Preston County Schools public meetings in 2024
33 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Preston County Board of Education
The board approved expulsion diversion plans for Student 'A' and Student 'B', and approved service and professional personnel agendas. They discussed bus safety concerns, including a $500 device to extend stop signs, and considered creating a student exit interview process for dropouts and transfers. The board also approved a resolution urging the state to stabilize the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA), and heard presentations from Kingwood Elementary and Central Preston Middle School LSIC teams. A first read of revisions to PCS Policy 11-22 (Student Publications) was introduced.
- Approved expulsion diversion plans for Student 'A' and Student 'B'
- Discussed bus safety: exploring $500 per unit extendable stop sign arms
- Discussed developing a student exit interview survey for dropouts, homeschool, and HOPE Scholarship departures
- Approved resolution urging state to stabilize PEIA (Public Employees Insurance Agency)
- Reviewed first read of PCS Policy 11-22 Student Publications revision
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education met on December 2, 2024, at Rowlesburg School. The board approved expulsion diversion plans for two students, a new after-school Libera Club for female students at Preston High School, an MOU with Valley Mental Health for behavioral health services, and a student affiliation agreement with Preston Memorial Hospital. All motions carried, with the Libera Club passing 4-1.
- Expulsion diversion plans approved for Student 'A' and Student 'B' (5-0 votes)
- Libera Club approved as voluntary after-school club for female Preston High students (4-1 vote)
- MOU between Preston County Schools and Valley Mental Health to provide behavioral health services (5-0)
- Student Affiliation Agreement with Preston Memorial Hospital for 2024-25 academic year (5-0)
- Clinical experience agreement with Western Governors University approved (5-0)
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education voted 3–2 to close Rowlesburg School and fellowsville Elementary School, merging students into Aurora School and South Preston School respectively for the 2025–26 academic year. The board also approved minutes from prior public hearings and heard public delegations before the votes.
- Vote to close Rowlesburg School and merge with Aurora School (3–2)
- Vote to close Fellowsville Elementary School and merge with South Preston School (3–2)
- Approval of minutes from three school-closure public hearings held in October
- Public delegation period allowed before voting on closures
- Late-submitted emails from residents included in board materials
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education approved an expulsion diversion plan for an unnamed student, approved the creation of a Libera after-school club for female students at Preston High School, and heard presentations on pre-K/special education and finance. The board also approved routine personnel and volunteer lists. Delegations included discussion on volunteer policy updates and a school closure proposal.
- Approval of expulsion diversion plan for Student 'A' (action, carried)
- Approval of Libera Club as voluntary after-school club at Preston High School (recommended action)
- Delegations addressing volunteer/chaperone policy updates and school closure proposal (discussion)
- Approval of service personnel and professional personnel agendas (action, carried)
- Recognition of Skills USA, cross country, and FFA student achievements (information)
Preston County Board of Education (Proposed School Closure Hearing for Rowlesburg School)
The board holds a public hearing on the proposed closure of Rowlesburg School and consolidation of K-8 students into Aurora School. No decision is made tonight; the board will vote on November 18, 2024. The hearing allows public comments of up to five minutes per person.
- Public hearing for proposed closure of Rowlesburg School and consolidation into Aurora School
- WV Code 18-5-13a cited for statutory authority
- Five-minute public comment limit per speaker
- Decision deferred to November 18, 2024 meeting at Preston High School
- Attachment: Closure Rationale- Rowlesburg- Rowlesburg Meeting.docx
Preston County Board of Education (Proposed School Closure Hearing for Fellowsville Elementary School)
The Preston County Board of Education is holding a public hearing on the proposed closure of Fellowsville Elementary School. The hearing allows public testimony and questions, but no decision will be made tonight. A final vote on the closure and consolidation of PK-4 students into South Preston School is scheduled for November 18, 2024.
- Public hearing for proposed closure of Fellowsville Elementary School
- Consolidation of PK-4 students into South Preston School
- No decision tonight; vote set for November 18, 2024 at Preston High School
- Five minutes allotted per public speaker; written statements also considered
- Superintendent Martin to present executive summary and impact statement
Preston County Board of Education (Proposed School Closure Hearing for Fellowsville Elementary School)
The Preston County Board of Education is holding a public hearing on the proposed closure of Fellowsville Elementary School and consolidation of PK-4 students into South Preston School. No decision will be made tonight; the board will deliberate and vote at a meeting on November 18, 2024. The public may submit statements, testimony, and questions.
