechnologyDirector of Instructional Programs and Personnel Lorra Tanner presented a list of outdated technology devices identified through a district-wide inventory for inclusion in the county's technology buyback program.Motion by John Gray and seconded by Terry Miller to declare items as technology surplus based on the provided list. Motion carried. (6:51 pm)
    3. 26-27 Technology PlanLorra Tanner presented the 2026-2027 Technology Plan, which establishes a three-year replacement cycle for student devices. The plan includes purchasing new devices for grades 6-12, while elementary students will continue using Gen 9 iPads until their warranty expires in December 2026, with buyback planned for May 2027. The plan is designed to maintain current technology, maximize trade-in value, and reduce replacement costs.
    4. 2026-27 Adopted Curriculum and Cost SummaryAdoption of 2026-2027 Curriculum: Director of Instructional Programs and Personnel Lorra Tanner presented the 2026-2027 adopted curriculum and cost summary, including adoptions in Music, Arts, Health and Wellness, Driver's Education, Personal Finance, Business Marketing, and Parenting. Mrs. Tanner reported a curriculum budget of $217,908 and estimated curriculum expenditures of approximately $104,000, compared to $185,000 in expenditures the previous year. She explained that one-year contracts were selected when possible to allow flexibility based on enrollment and future costs.Motion by Eileen Richardson and seconded by James Minney to approve. Motion carried. (7:00 pm)
    5. 2026-27 Strategic PlanSuperintendent Michelle Stellato presented updates to the 2026-2027 Strategic Plan based on feedback from the Superintendent's Advisory Council and Leadership Team. Revisions included a continued focus on attendance, school safety, SAT preparation, parent communication, employee recognition, and strategies to address declining enrollment. The Board amended the plan to maintain the graduation rate set by the state and continue the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council.Motion by John Gray and seconded by Terry Miller to accept the 2026-27 strategic plan, as presented. Motion carried. (7:12 pm)
  4. Continuing Business
    1. Property matters involving Walton Elementary Middle and Geary Elementary Middle SchoolsMs. Stellato reported no updates requiring executive session. She announced surplus sales at Spencer Elementary on July 10, Geary on July 17, and Walton on July 20, each from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. She also updated the Board on a vandalism incident at Walton approximately two weeks ago. The district is working with insurance and a cleanup company, and the individual involved was apprehended and may face felony charges.
    2. Update on Roane County Schools' State of EmergencyMs. Stellato reported on the district's required six-month update to the West Virginia Board of Education and noted that the state of emergency was extended. The district reported that a projected deficit increase of more than $500,000 did not occur and that the year-end deficit is currently lower than it was on July 1, with additional financial adjustments expected by September 30. Cost-saving measures included eliminating 6 positions, saving approximately $60,000 through accounting changes, increasing Medicaid revenue by approximately $200,000, and reducing operational expenses. Ms. Stellato also highlighted a potential $1.44 million penalty under state code due to professional staffing ratio requirements, noting that legislative action is being pursued to address the issue. The district will return to the State Board for another update in January.
  5. Consent Agenda - (Action)Motion by Eileen Richardson and seconded by John Gray to approve the following consent agenda as recommended by Michelle Stellato, Superintendent. Motion carried. (7:40 pm)
    1. Approval of minutes of regular board meeting on June 25, 2026 and special board meeting on July 6, 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 ReportsTreasurer Ann Hardman reported the final check run for June totaled $36,468.90. The Board discussed a water bill of $2,100 for the high school athletic field and caretaker facilities. Mrs. Hardman reported a cash position of $123,000 in the Poca Valley Bank account and $870,000 in the investment pool, for a total of $993,000. She also noted that the district has an upcoming Roane-Jackson Technical Center payment due in September, does not anticipate needing an advance on state aid in July, and has completed all required employee payouts, with only employer-paid insurance costs remaining through September for eligible employees.
    3. Policies
      1. First Reading
        1. Policy 227.1 - Parent and Family Engagement (revision)
    4. Contract(s) / Bid(s) / Agreement(s)
      1. Thera-Pedics, Inc. contract for occupational therapy services
      2. Bid for motor oil, bio-diesel, and gasoline for the 2026-27 school year: Bruceton Farm Services, Inc (BFS)
      3. Marshall University MOU for clinical experiences
    5. Field Trips
    6. Volunteers
    7. Student Transfers
  6. Personnel Consent Agenda - (Action) Motion carried. (7:54 pm) Mr. Minney requested to have a separate vote on item #1. Under the Personnel Consent Agenda motion, Item 1 - Resignations was considered separately and approved. Motion carried. James Minney opposed. (7:55 pm) Item 2.a. The effective date for the transfer of Melinda Parkins is August 3, 2026 with a 210 day contract.
    1. Resignation(s)
      1. Kendall, Deana - SOAR After School Teacher (Spencer Elementary School), effective July 1, 2026
      2. May, Lori - SOAR into Summer Aide/ECCAT (Spencer Elementary School), effective July 6, 2026
      3. Baker, Muriah - SOAR Into Summer Teacher (Spencer Elementary School), effective July 6, 2026
    2. Transfer(s)
      1. Parkins, Melinda - Elementary Alternative Education Counselor (RCS - Student Support (75%), Spencer Elementary (25%)) to Assistant Principal (Spencer Elementary School), effective August 3, 2026, 210 day contract
      2. Harper, Calvin - Bus Operator (Bus #06) (RCS - Operations) to Bus Operator (Bus #43) (RCS - Operations), effective August 10, 2026
  7. Reports of Committees
    1. Roane Jackson Technical Center Administrative Council (7/9/26)Mr. Gray reported that Will Hosaflook was elected Chair and Ms. Stellato was elected Vice Chair of the Advisory Council. The Council recommended hiring Melissa Wilkinson as Assistant Director after reviewing 7 applicants and interviewing 3 candidates. The resignation of the Practical Nursing Instructor/Program Coordinator was also reported. The next meeting is scheduled for August 21.
  8. Superintendent's RemarksMs. Stellato reminded the public of the upcoming surplus sales on July 10(SES), July 17(GEMS), and July 20(WEMS), from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with all items to be removed by 9:00 p.m. She noted that principals are off contract until July 27 and that enrollment inquiries should be directed to the Central Office. Mrs. Stellato also expressed appreciation for the Leadership Team's efforts and dedication. Board members commended the team's work and requested further discussion of school rebranding efforts at the August 6 meeting.
  9. Adjournment
    1. Adjourn until the next regular meeting on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 6:00 pm at Roane County High School.Motion by Terry Miller and seconded by John Gray to approve. Motion carried. (8:03 pm)