Berkeley County Schools, WV

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Berkeley County Board of Education will discuss awarding a construction contract for Falling Waters Elementary School. The board will also review personnel actions and receive an update on the Third Grade Success Act.

• Proposed $42,608,000 contract to Howard Shockey & Sons, Inc. for Falling Waters Elementary School
• Instructional update on the Third Grade Success Act
• Superintendent-recommended professional, service, and substitute personnel actions
• Approval of budget supplements, transfers, and vendor payments
• Requests for chaperone and use of school property

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Saxe will meet with delegates and senators. They will present the district's legislative priorities and supplemental materials for the 2026-27 school year.

• Presentation and discussion of district legislative priorities for the 2026-27 school year

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Berkeley County Board of Education will discuss several facility contracts and construction change orders. The meeting includes updates on the District Scorecard and the 2026 bond timeline. The Board may also enter executive session for a legal update.

• Proposed $899,000 contract with W. Harley Miller Contractor Inc. for Hedgesville High School track facilities
• Proposed $139,110 replacement of two HVAC RTUs at Musselman High gym via Daikin Applied
• Proposed $375,005.08 in change orders for Mountain Ridge Primary School
• Review of policy BC: County Board of Education Meetings regarding virtual meetings
• Presentation of a grant check from the DEP

The Board authorized Bowles Rice LLP to sue state agencies regarding school and special education funding. Members also approved construction contracts for Hedgesville High and Musselman High, and change orders for Mountain Ridge Primary.

• Authorized litigation against WV state agencies regarding school funding (5-0)
• Approved $899,000 contract with W. Harley Miller Contractor Inc. for Hedgesville High track facilities (5-0)
• Approved $139,110 contract with Daikin Applied for Musselman High gym HVAC replacement (5-0)
• Approved $375,005.08 in change orders for Mountain Ridge Primary, with district responsibility limited to $136,295.43 (5-0)
• Adopted updated policy Berkeley County File BC regarding Board of Education Meetings (5-0)
• Approved superintendent-recommended personnel, substitute, and coaching actions (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including bills, financial reports, and trip requests (5-0)

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Berkeley County Board of Education meets Monday, October 5, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the Central Office on 1453 Winchester Ave. in Martinsburg. The board will discuss and possibly act on a $303,650 Academic Instructional Mentor support services contract and a Head Start contract estimated at $1,022,571 for up to 11 Pre-K classrooms in 2026-2027. It will also consider policy updates and whether to join pending school social media multidistrict litigation as a plaintiff. A consent agenda covers minutes, chaperone and trip requests, use of school property, budget supplements/transfers, and payment of bills.

• $303,650 contract with Children's Literacy Initiative for Academic Instructional Mentor (AIM) support services; CLI scored 80.95 vs. Creative Coaching Consultants' 70.00
• Head Start contract estimated at $1,022,571 for up to 11 Pre-K classrooms for 4- and 3-year-olds in 2026-2027
• Possible action to join as a plaintiff in pending school social media multidistrict litigation
• Policy updates (Files BBA, BC, BD, CB, CE) reviewed by counsel; public comment period was Sept. 9-22, 2026
• Consent agenda: minutes of Sept. 22, 2026 meeting, chaperone requests, use of school property, budget supplements/transfers, and payment of bills

The Board approved funding for Head Start Pre-K classrooms and a contract for teacher mentoring services. Several board policies were updated, and the board voted to join a multi-district lawsuit regarding school social media.

