Roane County Schools

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

September 17, 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
      1. Capturing Kids Hearts (CKH) - Good ThingsThe Board member recognized bus operators for their diligence in conducting safety inspections and pre-trip checks before transporting students. Positive interactions between students and staff were highlighted, particularly during school open house events. Board members praised students who displayed initiative and responsibility, including elementary students who volunteered to help clean the playground without being asked. Recognition was also given to students participating in extracurricular programs such as athletics, FFA, band, and the SOAR program, noting the significant commitment required to participate. Several members highlighted the success of Grandparents Day activities at Spencer Elementary School and Preschool, emphasizing the importance of family and community engagement in schools.
      2. Appalachian Drone & Aviation ExpoTeresa Parker and Lisha Morlan presented an overview of the Appalachian Drone and Aviation Expo held at Boggs Field. Mrs. Parker highlighted the strong community support behind the event and discussed its positive impact on students by exposing them to aviation, drones, and related career opportunities. Ms. Morlan joined remotely and explained how aviation, advanced air mobility, and drone technology are creating new workforce opportunities throughout West Virginia. Both presenters thanked Roane County Schools for partnering in the event and shared plans to continue and expand the Expo in future years.
    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 - Plan for Balanced Scorecard Data ReleaseSuperintendent Stellato informed the Board that state accountability scorecard information had been released to school systems but remained under embargo until September 21. She outlined plans for principals from Roane County High School, Spencer Middle School, and Spencer Elementary School to present their accountability data and school improvement plans during upcoming board meetings. The Superintendent discussed implementation of the Four Disciplines of Execution (4DX) framework and explained that the district intends to apply the same accountability model used to address financial challenges toward improving academic performance. Principals will develop measurable goals, identify leading indicators, maintain progress scorecards, and establish regular accountability measures to monitor improvement efforts.
  3. New Business for Consideration and Potential Action
    1. SBA Proposal for Facility Upgrades at Spencer Elementary SchoolMr. Garner and Superintendent Stellato presented information regarding a proposed School Building Authority Needs Project for Spencer Elementary School. The proposal focuses primarily on replacing aging HVAC equipment throughout the building and renovating the cafeteria kitchen area to improve efficiency and working conditions. Administrators discussed overcrowding within the kitchen, operational challenges associated with serving more than 550 students, and increasing maintenance costs due to aging equipment. The estimated project cost is approximately $3.56 million. Administrators explained that the district would propose a local contribution of approximately $50,000 generated through a summer food service initiative if the project receives funding. Discussion included anticipated energy savings, reduced repair costs, cafeteria improvements, project timelines, and the bidding process that would occur should funding be approved.Motion by James Minney and seconded by Eileen Richardson to submit an SBA proposal for facility upgrades at Spencer Elementary School. Motion carried. (7:09 pm)
    2. Amendment of the Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan (CEFP)Administration requested an amendment to the Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan (CEFP) to include the proposed Spencer Elementary School renovation project. The amendment would elevate the HVAC replacement and kitchen renovation project to a priority needs project within the district's facilities plan. Discussion focused on long-term facility planning, projected enrollment, and future maintenance needs.Motion by John Gray and seconded by James Minney to amend the CEFP as presented. Motion carried. (7:09 pm)
    3. Abella Starcher, WVUP Observation Placement at SES for Fall 2026The Board was advised that Bella Starcher, a West Virginia University at Parkersburg student, would complete observation placement hours at Spencer Elementary School during the Fall 2026 semester.
    4. Seniority Drawing for Bus Operators Don Casto, Roger Petry, and Melissa Strickland to Determine Seniority OrderA seniority drawing was conducted to determine the order of seniority of bus operators. The results were as follows: 1) Melissa Strickland, 2) Don Casto and 3) Roger Petri.
