MINUTES

WEST VIRGINIA BOARD OF EDUCATION

at

West Virginia Governor's School for the Arts

Marshall University Stadium - Big Green Room

Huntington, West Virginia

July 13, 2000

President Cleo P. Mathews called the meeting of the West Virginia Board of Education to order at 8:37 a.m. on July 13, 2000, in the Big Green Room, Marshall University Stadium, Huntington, West Virginia, and introduced Dr. Don VanHorn, Dean of the Fine Arts Department at Marshall University. Dr. VanHorn welcomed the Board on behalf of Marshall University and the Governor's School for the Arts. Members present were Secretary J. D. Morris, Sandra M. Chapman, Sheila M. Hamilton, James J. MacCallum, Jim L. McKnight, Paul J. Morris, Ronald B. Spencer, Superintendent David L. Stewart and Dr. John Thralls, Interim Chancellor, The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. Member absent: Vice-President Gary G. White.

II.

President Billie Frye, called the joint meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Education with the West Virginia Board of Education to order at 8:40 a.m. on July 13, 2000, in the Big Green Room, Marshall University Stadium, Huntington, West Virginia. Members present for the Lincoln County Board of Education were: Fred Curry, Royce Edward Frye, Carol Smith, Bill Workman and Superintendent William K. Grizzell.

President Mathews requested members of the Lincoln County Board to issue questions and concerns. President Billie Frye in response indicated a need to increase curriculum offerings, i.e., elective classes in high school and stated that the Lincoln County Board is willing to work with the State Board for the betterment of Lincoln County Schools. Superintendent William K. Grizzell addressed the Board and indicated that he will be working closely with the Lincoln County Board, State Department and State Board through every facet of the improvement phase. State Superintendent Stewart indicated that, in addition to curriculum concerns, the Lincoln County CEFP must be addressed. Standards to be met by the Lincoln County Schools will be developed by State Superintendent Stewart, Superintendent Grizzell and Associate Superintendent Bill Luff. The standards will be presented to the State Board in August or September.

Bill Luff addressed the Boards regarding the development of standards that must be met prior to the return of control to the Lincoln County Board. Types of "standards" likely to be included: a) correction of identified deficiencies, b) Improvement to meet performance measures, and c) actions to remedy facilities issues. Adequate progress will be determined by the State Board. There will be an annual meeting to review progress. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment A.)

President Frye called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Upon motion by Fred Curry, second by Bill Workman the meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Education meeting was adjourned at 8:58 a.m. and President Mathews recessed the meeting of the State Board.

III.

President Mathews called the regular meeting back to order at 9:12 a.m. and welcomed David Roach, Superintendent of Cabell County Schools, to address the Board. Mr. Roach welcomed the Board and distributed and discussed two documents entitled "3 Year Plan, 1998 - 2001, Cabell County Public Schools" and "3 Year Plan, 1999-2002, Cabell County Public Schools." (Copies appended to Official Minutes, Attachment B.)

IV.

Dr. Jeanne Moore addressed the Board and distributed information regarding the importance of the provision of fine arts instruction by certified fine arts specialists in West Virginia schools. (Copies appended to Official Minutes, Attachment C.)

V.

Upon motion by J. D. Morris, second by Sandra Chapman, the Board approved the minutes of the June 7, 2000 special meeting and June 8, 2000 regular meeting as submitted. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment D.) Jim L. McKnight requested that the approval of the minutes be moved henceforth under the Consent Agenda. Mr. McKnight's request was approved by consensus.

VI.

Upon motion by James J. MacCallum, second by Sheila M. Hamilton, the Board approved the agenda with the following changes:

Superintendent Stewart distributed addendums to Waivers of Principal Academy Attendance and Personnel. Dr. Seal indicated he would be distributing a corrected Executive Summary for Mingo County.

Add under Miscellaneous, WV Education Summit. Mr. McKnight requested this item be added to each successive agenda until the conclusion of the Summit.

Add under Miscellaneous, Testing Issues.

A random and unannounced education performance audit was conducted in the Pendleton County school System. All schools in Pendleton County were evaluated by members of the on-site review team. The county submitted revised County and School Unified Improvement Plans for noncompliances identified by the education performance audit team. Only one plan of compliance was accepted and that school is eligible for a higher accreditation status.