• Approved Head Start contracts for Pre-K classrooms at an estimated $1,022,571 (5-0)
• Awarded FY27 Academic Instructional Mentor contract to Children's Literacy Initiative for $303,650 (4-1)
• Approved Bailey Glasser to represent the Board as a plaintiff in school social media litigation (5-0)
• Adopted updated policies File BBA, File BD, File CE, and File CB (5-0)
• Tabled update to File BC regarding board member virtual participation
• Approved superintendent-recommended personnel and coaching actions (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including bills and budget transfers (4-0)

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Berkeley County Board of Education will hold its regular meeting on September 22, 2026, to discuss and take possible action on several operational items, including snow removal bids, an HVAC controls replacement, and architecture services for the 2026 bond. The board will also review and potentially approve policy updates, financial statements, and personnel actions. The agenda includes recognitions, a citizens' forum, and a possible executive session for a legal update.

• Snow removal bid: apparent low bidders include Exzact Excavating (Group 1), AWC Contracting (Group 2), Blades and Spades (Groups 3-5)
• Orchard View Intermediate HVAC controls replacement: $138,450.00 from General Maintenance Budget
• New Market Tax Credit Program agreement with True Mountain Capital
• Policy updates: Critical Needs Substitute Teachers (GAB), Critical Needs Bus Operators (GABA), Curriculum Field Trips (IFCB)
• FY26 Year End Financial Statements and 2026-27 Legislative Priorities List

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Berkeley County Board of Education is holding a special meeting with monitoring items and one action item. The board will hear updates on the Governor's Honors Academy, the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), and the New Market Tax Credit Program. The only action item is discussion and possible adoption of agreed-upon Board-Superintendent Commitments for Effective Organizational Leadership and Governance, following a Sept. 12 special meeting.

• Possible action on Board-Superintendent Commitments for Effective Organizational Leadership and Governance
• Governor's Honors Academy overview by Counseling Coordinator Kevin Frankhouser
• MTSS update presented by Executive Directors Lewis Mullenax and Holly Kleppner
• New Market Tax Credit Program overview by Assistant Treasurer Brad Sponaugle, with Cameron Garner from True Mountain Capital

The Berkeley County Schools Board of Education approved the Board-Superintendent Commitments for Effective Organizational Leadership and Governance, with an added line for the superintendent's signature. The board also heard informational presentations on the Governor's Honors Academy, the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), and the New Market Tax Credit Program.

• Approved Board-Superintendent Commitments for Effective Organizational Leadership and Governance with added superintendent signature line (4-0)

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Berkeley County Board of Education will participate in a series of training sessions focused on student achievement, instructional data, and organizational effectiveness. The agenda also includes discussions regarding Board-Superintendent commitments and the Superintendent's annual goals.

• Board professional development session on student achievement and instructional improvement
• Workshop reflection on district priorities and organizational effectiveness
• Discussion and possible action regarding Board-Superintendent commitments for governance
• Potential action or Executive Session regarding the Superintendent's Annual Goals and Objectives

The Board of Education accepted the Superintendent's Annual Goals and Objectives. Members also directed the Superintendent and Communications Department to create a governance framework protocol. The meeting included professional development on student achievement and instructional data.

• Approved the meeting agenda (4-0)
• Charged Superintendent and Communications Department to develop governance framework protocol (5-0)
• Accepted Superintendent's Annual Goals and Objectives (5-0)

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Board of Education approved a contract for roof replacement at Martinsburg High and several change orders for the Inwood Early Learning Academy. Other actions included approving special education staffing contracts and declaring 20 vehicles for auction or salvage.

• Approved $765,472.00 contract with 3G Contracting for Martinsburg High roof and walkpads
• Approved $459,849.26 in change orders for Inwood Early Learning Academy
• Approved use of four contracting companies for Special Education teachers
• Approved Berkeley County File DM regarding the HOPE Scholarship Program
• Approved auction of 16 school buses and 2 trucks, and salvage of 4 school buses
• Approved superintendent-recommended personnel and coaching actions
• Approved consent agenda including budget supplements and payment of bills

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Berkeley County Board of Education will consider approving a $728,912 bid from 3G Contracting for the Martinsburg High roof replacement, funded by general maintenance and an SBA MIP grant. The board will also discuss and possibly approve contracts for special education autism teachers, with five contractors proposed at rates from $72 to $95 per hour. The agenda includes routine consent items such as minutes, budget transfers, and policy reviews, plus updates on bond projects and summer programs.