- Public hearing for proposed closure of Fellowsville Elementary School
- Proposed consolidation of PK-4 students into South Preston School
- Board vote scheduled for November 18, 2024 at 6:00 PM at Preston High School
- Public given five minutes each to speak and ask questions
- WV Code 18-5-13a cited for the hearing process
Preston County Board of Education (Proposed School Closure Hearing for Rowlesburg School)
The Preston County Board of Education conducted a public hearing regarding the proposed closure of Rowlesburg School and the consolidation of K-8 students into Aurora School. No decision was made during this meeting; a vote is scheduled for November 18, 2024.
- Public hearing on the proposed closure of Rowlesburg School
- Proposed consolidation of K-8 students into Aurora School
- Scheduled vote on closure for November 18, 2024
Preston County Board of Education
The Board of Education met to approve personnel agendas, financial expenditures, and several educational partnerships. The body also authorized specific out-of-state field trips and reviewed school maintenance statistics.
- Purchase order #2500830 for $889,688 to buy seven new school buses
- Partnership MOU with Fairmont State University for teacher education professional development
- MOU between Preston County Schools and United Summit Center
- Approval of out-of-state field trips for Bruceton School Band and Preston High Girls' Basketball Team
- Proposed revisions to Policy 10-13 regarding annual background checks for volunteers and chaperones (pulled from consideration)
Preston County Board of Education
The Board of Education decided on the placement of a therapy dog via the Friends With Paws Program and approved revisions to the school volunteer and chaperone policy. The body also appointed two student board members and approved a high school field trip to Indiana.
- Approval of therapy dog placement via the Friends With Paws Program for 2024-25
- First read approval of PCS Policy 10-13 requiring annual background checks and training for volunteers and chaperones
- Appointment of Colson Manko and Brooklyn Casteel as student Board members
- Approval of Preston High School field trip to the National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, IN
- Approval of service and professional personnel agendas
Preston County Board of Education
The Board of Education is initiating the formal process to close Fellowsville Elementary and Rowlesburg School, consolidating students into South Preston and Aurora schools after the 2024-25 year. The board also approved a new final exam attendance exemption plan for Preston High School. A proposed memorandum of understanding with Libera Inc. was defeated.
- Approval to begin closure process for Fellowsville Elementary (consolidating into South Preston School)
- Approval to begin closure process for Rowlesburg School (consolidating into Aurora School)
- Approval of Preston High School final exam attendance exemption plan
- Approval of service and professional personnel agendas
- Defeat of the proposed MOU between PCS and Libera Inc.
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education held a regular meeting on September 9, 2024, taking action on multiple policy and operational items. The board gave final approval to Policy 3-23 reinstating valedictorian and salutatorian distinctions for the Preston High School Class of 2025, approved superintendent goals for the 2024-25 academic year, and awarded contracts for district tire and fuel purchases. The board also discussed a potential smartphone/electronic device policy for future adoption.
- Final approval of PCS Policy 3-23 on scholastic achievement and academic rank, reinstating valedictorian/salutatorian for PHS Class of 2025 – passed 3-2
- Approved 2024-25 superintendent goals with topics including facility maintenance, attendance, and financial controls
- Awarded low bids for 2024-25 district tire contract to Glotfelty Enterprises Inc (Oakland, MD) and fuel contract to Stuck Enterprises (Waynesburg, PA)
- Approved an expulsion diversion plan for Student 'A' to begin 9/18/24
- Discussion initiated on a possible smartphone-free policy for schools, with a decision targeted by March/April 2025
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education approved several personnel agendas and updated policies regarding the employee code of conduct and academic ranking. The board also discussed potential new background check requirements for volunteers and chaperones.
- Approved $130,609.40 purchase order for high school math books from Savvas Learning Company
- Approved PCS Policy 3-23 to reinstate Valedictorian and Salutatorian distinctions for the Preston High School Class of 2025
- Approved revisions to PCS Policy 8-10 (Employee Code of Conduct)
- Approved advertising exclusivity agreement with Gaydos and Turner for a PHS Track Facility scoreboard
- Approved MOU between PCS and M3T Project for Aurora School teacher Sarah Waugh
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education approved a revised Employee Code of Conduct requiring annual legal updates, a policy allowing retired teachers as substitutes, and a memorandum of understanding with the Preston County Commission for a School Resource Officer for 2024-25. The board also discussed potential changes to visitor, volunteer, and chaperone policies, and reviewed academic ranking policy without recommended changes. Personnel actions and routine MOUs were approved.