  4. Continuing Business
    1. Property matters involving Walton Elementary Middle and Geary Elementary Middle SchoolsThe Board discussed the status of former Walton and Geary Elementary/Middle School properties. Administration reported that final property surveys are expected by the end of September and indicated those surveys are necessary before further action can be taken regarding the properties.Motion by Terry Miller and seconded by John Gray 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 John Gray and seconded by Eileen Richardson to return to open session. Motion carried. No action was taken in closed session. (7:24 pm)
  5. Consent Agenda - (Action) Motion carried. (7:34 pm)Daris Harper requested to vote separately on policies. John Gray requested to vote separately on student transfers.
    1. Approval of minutes of regular board meeting on September 3, 2026
    2. FinanceTreasurer Ann Hardman reviewed the August financial report. Revenues exceeded expenditures in both the General Current Expense Fund and the Special Revenue Fund. The district received $170,628 in the Capital Projects Fund, representing the final reimbursement for the completed Safety and Security project. Property tax collections totaled approximately 8% of projected annual revenue as of the end of August. Mrs. Hardman explained that some fund balances appear negative because June 30 balances have not yet been carried forward pending completion of the annual financial statements due on September 30, 2026. The district's cash position included $748,383.17 in the Poca Valley Bank account and $1,179,214.72 in the Investment Pool account, for a total cash position of $1,927,597.89. Mrs. Hardman also reported that the district had recently received its largest annual property tax payment, totaling slightly more than $1,000,000, and noted that the district continues to move in a positive financial direction.
      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
    3. Policies
      1. Second Reading
        1. Policy 830 - Purchases (Revision)No comments were received.
        2. Policy 850 - Travel Payment and Reimbursement (Revision)No comments were received.
        3. Policy 512 - Areas of Critical Need and Shortage (Revision)Administration reported receiving one public comment in support of Policy 512, stating that retired teachers often provide high-quality substitute teaching services and help maintain instructional continuity for students.Under consent agenda motion, the board voted to adopt all 3 policies on second reading. Motion carried. (7:35 pm)
    4. Contract(s) / Bid(s) / Agreement(s)
      1. Northwest Worksite Marketing Corporation (NWMC) Agreement for Social Media Lawsuit EngagementThe Board considered an agreement authorizing participation in a statewide social media lawsuit alongside other West Virginia school districts. Administration explained that participation would not create a cost obligation for the district and requested authorization to continue involvement in the litigation process.
    5. Field Trips
      1. RCHS FBLA to White Sulphur Springs, WV for Fall Leadership Conference (10/29/26 - 10/30/26)
    6. School Organizations for FY 2027The Board reviewed the annual list of school support organizations operating within Roane County Schools. Administration explained that while these organizations operate independently and maintain their own financial records, they remain subject to district oversight and annual approval requirements.
      1. Spencer Elementary PTO
      2. Spencer Middle School PTO
      3. RCHS Band Boosters
      4. RCHS Raider End Zone
    7. Volunteers
    8. Student Transfers
      1. 2 Student transfers - Athletic purposes only - Home School from Calhoun - Request by Chris and Kayla Morris, parentsAdministration presented a request involving homeschooled students from Calhoun County seeking an athletic-only transfer to participate in wrestling at Roane County Schools. Superintendent Stellato explained that significant consultation had occurred with Calhoun County administrators, state homeschooling officials, and the SSAC to determine whether such a transfer would be permissible. Board members expressed concerns about creating precedent, allowing participation for students not enrolled academically within the district, and maintaining priority for Roane County students.Under consent agenda motion, the board voted to approve student transfers. Motion failed. Eileen Richardson, Terry Miller, John Gray and Daris Harper opposed. (7:41 pm)