• Martinsburg High roof MIP project bid: $728,912 base bid from 3G Contracting, plus $36,560 alternate for walkpads
• Special Education Autism Teacher contracted services: five contractors proposed (ESS Clinical $72, EDU Healthcare $78, Amergis $78, ProCare $78, Sunbelt $95)
• Consent agenda includes budget supplements/transfers, vendor payments, financial reports, and treasurers' report
• Policy reviews: Critical Needs Substitute Teachers, Critical Needs Bus Operators, and Curriculum Field Trips (public comment Aug 18-31)
• Bond and construction project status update by Executive Director Ty Tyson

The board approved the use of the top five special education autism teacher contractors as needed, with hourly rates ranging from $72 to $95. The Martinsburg High School roof project bid was tabled to the next regular meeting. The consent agenda, including minutes, financial reports, and policy reviews, was approved. The board entered executive session for a legal update and superintendent's goals, but no action was taken afterward.

• Approved consent agenda including minutes, chaperone/trip requests, budget transfers, and financial reports (5-0)
• Approved use of top five autism teacher contractors: ESS Clinical $72/hr, EDU Healthcare $78/hr, Amergis $78/hr, ProCare Therapy $84/hr, Sunbelt Staffing $95/hr (5-0)
• Tabled Martinsburg High roof MIP project bid (base bid $728,912 from 3G Contracting) to next regular meeting
• Approved superintendent-recommended personnel and coaching actions (5-0)
• Entered executive session for legal update and superintendent's goals; no action taken afterward

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Berkeley County Schools Board of Education is holding a special meeting with routine procedural items (call to order, pledge, agenda approval). The substantive items are a discipline data update for the 2025-26 school year from Dr. Ron Branch, and a possible vote to enter executive session for a legal update. The meeting is open to the public and livestreamed.

• Discipline data update for 2025-26 school year (discussion/information)
• Possible executive session for legal update under WV Code §6-9A-4(b)(2)(A)
• Agenda approval (action item)
• Meeting at 5 p.m. at Central Office, 1453 Winchester Ave., Martinsburg

The Berkeley County Board of Education held a special meeting on August 12, 2026, where members approved the agenda and received a discipline data update for the 2025-26 school year. The board then entered executive session for a legal update and returned without taking any action. The meeting adjourned with no substantive decisions made.

• Approved meeting agenda as presented (4-0)
• Entered executive session for legal update (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Board of Education will discuss a new workforce strategy and salary schedule for autism classroom teachers. Members will also consider several facility contracts and a policy for embedded credits at the secondary level.

• Autism Classroom Workforce Initiative and associated salary schedule
• Copier contract with Doing Better Business for $240,000.00
• Weed control bid renewal with Made in the Shade for $132,566.00
• Intercom system upgrade at Tuscarora Elementary for $110,892.12
• Pre-K contracts for 2026-27 with Kids World, Little Eagle, Norborne, and Step Ahead

The Berkeley County Board of Education approved the Autism Classroom Workforce Initiative and a Three Step Increment Scale with Autism Certification Salary Schedule to address staffing shortages in autism classrooms. The board also adopted the Embedded Credit Program Policy, approved a copier contract, renewed a weed control contract, and approved multiple other action items. All votes were unanimous (4-0).

