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. Superintendents Spotlight
      1. President's Training Program - Daris HarperDuring the Superintendent Spotlight, Board President Mr. Harper summarized training provided by the West Virginia School Boards Association. He emphasized that the board president has no special authority, the superintendent is the board's only employee, and board members should direct concerns through the superintendent rather than staff. Mr. Harper also reviewed the proper use of executive sessions, public participation, and board policies, stressing transparency, professionalism, and a commitment to keeping decisions focused on the best interests of Roane County students. He concluded by encouraging positive leadership and collaboration among board members.
   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
      1. 2026-27 Assessment PlanMs. Stellato reviewed the 2026-27 Assessment Plan, which will be posted publicly and outlines required testing for all grade levels. High school students will take the SAT School Day in grade 11 and NOCTI assessments for CTE courses, while grades 9 and 10 will take the PSAT through local funding. Students in grades K-8 will use i-Ready for benchmarking, with grades 3-8 also participating in state-required CBM benchmarks and the WVGSA summative assessment administered between late April and the end of the school year. Special attention will be given to third-grade students, who will have an opportunity to retake the assessment under the Third Grade Success Act requirements. The plan also includes alternative assessments for eligible special education students and English language proficiency testing. Ms. Stellato noted that she will resume serving as the county assessment coordinator.
   4. Advantage Technologies - Chris Hanshaw - RCS Technology PlanMr. Hanshaw of Advantage Technology presented the district's technology plan, highlighting opportunities to reduce costs through E-Rate funding, eliminating unnecessary internet connections, and improving network infrastructure. He discussed connecting schools through existing fiber, installing an air-fiber bridge to the athletic complex, and using E-Rate funds to replace aging equipment at a reduced local cost. Board members asked questions about equipment replacement, bandwidth usage, and facility connectivity, with Mr. Hanshaw emphasizing data-driven decisions and long-term cost savings.
3. New Business for Consideration and Potential Action
   1. RCHS Program of Study ReviewThe Board reviewed the annual Roane County High School Program of Study updates. Revisions included removing class rank to align with the school's honors recognition system, adding computer science as a graduation requirement, updating dual credit course options through approved institutions and the Roane-Jackson Technical Center Grow Your Own program, and revising course descriptions for offerings through West Virginia State University. The changes also ensure compliance with updates to Policy 2510 - Assurance of Quality Education.Motion by John Gray and seconded by James Minney to approve. Motion carried. (6:32 pm)
   2. Establish Superintendent Goals for 2026-27 School YearThe Board discussed its annual goals and reviewed the three goals used during the previous year. Members noted the importance of aligning board goals with the district strategic plan and school improvement efforts. While board goals are not specifically required by policy, members expressed support for continuing the practice and agreed to review additional examples before making any revisions.
   3. Establish Board Goals for 2026-27 School YearThe Board discussed establishing superintendent goals, which must be approved by September 15. Mr. Harper distributed prior-year goals and evaluation materials, noting that superintendent evaluations are based on these goals and must be completed by March 1 due to contract requirements. The Board reviewed options for maintaining or revising the current goals, including seeking guidance from the West Virginia School Boards Association, and agreed to continue the discussion at a future meeting.
4. Continuing Business
   1. Update on Roane County Schools' State of EmergencyMs. Stellato reported that Roane County Schools remains in a state of emergency and continues to work toward long-term financial stability while seeking relief from the state's PIA penalty. The Board discussed school rebranding and mascot/logo changes following consolidation, but the leadership team recommended postponing any such changes due to their significant cost and the district's ongoing financial challenges. Members agreed that available resources should remain focused on student needs, staffing, technology, safety, transportation, and facility improvements.
   2. Property matters involving Walton Elementary Middle and Geary Elementary Middle SchoolsAn update was provided regarding property matters involving Geary and Walton schools. No executive session was required, and the district is continuing to wait on survey work before taking further action.
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. (7:10 pm)
   1. Approval of minutes of regular board meeting on July 23, 2026
   2. FinanceMs. Hardman reviewed the district's financial reports, including one check register, one credit card payment, and several budget journal entries. She explained that while the district receives a 3% cashback rebate for using its P-card, vendors are now charging processing fees ranging from 2% to 3%, including Gordon Food Service, which now imposes a 2.5% fee. The district's Poca Valley Bank account balance was $126,844.19, and the Investment Pool account balance was $1,384,727.88, resulting in a total cash position of $1,511,572.07. Ms. Hardman also reported that the district will not require a state advance for summer payroll.
      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 Travel Reimbursement
   3. Policies
      1. First Reading
         1. Policy 512 - Areas of Critical Need and Shortage (revision)The Board reviewed expanding eligibility for long-term substitutes in critical shortage areas
         2. Policy 223 - Program of Study for High School (Grades 9 through 12) (revision)The Board reviewed revisions to the policy, removing class rank language.
