SES choir performs at board meeting.

The Tyler County Board of Education met at Sistersville Elementary School on Monday, March 3, 2025. All board members were present with the exception of Scott Strode. Prior to the start of the meeting, the board members toured the elementary school.The meeting began with the approval of the minutes from the February 18, 2025, meeting.

First on the agenda SES Principal Krista DeVaughn highlighting the activities of SES LSIC. Her presentation covered several topics, including the introduction of staff members and grateful acknowledgement of the hard work they continuously give to the students of Sistersville Elementary. The school mission statement was included, which emphasizes fostering a community of unstoppable learners. Updates to the school’s Title I program, which provides additional support to students and the school’s efforts to address character education and social-emotional learning were also explored. Transitions to Tyler Consolidated Middle School, including orientation programs and collaboration with middle school staff, data on student performance, including benchmark assessments and West Virginia General Summative Assessment scores, recognition of student achievements, including math Field Day winners, Young Writers, and People’s Bank Academic Achievement Award winners, were all included in the presentation. The school’s recognition as one of the best elementary schools by U.S. News and World Report was shared with the audience and board members. Overall, the presentation highlighted the school’s efforts to provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment, as well as its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement.

Next, Tyler County Schools Personnel Director, Mrs. Feldmeier, responded to concerns by board members, including Mrs. Stender and Mr. Shreves, that she has not properly posted job positions and has instead hired candidates at her discretion. Mrs. Feldmeier presented documentation showing that the positions were indeed posted, both physically and on the school district website. Documentation was time-stamped to show the timing of the process. She also clarified her role as Personnel Director, emphasizing that she does not make hiring decisions, but rather facilitates the hiring process. Mrs. Feldmeier formally requested a specific list of positions that board members believed were improperly filled, asking for it to be provided by the end of the day tomorrow so she could gather the necessary information. Mr. Shreves replied that he has a full-time job and will get a list to her whenever he is able. In conclusion, Mrs. Feldmeier invites board members to come to her office and review the documentation whenever they have questions.

The following audience members spoke as delegations. Both members spoke in support of three board members resigning. They were Emily Lantz and Stacy Kidder. Reading a statement from WVEA Union Representative, also in support of the members resigning, was Kelly Myer.

The board gave approval of the School Calendar for the 2025-26 school year. The board also approved the Consideration and possible action on engaging the West Virginia School Board Association to provide technical assistance and support for a Superintendent search and approval to continue to move forward with the hiring process for a probation officer.

Jeff Davis spoke to the Board about the gym floor replacement. The total estimated cost of replacement is $221,200 of which $211,000 will be covered by insurance. The new floor is expected to gain 30 plus years of use to the gymnasium. Ohio Floor Company will be responsible for the floor replacement. The floor is being replaced because of a water leak and the damage it has caused to the floor.

The 2025 TCMS Track schedule, the TCMS football schedule and the 2025 TCHS football schedule were approved.

The board approved the following trip and other requests: Phaedra Holcomb requested permission for two AIB Choir members to go to the All-State Children’s Choir for the WVMEA In-Service Conference. They will leave March 6, 2025 and return on March 7, 2025. Brenna Myer requested permission to take the Third-Grade class at AIB to TCHS on May 9, 2025. Students will be rotating stations throughout the day with various teachers. Melissa Smith requested permission to take the First-Grade class at SES to Stacy’s Family Farm in Marietta, OH, on May 21, 2025. Zachary Heasley requested permission to take the TCHS Coachmen’s Club to AIB on March 11, 2025 and the TCHS Coachmen’s Club to SES on March 13, 2025. Kelly Smith requested permission to use the Tyler Consolidated Auditorium, Student Success Center, office area, conference room, locker rooms, restrooms and parking lots for the WV Oil and Gas Pageant on July 12, 2025. Josh Rocchio requested permission for Silver Star 12U Baseball team to use the TC Softball Field and bleachers for practice and scrimmages with local area teams. They would like to use this property every Sunday afternoon from March 16 — July 27, 2025. Ashley McCoy requested permission for Abigail and Colton McCoy to cross county lines to attend Tyler County Schools for the 2025-26 school year. Ashley Watson requested permission for Brendyn, Jaxon and Kohen Blatt to cross county lines to attend Tyler County Schools for the 2025-26 school year. Jack and Pam Stollings requested permission for Madison Stollings to cross county lines to attend Tyler County Schools for the 2025-26 school year. Tyler Goddard requested permission for Lucas Goddard to cross county lines to attend Tyler County Schools for the 2025-26 school year. William and Patty Garuccio requested permission for Gaia Paolini and Ayo Buerger (exchange students) to cross county lines to attend Tyler County Schools for the 2025-26. Lisa Young requested permission for Skyler Wright and Jozie Young to cross county lines to attend Tyler County Schools for the 2025-26 school year.

The board approved the resignations of Caitlyn Robinson as Substitute Aide and Substitute Cook, effective immediately and Myra Boggs Dill as Substitute Aide, effective immediately.

The board approved the employment of James C. Kimble as Head Cross Country Coach at TCHS, effective immediately.

Tyler County Personnel Director, Mrs. Feldmeier, gave a general overview of Personnel Realignments for 2025-26 school year. Mrs. Feldmeier reported there will be no jobs eliminated.

The board approved the payment of the bills, and the meeting was adjourned. The next Tyler County BOE meeting will be held at Arthur l. Boreman Elementary School, 51 Boreman School Road, Middlebourne, WV on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. There will be a tour of the facilities for Board members at 6:45 p.m.