Preston County Schools public meetings in 2023
24 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education approved the excess levy proposal for the May 14, 2024 ballot, approved expulsion diversion plans for two students, and discussed parental notification protocols and transportation rules for school activities. The meeting also included routine approvals of personnel, finances, and curriculum items.
- Approved excess levy proposal for May 14, 2024 ballot
- Approved expulsion diversion plans for Student A and Student B
- Approved transportation rules for board-approved activities
- Approved MOU with University of Phoenix
- Approved budget journal entries totaling $6,524.34
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education's December 18, 2023 meeting was postponed due to winter weather and rescheduled to December 28, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the BOE boardroom. The rescheduled meeting will not include the Fellowsville and Rowlesburg LSIC presentations, which will be moved to the March 25, 2024 meeting. The board will discuss and potentially approve the excess levy proposal for the May 14, 2024 ballot, along with other routine business.
- Excess levy proposal for May 14, 2024 ballot (second read for final approval)
- Expulsion diversion plan for Student 'A'
- Delegations: concerns about fighting at PHS, Aurora School, PHS Student Government, grading policy
- Discussion on parental notification requirements for student removal from classroom
- Approval of budget journal entries totaling $6,524.34
Preston County Board of Education
The Board discussed protocols for notifying parents when students are removed from regular classrooms. Members also discussed reviewing district attendance data and developing expectations for improvement.
- Discussion on parental contact requirements for student removal from classrooms
- Discussion on student attendance processes and procedures
- Review of a draft excess levy proposal for the May 2024 ballot
- Approval of service personnel and professional personnel agendas
- Approval of the schedule of checks
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education approved on first read a proposed excess levy of $4,950,000 annually for five years (July 1, 2024–June 30, 2029) at a rate of 9.67%, down from the current 10.55%, for placement on the May 14, 2024 ballot. The board also held a work session on math instruction at Preston High School, discussing stagnant test scores and the use of the Exact Path program. Several routine personnel and policy items were approved.
- Excess levy proposal approved for May 14, 2024 ballot: $4,950,000/year for 5 years at 9.67% rate
- Work session on PHS math instructional resources, including Exact Path and Khan Academy
- Approved revisions to PCS Policy 12-5 (Curricular & Extra-Curricular Trips) on second reading
- Approved updated PCS Policy R8-39-9: Retired Teachers as Substitutes in Areas of Critical Need
- Discussion on parental notification protocols when students are removed from classrooms
Preston County Board of Education (Special Meeting)
The Preston County Board of Education held a special meeting on November 9, 2023, to conduct routine business. The board approved the meeting agenda, the professional personnel agenda (excluding resignation positions), and the service personnel agenda. The meeting was adjourned at 5:59 PM.
- Approved professional personnel agenda (minus resignation positions)
- Approved service personnel agenda
- Meeting adjourned at 5:59 PM
Preston County Board of Education
The Board approved several personnel agendas, a new after-school Bible Club at Aurora School, and revisions to policies regarding curricular trips and retired teachers. Members also discussed parental notification protocols and requested detailed data regarding the Edmentum Exact Path math program at Preston High School.
- Approval of Aurora Bible Club as a voluntary after-school club
- First reading of revised Policy 12-5 regarding curricular and extra-curricular trips
- First reading of updated Policy R8-39-9 regarding retired teachers as substitutes
- Approval of MOUs with Best Life Therapy and for PHS Hiset/GED testing
- Discussion of Edmentum Exact Path math program usage and costs
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education met on October 9, 2023, and approved several routine items including an expulsion diversion plan for a student, personnel agendas, out-of-state field trips, and multiple memorandums of understanding. The board also discussed parent notification requirements and heard presentations on K-8 and 9-12 programming updates.
