MINUTES

WEST VIRGINIA BOARD OF EDUCATION

Mingo County Schools

Tug Valley High School

555 Panther Avenue

Naugatuck, West Virginia

December 12, 2002

I.   Call to Order

President H. M. Persinger, Jr., called the meeting of the West Virginia Board of Education to order at 8:41 a.m. on December 12, 2002, in the Library at Tug Valley High School, 555 Panther Avenue, Naugatuck, West Virginia.

In addition to President Persinger, members present were:  Vice-President Sandra M. Chapman, Secretary Ronald B. Spencer, Delores W. Cook, Barbara N. Fish, Paul J. Morris, David Stewart, State Superintendent of  Schools, and J. Michael Mullen, Chancellor, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.  Member absent:  Sheila M. Hamilton.

II. Welcome

Brenda Skibo, Superintendent of Mingo County Schools, welcomed the Board to Mingo County.

III. Delegations

Johnie Owens, citizen of Mingo County, appeared before the Board to discuss a personnel matter involving alleged wrongdoing against students by a coach at a local high school and submitted documentation for the Board's review.  (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment A.)

IV. Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda

Superintendent Stewart requested Item XIII be moved to 9 a.m. in order that the Board meet with its attorney, Mike Farrell, to discuss matters in Tomblin v. Gainer, as well as any other matters appropriate for executive session.

Such a motion was made by Ronald B. Spencer, second by Delores W. Cook, and was unanimously carried.

Paul J. Morris requested that the Personnel item located on the Consent Agenda be removed for discussion.  Upon the common consent of the Board, President Persinger moved this item to immediately follow approval of the agenda.

Upon motion by Sandra M. Chapman, second by Delores W. Cook, the Board unanimously approved the matters located on the Consent Agenda, as amended. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment B - M.)

Minutes

The Board approved the November 6, November 13 and November 14 minutes.  (Attachment B.)

County Boards of Education, RESAs, and Multi-County Vocational

Centers Budget Supplement and Transfer Requests for the 2002-03 Year

The Board approved the budget supplement and transfer requests for the month of November 2002 as follows:  Total Supplements = $41,189,884 and Total Transfers = $43,970*.   (Attachment C.)   *Due to a mathematical programming error the Total Transfers figure was incorrect.  The Board approved transfers in the amount of $7,563,494.

Amendment - Fayette County Comprehensive

Education Facilities Plan (CEFP)

The Board approved the Fayette County  Board of Education's request to amend its CEFP to include the closure of Mount Hope Middle School and the transfer of students to Mount Hope High School which will be reconfigured to a 5-12 facility effective 7/1/03 and the closure of Fayetteville Middle School and the transfer of students to Fayetteville High School which will be reconfigured to a 6-12 facility effective 7/1/04.  (Attachment D.)

Amendment - Greenbrier County Comprehensive

Educational Facilities Plan (CEFP)

The Board approved the Greenbrier County Board of Education's request to amend its CEFP to change the grade configuration of Greenbrier West High School from grades 10-12 to grades 9-12 and to change the grade configuration of Western Greenbrier Junior High School from grades 7-9 to grades 6-8.  (Attachment E.)

Amendment - Hancock County Comprehensive

Educational Facilities Plan (CEFP)

The Board approved the Hancock County Board of Education's request to amend its CEFP.  (Attachment F.)

Amendment - Lincoln County Comprehensive

Educational Facilities Plan (CEFP)

The Board approved the Lincoln County Board of Education's request to amend its CEFP to include the construction of a new 5-8 middle school facility at the site of the present Guyan Valley High School ballfield and the closure of the existing Guyan Valley High school (upon completion of the new high school facility).  (Attachment G.)

Amendment - Mercer County Comprehensive

Educational Facilities Plan (CEFP)

The Board approved the Mercer County Board of Education's request to amend its CEFP to include the replacement of the seating in the Little Theater at Princeton Senior High School and the replacement of the bleachers in the gymnasium at Spanishburg School.  (Attachment H.)