Based on the performance data, results of the education performance audit, and revised County and School Unified Improvement Plans, it was recommended that the Pendleton County School System be issued Temporary Approval status, three (3) schools be issued Temporary Accreditation status, and one (1) school be issued Conditional Accreditation status.

Upon motion by Jim L. McKnight, second by Sheila M. Hamilton, the Board issued the Pendleton County school system Temporary Approval status, issued three (3) schools Temporary Accreditation status and one (1) school Conditional Accreditation status. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment E.)

VIII.

A random and unannounced education performance audit was conducted in the Wayne County School System. All schools in Wayne County were evaluated by members of the on-site review team. The county submitted revised County and School Unified Improvement Plans for noncompliances identified by the education performance audit team.

Based on the performance data, results of the education performance audit, and revised County and School Unified Improvement Plans, it was recommended that the Wayne County School System be issued Conditional Approval status, twenty (20) schools be issued Conditional Accreditation status, and one (1) school determined to be Seriously Impaired.

Upon motion by Paul J. Morris, second by Sandra M. Chapman, the Board issued the Wayne County School System Conditional Approval status, issued twenty (20) schools Conditional Accreditation status and determined one (1) school to be Seriously Impaired. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment F.)

The Superintendent of Wayne County Schools, Wilts Salmons, was invited to address the Board regarding the findings of the on-site review team.

IX.

An on-site review of the Mingo County School System was conducted from October 5-10, 1997. An Education Performance Audit Team returned to Mingo County April 18-19, 2000. The purpose of the return team visit was to verify correction of the noncompliances identified during the original on-site review.

Based upon the performance data and results of the Follow-up Education Performance Audit, it is recommended Nonapproval status of the Mingo County School System be continued, twelve (12) Mingo County schools be granted Full Accreditation status, and seven (7) schools issued Temporary Accreditation status.

Upon motion by James J. MacCallum, second by Ronald B.Spencer, the Board issued the Mingo County School System Nonapproval status, granted twelve (12) Mingo County schools Full Accreditation and issued seven (7) schools Temporary Accreditation status. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment G and addendum.)

X.

Superintendent Stewart reported receipt of a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to enhance indoor air quality initiatives in the state's school.

XI.

Upon motion by Jim L. McKnight, second by Sandra M. Chapman, the Board approved consent agenda items as amended and as recommended. (Copies appended to Official Minutes, Attachments H-S and addenda.)

The Kanawha County Board of Education requests approval of an amendment to its Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan (CEFP) to include the closure of Ford, Mound, Roxalana, and Tyler Elementary Schools at the end of the 2000-2001 school term. Approval is also requested for the re-designation of Dunbar Elementary School as the Dunbar Primary Center (PK-2) and Dunbar Intermediate Center (3-5). The vote to approve this amendment and closure was held on June 7, 2000 with all five board members in favor.

The amendment to the Kanawha County CEFP was approved. (Attachment H.)

The Kanawha County Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan (CEFP) does not contain a provision for the placement of portable classrooms at Overbrook Elementary School, Weimer Elementary School, and Horace Mann Middle School. These classrooms will not house special education students and do have restrooms. The portable at Overbrook will be utilized until George Washington High School becomes 9-12, John Adams Junior High School becomes 6-8, and the elementary schools become K-5. The portable at Weimer Elementary will be utilized until June 2002. The portable at Horace Mann Middle School will be utilized until June 2005.

The amendment to the Kanawha County CEFP was approved.

The Ritchie County Board of Education requests approval of an amendment to its CEFP to include the placement of two portable classrooms at Harrisville Elementary School. The classrooms will not house special education students and will be equipped with restrooms. The anticipated removal date for these portable classrooms is June 2005.

The amendment to the Ritchie County CEFP was approved.

West Virginia Code 18-9D-16, requires all local boards of education to submit a ten-year Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan (CEFP) to the West Virginia Board of Education and the School Building Authority of West Virginia for approval. The facilities plans for the counties listed below have been reviewed by the staff of the School Building Authority of West Virginia (SBA) and the Office of School Transportation and Facilities for compliance with Policy 6200 and the SBA Guidelines and Procedures Handbook. Based upon the data provided by the boards of education the following CEFPs were approved: Berkeley, Brooke, Gilmer, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Lewis, Lincoln, Monongalia, Ohio, Pocahontas, Taylor, Tucker, and Wood.

Board members were provided an update on activities of the HVAC technicians. (Attachment J.)