- Approved expulsion diversion plan for Student 'A'
- Approved service and professional personnel agendas
- Approved out-of-state field trips including South Preston Band to Autumn Glory, Bruceton to Smiley's Fun Zone, and CPMS to Flight 93 National Memorial
- Approved MOU with WVDE for Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Visual Impairment programming
- Approved Budget Journal Entry 202 for $820.00 (County Audit Expense FY23)
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education met on September 25, 2023, and took action on several items, including directing the superintendent to gather more data on the potential closure of Rowlesburg and Fellowsville schools but taking no immediate action for the 2024-25 school year. The board also approved routine items such as personnel agendas, student board members, and field trips, and discussed updates on literacy, technology, and summer feeding programs.
- Approved motion to defer closure of Rowlesburg and Fellowsville schools for 2024-25, directing superintendent to compile data and gather stakeholder input
- Approved formation of middle school baseball programs at Central Preston, West Preston, and Bruceton at no cost to the board
- Approved Colson Manko and Margot Cerbone as student board members for 2023-24
- Approved out-of-state field trips for multiple schools
- Approved MOU with Mountaineer ChalleNGE Academy and Universal Pre-K MOU with NCWVCA
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education met on September 11, 2023, and took action on routine items, including approving personnel agendas, a cross country meet, meal contracts, and an evacuation center agreement. The board also discussed the potential closure of Rowlesburg and Fellowsville schools, as outlined in Policy 6204, and tabled a motion regarding a MOU with WestEd and AIR. The meeting included reports on safety, summer cohort work, and 2023 WVGSA results.
- Discussion of Policy 6204 on school closures for Rowlesburg and Fellowsville, with timeline before Dec 31, 2023
- Approved meal contracts between PCS and NCWVCA for 2023-24 school year
- Approved agreement with Terra Alta/East Preston School and Hopemont Hospital for evacuation centers
- Approved budget journal entries totaling $73,691.51 from CTE, Title I, and donations
- Tabled MOU between PCS and WestEd & American Institutes for Research
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education met on August 28, 2023, and approved several routine items, including personnel agendas, the superintendent's goals, and school literacy plans. The board also approved a $329,327 bid for construction work at West Preston School and discussed potential policy changes regarding valedictorian/salutatorian naming and K-4 grading.
- Approved $329,327 bid from Veritas Contracting LLC for West Preston School concessions area, exterior doors, and classroom enclosure
- Approved superintendent's goals for 2023-24, including 75% proficiency target and safety upgrades
- Discussed revising PCS Policy 3-23 to include valedictorian/salutatorian naming process
- Discussed potential change to K-4 grading policy to align with grades 5-8
- Approved school literacy and iReady plans for 2023-24
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education is meeting to approve routine items including personnel, contracts, and policy updates. They will also hear public requests for bus service on Hume-Livengood Road and discuss literacy initiatives and safety concerns.
- Approved revision to Policy R-3-24-3 (High School Promotion & Retention) on second read
- Approved contract with Julie Bright for psycho-educational testing and school psychology supervision through July 2024
- Approved agreement with Little Bear Child Care Center LLC for pre-school services for 2023-24
- Approved facility request from KVFD for Kingwood Elementary grounds for Buckwheat Festival (9/23-10/10/23)
- Heard requests for bus service on Hume-Livengood Road
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education approved routine personnel, finance, and policy items, and directed the superintendent to convene a levy renewal committee in August 2023 to prepare for a possible levy on the May 14, 2024 primary ballot. The board also approved a $5,732.38 Algebra I textbook pilot, a supplemental salary scale modification, and a special meeting for personnel approvals.
- Directed Superintendent Martin to convene a levy renewal committee in August 2023 for a possible levy call (excess levy expires June 30, 2024)
- Approved Algebra I textbook pilot from College Board for 2023-24 at a total cost of $5,732.38
- Approved revision to Policy R-3-24-3 (High School Promotion & Retention) on first read
- Approved technology policies 3-32 and related regulations on second read (with one no vote)
- Approved MOU with Preston County Commission and Sheriff for School Resource Officer services
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education met on July 10, 2023, and approved several routine items, including the meeting agenda, minutes, personnel agendas, and schedules of checks. The board also voted to recommend that the Pre-K Collaborative Team consider using attendance zones as a placement criterion for the 2024-25 school year, and approved a memorandum of understanding with Libera WV for student services.
