WV State Senator Greg Boso Addresses Pocahontas Board of Education

The Pocahontas County Board of Education members had a surprise visitor at their November 9th Board meeting, newly re-elected 11th District State Senator Gregory Boso. The Senator addressed the Board and here are a few of the things he said.

“I wanted to introduce myself because for many of you, we’ve not crossed paths before. I am your State Senator” said Boso.”I want you to know that I am committed to Education, making sure we are doing the things necessary so that our children receive the best education possible here in West Virginia, whether it’s in Pocahontas County, whether it’s in Nicholas County –Randolph. I am committed to make sure we provide the best education affordable within our local communities. I recognize that you had a bond issue that was on the ballot. Unfortunately, I understand too that that didn’t float, but we recognize that there are going to be funding issues throughout the State with the decline in coal severance tax as well as changes that we’ve seen within the oil and gas industry. As a member of Finance, I will make sure we do the things necessary so that the school systems can continue to do their responsible charge under the constitution, and fulfill their roll of providing an education within our local communities.  Thank you for this opportunity just to stop, I just wanted to introduce myself. Mr Beam has my phone number. He sees me every Sunday morning, and we do talk about issues that affect Pocahontas County. I am concerned about the issues that you all are being faced with and certainly I stand ready to listen and do whatever we can do to provide support for you as you fulfill your mission of providing  that quality education in Pocahontas County.”

Pocahontas County High School Vice-Principal Kristy Tritapoe talked to the Board about budget shortfalls in the General Athletic Fund which is shared by all sports at the school. The Baseball and Softball teams each operated in the red last season and had to draw money out of the General Athletic Fund which is supposed to be used for equipment and uniforms for all sports. She felt that if the attendance at the upcoming Basketball games is below average, there will not be enough money left in that fund for Spring and Fall sports in the upcoming year. The Board will take this under advisement.

Student Representative Kayla Gibson also delivered her report to the board. Kayla talked about the recent Homecoming night as well as Senior Nights at the various sports. She mentioned that basketball is getting ready to start. She mentioned that a couple of weeks ago the high school transitioned into two lunch periods, and that while she likes this, some students don’t. She also talked about how fantastic Mrs. Dilly’s computer class is, and she finds it is “awesome” that Ray Creager, a computer expert from the Green Bank Observatory comes to Mrs. Dilly’s class every Friday and teaches about computers.

Two parents addressed the Board during the delegations –or public input –portion of the meeting. They were upset with a particular school bus driver who they said drives unsafely, lets children off the bus at unsafe locations which makes elementary school children walk near heavy traffic and is rude to parents. Mr. Beam advised he is having this investigated.

The Board approved its usual financial reports such as purchases,  budget adjustments, grant awards, payroll and bank reconciliations.

They approved a contract with Marshall University for the placement of teacher candidates and other professionals in the school system as part of their student training.

They approved the purchase of an enclosed cargo trailer from Tri-County Trailers for the carpentry class.

They approved Wanda Hrabina and Stephanie Poppe to transport 8 students to the WV State Geography bowl on November 11th and 12th.

The approved Leah Shinaberry to attend the Better Math Teaching Network conference in  Massachusetts on December 2nd.

They approved Chloe Bland as a volunteer Assistant Girls Basketball Coach at PCHS, Michael Burns as a volunteer Assistant Boys Basketball Coach at Marlinton middle school and Chastity Taylor volunteer Assistant Boys Basketball Coach at Green Bank Elementary –Middle School contingent on completion of all WVSSAC Courses and authorization by the WV State Board of Education.

They went into Executive Session to discuss a Civil court Case with their Attorney, then came out a and approved their Personnel Agenda which can be found with this story on our Web Site.

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Personnel Agenda

November 9th , 2016

REQUESTED TRANSFER: Corey A Friel from custodian III at Green Bank Elementary-Middle School to Custodian IV/Sanitation Plant Operator at Green Bank school. SHIFT 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

EMPLOYMENT: Derek Taylor as Basketball Coach (boy’s) at Green Bank School contingent upon approbal by the WV Dept. of Education at a supplement of $750.00.

RESIGNATION: Karen Murphy as ELA/Enrichment Instructor (Project SPLASH) at Green Bank School retroactive to October 19, 2016.

EMPLOYMENT: Dustin Lambert as Athletic Director at Marlinton Middle School ($750.00 supplement)

EMPLOYMENT: Emma C. Sculthorpe as Teacher of Science at PCHS.

EMPLOYMENT: Cory McNabb as Assistant Basketball Coach (Boys) at PCHS ($500.00 supplement)

EMPLOYMENT: Jared S. Bennett, from Teacher of Reading/English/Language Arts at Marlinton Middle School to Coordinator of Teaching and Learning for Pocahontas County Schools.

EMPLOYMENT: Sherry Mullens as Substitute Aide for Pocahontas County schools as needed.

Story By

Tim Walker

Tim is the WVMR News Reporter. Tim is a native of Maryland who started coming to Pocahontas County in the 1970’s as a caver. He bought land on Droop Mountain off Jacox Road in 1976 and built a small house there in the early 80’s. While still working in Maryland, Tim spent much time at his place which is located on the Friars Hole Cave Preserve. Retiring in 2011 as a Lieutenant with the Anne Arundel County Police Department in Maryland, Tim finally took the plunge and moved from Maryland to his real home on Droop Mountain. He began working as the Pocahontas County Reporter for Allegheny Mountain Radio in January of 2015.

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