  6. Personnel Consent Agenda - (Action)Motion by Terry Miller and seconded by John Gray to approve the following personnel items as recommended by Michelle Stellato, Superintendent. Motion carried. (7:48 pm)approve the following personnel items as recommended by Michelle Stellato, Superintendent, except for items 1.a., 3.b. and 6.b., which will all be voted on separatelyA drawing was conducted to determine the calling order for substitute aides. The results were as follows: 1) Lauren Lawson and 2) Valerie Baldridge. James Minney requested to vote on items 1.a., 3.b. and 6.b. separately
    1. Resignation(s)
      1. Baker, John - Custodian III (Walton Elementary / Middle School), effective June 30, 2026
      2. Eads, Tamara - Transportation Aide (morning, Bus #20) (RCS - Operations), effective August 11, 2026, Due to retirement
      3. Eads, Tamara - Transportation Aide (evening, Bus #20) (RCS - Operations), effective August 11, 2026, Due to retirement
      4. Miller, Allison - Math Competition Sponsor (RCS - Central Office), effective September 8, 2026
      5. Fox, Deborah - Substitute teacher (RCS - Substitutes), effective September 10, 2026
      6. Smelko, Ernest - Assistant Coach, Boys Basketball (Spencer Middle School), effective September 14, 2026
      7. Hunt, Jennifer - Homecoming Sponsor (Roane County High School), effective September 18, 2026
    2. Retirement(s)
      1. Eads, Tamara - Aide V / Special Education Assistant Teacher (Spencer Elementary School), effective August 11, 2026
    3. New Employment(s)
      1. Baldridge, Valerie - Substitute aide (RCS - Substitutes), effective September 18, 2026
      2. Baker, John - Custodian III (Roane County High School), effective September 18, 2026, Limited Length of Contract based on Job PostingUnder personnel consent agenda motion, the board voted to approve items 1.a., 3.b., and 6.b. James Minney recused himself from the vote. Motion carried. (7:49 pm)
      3. McGuire, Sumer - Substitute teacher (RCS - Substitutes), effective September 18, 2026
      4. Harper, Carly - Teacher / 5th Grade (Spencer Elementary School), effective September 18, 2026, Clinical Teacher of Record through Glenville State University until December 8, 2026
      5. Lawson, Lauren - Substitute LPN / Aide (RCS - Substitutes), effective September 18, 2026
    4. Transfer(s)
      1. Losey, Hannah - Substitute aide (RCS - Substitutes) to Aide II (Spencer Elementary School), effective September 18, 2026
      2. Raines, Pepper - Aide V (Roane County High School) to Aide / ECCAT (Spencer Elementary School), effective January 14, 2027
    5. Extracurricular(s)
      1. Hall, Dixie - Transportation Aide (morning, Bus #20) (RCS - Operations), effective September 18, 2026
      2. Hall, Dixie - Transportation Aide (evening, Bus #20) (RCS - Operations), effective September 18, 2026
      3. Woods, Courtney - Transportation Aide (Morning, Bus #05) (RCS - Operations), effective September 18, 2026
      4. Workman, Laura - SOAR Morning Aide/ECCAT (Spencer Elementary School), effective September 18, 2026
      5. Ward, Cari - SOAR Morning Lead Teacher (Spencer Elementary School), effective September 18, 2026
    6. Rescind action(s)
      1. Resignation of Eads, Tamara - Aide V / Special Education Assistant Teacher (Spencer Elementary School), effective August 11, 2026 [from August 13, 2026]
      2. Retirement of Baker, John - Custodian III (Walton Elementary / Middle School), effective June 30, 2026 [from May 14, 2026]
  7. Reports of Committees
  8. Superintendent's RemarksSuperintendent Stellato highlighted a new state initiative focused on strengthening middle school career and technical education opportunities. Members of the district leadership team were scheduled to attend workshops through the state's STRIVE initiative to explore new supports and enrichment programs aimed at middle school students. She also noted that Local School Improvement Council meetings would be occurring soon and expressed interest in hearing school improvement plans and updates from each school.
  9. AdjournmentMotion by Terry Miller and seconded by James Minney to approve. Motion carried. (7:51 pm)
    1. Adjourn until the next regular meeting on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 6:00 pm at Roane County High School.