- Approved MOU and service agreement with Libera WV for 2023-24 school year (4-1 vote, Kisner opposed)
- Recommended Pre-K Collaborative Team modify placement rubric to include attendance zone for 2024-25
- Approved service and professional personnel agendas
- Approved schedules of checks
- Recognized Preston High School students for WV Governor's Honors Academy, Girls' State, and Boys' State
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education is meeting to approve routine personnel, contracts, and policies, and to discuss Pre-K enrollment and a proposed MOU with Libera WV. The board voted to pull the Pre-K position at Kingwood Elementary, approved contracts for surrogate parent services and local produce, and adopted policies on retired teachers and bus operators as substitutes. Discussions included a proposed no-cost infrastructure assessment at Preston High School and a request for an additional Pre-K classroom.
- Approved contract with Kevin Duckworth for Surrogate Parent Services for 2023-24
- Approved bid with WV Harvest for local produce for 2023-24
- Adopted Policy R8-39-9 on retired teachers as substitutes and R8-39-9-A on retired bus operators
- Approved Budget Journal Entry 174 for $18,518.50 from Farm to School Grant
- Discussed MOU with Libera WV for student services and infrastructure assessment at Preston High School
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education met on June 12, 2023, and approved several routine items, including personnel agendas, policies, and multiple memoranda of understanding (MOUs) for contracted therapy and assessment services. The board also discussed a proposed pledge program with local retailers to discourage underage tobacco and vape sales, and reviewed the Pre-K enrollment selection process.
- Approved MOUs with Best Life Therapy, Integrated Speech Solutions, Messenger Speech Therapy, Dr. Joseph R. Scotti, L'Hommedieu PT, WVU School of Medicine, and Marion County BOE for contracted services.
- Approved budget journal entry 173 for $48,000 from Invest Conference.
- Approved revisions to the 2023-24 Supplemental Salary Scale.
- Approved policies on unit of credit, dual credit courses, and first-read policies for retired teachers and bus operators as substitutes in critical need areas.
- Discussed a pledge program with local retail vendors to discourage tobacco and vape sales to minors.
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education is meeting to adopt the proposed FY24 operating budget of $64,766,779 for submission to the state, approve an expulsion diversion plan for a student, and handle routine personnel and policy items. The board also discusses a pledge program with local retailers to discourage underage tobacco and vape sales, and reviews literacy efforts and a Spanish textbook adoption.
- Adopted FY24 operating budget totaling $64,766,779 across all funds
- Approved expulsion diversion plan for Student "A"
- Approved first reading of policy revisions for unit of credit (3-5-5) and dual credit courses (3-8-9)
- Approved data sharing agreement to study iReady and 2023 WVGSA relationship
- Approved McGraw Hill Spanish textbook series adoption (digital only)
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education approved expulsion diversion plans for two students, personnel agendas, out-of-state field trips, a chaperone list, an educational leave request, a memorandum of understanding with WVU Research Corporation, and budget journal entries totaling $68,566.83. The board also moved the May 22 meeting to May 24 at 6:00 PM to accommodate the CTE Graduation. Recognitions were given to state social studies fair participants and winners.
- Approved expulsion diversion plans for Student A and Student B
- Approved out-of-state field trips (e.g., WPS to DC)
- Approved budget journal entries 162-164 totaling $68,566.83
- Moved May 22 BOE meeting to May 24 at 6:00 PM
- Recognized state social studies fair participants and winners
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education approved the 2023-24 academic calendar after a public hearing and feedback, and approved proposed levy rates for FY 2023-2024. The board also handled routine personnel, field trips, and a memorandum of understanding with Pierpont Technical & Community College.