Amendment - Roane County Comprehensive

Educational Facilities Plan (CEFP)

The Board approved the Roane County Board of Education's request to amend its CEFP to include the retrofit/upgrade of the Direct Digital Controls (DDC) Building Automation System (BAS) for the HVAC system at Roane County High School.   (Attachment I.)

Amendment - Doddridge County Comprehensive

Educational Facilities Plan (CEFP)

The Board approved the Doddridge County Board of Education's request to amend its CEFP to include the construction of a new high school.  (Attachment J.)

Amendment - Boone County Comprehensive

Educational Facilities Plan (CEFP)

The Boone County CEFP Amendment was approved by the West Virginia Board of Education at the November 2002 meeting.  Following the same, Boone County advised that there was a typographical error on the date of one school closing and requested an amendment to its CEFP to correct that error.  As a result of this error, Boone County Board of Education chose to re-start the closure process and requested an extension of the December 31, 2002 deadline for that closure process until February 7, 2003.

The Board approved the Boone County Board of Education's request to amend its CEFP and granted a waiver of Policy 6204 thereby providing Boone County an extension of the deadline from December 31, 2002 until February 7, 2003.  (Attachment K.)

  Policy 4355 - High School Diplomas for Veterans

As of December 3, 2002, the Department of Education has received an additional 36 applications for a total of 1,212 applications for Operation Recognition in connection with Policy 4355:  High School Diplomas for Veterans.  (Attachment L.)

Senate Bill 227, W.Va. Code 18A-4-7a, Transfer of Teachers

After Five Days Prior to Starting Instruction

The Board accepted the notifications from Fayette and Mineral County Schools.  Details may be found in the attachment.  (Attachment M.)

V. Personnel

Paul J. Morris requested clarification regarding the hourly rate paid to a contracted attorney who was formerly an employee and President Persinger requested clarification as to why the Department and the Board still required separate representation.  Superintendent Stewart clarified the individual's employment status and the current status and involvement of attorneys representing the Board and Superintendent in the Tomblin v. Gainer matter. 

Upon motion by Paul J. Morris, second by Delores W. Cook, the Board unanimously approved the personnel items as listed in the attachment. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment Mc.)

VI. Legal and/or Personnel Matters

President Persinger informed the members as the presiding officer that he had identified certain matters that needed to be discussed in Executive Session involving attorney-client privilege (to receive an update in Tomblin v. Gainer), citing W.Va. Code 6-9A-3, and personnel (to receive an update in the 2001 flood purchasing investigation), citing W.Va. Code 6-9A-4(b)(2)(A).

Upon motion by Sandra M. Chapman , second by Paul J. Morris, and unanimously carried, the Board entered into Executive Session at 8:59 a.m.

VII. Return from Executive Session

The Board returned from Executive Session at 11:23 a.m. at which time President Persinger announced no action was taken or decisions not covered by the attorney-client privilege were made in Executive Session.

VIII. Accreditation Status Based on the Education Performance

Audit of the Fayette County School System

An announced Education Performance Audit was conducted in the Fayette County School System.

Upon motion by Paul J. Morris, second by Delores W. Cook, the Board unanimously issued the Fayette County School System Temporary Approval status, awarded one (1) school Exemplary Accreditation status, granted eighteen (18) schools Full Accreditation status, issued seven (7) schools Conditional Accreditation status, and designated one (1) school as Seriously Impaired.  (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment N.)

Chancellor Mullen stated continuing concern regarding Office of Education Performance Audits findings throughout each report regarding student writing assessments.  President Persinger, with the common consent of the Board, directed that an item be added to next month's work session agenda to continue discussion of this concern.

IX. School District Approval Status and School Accreditation

Status Based on Follow-up Education Performance Audit

of the Monongalia County School System

An on-site review of the Monongalia County School System was conducted November 5 - 8, 2001.  A Follow-up Education Performance Audit Team returned to Monongalia County November 18 - 19, 2002 to verify correction of the noncompliances identified during the original on- site review.