• Approved Autism Classroom Workforce Initiative and Three Step Increment Scale with Autism Certification Salary Schedule (4-0)
• Adopted BERKELEY COUNTY FILE: IDCF EMBEDDED CREDIT PROGRAM POLICY (4-0)
• Approved copier contract with Doing Better Business via OMNIA Purchasing Cooperative, estimated $240,000 (4-0)
• Approved weed control contract renewal with Made in the Shade for $132,566 (4-0)
• Approved Valcom IP-based intercom system upgrade at Tuscarora Elementary for $110,892.12 (4-0)
• Approved Pre-K contracts for 2026-27 school year with four providers (4-0)
• Approved additional dual enrollment courses for 2026-27 (4-0)
• Approved superintendent-recommended personnel actions (4-0)

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Board of Education will discuss and potentially approve several contracts, including emergency notification software and special education services. Members will also receive updates on bond-funded construction projects and the 2026-2027 Professional Development Plan.

• Raptor wearable emergency notification badges renewal for $198,056.50
• Hedgesville Early Learning Academy change orders totaling $11,930.39
• Special Education contracts for Achieving True Self and ATLAS
• Bond and construction project status update
• Approval of 2026-2027 Professional Development Plan

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The board will discuss and possibly act on temporary housing options for Mountain Ridge Primary School after its permanent facility was delayed past the August 20 start date. Other action items include approval of special education contracts for therapists and aides and student transportation services for the 2026-27 school year. The consent agenda includes routine approvals and a draft embedded credit policy open for public comment through July 20.

• Three temporary housing options for Mountain Ridge Primary School students during construction delays
• Special education contracts for OT, BCBA, psychologists, speech pathologists, etc., with hourly rates ranging from $42 to $105/hr
• Student transportation services contracts for 2026-27: Varsity Travel and Shenandoah Shuttles rates, e.g., $94/hr for minivan, $170/hr for charter bus
• Bond and construction project status update from Executive Director Ty Tyson
• Draft embedded credit policy for secondary students, placed for public review and comment until July 20

The Board unanimously approved special education service contracts and student transportation services for the 2026-2027 school year. The Board also discussed temporary housing options for Mountain Ridge Primary School due to construction delays.

• Approved special education contracts for 2026-27 (unanimous)
• Approved FY27 Student Transportation Services (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items (unanimous)
• Approved June 15, 2026 regular meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed temporary housing for Mountain Ridge Primary School

STATUTORY MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

This is a statutory meeting of the Berkeley County Schools Board of Education, primarily focused on routine organizational items. The board will elect a president and vice president for two-year terms and confirm appointments to several committees, including the Eastern Panhandle Instructional Cooperative and the James Rumsey Administrative Council. They will also approve the 2026-27 regular meeting schedule and discuss potential monitoring topics and a board retreat. No major policy decisions or budget items are on the agenda.

• Election of Board President (2-year term)
• Election of Vice President (2-year term)
• Confirm appointment to Eastern Panhandle Instructional Cooperative (EPIC) – currently unfilled
• Confirm liaison to Berkeley County Health Department (Judy McCune)
• Approve 2026-27 regular meeting dates (first and third Mondays at 6 p.m.)

The Board elected Brent Sherrard as President and Michael Martin as Vice President. The Board approved the 2026-27 meeting calendar and confirmed committee appointments.

• Elected Brent Sherrard as President (3-2)
• Elected Michael Martin as Vice President (unanimous)
• Confirmed Dr. Cathy Funk to EPIC Council (unanimous)
• Confirmed Judy McCune to Health Dept. rep (unanimous)
• Confirmed Michael Martin to Cooperative Extension Service (unanimous)
• Confirmed Dr. Cathy Funk to James Rumsey Council (unanimous)
• Confirmed Melissa Power to Audit Committee (unanimous)
• Approved 2026-27 meeting calendar (unanimous)

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Board of Education will review a drafted five-year strategic plan presented by Hanover Research. Additionally, the Executive Director of Maintenance will provide an update on bond and construction projects.

• Five-year strategic plan overview by Hanover Research
• Bond and construction project status update

The Board approved a $239,222.35 contract for a literacy coaching program and a lease for a cosmetology facility. The Board also approved a Workers Comp bid and a one-year extension for trash and recycling services.

