An administrative error on the part of Frostburg State University has forced Pendleton County Schools to reopen the search for a principal for Pendleton County Middle/High School.
Last week, Sonny O’Neil led the Pendleton County Board of Education meeting and opened with an invocation. He prayed, “Lord, we thank you for this opportunity to represent the children and citizens of Pendleton County.”
One of the first items of business of the abbreviated meeting lay in rescinding the principal position offer to Janice Heavner, but also promptly reinstating her into her previous teaching position. The board approved both measures without opposition.
Heavner, a long-time teacher who also advises multiple competitive student organizations, had been hired earlier this summer after Derek Lambert, former principal, assumed the superintendent role for Randolph County Schools.
Kristy Tritapoe, associate superintendent, explained later that Heavner’s offer had to be rescinded because Frostburg State University committed an error in how they handled her courseload in earning an educational leadership certification. The error by the university resulted in her missing two courses required for the certification.
State regulations are unyielding in requiring that specific certification for school principals.
The board approved a recommendation by Nicole Hevener, superintendent, to reopen the search for a principal at PCM/HS.
After the discussion of the position of principal, the board approved contracts with Meghan Hoover and Glenville State University. Marilyn Propst, a new board member, did not oppose the approval, but asked about the nature of each contract.
Hevener replied that Hoover works with “orientation and mobility” and assists visually-impaired students in adjusting to their environment.
The agreement with Glenville State allows that some of their teacher education students can perform residencies and student-teaching with Pendleton County Schools. Hevener explained the opportunity for PCS in the agreement, saying, “That’s sometimes an option that we have that allows us to fill a position because then the county and the employee have the opportunity to decide, are we going to continue with this?”
In essence, the program allows teacher education students to gain hands-on experience in schools while also determining if the system itself is a good fit.
“So, it could fill a position long term possibly, which is really very, very good,” noted Hevener.
PCS could have additional opportunities to enter into similar agreements with other colleges and universities going forward.
Tritapoe later discussed the work completed by crews on facilities needs, especially the custodial staff and maintenance crews. She said that “Dolly Rexrode has been doing a lot of painting.” She added that the work done to deep clean the schools had been exemplary as well.
She commented that “Travis Heavner, of course, is also a big help” in leading the efforts to get the buildings ready for the school year.
North Fork Elementary School will open the school year with brand new stage curtains, which had been a regular topic of discussion at board of education meetings. Tritapoe noted that they are still looking for sponsors or partners to help wrap the red mats in the school color, green.