Upon motion by Sandra M. Chapman, second by Paul J. Morris, the Board unanimously issued the Monongalia County School System Conditional Approval status, awarded four (4) schools Exemplary Accreditation status, granted seventeen (17) schools Full Accreditation status, issued two (2) schools Conditional Accreditation status and reissued one (1) school Seriously Impaired status. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment O.)

X. School District Approval Status and School Accreditation

Status Based on Follow-up Education Performance Audit

of the Monroe County School System

An on-site review of the Monroe County School System was conducted November 7 - 8, 2001.  A Follow-up Education Performance Audit Team returned to Monroe County October  15 - 16, 2002 to verify correction of the noncompliances identified during the original on-site review.

Upon motion by Paul J. Morris, second by Sandra M. Chapman, the Board unanimously granted the Monroe County Schools System Full Approval status and granted each Monroe County school Full Accreditation status. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment P.)

XI. School District Approval Status and School Accreditation

Status Based on Follow-up Education Performance Audit of

the Randolph County School System

An on-site review of the Randolph County School System was  conducted November 27 - 30, 2001.  A Follow-up Education Performance Audit Team returned to Randolph County November 12 - 14, 2002 to verify correction of the noncompliances identified during the original on-site review.

Upon motion by Paul J. Morris, second by Sandra M. Chapman, the Board unanimously issued the Randolph County School System Conditional Approval status, awarded one (1) school Exemplary Accreditation status, granted nine (9) schools Full Accreditation status, issued five (5) schools Conditional Accreditation status and one (1) school Temporary Accreditation status. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment Q.)

XII. Lunch

President Persinger recessed the meeting for lunch at 12:05 p.m.

XIII. Call to Order

President Persinger called the meeting back to order at 12:47 p.m. and introduced the  Principal of Tug Valley High School, Don Roberson.  Principal Roberson introduced students and staff responsible for accommodating the Board while at Tug Valley High School.

XIV. School District Approval Status and School Accreditation

Status Based on Follow-up Education Performance Audit of

the Wetzel County School System

An on-site review of the Wetzel County School System was conducted January 21 - 24, 2002.  A Follow-up Education Performance Audit Team returned to Wetzel County October 30 - 31, 2002 to verify correction of the noncompliances identified during the original on-site review.

Upon motion by Ronald B. Spencer, second by Barbara N. Fish, the Board unanimously granted the Wetzel County School System Full Approval status, awarded one (1) school Exemplary Accreditation status, granted six (6) Wetzel County Schools Full Accreditation status, and issued one (1) school Temporary Accreditation status.  (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment R.)

XV. Draft Education Performance Audits for Daybrook Elementary,

Cass Elementary School, and Clay-Battelle Middle/High School,

Monongalia County

Announced on-site reviews were conducted at Daybrook Elementary School, Cass Elementary School, and Clay-Battelle Middle/High School in Monongalia County on November 6 - 8, 2002.  The Office of Education Performance Audits conducted the reviews which were limited in scope to the performance and process standards relative to school and student achievement.  The reviews also consisted of resource evaluation.

Upon motion by Delores W. Cook, second by Paul J. Morris, the Board unanimously granted Daybrook Elementary School Full Accreditation status and issued Cass Elementary School and Clay- Battelle Middle/High School Conditional Accreditation status.  (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment S.)

XVI. Draft Education Performance Audits for Central Elementary

   School and Moundsville Junior High School, Marshall County 

Announced on-site reviews were conducted at Central Elementary School and Moundsville Junior High School in Marshall County on November 6 - 8, 2002.  The Office of Education Performance Audits conducted the reviews which were limited in scope to the performance and process standards relative to school and student achievement.  The reviews also consisted of resource evaluation.