• Approved FY27 Leadership and Instructional Coaching Program ($239,222.35)
• Approved lease for Cosmetology Program facility at 201 W. King Street
• Awarded Workers Comp bid to Erie Insurance ($514,627.00)
• Approved one-year extension for Trash & Recycling Services with Waste Management
• Approved Consent Agenda items including minutes, bills, and financial reports
• Approved Reimbursement Resolution for Public School Bonds Series 2027

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The board will discuss the Magnetic Literacy program and teacher feedback, and review end-of-year academic performance measures. They will also act on a consent agenda including budget supplements/transfers, trip requests, and personnel actions.

• Instructional update on Magnetic Literacy and teacher focus group feedback
• End-of-year final diagnostics and academic performance measures
• Budget supplements/transfers
• Personnel actions (moved to first action item)
• Curricular and extra-curricular trip requests

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

At a special meeting, the Berkeley County Schools Board of Education held personnel hearings and voted not to renew the probationary contracts of Halime Shehu-Krasniqi (3-2 vote) and Catherine Thomas (5-0 vote). The remaining agenda items were procedural: call to order, welcome, approval of the agenda, and adjournment.

• Personnel hearing for Halime Shehu-Krasniqi: board voted 3-2 to not renew her probationary contract (yes: Long, Martin, Power; no: Murphy, Wright).
• Personnel hearing for Catherine Thomas: board voted 5-0 to not renew her probationary contract.

The Board of Education held personnel hearings regarding probationary contracts. The board voted not to renew the probationary contract for Halime Shehu-Krasniqi and did not renew the probationary contract for Catherine Thomas.

• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
• Non-renewal of Halime Shehu-Krasniqi's probationary contract approved (3-2)
• Non-renewal of Catherine Thomas's probationary contract approved (5-0)
• Adjournment approved (5-0)

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Board of Education held a public hearing and voted to approve the proposed FY27 budget. The meeting also included updates on bond and construction projects and community partnerships.

• Approval of the FY27 Budget
• Public hearing regarding objections to the FY27 Budget
• Bond and construction project status update
• Operations update on community and local business partnerships
• Approval of consent agenda items including vendor payments and financial reports

The Board of Education approved the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and multiple bond-funded construction projects. Approved actions included change orders for Hedgesville Early Learning Academy, Martinsburg High Fine Arts Addition, and water line upgrades at Mountain Ridge Primary. Additionally, the board awarded a contract for a new turning lane at Mountain Ridge Primary.

• Approved FY27 budget (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda excluding music/theater materials (4-1)
• Approved HELA change orders totaling $63,113.31 (4-0)
• Approved MHS Fine Arts addition change orders totaling $14,681.00 (5-0)
• Approved Mountain Ridge Primary water line upgrade not to exceed $750,000.00 (5-0)
• Awarded David H. Martin Excavating contract for Mountain Ridge Primary turning lane for $637,575.00 (5-0)
• Approved professional, service, substitute, and coaching personnel actions (5-0)

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The board will receive updates on bond and construction projects and the AspireBCS instructional program. They will also approve routine consent agenda items including minutes, trip requests, budget supplements, vendor payments, and a policy for review. Citizens may speak during the forum.

• Bond and construction project status update from Executive Director of Maintenance
• AspireBCS program presentation by Executive Director of Organizational Development
• Budget supplements/transfers approved as part of consent agenda
• Payment of bills and invoices (vendor payments) approved as part of consent agenda
• Policy JCA: Student Civic Engagement, Civic Literacy, and Responsible Participation for review

The Board of Education approved several technology renewals and the naming of a school gymnasium. They also approved various personnel actions and a purchase of interactive panels for three schools.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda items (5-0)
• Named Sumner-Ramer School Gymnasium the Leonard R. Harris Gymnasium (5-0)
• Approved Crowdstrike renewal for $270,000 (5-0)
• Approved Powerschool Schoology renewal for $119,252.78 (5-0)
• Approved Newline Interactive Panel purchase for $251,850.30 (5-0)
• Approved superintendent-recommended personnel actions (5-0)

RECONVENED STATUTORY MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Berkeley County Board of Education will reconvene its statutory meeting to consider and vote on the proposed levy rates for fiscal year 2027. Treasurer Jim Butts will present the rates, and the board will hear any public objections before taking action.

