President Sandra M. Chapman called the emergency meeting of the West Virginia Board of Education to order at 12:05 p.m. on March 12, 2004, in the Board Conference Room, Capitol Building 6, Room 353, 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Charleston, West Virginia.

The following members were present: President Chapman (via telephone), Vice-President Barbara N. Fish (via telephone), Delores W. Cook (via telephone), Priscilla M. Haden (via telephone), Burma Hatfield (via telephone), Lowell E. Johnson, Ronald B. Spencer (via telephone) and ex officios David Stewart, State Superintendent of Schools and J. Michael Mullen (via telephone), Chancellor, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. Members absent were: Secretary Sheila M. Hamilton and Paul J. Morris.

II.

Upon motion by Ms. Haden, seconded by Mrs. Cook, the Board unanimously approved the agenda.

III.

Jerry Mezzatesta, member of the West Virginia House of Delegates and Chairman of the House Education Committee, and several members of the House Education Committee addressed the Board regarding H.B. 4001 and requested the Board's position regarding the same prior to the end of the Legislative session.

IV.

President Chapman and Delegate Mezzatesta lead their respective members in a discussion of issues and concerns pertaining to H.B. 4001.

Following discussion and upon motion by Ms. Hatfield and seconded by Ms. Haden, the Board issued their full support of H.B. 4001, as written, by the House.

V.

Upon motion by Mrs. Cook, seconded by Ms. Hatfield, the Board voted to go into executive session, as provided in W.Va. Code §6-9A-4(b)(2)(A), to discuss personnel matters. The Board entered into executive session at 1:46 p.m.

VI.

The Board returned from executive session at 1:56 p.m. at which time President Chapman announced that no decisions had been made or action taken.

VII.

The next regular meeting of the Board will be held April 14-15, 2004 in Marshall County, West Virginia.

VIII.

Upon motion by Mr. Spencer, seconded by Mrs. Fish, and unanimously carried, the Board adjourned at 1:58 p.m.

Minutes approved by the Board on April 15, 2004.

______________________________________________

Sandra M. Chapman, President

______________________________________________

Sheila M. Hamilton, Secretary

Minutes were recorded by

Virginia M. Harris

Executive Secretary to

the Board.

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