BOE Sets Fee Structure for Home School Students Extra-Curricular Activities at Schools

During the special Pocahontas County BOE meeting, which was held before the October 6^th regular board meeting, the members finally, after struggling with this during several prior meetings, voted on a fee schedule to be charged to home schooled students who receive the Hope Scholarship funds if they want to participate in the county schools’ extracurricular activities. They had already set a fee of 1/8 of the home school scholarship funds received by the parents of those students for in-school attendance in a Pocahontas County School credited class.

Although the majority of the Board Members had desired to not charge anything, or only $1.00 for these home-schooled students to participate in extra-curricular activities at the schools, the WV Department of Education requires that a “reasonable” fee in line with what other school systems set must be charged. After looking at other schools’ charges, the members voted to set fees of $100.00 for home schoolers to participate in football; $50.00 to participate in any other sport, and $10.00 to participate in academic fairs and contests.

Also at that special meeting, the members received training by the Department of Education’s Uriah Cummings about the “Consolidated Approach to School Finance Success.” During that class, Cummings pointed out that Pocahontas County Schools are 1 of the 12 school districts in West Virginia who do not have an excess school levy tax, but our county schools can survive without one because we are one of the recipients of the “1,400 Formula,” in which we receive state aid for 1,400 students even though we only have less than 900 students enrolled.

During the regular board meeting, which followed the special meeting, Stephanie Burns, the Director of Federal Programs, Curriculum, School Improvement and Community Engagement, gave a presentation on “family engagement.” She told the members that Family Engagement provides training, and materials to families; teachers learn the value of family engagement; and it encourages parent support activities. She said that research shows that family engagement improves students’ academic success and attendance rates.

Superintendent Dr. Leitha Williams provided an update about the schools’ first Stakeholders meeting, which we had covered in an earlier story. Williams also provided information about the benchmark testing scores, which show we have a lot of areas that need improvement

The members also approved prior meeting agendas, routine financial reports and matters, and held a discussion on the controversial Bowles Rice Attorney fees, which is another issue the board has been struggling with. Board President Connie Rose suggested that everyone involved with that have learned valuable lessons, but it is now time to move on from it and made a motion to approve paying that expense. The motion passed by a 4 to 1 vote, with only member Regina Hall voting against it. Member Sam Gibson voted for the motion, but said he will not support any future use of that law firm.

The members also approved the recommended personnel actions, and approved the 3^rd and final reading of the following policies:

1. Policy 4120.12- Areas of Critical Need and shortage -Substitute Bus Drivers.
2. Policy revision 3120.12 Substitutes in Areas of Critical Need and shortage.
3. Policy revision 4432.02 -Personal Leave Donation Program.
4. Policy revision 44323 -Personal Leave Bank.

Regarding questions about coverage for principals who may be temporarily absent at times, Dr. Williams said that Mr. Hall and Mrs. Bland are substitute principals who would cover those absences.

The meeting ended with member comments.