• Public hearing on FY27 levy rates prior to board vote
• Approval of the Levy Rate for FY27 (action item with attached PDF)

The Board of Education reconvened to consider and approve the levy rates for Fiscal Year 2027. No objections were raised during the public comment period. The board voted unanimously to approve the rates.

• Approved Levy Rates for FY27 (5-0)

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Berkeley County Board of Education will discuss the Fiscal Year 2027 budget draft, an update on fine arts and wellness instructional materials adoption, and a request to rename the Ramer Building gymnasium after Leonard Harris. Recognitions and a consent agenda including minutes, trip requests, and vendor payments are also on the agenda.

• Overview of FY27 budget draft presented by Treasurer Jim Butts
• Update on fine arts and wellness instructional materials adoption by Veronica Rainieri
• Bond and construction project status update from Executive Director Ty Tyson
• Discussion of request to rename Ramer Building gymnasium after Leonard Harris
• Consent agenda includes approval of budget supplements/transfers and vendor payments

The Board approved the agenda and consent agenda items. It adopted an amendment to the Berkeley County File GAI: Solicitation of Staff policy. The Board entered executive session and approved recommended personnel transfers and the remaining personnel list.

• Approved agenda as presented (motion carried, Yes: Jackee S Long, Pat Murphy, Michael Martin, Melissa D Power, Damon Wright)
• Approved consent agenda items (motion carried, Yes: Jackee S Long, Pat Murphy, Michael Martin, Melissa D Power, Damon Wright)
• Approved Berkeley County File GAI: Solicitation of Staff amendment (motion carried, Yes: Jackee S Long, Pat Murphy, Michael Martin, Melissa D Power, Damon Wright)
• Entered executive session to discuss personnel (motion carried, Yes: Jackee S Long, Pat Murphy, Michael Martin, Melissa D Power, Damon Wright)
• Approved personnel transfer recommendations on Lines 1143-1152 (motion carried, Yes: Jackee S Long, Pat Murphy, Michael Martin, Melissa D Power, Damon Wright)
• Approved remaining personnel list with removal of Line 4 (motion carried, Yes: Jackee S Long, Pat Murphy, Michael Martin, Melissa D Power, Damon Wright)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried, Yes: Jackee S Long, Pat Murphy, Michael Martin, Melissa D Power, Damon Wright)

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

This special meeting of the Berkeley County Schools Board of Education included a call to order, welcome, and approval of the agenda. The board then held multiple personnel transfer hearings (cases 2025-2026-E01-03 through E11) and voted to enter executive session to discuss personnel matters.

• Personnel transfer hearings for cases 2025-2026-E01-03, E04-05, E06, E07, E08, E09, E10, and E11
• Motion to enter executive session carried unanimously

The Board of Education held multiple personnel transfer hearings for bus operators, aides, and other staff members. No final votes were taken on these actions; all matters are scheduled to be voted on during the regular meetings on April 21, 2026.

• Approved meeting agenda (4-0)

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Berkeley County Schools Board of Education held a special meeting and voted to expel a student identified as D.L. for 365 days following a student hearing. The board also heard presentations from Faculty Senate presidents representing elementary, intermediate, middle, and high schools, who provided insight into district strengths, weaknesses, and priority requests. Procedural items included approval of the agenda and entry into executive session during the hearing.