Upon motion by Sandra M. Chapman, second by Paul J. Morris, the Board unanimously issued Central Elementary School Conditional Accreditation status and granted Moundsville Junior High School Full Accreditation status.   (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment T.)

XVII. Education Performance Audit of Bethany Primary School,

Brooke County Schools

An announced on-site review was conducted at Bethany Primary School in Marshall County on November 12 - 14, 2002.   The Office of Education Performance Audits conducted a review which was limited in scope to the performance and process standards relative to school and student achievement.  The review also consisted of a resource evaluation.

Upon motion by Ronald B. Spencer, second by Sandra M. Chapman, the Board unanimously issued Bethany Primary School Conditional Accreditation status.  (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment U.)

XVIII. Education Performance Audits for John J. Cornwell School

and Romney Middle School, Hampshire County

Announced on-site reviews were conducted at John J. Cornwell School and Romney Middle School in Hampshire County on November 6 - 8, 2002.  The Office of Education Performance Audits conducted the reviews which were limited in scope to the performance and process standards relative to school and student achievement.  The reviews also consisted of resource evaluation.

Upon motion by Delores W. Cook, second by Paul J. Morris, the Board unanimously granted John J. Cornwell School Full Accreditation status and issued Romney Middle School Conditional Accreditation status.  (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment V.)

XIX. Revised Unified School Improvement Plans

County boards are required to ensure that any school performing below the requirements for full accreditation status revise its Unified School Improvement Plan to increase the performance  of the school to a full accreditation status level. The revised plan must include objectives, a time line, an evaluation component, cost estimates, and a date certain for achieving full accreditation. 

Upon motion by Paul J. Morris, second by Delores W. Cook, the Board unanimously approved the eight (8) revised Unified School Improvement Plans as found in Attachment W.  (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment W.)

XX. School District Approval Status and School Accreditation Status

Status December 2002 Report of Ratings

The State Board annually rates both schools and school systems on the results of information reviewed from the system of education performance audits.  Donna Davis, Deputy Director, Office of Education Performance Audits, addressed the Board regarding the Report of Ratings and asked members to make a correction to the attachment on page 5, the number of exemplary schools should total 77. 

Upon motion by Barbara N. Fish, second by Delores W. Cook, the Board unanimously issued the accreditation/approval status as shown in the Report of Ratings found in Attachment X.   (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment X.)

XXI. Policy 2320: A Process for Improving Education -

Performance Based Accreditation System

The Assessment Committee from the Agreed Order in Tomblin v. Gainer has proposed changes in Policy 2320 to conform with No Chid Left Behind legislation.  The changes primarily involve recognizing and including subgroups in the performance measures, identifying the graduation standards, and aligning the current policy with the two year requirement of Title I in order for a school to be designated as low-performing.

Upon motion by Ronald B. Spencer, second by Sandra M. Chapman, the Board unanimously placed Policy 2320 on public comment until January 21, 2003.  (Copy appended to Official Minutes,

Attachment Y.)

XXII. Superintendent's Information

Superintendent Stewart reported that the CATS curriculum will be brought before the Board in February and that the position announcement for science is in the process of being posted. In the interim science questions are to be directed to Deborah Brown, Executive Director, Office of Instructional Services.

  President Persinger requested that Rebecca Tinder provide an opinion regarding W.Va. Code 18-3-9 and the Board's responsibility regarding personnel matters.  Following discussion President Persinger requested members continue to be aware of this issue.

XXIII. Policy 3233 - Resolution of Establishment for Regional 

Education Service Agencies

Bill Luff, Deputy State Superintendent, presented Policy 3233 for the Board's consideration.  Discussion regarding this policy occurred during the December 11 work session.  

Policy 3233 was placed on public comment at the August 2002 meeting.  Revised versions of the policy have been discussed at the October and November meetings.  The version in the attachment to the December 11 minutes has been reviewed by the RESA Executive Directors and contains all of the changes agreed to in earlier meetings.

