WEST VIRGINIA BOARD OF EDUCATION

Wetzel County Schools

Magnolia High School

601 Maple Avenue

New Martinsville, West Virginia

May 8, 2002

I.

Following a musical presentation by the Magnolia High School percussion ensemble, President Sandra M. Chapman called the meeting of the West Virginia Board of Education to order at 1:23 p.m. on May 8, 2002, in the library at Magnolia High School, 601 Maple Avenue, New Martinsville, West Virginia.

Members present: Vice-President Paul J. Morris, Barbara N. Fish, Sheila M. Hamilton, J. D. Morris, Howard M. Persinger, Jr., Ronald B. Spencer, and David Stewart, State Superintendent of Schools. Members absent: Secretary James J. MacCallum and J. Michael Mullen, Chancellor, West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

II.

Upon motion by Howard M. Persinger, Jr., seconded by Sheila M. Hamilton, the Board approved the agenda with the following modifications: remove from Old Business, item E. Board Member Manual. President Chapman added a recognition to follow the approval of the agenda and moved Item F. under Old Business to the first order of business under Old Business.

III.

Paul Morris presented an award to the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission in recognition of its outstanding support and partnership with the Office of Healthy Schools in the promotion of the Anti-Tobacco Program during the State Basketball Tournament.

IV.

Dr. Ruth Ellen Phillips, professor, WVU Extension Service, distributed information and provided a brief overview of the Energy Express program. Energy Express is a six-week summer program promoting the school success of children living in nearly 100 communities in most of the rural and low-income communities across West Virginia. Dr. Phillips indicated an interest in strengthening the relationship between Energy Express and the Department of Education. The Board expressed its agreement. (Copy appended to the official minutes, Attachment A.)

Pamela Sumpter-Cain, Assistant State Superintendent, Division of Instructional and Student Services, Karen Huffman, Assistant Director, Office of Student Services and Assessment and Deborah Brown, Executive Director, Office of Instructional Services, distributed information and provided an overview of the No Child Left Behind legislation and the consolidated state application. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment B.)

V.

Superintendent Stewart distributed a copy of last year's annual report and requested the Board's input for future annual reports. The report is to be available for distribution at the Leaders of Learning Conference. Howard M. Persinger, Jr., and President Chapman volunteered to assist the Department in the development of the annual report. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment C.)

VI.

President Chapman provided an update regarding contacts with NASBE and activities planned for the Board during the July work session. President Chapman indicated that this activity may take the entire day on Wednesday and may require members to travel to the site on Tuesday.

VII.

Karen Huffman and Rebecca Tinder, counsel to the Board and the Department, distributed information and provided the Board an update regarding the current status of the Student and Employee Codes of Conduct. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment D.)

Barbara Fish indicated that she had received an initial concern that the Student Code of Conduct is unwieldy. Dr. Huffman indicated that the two comments she has received have been in the same vein. Mr. Persinger praised the policy and the staff who so diligently crafted it. President Chapman questioned Dr. Huffman about the conceptual concerns she had issued earlier including a concern that a section regarding berating is missing. President Chapman requested the Board receive the version currently on comment, as well as a narrative that responds to her comments.

President Chapman called for questions regarding the Employee Code of Conduct. Mr. Persinger asked if there had been any further discussion regarding §4.2.4. and §4.2.5. and the possibility of staff misinterpreting the policy to include staff policing staff, and suggested adding "that has a negative impact on students." It was decided that this would be taken under consideration based on comments received.

President Chapman requested Mr. Hayden's assistance and support in the implementation of the Employee Code of Conduct.

VIII.

John Hough, Executive Assistant to the State Superintendent, distributed a handout and provided an update regarding promotional initiatives involving the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Employee Code of Conduct Policy, and the grammar initiative. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment E.)

President Chapman asked the staff to consider including a verification, signed by the student and parent, in the beginning of school material that must be returned to the school/county. President Chapman reiterated that these policies must be appropriately, accurately promoted through the press and otherwise and that detailed, accurate training must be provided in order to accomplish the intent of the policies. President Chapman requested that a schedule for implementation be provided to the Board at the June meeting.

IX.

Mike Hayden, Executive Secretary, WVSSAC, distributed information and addressed the Board regarding WVSSAC sponsored and sanctioned activities. The issue of travel time was discussed and also how to protect traditional extra-curricular activities. President Chapman requested Paul J. Morris and Ronald B. Spencer work with the WVSSAC to develop an appropriate op ed piece. It was suggested that Policy 2510 set the parameters for WVSSAC sponsored activities. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment F.)

X.

The next regular meeting of the West Virginia Board of Education will be held May 9, 2002 in the library at Magnolia High School, 601 Maple Avenue, New Martinsville, West Virginia.

XI.

Upon motion by Howard M. Persinger, Jr., seconded by J. D. Morris, the Board adjourned at 4:12 p.m.

Minutes approved by the Board on June 6, 2002.

_______________________________________________

Sandra M. Chapman, President

wvbeminutes5/8/02