County boards of education are required by W.Va. Code 18-9A-10 to file a plan as to how the funds appropriated for the Improvement of Instructional Programs (Step 7) will be expended. Plans for the 2000-01 year have been received from all 55 county boards. They have all been reviewed and determined to meet the requirements specified in the statute.

All Step 7 Plans for the 2000-01 year were approved. (Attachment K.)

This report provided: (1) background relating to the development of programs and procedures for schools' donation of leftover foods to charitable organizations; (2) data relating to current food donation activities; (3) description of barriers and concerns; and, (4) WVDE plans to promote leftover food donations. (Attachment L.)

Board members were provided an update on Education First: Our Future Depends on It. (Attachment M.)

Board members were provided an update on Project CATS: Coordinated and Thematic Science. (Attachment Mc.)

Board members were provided an update on Office of Healthy Schools activities. (Attachment N.)

Board members were provided an update on instructional technology projects in West Virginia. (Attachment O.)

Board members were provided an update on administrative technology projects in West Virginia. (Attachment P.)

Board members were provided an update on Mingo County. (Attachment Q.)

Two (2) principals submitted waiver requests for the Summer 2000 Principal Leadership Academy.

The Board approved one waiver request and denied one as the principal had been granted waivers for the 1997, 1998 and 1999 Academies with the stipulation that he attend the 2000 Academy. (Attachment R and addendum.)

The Board approved personnel items for the West Virginia Department of Education and the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind as listed in Attachment S and addendum.

XII.

Dr. Clacy Williams, Executive Director, West Virginia School Building Authority, reviewed findings of an on-site investigation, distributed copies of two letters to then Superintendent Peggy Adkins and two photo boards regarding a concrete floor structural concern at Hamlin Elementary School in Lincoln County. Upon questioning by President Mathews regarding the safety of students Dr. Williams indicated that there are no current safety issues with regard to Hamlin Elementary. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment T.)

XIII.

Barbara Jones distributed information and addressed the Board regarding the Stanford Achievement Test, Ninth Edition, (SAT-9), scores for 1999-2000. Results show that 53 counties or 96% had no grade level below the 50^th percentile in Total Basic Skills. Dr. Jones also distributed the ETS 2000 Algebra End of Course Examination - All West Virginia Schools Report. President Mathews requested the Board's thoughts with regard to moving SAT-9 testing to mid-May. The Board, by general consensus, approved the investigation of said move. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment U.)

XIV.

Barbara Jones reported that the Department submitted the state assessment accountability programs report to the United States Department of Education's Title I office for review on June 30, 2000. The materials will be reviewed on August 9-10 by a peer review team. Prior to issuing a Request for Information (RFI), the Department will receive recommendations from three different groups of experts: 1) The USDE's Title I program officers; 2) the SREB review team; and 3) the Legislative Subcommittee that has been studying this issue for the past two years. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment V.)

XV.

The membership of the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) proposed changes to the rules and regulations that govern interscholastic activities for all member schools in West Virginia. The proposed changes were on public comment through May 18, 2000.

Upon motion by James J. MacCallum, second by J. D. Morris, the Board approved the proposed changes to the rules and regulations of the WVSSAC with regard to proposal 1.

Upon motion by J. D. Morris, second by Jim L. McKnight, the Board rejected the proposed changes to the rules and regulations of the WVSSAC with regard to proposal 2.

Upon motion by Paul J. Morris, second by Ronald B. Spencer, the Board approved the proposed changes to the rules and regulations of the WVSSAC with regard to proposals 3-11. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment W.)

XVI.

House Bill 4787 required that Policy 6201 be revised to include all floor covering in public schools. The policy was revised in consultation with the Department of Health, SBA, and others and makes specific recommendations for the installation and/or replacement of floor covering in public schools. The comment period for Policy 6201 ended on June 12, 2000. Three comments were received and none were adopted. These comments were addressed in the policy.

Upon motion by James J. MacCallum, second by Sheila M. Hamilton, the Board approved Policy 6201. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment X.)

XVII.

An executive summary and revision of the Policies of Operation Manual are found in Attachment T. Mary Kay Harrison reported that revision of the policy is to bring it into compliance with regulatory changes in the school nutrition programs. Approval will allow the Department to assist counties in complying with United States Department of Agriculture regulations. The comment period ended June 12, 2000, with one comment being received.