• Student Hearing 25-26-S001: expulsion of D.L. for 365 days (motion carried 4-0).
• Faculty Senate presentations by Kelsey Strelick (elementary), McKenna Flohr (intermediate), Melanie Canby (middle), and James Miller (high).
• Board entered executive session under West Virginia Code §6-9A-4 for the student hearing.
• Meeting recessed from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for the hearing and presentations.
• Agenda approved by motion (Melissa Power, second by Pat Murphy).

The Board approved the expulsion of a student for two consecutive semesters. Additionally, representatives from various school levels presented discussions regarding district strengths, growth areas, and priority requests.

• Approved meeting agenda (4-0)
• Entered executive session for Student Hearing 25-26-S001 (4-0)
• Approved expulsion of student D.L. for two consecutive semesters (4-0)
• Recessed from 4:14 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Berkeley County Board of Education is meeting to discuss safety initiatives and bond and construction project updates. The board is also considering the adoption of the Purple Star Resolution to support military-connected students and families.

• Discussion of safety initiatives by Dr. Ron Branch
• Bond and construction project status update by Ty Tyson
• Proposed adoption of the Purple Star Resolution
• Approval of budget supplements and transfers
• Approval of payment of bills and invoices

The Board of Education approved the Purple Star Resolution to support military-connected students. Members also voted to declare various vehicles and maintenance equipment as surplus property for auction.

• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda items (5-0)
• Adopted Purple Star Resolution (5-0)
• Declared vehicle and maintenance inventory as surplus (5-0)
• Approved personnel, service, substitute, and coaching actions (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

This regular meeting included recognitions, announcements, a citizens' forum, and monitoring items. The board discussed an instructional update from Eagle School Intermediate and a bond and construction project status update from the Executive Director of Maintenance and Facilities. The consent agenda was approved with the removal of item 9.5 (use of school property), which was later approved separately. The consent agenda covered approval of minutes, chaperone requests, trip requests, budget supplements/transfers, and payment of bills.

• Distinguished Service Award presented to Kathleen 'Katie' Linn
• Volunteer of the Month presented to Julie Roberston
• Bond and construction project status update presented by Ty Tyson
• Consent agenda approved including budget supplements/transfers and vendor payments
• Item 9.5 (use of school property) removed from consent agenda then approved separately

The Board of Education approved several construction-related items, including a major bid for the Inwood Early Learning Academy. Additional change orders were approved for Martinsburg High School and Hedgesville Early Learning Academy. The Board also approved personnel actions and placed a staff solicitation policy out for public review.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda items excluding school property use (5-0)
• Approved Use of School Property requests (3-0)
• Approved Martinsburg High Fine Arts Addition change orders for $84,011.00 (5-0)
• Approved Hedgesville Early Learning Academy change orders for $11,398.75 (5-0)
• Approved Myers Building Systems bid for Inwood Early Learning Academy for $15,817,200.00 (5-0)
• Placed Berkeley County File GAI: Solicitation of Staff out for public review March 17-30, 2026 (3-2)
• Approved professional, service, and substitute personnel actions (5-0)

STATUTORY MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Berkeley County Schools Board of Education will discuss proposed levy rates for Fiscal Year 2027. The meeting will then be recessed to reconvene on April 21, 2026 to hear any public objections before formal approval.

• Discussion of proposed levy rates for FY 2027
• Meeting recessed to April 21, 2026 for public objections

The Board of Education reviewed projected levy rates for Fiscal Year 2027, which are estimated to generate just over $5 million in new tax revenue. The meeting was recessed until April 21, 2026, to hear objections to the proposed rates.

• Approved the meeting agenda
• Recessed meeting until April 21, 2026

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Berkeley County Schools Board of Education held a special meeting to receive a job market analysis update from Hanover Research and a budget workshop overview from Treasurer Jim Butts for the coming fiscal year. The agenda was approved unanimously.

• Job Market Analysis Update presented by Tiphani Davis of Hanover Research
• Budget Workshop overview by Treasurer Jim Butts for the coming fiscal year
• Approval of agenda as presented (motion carried unanimously)

The Board of Education reviewed a job market analysis presentation regarding career clusters and high-growth occupations. Additionally, the Board held a budget workshop covering the Fiscal Year 2027 draft budget, property value trends, and proposed salary increases for professional and service staff.

