By Stephen Smoot
Earlier in February, the Pendleton County Board of Education heard a proposal to create a middle school track team to help develop the varsity program and provide more opportunities for youth to compete.
Last week, the board gave its answer.
“I recommend that we approve the middle school track program as presented,” said Charles Hedrick, Pendleton County superintendent of schools. The board quickly approved the team’s creation.
The board then considered other funding requests. One came from the West Virginia University Extension Service, seeking funds to help to cover the salaries of two agents. Pendleton County has only enjoyed the services of a single agent, Brooke Alt, for well over a year. In the past, the county has paid $5,900, but the current request rounded that figure up to $6,000.
The board approved the request.
It also approved $10,000 worth of support for the Pendleton County Library. J. P. Mowery, treasurer, noted that other counties fell significantly short of the State of West Virginia recommended amount. The state asks $10,528 from Pendleton.
“Pendleton County represents itself pretty well,” Mowery explained, adding that “very few school districts across the state meet or exceed.” Hardy County, for example, provides approximately one fifth of the request and Grant County pays nothing at all.
The board also approved additions to the budget that represented “nothing out of the ordinary,” as Mowery put it. The payment of funds for the old board office building helped to boost cash flow, “a good solid month.” Slow tax receipts early in the year often affect cash flow for the school system.
Mowery also submitted news reports from other counties that had used COVID funds to hire staff. Preston County, for example, may have to eliminate more than 50 positions. Pendleton County worked on the assumption that temporary money should not pay for permanent jobs and, as a result, will not have to lay off anyone.
Carrie Nesselrodt shared with the board members a description of progress among county preschoolers. She stated that “preschool is excelling this year. They are doing so well.” Nesselrodt added that the benchmark testing, though different from other grades, still shows good progress.
Hedrick then gave the board news about the school schedule. He first said that “our spring break is still intact up to this point.” He also shared that the state approved the school calendar for 2024-25 and that graduation in that school year would take place on May 24.
The next school board meeting will take place at 6 p.m. March 5 at Franklin Elementary School.