School bus safety poster winners gather during the Tyler board of education meeting. From left are Ian Ferrel, Evann Owens, Lakyn Thomas, Danica Fiber, and not pictured, Jubilee Weaver.

Sonia White, deputy state superintendent with the West Virginia Department of Education, addressed the Tyler County Board of Education on June 2 regarding the state’s recent intervention in Tyler County Schools.

She explained that the West Virginia Board of Education, during its May meeting, determined that “extraordinary circumstances” warranted immediate intervention in the district.

Four areas of concern cited by the state included compliance with the Open Governmental Meetings Act, board policy development and adherence, handling of student information, and a lack of familiarity with state board policies.

As part of the intervention, the state has issued a one-year contract for Superintendent Shane Highly. In addition, Blaine Hess has been hired as a consultant to develop an action plan addressing the deficiencies identified by the state board.

As a reminder, all board meeting agendas and minutes must be approved in advance by West Virginia State Superintendent Michele Blatt due to the ongoing state oversight.

Meanwhile, the meeting began with a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Board President Katrina Byers then turned the meeting over to Highly. All county board members were present with the exception of Andy Shreeves.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards for the School Bus Safety Poster Contest. Students were recognized for their creative efforts in promoting bus safety, and award winners received certificates and prizes to the applause of attendees. The winners were Ian Ferrel 1st place Div 1; Evann Owens 2nd Place Div 1; Laykyn Thomas 3rd Place Div 1; Jubilee Weaver 2nd Place Div 2; Danica Fiber 3rd Place Div 2.

The board also heard a presentation on the IntelliSpark support system, a centralized student support platform designed to streamline communication and enhance collaboration among educators. The system enables real-time responses to student needs and helps promote academic achievement throughout the district.

The meeting continued with updates on the construction timeline for the new elementary school, as well as the possible approval of the Tyler County Middle School and High School cross country schedule for the 2025-2026 school year.

Several trip and facility requests were also reviewed. Dave Stoller requested school funding for lodging from June 5 through June 7 in Myrtle Beach, where a Tyler Consolidated High School student will compete in the second round of the National Archery Competition. The request includes accommodations for the Coach Stoller, the student, and his mother.

Shawn Meckley and Matt Wright requested use of the Tyler County Middle School gymnasium for Riverfront Basketball practices and games on Sunday afternoons throughout June and July.

Personnel matters included the superintendent’s recommendation and possible action to employ several teachers for the upcoming summer school session. Melissa L. Smith was approved as an elementary summer schoolteacher. Christine Farrell and Cindi Greathouse will serve as special education summer schoolteachers. Curtis Heintzman was hired to teach summer school science, and Jeffrey Wittimer will teach summer school math.

Following the review and possible authorization of bill payments, the board adjourned.

The next regular meeting of the Tyler County Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, June 16, at 7:00 p.m. in the Tyler Consolidated auditorium.