• Approved the meeting agenda (5-0)

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Berkeley County Board of Education is reviewing updates on the K-5 transition timeline and bond-funded construction projects. The board is also discussing summer school plans and the Third Grade Success Act. Several administrative items, including budget transfers and vendor payments, were approved via consent agenda.

• Update on K-5 transition and related timeline
• Bond and construction projects update
• Discussion on Summer Learning Pathways 2026 and Third Grade Success Act
• Approval of budget supplements and transfers
• Approval of vendor payments and invoices

The Berkeley County Schools Board of Education unanimously approved a $231,322.74 contract with Tarkett Sports to complete a four-year routine maintenance cycle for middle and high school gymnasium floors. The board also authorized a $678,615.88 furniture purchase for Mountain Ridge Primary School from Hertz Furniture Company to support classroom needs. Additionally, the board ratified superintendent-recommended personnel actions, including coaching assignments and staff suspensions, all on a 5-0 vote.

• Approved $231,322.74 gym floor refinishing contract with Tarkett Sports (5-0)
• Approved $678,615.88 furniture purchase for Mountain Ridge Primary from Hertz Furniture Company (5-0)
• Approved superintendent-recommended personnel and coaching actions (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including budget transfers and invoice payments (5-0)

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Berkeley County Schools Board of Education will hold a special meeting to discuss a follow-up to a recent transportation efficiency study conducted with Edulog. All other agenda items are procedural.

• Follow-up discussion on the Transportation Efficiency Study conducted with Edulog, presented by Deputy Superintendent Dr. Justin Schooley and Executive Director Eric Keesecker

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Berkeley County Board of Education held a special meeting on February 20, 2026, and voted to ratify an unpaid suspension effective February 13, 2026, and terminate the employment contract of William Howard Shoup. The board also entered executive session to discuss personnel matters. All actions were approved unanimously.

• Ratified unpaid suspension of William Howard Shoup effective February 13, 2026
• Terminated employment contract of William Howard Shoup
• Board entered executive session under WV Code §6-9A-4(b)(2)(A) for personnel discussion
• Motion carried to notify state of pending allegations

The Berkeley County Board of Education ratified the suspension without pay of Superintendent William Howard Shoup, effective February 13, 2026, and terminated his employment contract. The board entered executive session to discuss personnel matters before voting unanimously to approve these actions.

• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Entered executive session for personnel discussion
• Ratified suspension without pay of William Howard Shoup
• Terminated employment contract of William Howard Shoup

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Berkeley County Board of Education will discuss a bond and construction project status update and an instructional update on Family and Community Engagement and counseling. The board will also vote on a consent agenda including minutes, trip requests, budget supplements, and vendor payments.

• Bond and construction project status update presented by Executive Director of Maintenance Ty Tyson
• Instructional update from FACE Coordinator Travis Williams and Counseling Coordinator Kevin Frankhouser
• Approval of budget supplements/transfers as part of consent agenda
• Approval of payment of bills/approve invoices as part of consent agenda
• Approval of curricular and extracurricular trip requests as part of consent agenda

The Board approved the consent agenda with required corrections. It approved HELA change orders totaling $27,561.26. The 2026‑27 Pre‑K calendar, moving to a four‑day‑per‑week schedule, was approved. Personnel actions recommended by the superintendent were also approved, and the board entered an executive session to discuss property matters with no action taken.

• Consent agenda approved (motion carried)
• HELA change orders approved for $27,561.26 (motion carried)
• 2026‑27 Pre‑K calendar approved, four‑day week (motion carried)
• Professional, service, substitute personnel and coaching actions approved (motion carried)
• Board entered executive session to discuss property and pending litigation (motion carried)