BOE Awaiting SBA Decision on Their Needs Grant to Modernize PCHS

During their November 12^th meeting, the Pocahontas County BOE heard from Andy Cocina of the Wendel Corporation, and Director of Maintenance Duane Gibson about the schools’ Needs Grant application to the WV School Building Authority (SBA). The school was scheduled to make their presentation to the SBA on November 19^th.

Cocina said that an important part of this SBA grant application is to enhance the school’s energy savings that the Wendel Corporation has been assisting with. He said that their recent annual report shows that the improvements made to the schools’ energy savings have exceeded the level of savings that Wendell guaranteed by 10 to 15%. Some of the additional energy saving equipment that are included in the Needs Grant application are a new HVAV system; Replacing geo-thermal equipment; replacing the worn out and dangerous electrical circuit breakers at the school, new energy efficient windows, and a solar system. He said the solar system would be exciting because the solar system would be warranted for 25 years and its energy savings alone will pay for it completely in 12 years, allowing 13 additional years of energy savings after it is paid for. Another exciting thing is that if the SBA approves the geo-thermal equipment, 50% of that cost will be paid for under another grant from the IRS, and the SBA has agreed to use that additional 50% as the school’s local match for the entire needs project – providing of course the SBA approves the Needs Grant.

They also said that the grant includes improvements to the school’s restrooms; adding indoor connections between buildings such as between the main building and the auditorium, which increases safety by avoiding the need for students to walk outside while moving between buildings.

During her report, Superintendent Lynne Bostic celebrated the students and staff that had a 100% attendance record for the first 9 week marking period. She said they each will receive a personal postcard of recognition from her and the schools that have the best attendance record for each marking period will receive posters and banners of recognition. She said that 89 students had perfect attendance records during that first 9 weeks as did 45 staff members. The average attendance during that period was 90.12% while Green Bank Elementary-Middle School had the best rate of 92.54% attendance. Bostic also said that WV Delegate Jeff Campbell presented a check for a Local Economic Assistance Grant which will provide signs for the three schools in his district -Hillsboro, Marlinton Middle School and Marlinton Elementary School. These will include signs that say “no weapons allowed;” “no drugs allowed;” and “closed campus.”

Student Representative said there is a problem with the new on-line grade report program, where parents cannot see their student’s grades, and students can only see their letter grade, not their % grade.

Mike O’Brien, the county 911 and emergency Management Director asked the board to approve the starting of the process to build a new 911 emergency communications tower behind Marlinton Middle School. That will be put on the next meeting agenda.

Joanna Bert Kinderman and the Numeracy Team briefed the board on the math program. She said the school’s assessment data shows the county schools are at a higher success percentage than the state average. She said the most successful math teachers are the ones who teach at the same grade level year-after-year, and success is best achieved when students are motivated in ways that are fun for them.

Additionally at the meeting the board approved:

• Routine financial reports
• The Purple Heart Resolution for this school year.
• For Aaron Pugh and 60 students from PCHS to go on a field trip to the Marlinton Courthouse and the Mayor’s Office on November 15^th.
• An elective waiver for one student due to an out of country transfer.
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the county Emergency Management/911 Center for their access to school cameras in the event of an emergency situation at a school.
• For the PCHS Robotics Team to travel to and participate in the 5 Vex V-5 Tournaments in various cities in WV.
• Retroactively for 13 student members of the Cheer Team along with Coach Bridget Koerber and parents to stay overnight in Bridgeport. WV on November 8^th to participate in a regional cheer competition
• A MOU with Glenville State University for the Dual Credit Pathway Agreement.
• A Consultant Services Contract and Brian Withrow, President of Education System Solutions to provide Onsite Coaching Best Practices for School Administrators.
• Three new fundraisers for Green Bank Elementary/Middle School.
• 11 revised policies based on technical changes in the West Virginia Code.
• a list of Parent and Community Volunteers.