- Approved MOU with Preston County Commission for School Resource Officer for 2024-25 academic year
- Approved revisions to PCS Policy 8-10 (Employee Code of Conduct) on first read, requiring annual legal update disclosure for all employees
- Approved PCS Policy R 8-39-9 (Retired Teachers as Substitutes in Areas of Critical Need) on second read for final approval
- Discussed potential modifications to visitor, volunteer, and chaperone policies (PCS Policy 8-10 related) based on earlier board meetings
- Approved MOUs with Julie Bright for psychoeducational evaluations and Kathy Torsney for surrogate parent services
Preston County Board of Education (Special Meeting)
The Board of Education held a special meeting to review and approve staffing lists. The board voted to approve both the service personnel and professional personnel agendas.
- Approval of service personnel agenda
- Approval of professional personnel agenda
Preston County Board of Education
The Board approved the excess levy proposal for placement on the November 5, 2024 ballot (4-1 vote). They also discussed and received an update on the potential closure of Fellowsville and Rowlesburg schools for the 2025-26 academic year, with a formal proposal expected by late August/early September. Additionally, the Board reviewed modifications to visitor, volunteer, and chaperone policies and approved the development of middle school unified boys' and girls' soccer teams for the upcoming school year.
- Excess levy proposal approved for November 2024 ballot (4-1 vote)
- Middle school unified boys' and girls' soccer teams approved for 2024-25
- Discussion of school closure update for Fellowsville (74 PK-4) and Rowlesburg (34 K-8)
- Review of Policy 8-10 on visitor, volunteer, and chaperone policies
- Service and professional personnel agendas approved
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education is reviewing policies for school visitors, volunteers, and employee background checks. This discussion follows concerns raised regarding the notification of parents when individuals with criminal histories are working or volunteering in schools. Legal counsel will participate in the meeting to address current district procedures.
- Review of visitor, volunteer, and background check policies
- Approval of MOUs with Best Life Therapy for specialized services
- Discussion regarding property behind Arthurdale Schools
- Approval of service and professional personnel agendas
- Approval of schedule of checks to be written
Preston County Board of Education
The Board of Education held proceedings to swear in new members Shelley Miller and Michael Hovatter. The meeting included nominations for President and Vice President and committee assignments. The Board also approved the 2024-25 meeting schedule.
- Swearing in of new board members Shelley Miller and Michael Hovatter
- Election of Board President and Vice President via confidential ballot
- Assignment of members to Economic Development Authority, CTE Craft Advisory, and Extension Service committees
- Approval of the 2024-25 meeting dates and times
Preston County Board of Education
The Board approved a recommendation to bring an excess levy call to the November 2024 general election ballot. The Superintendent will work with a committee to present a final proposal by July 22, 2024. The meeting also included approvals for personnel agendas and several educational agreements.
- Excess levy call for November 2024 election
- MOU between Preston High School and Fairmont State University
- MOU between Preston County Schools and WVU Extension Office
- Approval of service and professional personnel agendas
- $15,000 SMART529 award for student Molly Dalton
Preston County Board of Education
The Board discussed the possibility of running an excess levy in the November 2024 election following a failed May proposal. Members also approved several memorandums of understanding and the milk bid for the 2024-25 school year. Additionally, the June 24 meeting was rescheduled to June 27.
- Discussion on running an excess levy in the November 2024 General Election
- Approval of Galliker Milk Company bid for the 2024-25 school year
- Approval of MOUs with WVU School of Nursing and Marion County Schools
- Approval of service and professional personnel agendas
- Rescheduling of the June 24, 2024 meeting to June 27, 2024
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education reconvened a recessed meeting and approved the FY 2024-2025 levy rates, as required by state law and approved by the State Auditor. The board also adjourned the meeting. The only substantive action was the levy rate approval.
