Shown here is a rendering of the front entrance of the new elementary school.

The Tyler County Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, November 4, 2024, in the board office in Middlebourne. Board members present were Katrina Byers, President; Larry Thomas, Vice President; Andy Shreves, Member; Scott Strode, Member; Diana Stender, Member and Shane Highley, Superintendent. Others present were Stacey Roberts, Executive Secretary; Jim Brown, Executive Director of the WVSBA; Merritt Grimes, Teacher at TCHS; Patrick Rymer with McKinley and Associates and Randy Rutherford with the Tyler Star News.

The Board approved the minutes of the October 21, 2024, regular meeting.

Jim Brown, Executive Director of the WVSBA, was present to facilitate a work session on School Board Governance. Among the many things Mr. Brown discussed with the board, his main message was they have three main duties. These include Duty of Good Faith, Duty of Care and Duty of Loyalty. Also, he said that board members have no authority outside of the board meeting and that all discussions regarding any issues need to be discussed at board meetings.

Patrick Rymer with McKinley Associates was present to share drawings and current plans for the new elementary school. He also explained the school closure process. Public hearings on the new school, open to the public, will be held on January 6, 2025 and January 21, 2025. At these meetings the public can address the board of education with questions or concerns.

Mr. Highley explained the appeal process for the classifications through the WVSSAC. He shared that the appeal from Tyler County started in January, but the decisions were delayed and as a result, the TCHS Volleyball team is not yet scheduled to play in the Regionals. Hopefully there will be a solution soon so the girls can continue to play.

Mr Highley went on to update the board on projects in the county saying the TCHS gym floor was starting to be refinished today. The commons restroom is complete and many people have complimented on the finished product and the block portion of the gym expansion is nearing completion.

Board member Diana Stender reported that the Middlebourne Library Council Meeting was canceled until November 7, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. She shared that the library has hired two students to help with tutoring.

The Board approved the athletic schedule for TCMS Wrestling Team for 2024-25.

The following trip requests were approved: Lillian Jones requested permission for the Health class at TCHS to go to the St. Mary’s Correctional Center and the Station in St. Mary’s on November 20, 2024. Casey Goudy will attend as chaperone. Bus transportation was also requested. Matt Jennings requested permission to take selected students from the TCHS Band to WV Wesleyan College for North Central WV Honor Band on November 17th, 18th, 19th, 2024. Phaedra Holcomb, Mandy Fetty and an additional male employee will attend as chaperones. He also requested hotel rooms be covered by the Board.

Under other requests Ashley Ferrell requested permission for Wesley and Ian Ferrell to cross county lines to attend Tyler County Schools for the 2024-25 school year.

The board approved the resignation of Lindsay Tennant as Head Cheer Coach at TCMS, effective October 31, 2024.

The board approved the employment of Jacob Myer as Science Mentor Teacher at TCHS, effective immediately. Jessie Masters as SPED Mentor Teacher at TCHS, effective immediately. Tomela Paden as SPED Mentor Teacher at TCMS, effective immediately. David Riggle as SPED Mentor Teacher at TCMS, effective immediately. Julie Cozad as SPED Mentor Teacher at SES, effective immediately. Judy Thoburn as Fourth Grade Mentor Teacher at SES, effective immediately. Zachary Willhoite as Science Fair Coordinator at TCHS, effective immediately and Adam Cunningham as Substitute Custodian, effective immediately.

The Board allowed and authorized Payment of Bills that were presented. Following the payment of the bills the meeting was adjourned at 9:07 p.m. The next meeting of the Tyler County Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, November 18, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the Tyler County Board of Education Office Dodd Street, Middlebourne.