In reviewing the policy yesterday a concern was raised regarding the first two paragraphs under qualifications.  Mr. Luff distributed two options as requested by the Board for the Board's consideration.

Paul J. Morris moved that option #2 be approved.  The motion was seconded by Sandra M. Chapman.  Upon the call for the question the motion passed with four (4) members, President Persinger, Sandra M. Chapman, Ronald B. Spencer and Paul J. Morris voting yes, and two (2) members, Delores W. Cook and Barbara N. Fish voting no.

Following discussion President Persinger moved that the motion be reconsidered.  The motion was seconded by Sandra M. Chapman and unanimously carried.

Discussion ensued and President Persinger suggested adding the wording "preferably in education" to the end of the sentence at option #2.  Both Barbara N. Fish and Delores W. Cook agreed to compromise but that they would prefer the person hold a degree in education.

Ronald B. Spencer moved, and President Persinger seconded, that the following language "Preferably holds a minimum of a Master's degree in education or a field related to the position, and has a minimum of three years of full-time administrative experience, preferably in education" be approved.  Upon the call for the question the motion passed with four (4) members, President Persinger, Ronald B. Spencer, Barbara N. Fish and Delores W. Cook voting yes, one (1) member,  Pau J. Morris, abstaining, and one (1) member, Sandra M. Chapman, voting no.

Discussion ensued and Chancellor Mullen stated that the language approved in the previous motion would allow anyone, with or without a post-secondary degree, to apply for the position.

Ronald B. Spencer moved, and Barbara N. Fish seconded, that the motion be  reconsidered.  Upon the call for the question the motion passed unanimously.

President Persinger read option #1 as submitted by Mr. Luff for the Board's consideration, "Holds a minimum of a Master's degree, preferably in education or a field related to the position, and has a minimum of three years of full-time administrative experience, preferably in education."

Upon motion by Ronald B. Spencer, second by Paul J. Morris, the Board unanimously approved the language as stated and found at option #1.

Upon motion by Barbara N. Fish, second by Delores W. Cook, the Board unanimously approved Policy 3233 as amended.  (Copy appended to Official Minutes of December 11, 2002, Attachment Z and addendum.)

XXIV. Policy 2515 - Uniform Grading System

Bill Luff presented Policy 2515 for the Board's consideration.  Discussion regarding this policy occurred during the December 11 work session.

  Substantial changes have been made to this policy since it was placed on public comment in October 2002.   All references to the PROMISE scholarship have been removed from the policy.  The policy now contains two grading scales: one for Non-Weighted Courses and one for Weighted Courses.  The numerical part of the scales is identical; the quality points awarded for the courses are different.   

Effective July 1, 2003, all county boards of education must weight College Board Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses (whether or not the county board had weighted such courses previously).

Effective July 1, 2003, county boards of education may choose to weight other courses and, if they choose to do so, must use the grading scale for Weighted Courses for those courses.

Discussion ensued regarding the need for a grading policy

Upon motion by Delores W. Cook, second by Barbara N. Fish, the Board, with six (6) members, President Persinger, Delores W. Cook, Barbara N. Fish, Paul J. Morris and Ronald B. Spencer voting yes, and one (1) member, Sandra M. Chapman voting no, withdrew Policy 2515 from public comment and placed the newly revised version on public comment until January 17, 2003.  (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment AA.)

XXV. Legislative Initiatives

Bill Luff addressed the Board regarding the legislative initiatives that were presented during the December 11 work session.  There are now ten initiatives with the initiative listed at #2 split into two items; also, no numeric value will be assigned to the list of initiatives.  (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment BB.)

Upon motion by Ronald B. Spencer, second by Paul J. Morris, the Board unanimously approved the legislative initiatives as amended.

XXVI. Policy 4373 - Student Code of Conduct

Karen Huffman, Assistant Director, Office of Student Services and Assessment, presented Policy 4373 for the Board's consideration.  Extensive revision of Policy 4373 resulted in a repeal of the former policy and replacement with a new policy that became effective July 7, 2002.  Revisions were recommended for the new policy and the revised policy was placed on a comment period that ended November 22, 2002.  Minor revisions were made to the policy based on comments received.