- Approved FY2025 General Current Expense Levy rates: 19.40¢ Class I, 38.80¢ Class II, 77.60¢ Class III/IV per $100 assessed valuation, raising $9,681,434
- Approved Bond Levy rates: 7.00¢ Class I, 14.00¢ Class II, 28.00¢ Class III/IV per $100 assessed valuation, raising $3,532,966 for 2020 Public School Refunding Bonds of $19,694,667
- Motion by Cross Kisner, second by Lucas Tatham; carried 4-0
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education is meeting to approve the proposed FY25 operating budget of $60,353,660, and to authorize the superintendent to explore options for an excess levy on the November 2024 ballot, possible closure of Fellowsville Elementary and/or Rowlesburg Schools, and activity fees for extracurriculars. The board also approved an expulsion diversion plan, personnel agendas, and a speech therapy MOU.
- Adopted FY25 operating budget totaling $60,353,660
- Approved exploring excess levy for November 2024 election
- Authorized exploring closure of Fellowsville Elementary and/or Rowlesburg Schools
- Approved exploring activity fees for athletics and extracurriculars
- Approved MOU with Messenger Speech Therapy, LLC
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education approved the proposed FY2024-2025 levy rates, setting property tax rates and amounts to raise about $9.68 million for general expenses and $3.53 million for bond debt. The board also approved a 365-day expulsion for one student and an expulsion diversion plan for another. The meeting was recessed until May 28, 2024, to officially enter the levies after state approval.
- Approved FY2025 levy: General Current Expense Levy rates of 19.40¢ (Class I), 38.80¢ (Class II), 77.60¢ (Class III/IV), raising $9,681,434
- Approved Bond Levy rates of 7.00¢ (Class I), 14.00¢ (Class II), 28.00¢ (Class III/IV), raising $3,532,966 for 2020 Public School Refunding Bonds
- Approved expulsion of Student "A" for 365 days from Preston High School
- Approved expulsion diversion plan for Student "B"
- Recessed meeting until May 28, 2024, to enter levies after State Tax Commissioner approval
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education approved routine personnel actions, two expulsion diversion plans, and several interagency agreements. It also adopted new K-8 and 9-12 math curricula, approved a $176,954 E-Rate cabling and access point project at Preston High School, and scheduled a special meeting to set the levy rate. The board recessed until 3:30 PM for a session on PHS student government policy.
- Approved K-5 Ready Classroom Mathematics and 6-8 Envision Mathematics adoption
- Approved 9-12 math curriculum (SAVVAS) with McGraw Hill materials
- Approved Purchase Order #2402477 for $176,954.40 for E-Rate cabling at Preston High School
- Approved MOU with SESC for bus operator training and with WVU for ophthalmology services
- Scheduled special meeting 5/22/24 at 10 AM to establish levy rate
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education is approving routine personnel, contracts, and policy items, including the 2024-25 academic calendar (Option A) after a public hearing, a MOU with WVU for the Teachers Ascend Partnership, and a one-year extension of the HPS Purchasing Group RFP. The board also approved modified post-season coaching incentive pay language and contracts with the Center for Model Schools for the 2024-25 year. Several items were informational, including the superintendent's report, levy check report, and fiscal audits.
- Approved 2024-25 academic calendar Option A after public hearing #2
- Approved MOU with West Virginia University / WV Public Education Collaborative for WV Teachers Ascend Partnership
- Approved one-year extension of RFP to HPS Purchasing Group and Mountaineer Highlands Cooperative participation
- Approved modified post-season coaching incentive pay language
- Approved contracts with Center for Model Schools for 2024-25 (Rigorous Curriculum Design, Coaching for Administrators, Coaching for Academic Coaches)
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education is meeting to approve routine personnel, finance, and curriculum items, and to hold the first public hearing on the proposed 2024-25 school calendar. The board also approved a $358,853 purchase of 1,100 Dell laptops and discussed a bus route concern and a coaching incentive adjustment.
- Approved Purchase Order #2402231 for 1,100 Dell Latitude 3140 laptops from Zones via WV TEC Pre-Bid Contract for $358,853.00
- Public Hearing #1 on proposed 2024-25 school calendar (Option A recommended by committee); second hearing April 22, 2024 at 6 PM
- Approved expulsion diversion plan for Student 'A'
- Discussed Newburg/South-area bus route concern (Five Forks Road / Joe Gibson Road) with potential 10-15 minute start time increase
- Approved modified post-season coaching incentive pay language
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education is meeting to approve an expulsion diversion plan for Student A, adjust grading policies for grades K-8, and review various routine items including personnel, field trips, and financial matters. The board also hears delegations from a parent and a bus operator regarding bus route concerns.