Upon motion by Jim L. McKnight, second by Sandra M. Chapman, the Board approved Policy 4320. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment Y.)

XVIII.

Policy 4355 provides rules for the issuance of diplomas to veterans as provided in H.B. 4078 passed during the 2000 legislative session. Bill Luff reported that the policy had been on public comment and only a few comments were received. No changes have been made as a result of the comments.

Upon motion by J. D. Morris, second by Paul J. Morris, the Board approved Policy 4355. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment Z.)

XIX.

Policy 2445.40 incorporates the language and intent of W.Va. Code 18-2A-1 and establishes a new adoption cycle for instructional materials for the required programs of study in the public schools. Steve McBride reported that this policy and schedule for groupings aligns with Policy 2520: Instructional Goals and Objectives, and Policy 2510: Assuring Quality Education. The proposed policy was on comment from May 12, 2000 through June 12, 2000. One comment was received and no change was made to the policy.

Upon motion by Jim L. McKnight, second by Sheila M. Hamilton, the Board approved Policy 2445.40. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment AA.)

XX.

Proposed revisions to Policy 2418 were on comment from April 17, 2000 through June 9, 2000. Twenty-nine (29) comments were received from 14 county school districts, one child care agency, and the Department. The State Board of Education's 23 member Committee to Improve the Quality of Alternative Education reviewed the comments and recommended a number of changes. Frank Andrews reviewed recommended changes which were based upon comments concerning proposed revisions to the policy which imposed unfunded mandates and burdensome meetings and paperwork upon county school districts.

Upon motion by James J. MacCallum, second by Ronald B. Spencer, the Board approved Policy 2418. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment BB.)

XXI.

Policy 5100 - Approval of Educational Personnel Programs, requires all higher education institutions in the state to supply data for the Personnel Preparation Praxis Test Results document to be compiled and published annually by the West Virginia Department of Education. John Hough reported that the Office of Professional Preparation has been compiling and publishing this information for twelve years. The major purpose of the document is to supply all persons who are involved in educator professional preparation in West Virginia with data that can be used to make program improvement decisions. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment CC.)

XXII.

Policy 5100 - Approval of Educational Personnel Programs, requires all West Virginia higher education institutions to complete an annual report on July 1 of each year. John Hough reported that the Office of Professional Preparation compiles a document entitled Approved Educational Preparation Programs in West Virginia Colleges and Universities 2000-2001 and distributes this document throughout the state. This year's document reflects all the changes the higher education institutions made to align their professional preparation programs with the changes contained in the revised Policy 5100 passed by the West Virginia Board of Education in January 2000.

Upon motion by Sheila M. Hamilton, second by Paul J. Morris, the Board approved the educational personnel preparation programs contained in Attachment Y. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment DD.)

XXIII.

The State Board of Education is required under W.Va. Code 18A-4-8e to make available competency tests for the various school service personnel classifications and to establish passing scores. The purpose of the tests is to provide county boards of education a uniform means to determine qualifications of applicants applying for employment. The competency tests are to be utilized for new employees or existing employees who are applying for a position in a different classification.

Adam Sponaugle reported that an implementation committee that included representatives from school service personnel, county personnel directors and vocational administrators assisted in the development process. The revised tests have been validated and cutoff scores recommended in the classification areas of Carpenter (I, II), and Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic (I, II). A new test has been developed for Inventory Supervisor. It has also been validated and has recommended cutoff scores.

Upon motion by Paul J. Morris, second by James J. MacCallum, the Board approved the test and recommended cutoff scores. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment EE.)

XXIV.

Adam Sponaugle reported that one of the top priorities for Technical and Adult Education programs is for students to have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials upon completion of a technical and adult education program. Certain credentials are prerequisites for employment in a particular field, i.e., state license for Licensed Practical Nurses and the state license for Cosmetologists. Other credentials allow students to gain an advantage in the competitive workplace, e.g., Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certificate, Certified Electronic Technicians, Pro-Start - National Restaurant Association, Microsoft Office User Specialists (MOUS), and CISCO Networking Academies.

The Credentialing Executive Summary was provided to the State Board for information purposes. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment FF.)

XXV.

Policy 2450 was initially passed in 1989 to address traditional distance learning programs. Changes are being proposed to (1) incorporate virtual, online and other technology-delivered distance learning options; and (2) address S.B. 584, West Virginia Virtual School legislation passed March 11, 2000 and effective July 1, 2000.

