All six members of the Tyler County Board fo Educaiton showed their appreciation to the employees who responded to the accident that took place on June 4 at the Tyler County Board of Education meeting held on Monday, June 21.

A total of 39 Tyler Consolidated Middle School students, two bus drivers and five chaperones were heading back from their Kennywood field trip when they were involved in an accident in Pennsylvania. Only five students were taken to the area hospital and treated for minor injuries and later released.

The employees recognized were Joe Snider, Matt Glover, and Don Roberts; bus drivers, Danny Cochran, Mechanic/driver, Troy Smith; Transportation Director, Rusty and Paula Keplinger, Alan Hamrick, Kelly Haught, Jessica Stine; teachers and chaperones and Ed Stomback; Principal at TCMS.

“The kids were stellar,” said Rusty Keplinger.

Keplinger then told the board members of what happened. He said he was on the bus that sustained the head-on collision.

“When the bus driver got back to the fire hall where the kids were, they gave him a standing ovation,” commented Keplinger.

“You are all commended for the way you handled the situation.” stated board member Jimmy Wyatt. “That is why we hire the best.”

In other matters discussed by the board was the new energy system that is being installed at Sistersville Elementary, Arthur I Boreman Elementary and the Tyler County Preschool buildings. Fritz Lowe was on hand to give updates on the work that has been done.

He said that Mr. West, owner of Johnson Boiler is doing a fine job.

“They are working six days a week and putting in about 10 hour days,” said Lowe.

Robin Daquilante, the newly hired superintendent said that he is her office every day updating her on the work that they have done.

The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 6 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Tyler County Board of Education Office located inside Tyler Consolidated High School.