Dr. Huffman requested the Board make a correction to the draft it was considering at section 11.3 by removing the words "Levels III and IV". 

Upon motion by Sandra M. Chapman, second by Paul J. Morris, the Board unanimously approved the Policy 4373, recommended by Karen Huffman, as previously revised and amended.  (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment CC.)

Sandra M. Chapman requested a follow-up letter go out to communicate the Board's interest in and seriousness of the tabloid and posters and requested a response be obtained from counties that did not reply to the survey regarding the Student Code of Conduct.  Liza Corderio, Executive Director, Office of School/Community Relations, stated that letters will be prepared and telephone calls will be made to the nine counties that did not respond and also to the counties who replied but indicated no action has occurred.

Sandra M. Chapman requested Karen Huffman and Liza Cordeiro continue to work with Mike Hayden with the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission in promoting this initiative.  Dr. Stewart indicated that future requests to counties will be followed-up prior to a report being provided to the Board.

XXVII. Improvement Consultant Recommendations for

Hampshire County High School

Stanley Hopkins, Assistant State Superintendent, Division of Technical and Adult Education, presented the recommendations of the improvement consultants for Hampshire County High School.

Hampshire County High School was designated as "Seriously Impaired" at the September 2002 meeting of the West Virginia Board of Education.  Policy 2320 states:  "Whenever a school is issued seriously impaired status, the West Virginia Board of Education, shall appoint a team of improvement consultants to make recommendations within sixty days of appointment for correcting the impairment."  At the October meeting, the State Board appointed an Improvement Consultant Team to make recommendations for Hampshire County High School.

Upon motion by Sandra M. Chapman, second by Delores W. Cook, the Board unanimously approved the recommendations of the improvement consultants.  Special note: Barbara N. Fish temporarily left the meeting prior to the vote.  (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment DD.)

XXVIII. Revision of Competency Tests for School Service Personnel

Stanley Hopkins, Assistant State Superintendent, Division of Technical and Adult Education, presented the revised competency tests for school service personnel for the Board's consideration.

The State Board of Education is required under West Virginia 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.

An implementation committee that included representatives from school service personnel, county personnel directors and technical and adult education administrators assisted in the development process.  The revised tests have been validated and cutoff scores recommended in the classification areas of: Accountant (I, II, III), Custodian (I, II, III, IV) Secretary (I, II, III, Executive), and Supervisor of Transportation.  A new test has been developed for Programmer.  It has also been validated and has recommended cutoff scores.

Sandra M. Chapman asked if attention had given to the use of proper grammar.  Dr. Hopkins responded in the affirmative.  Special note: Barbara N. Fish returned to the meeting prior to the vote.

Upon motion by Paul J. Morris, second by Delores W. Cook, the Board unanimously approved the revised competency tests for school service personnel and the recommended cutoff scores.  (NOTE:  Test security prevents copies of tests from being made a part of the minutes.)

XXIX. West Virginia Educational Technology Plan

Brenda Williams, Executive Director, Office of Instructional Technology, presented the West Virginia Educational Technology Plan for the Board's consideration.  The plan  has been updated to meet the stipulations of Policy 2470. The update includes the educational technology changes in new and revised state legislation, Enhancing Education Through Technology portion of the No Child Left Behind Act, and the federal E-rate program.

Upon motion by Sandra M. Chapman, second by Ronald B. Spencer, the Board unanimously approved the West Virginia Educational Technology Plan.  (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment EE.)

XXX. Approval of One New Content Specialization for Two Higher

Education Institutions of Professional Preparation

Bill Luff presented one new content specialization for two higher education institutions of professional preparation for the Board's consideration.  Policy 5100 - Approval of Educational Personnel Programs requires the Program Review Board to meet each semester to review new content specializations and make recommendations to the West Virginia Board of Education for action.