      2. Second Reading
         1. Policy 260 - Education Service Provider - Hope Scholarship Program (new)The Board reviewed the policy, which establishes fees required by state code for Hope Scholarship students participating in district classes and activities. Members reviewed seven public comments received on the policy and approved removing the July 1 notification deadline to allow for rolling enrollment. The Board clarified that the fees are required by law and will apply to students participating during the current school year.
   4. Contract(s) / Bid(s) / Agreement(s)
      1. MOU - WV Military Authority - Future Leaders ProgramMs. Stellato clarified that revisions to the Memorandum of Understanding with the West Virginia Military Authority changed the language to state that the Military Authority will supervise, rather than employ, the instructor.
      2. Contracted Services- Anthony Thornabar - FLP Instructor
      3. Southern Education Services Cooperative MOU for WV Mountain State Academy serviceCopilot said: Ms. Stellato explained the annual agreement with the Southern Educational Services Cooperative (SESC), which provides the district's virtual school program. She reported that approximately 42 Roane County students are currently enrolled in the program and noted that the contracted rate per student remains unchanged from the previous year.
   5. Field Trips
   6. Volunteers
   7. Student Transfers
      1. 8 Student transfers from Calhoun County Schools (6 renewals, 2 new)
      2. 1 Student transfer from Kanawha County Schools (renewal)
      3. 1 Student transfer from Wood County Schools (renewal)Motion by Terry Miller and seconded by John Gray to take a 5 minutes recess. Motion carried. (7:11 pm)Motion by John Gray and seconded by Terry Miller to return from recess. Motion carried. (7:17 pm)
6. Personnel Consent Agenda - (Action)Motion by Eileen Richardson and seconded by John Gray to approve the following personnel items as recommended by Michelle Stellato, Superintendent. Motion carried. (7:35 pm)
   1. Abolish Position(s)
      1. Teacher / Special Education (RCHS), effective August 7, 2026
   2. Create New Position(s)
      1. Teacher / 2nd & 3rd Grade (SES), 200 days, effective August 7, 2026
   3. Resignation(s)
      1. Raynor-Sears, Dawn - Teacher / Special Education (Spencer Middle School), effective July 24, 2026
      2. Osborne, Kenneth - Teacher / Science (Spencer Middle School), effective July 27, 2026
      3. Penfold, JuliAnna - Teacher / Special Education (Spencer Middle School), effective August 3, 2026
      4. Morris, Amy - Secretary III (Spencer Middle School), effective August 4, 2026
   4. New Employment(s)
      1. Brown, Randall - Assistant Principal (Spencer Middle School), effective August 7, 2026, 210-day contract
      2. Cross, Geneva - Cook III (Roane County High (60%), Spencer Middle (40%)), effective August 10, 2026
      3. Tanner, EmmaLee - Substitute aide (RCS - Substitutes), effective August 10, 2026
      4. Scheuch, Olivia - Teacher / Special Education (Spencer Elementary School), effective August 10, 2026
      5. Lewis, Maddox - Teacher / Special Education (Spencer Middle School), effective August 10, 2026, Pending release from Clay County Schools
      6. Edwards, Kelsey - Substitute teacher (RCS - Substitutes), effective August 10, 2026
   5. Transfer(s)
      1. Linkinoggor, Ashley - Teacher / Wellness (Roane County High School) to Teacher / Wellness (Multi-School) (Spencer Elementary (24%), Spencer Middle (25%), Roane County High (51%)), effective August 10, 2026
      2. Ball, Lindsey - Teacher / 1st Grade (Spencer Elementary School) to Teacher / 5th Grade (Spencer Elementary School), effective August 10, 2026, Transferred under WV Code §18-5-18A and §18A-2-7(e)(2)
   6. Leave of Absence(s)
      1. McGuire, Katlynn - Teacher / 2nd Grade (Spencer Elementary School), effective August 10, 2026 to June 30, 2027, Pursuant to WV Code §18A-2-2a Extended Leave and Parental Leave.
7. Reports of Committees
8. Superintendent's RemarksThe Superintendent reported that Roane County Schools is preparing for the start of the school year with open houses scheduled next Thursday, staff returning next week for training and preparation, and students beginning classes on August 17 with staggered starts for kindergarten and preschool. Updates were provided on the district's participation in the I Heart Public Schools campaign, efforts to secure community support for staff T-shirts, and upcoming transportation and parking plans for the new school facilities.
9. Adjournment
   1. Adjourn until the next regular meeting on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 6:00 pm at Roane County High School.Motion by John Gray and seconded by Terry Miller to approve. Motion carried. (6:40 pm)