Pocahontas County Schools Appoint Interim Superintendent

“I solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of West Virginia and that I faithfully will perform the duties as Superintendent of Pocahontas County Schools to the best of my skill and judgement so help me God” said new Interim School Superintendent Terrence C. Beam.

With that oath, administered by Sherry Radcliff, Treasurer and Chief School Business Official of the Pocahontas County Schools at a Special Meeting of the Board of Education on June 29, Terrence C. Beam officially became the Interim superintendent of Pocahontas County Schools.

Mr. Beam’s appointment followed a closed session discussion about his contract, and a majority vote of the Board to appoint him to the position.

In a future story, we will feature Mr. Beam’s detailed message to the citizens of Pocahontas County as well as to the students, teachers and employees of the school system about his plans to improve the schools and gain public support and trust through transparency.

In other matters, the Board approved two grants awarded to the Schools. The first was for $1357.00 from the State for the “High Acuity Health Care Needs Funding” and the second was for $33,939.00 from the WV Department of Education Statewide Technology Allocation. Both of these grants were for the last half of the 2014-2015 fiscal year.

The Board approved the hiring of all of the employees listed on the Personnel Agenda which is attached to this story on our website, alleghenymountainradio.org. Board Member Steve Tritapoe did question the reason for selection of Michelle Wilfong as Librarian/Media Specialist at the high school as she was not certified in that position. Superintendent Beam explained that none of the applicants was so certified. However, Wilfong was the only applicant who was a certified teacher and she will be required to take courses leading to her librarian/Media Specialist certification.

Another notable hiring was of Damian Elliott as Assistant Football Coach at Pocahontas County High school at a supplement of $500.00.

The remaining positions listed on the Personnel Agenda were for Summer Extended Year Programs.

Interim superintendent Beam reported that 4 applicants were interviewed for the vacant Principal Position at Pocahontas County High School. He said that all 4 were current County School employees and a recommendation will be made on July 13th. Beam added that the school’s Interview Committee was allowed to participate in the interview and send their observations to the Superintendent but were not given any voting privileges since the position is an administrative one.

The next Board of Education meeting is a special meeting set for Monday, July 6th at 6 PM. The next regular meeting is being held on Tuesday July 14th at 7 pm. This meeting was moved from its regular Monday evening because several Board members could not make the Monday meeting. Both the Special and the Regular meetings will be held at the Board Conference Room.

PERSONNEL AGENDA
June 29, 2015
Professional and Service Personnel

PERSONNEL
Pocahontas County High School:

EMPLOYMENT: MICHELLE B. WILFONG, as Librarian/Media Specialist at Pocahontas County
High School, at state basic salary based on degree and experience, effective
August I I, 2015 for the 2015-2016 school year, term of employment is 200
days.

EMPLOYMENT: DAMIAN ELLIOTT, as Assistant Football Coach at Pocahontas County High
School, effective for the 2015-2016 season, at a supplement of $500. (NOTE:
Position pending on sufficient number of players to make a team.)

Pocahontas County Schools:
EMPLOYMENT:

DARLENE ARBOGAST as Teacher – Extended Year Program (assignment: Pocahontas County
High School), at $20 per hour, one day per week/3.5 hours per day, retroactive
to June 29, 2015 through August 14, 2015. The daily schedule will be
determined by the Director of Special Education. Instruction will occur at the
school site or within the community. The parents will provide transportation.

LAUREN BROOKE DICKENSON as Teacher – Extended Year Program (assignment: Green Bank Elementary
/ Middle School),at $20 per hour, four days per week/3.5 hours per day,
retroactive to June 29, 2015 through August 14, 2015. The daily schedule will
be determined by the Director of Special Education. Instruction will occur at
the school site or within the community. The parents will provide
transportation.

EMPLOYMENT: CHERYL JONESE, as LINKS Coordinator for Pocahontas County Schools, at
$20 per hour, not to exceed $18,000, retroactive to August II, 2014 through
August 10, 2015.

EMPLOYMENT: JEAN O. SRODES, as At-Risk Interventionist for Pocahontas County Schools,
at $20 per hour, not to exceed $18,000, retroactive to August II, 2014
through August 10, 2015.