The Program Review Board met on November 22, 2002 and recommended the following teacher preparation programs to the West Virginia Board of Education for approval:  West  Liberty State College and Alderson-Broaddus College for Multi-Categorical Special Education (Grades K- 12).  Both programs will be effective January 1, 2003.

Upon motion by Paul J. Morris, second by Sandra M. Chapman, the Board unanimously approved the new content specialization of Multi-Categorical Special Education (Grades K-12) for West Liberty State College and Alderson-Broaddus College effective January 1, 2003.

XXXI. Lincoln County School Closure Hearing

Rebecca Tinder, general counsel to the Board and the Department, requested that the Board delegate to the State Superintendent of Schools, or his designee, the authority to conduct public hearings upon proposed school closures of Hamlin High School, Duval High School, Guyan Valley High School, and Harts High School in Lincoln County and, following the public hearings, to make a decision upon the proposed closures.

Upon motion by Ronald B. Spencer, second by Sandra M. Chapman, the Board unanimously delegated the authority of the State Board to the State Superintendent of Schools, or his designee, to conduct public hearings upon proposed school closures of Hamlin High School, Duval High School, Guyan Valley High School, and Harts High School in Lincoln County and, following the public hearings, to make a decision upon the proposed closures.

President Persinger reviewed the statutes and policy regarding the State Board's authority regarding closures and consolidations.  He stated that closures and consolidations are within the purview of the local board and State Board approval is based on whether the proper procedures were followed and the county is in substantial compliance with the rules.  

XXXII. Appointments to Boards/Commissions

President Persinger requested appointments to the various boards/commission found in the attachment, with an addition to the list of Paul J. Morris to the Educators Professional Standards Board, be approved.  (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment FF.)

Barbara N. Fish moved, and Delores W. Cook seconded, that the appointments be approved.  The motion unanimously carried.

XXXIII. Board Member Reports

Barbara N. Fish requested that the Board receive a quarterly report regarding the National Association of State Boards of Education Healthy Schools initiative.

Sandra M. Chapman provided a report regarding the public relations initiative and stated that the grammar poster is undergoing total revision.

President Persinger asked what steps the Department is taking with regard to the budget deficit and also asked if the Board has a budget.  Superintendent Stewart explained the budget process, actions taken by the Department in response to the Governor's request to cut spending, the Board's input into the budget, and the Board's budget. 

XXXIV. Technology Online Planning Tool for Counties and Schools 

Brenda Williams provided a report on the technology online planning tool for counties and schools that will meet the requests of county and school technology contracts and the requirements of federal and state legislation for technology planning.  OPTIMAL, (Online Planning - Technology Integration Measures for Achievement and Learning) will provide a data-driven evaluation process that enables schools and counties to measure progress in achieving the goals and objectives of the technology plan to improve student achievement. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment GG.)

XXXV. West Virginia Virtual School Course Production for Spanish 1A

Brenda Williams, Donna Miller, Coordinator of Virtual Schools, Pam Hoppi, Coordinator at the June Harless Center, Joyce Sullivan, virtual school teacher and Debbie Harki, Coordinator of Fine Arts, provided a report and PowerPoint presentation on the West Virginia virtual school course production for Spanish 1A.  The West Virginia Virtual School has partnered with the Florida High School online production staff to create the Spanish 1A course for middle school students.  The report provides an update on the status of the implementation and considerations for future courses. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment HH.)

XXXVI. Future Meetings

The next regular meeting of the West Virginia Board of Education will be held January 8-9, 2003 in Charleston, West Virginia.

XXXVII. Adjournment

Upon motion by Delores W. Cook, second by Paul J. Morris, the Board, by unanimous vote, adjourned at 4:15 p.m.

        Minutes approved by the Board on January 9, 2003.

        __________________________________________

        H. M. Persinger, Jr., President

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