By Stephen Smoot
“Almighty God, we thank You for the young folks that are here tonight and their accomplishments so far,” prayed J. D. Wilkins, Pendleton County Board of Education president, as he delivered the customary invocation.
As the first meeting of the month of September got underway, the board recognized Leah Nesselrodt, Mason DiFalco, Breena Bowers, and Jonas Turner. They earned outstanding scores during the West Virginia SAT School Day assessments. The state sees this event as the 11th grade “general summative assessment for high school.”
Nesselrodt had the top scores in reading, writing and mathematics. DiFalco enjoyed the second highest tallies. Bowers scored second in mathematics and third highest in reading and writing while Turner earned third in math.
Derek Lambert, incoming principal of Pendleton County Middle/High School, added that English and language arts scores from that test rose “well above the state average.”
Board members praised the students and staff, saying, “Great job guys. Keep up the good work.”
After the good news, more good news came as J. P. Mowery delivered the treasurer’s, then financial report. The Aug. 31 balance, with tax receipts rising into September, was reported at $2,397,821.12, after subtracting “some set asides to cover the August payroll.”
He also reported the year-to-date interest rate, 4.44 percent, had led to just under $10,000 collected since the start of the fiscal year. Mowery related that Pendleton County Schools enjoyed a higher interest rate on its accounts than other counties. One county’s accounts only collected 2.5 percent interest.
Bills for August totaled $481,991.96. Just over $9,300 went to Baker-based Lost River Meats to supply beef.
As per usual, Mowery shared that financials remained in good shape, but that headwinds from different areas, such as a decline in grant and other types of funding, could put pressure on the school system in the future.
Travis Heavner reported on the facilities, starting with “we do have some air conditioning issues.” As he explained in a previous meeting, the summertime patterns of use put added stress on HVAC systems, which often require maintenance work by August. Problems popped up in the middle/high school, Franklin Elementary School, and also the central office.
Damage to the Harold Michael Building should soon be completed. Heavner shared that the masonry had been replaced. Metal and ceiling tile will be installed next.
He then noted that the school system had applied for a grant from the state to help with work at both the middle/high school and Brandywine Elementary School. Finally, he assured all that “we are working on the sound system at the high school.” It performed somewhat inconsistently during the opening varsity football game at Franklin.
Nicole Hevener, Pendleton County Schools superintendent, put before the board two different memorandum of understanding agreements. The first outlined a partnership with Home Base Inc., a provider of mental health services. Though they prefer to work in home, they can also operate at the school if needed.
Pendleton County Schools has no financial obligation as a result of this MOU. Another MOU established cooperation with Best Life Therapy, which provides occupational therapy.
The superintendent explained too that cameras now record the special education area environment. This comes on the heels of abuse cases in places like Berkeley County. The bathroom nearest this classroom has an audio monitor in case of emergency with a special needs student.
Hevener stated that the school system must notify both staff and family of the presence of recording devices. Families can have these children “opt to use a different bathroom” if uncomfortable with the safety measure.
Board members heard an update about North Fork Elementary School since opening day. Lisa Roberson, school principal, shared her appreciation with the superintendent’s emphasis on “positivity” and its beneficial effect on staff and students. Additionally, she thanked the board for help with the Harold Michael Building repairs.
Lambert stated that “homecoming preparations are underway. It is on Sept. 26.” He shared that it was a little early compared to most years. He also informed the board of “how well the cell phone policy is going.” He referred to the policy required by the state that bans student possession of personal electronic devices, including cell phones, in a classroom during educational time.
“The students are managing very well,” he said with pride. Wilkins added that he’d heard no problems reported as well. Sonny O’Neil, board member, remarked, “There are good surprises sometimes.”
Hevener in the period for superintendent’s comments discussed the need for regular discussions on data, building on the focus established in recent years. “Data discussions” will help the information to tell its story both individually and collectively. She also noted the importance of the school system remaining transparent and cited efforts through The Pendleton Times and social media to keep the public informed.
She will also continue to engage leadership at the state level on issues of importance to Pendleton County schools.