- Expulsion diversion plan for Student A
- Approval of grading policy adjustments (R 3-22-7 and R 3-22-8)
- MOU with Best Life Therapy for deaf and hard of hearing services
- Approval of out-of-state field trips to Washington, D.C., Ohio, and Maryland
- Budget journal entries totaling $187,886.85 for Title I and Aurora School Grant
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education meeting covered routine business, including approving the agenda, minutes, service personnel agenda, and professional personnel agenda. The board also approved budget journal entries totaling $540,541.24, discussed curriculum updates, and reviewed transportation and maintenance reports. Two expulsion diversion plan hearings were scheduled, with one cancelled.
- Approved adjustments to PCS Policy R 3-22-7 and R 3-22-8 (grading policy and scale) on first read
- Approved budget journal entries totaling $540,541.24 from various funding sources
- Approved service personnel agenda and professional personnel agenda
- Approved out-of-state field trips and educational leave requests
- Approved annual agreement for Food Distribution Program
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education is meeting to approve expulsion diversion plans for two students, hear personnel transfer appeals, and adopt a revised reduction-in-force policy. They will also review reports on literacy screening, a potential WVU audiology study, and a facility use agreement with Valley District Baseball.
- Approved expulsion diversion plan for Student "B" (4-1, Kisner no)
- Approved revisions to Policy R 8-18-2 on lateral positions for RIF
- Approved MOU with Valley District Baseball for West Preston School facility use
- Discussed ongoing literacy screening and dyslexia screener administration
- Discussed possible research study with WVU Audiology on earbuds/headphones
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education met on February 12, 2024, and approved several routine items, including expulsion diversion plans for two students, personnel agendas, and a request to opt back into the McKinsey Opioid Litigation Settlement. The board also approved revisions to a policy on lateral positions for reduction in force, an MOU with Mountaineer Challenge Academy, and various field trips and professional meetings.
- Approved expulsion diversion plans for Student "A" and Student "B"
- Approved request to opt back into McKinsey Opioid Litigation Settlement
- Approved revisions to Policy R 8-18-2 (Laterality) on first read
- Approved MOU between PCS and Mountaineer Challenge Academy
- Approved out-of-state field trip for Preston High School FFA to National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, KY
Preston County Board of Education
The Preston County Board of Education met on January 22, 2024, and approved an expulsion diversion plan for Student A, along with the meeting agenda, minutes, personnel agendas, and the schedule of checks. The board also heard presentations on maintenance projects and the South Preston School improvement council, and discussed parental notification requirements and transportation rules for board-approved activities.
- Approved expulsion diversion plan for Student A
- Approved service and professional personnel agendas
- Approved schedule of checks to be written (Edmentum check removed)
- Discussed transportation rules for board-approved activities (no progress since 12/28/23)
- Discussed possible research study with WVU Audiology on earbuds/headphones impact
Preston County Board of Education
The Board held a work session to review math instruction, resources, and the use of Exact Path at Preston High School. Discussion included historical testing performance, digital versus physical textbooks, and student motivation. The session also addressed the need for a formal plan if Exact Path is continued for the 2024-25 school year.
- Work session on PHS math instructional resources and assessments
- Review of Exact Path implementation and usage reports
- Discussion of textbook adoption processes
- Approval of out-of-state field trips
- Discussion of potential research study with WVU Audiology regarding student hearing
Preston County Board of Education (SPECIAL MEETING)
The Preston County Board of Education held a special meeting to consider and vote on retaining Bailey & Glasser, LLP to represent the district in the opioid mass action lawsuit, becoming a plaintiff in the National Prescription Opiate Consultant Litigation, and opting out of the current McKinsey & Company settlement. The board approved the motion unanimously. The meeting also included routine procedural items such as approving the agenda and adjourning.
- Retained Bailey & Glasser, LLP for opioid litigation representation
- Became a plaintiff in the National Prescription Opiate Consultant Litigation
- Opted out of the McKinsey & Company settlement
- Approved meeting agenda
- Adjourned at 5:54 PM