Changes and updates to Policy 2450 are based on (1) the recommendations of the review committee; (2) documentation from the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB); (3) the guideline and procedures recommendations developed by the 52 West Virginia teachers who participated in the 1999 Curriculum Technology Resource Center (CTRC) Going the Distance seminar; and (4) the discussion session regarding virtual schooling held with the State Board of Education on June 8, 2000.

Upon motion by Sheila M. Hamilton, second by James J. MacCallum, the Board approved Policy 2450 to be placed on public comment until August 25, 2000, for action at the September meeting. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment GG.)

XVI.

The training standards review committee approves programs through which county school board members may obtain training hours as required by law. The procedures of operation are reviewed every other year. The procedures have been revised slightly and are recommended by the committee itself. Howard O'Cull provided a brief overview of the proposed revisions and indicated that on page 6, lines 104 and 106, the month should be July not June.

Upon motion by J. D. Morris, second by Jim L. McKnight, the Board approved the procedures of operation. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment HH.)

XXVII.

This document is required by the U. S. Office of Education in order for West Virginia to be eligible for special education funds. Dee Bodkins indicated that the document contains revisions in West Virginia's regulations, procedures and other documents that show West Virginia is meeting the requirements of section 612(a) of the Individuals with Disabilities Act.

Attachment HH contains a summary of the document. A complete copy is available by contacting Dr. Bodkins.

Upon motion by James J. MacCallum, second by Sheila M. Hamilton, the Board approved The West Virginia Eligibility Document for FFY 2000. (A copy of the summary is appended to the Official Minutes, Attachment II.)

XXVIII.

President Mathews addressed the group regarding her tenure as President thanking all involved for a very profitable year filled with major accomplishments. President Mathews was commended for her exemplary leadership.

Upon motion by Sandra M. Chapman, second by James J. MacCallum, J. D. Morris, was nominated to serve as President. Upon motion by Paul J. Morris, second by Jim L. McKnight, the nominations were closed and the Board, by acclamation, elected J. D. Morris as President.

Upon motion by James J. MacCallum, second by J. D. Morris, Jim L. McKnight, was nominated to serve as Vice-President. Upon motion by Paul J. Morris the nominations were closed and the Board, by acclamation, elected Jim L. McKnight as Vice-President.

Upon motion by Sheila M. Hamilton, second by James J. MacCallum, Sandra M. Chapman, was nominated to serve as Secretary. Upon motion by Paul J. Morris the nominations were closed

and the Board, by acclamation, elected Sandra M. Chapman as Secretary.

XXIX.

President Morris recessed the meeting for lunch at 11:59 a.m.

XXX.

President Morris reconvened the meeting at 2:07 p.m.

The Board presented the outgoing President, Cleo P. Mathews, a book entitled, No Tooth, No Quarter, in recognition of her service as President.

XXXI.

Jim McKnight distributed a document entitled "Forum Responsibilities" which he also reviewed. Additional groups identified for invitation included: PTO Presidents, Superintendent Search Advisory Committee members, Governor's Cabinet on Children and Families, Educare, retirees, parents, past State Board members, Milken Award Winners. An advance team will visit each location prior to meeting. Mr. McKnight also reported that a budget has been drafted. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment JJ.)

A brief discussion ensued regarding a retreat tentatively scheduled for August 11, 2000, at the Days Inn in Flatwoods/Sutton, West Virginia.

XXXII.

Upon motion by Paul J. Morris, second by Jim L. McKnight, the Board, by unanimous affirmative vote, and in accordance with the provisions of W.Va. Code 6- 9A-1, 6-9A-4, 6-9A-3 and 6-9A-5, went into Executive Session at 2:40 p.m. to discuss personnel matters and confer with counsel/discuss litigation.

Upon return from Executive Session at 4:10 p.m. President Morris reported that there were no deliberations and no decisions were made and no action was taken.

XXXIII.

The next regular meeting of the West Virginia Board of Education will be held August 10, 2000 at Webster County High School, Upper Glade, West Virginia.

XXXIV.

Upon motion by Cleo P. Mathews, second by Paul J. Morris, the Board adjourned at approximately 4:11 p.m.

Minutes approved by the Board on August 10, 2000.

__________________________________________

J. D. Morris, President

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