- Approved 2023-24 academic calendar, adjusted to move PL day from 10/2/23 to 10/27/23
- Approved proposed levy rates for FY 2023-2024: General Current Expense Levy $9,342,528, Expense Levy $5,184,286, Bond Levy $3,514,966
- Approved MOU with Pierpont Technical & Community College
- Approved out-of-state field trips for Aurora, Bruceton, Terra Alta/EP, and other schools
- Approved reorganization of Preston High Booster Club
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education met on March 13, 2023, and took action on several items, including approving a student expulsion, personnel agendas, out-of-state field trips, and budget journal entries. The board also discussed the proposed 2023-24 school calendar and heard reports from various staff and community members.
- Approved expulsion of Student 'A' from Preston High School for remainder of 2022-23 academic year (motion carried 4-1)
- Approved service and professional personnel agendas
- Approved 11 out-of-state field trips for various schools
- Approved budget journal entries 151-154 totaling $8,893.00
- Approved naming a CTE hallway section in honor of former teacher John Cox
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education met on February 27, 2023, and approved several routine items, including personnel agendas, schedules of checks, and an educational leave request. The board also gave final approval to two policies: a new naloxone policy (PCS Policy 11-47) and a critical need policy (PCS Policy 8-39-8). They approved an expulsion diversion plan for a student and a request from Food for Preston for the 'Let Your Light Shine' project.
- Approved expulsion diversion plan for Student 'A'
- Final approval of PCS Policy 11-47 (Naloxone Policy)
- Final approval of PCS Policy 8-39-8 (Critical Need Policy)
- Approved out-of-state professional meeting for PHS Principal Todd Seymour to attend NASSP Conference in Denver, CO (July 12-15, 2023)
- Approved MOU between Preston County Schools and Milan Puskar Health Right
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education met on February 13, 2023, and took action on several items. The board approved an expulsion diversion plan for a student, personnel agendas, field trips, and multiple memorandums of understanding. They also approved new policies on first reading and a proposal to purchase interactive boards for all district classrooms.
- Approved expulsion diversion plan for Student "A"
- Approved PCS Policy 11-47 (Naloxone) and PCS Policy 8-39-8 (critical need) on first reading
- Approved purchase of interactive boards for all district classrooms from Ford Office Technologies
- Approved MOU with SHIELD Task Force and Best Life Therapy
- Approved out-of-state field trip for CPMS Band to Pittsburgh, PA
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education met on January 23, 2023, and took action on several student disciplinary matters, approving expulsion diversion plans for three students and rescinding a prior expulsion. The board also approved routine personnel agendas, an out-of-state field trip, financial items including budget journal entries, and heard reports from the superintendent and a school LSIC presentation.
- Approved expulsion diversion plans for Student A, Student B, and Student C
- Rescinded the 10/10/22 expulsion of student #1 (motion carried 4-1, Cross Kisner opposed)
- Approved Kingwood Elementary Student Council field trip to Wisp Resort, McHenry, MD on Jan 26, 2023
- Approved Budget Journal Entries 204-207 and BJE 140 ($500 donation)
- Approved service and professional personnel agendas
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education will hold a special work session on testing protocols and discuss K-3 reading retention data, including how many students did not meet reading standards and retention rates. The board will also receive updates on technology, maintenance, safety, and a conference, and will vote on routine personnel, field trips, and a budget adjustment.
- Special work session on testing protocols with Darla Moyers
- Discussion of K-3 reading retention data and teacher recommendations
- Approval of BJE #203 adjusting FY23 budget to match state aid final allocations (decrease $21,920 in Teacher Leadership, increase $15,469 in Unrestricted State Aid)
- Approval of out-of-state field trip for Aurora First Grade to Hickory Environmental Education Center on 2/1/2023
- Approval of Policy 6-11 on collection of lunch money, rewards, and penalties
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education is holding a special meeting to discuss legislative educational priorities and public education concerns with state legislators. The agenda includes routine procedural items such as approving the agenda and adjourning, but the main item is a discussion with legislative representatives.
- Discussion with WV House members Buck Jennings and George Street and WV Senate members Randy Smith and Jay Taylor on legislative education priorities
- Approval of meeting agenda (motion carried)
- Adjournment of meeting (motion carried)