The 2010-2011 student handbooks were presented at the Tyler County Board of Education meeting held Monday evening.

Tyler Consolidated High School Principal Kent Yoho said there were a couple of updates in the new books, for instance for a student to obtain an academic letter, he or he can miss no more than 15 days of school unexcused.

The other change in the book pertains to safety and cell phones. Yoho informed the board that the principals are allowed to look in a students cell phone and read their text messages if a safety issue arises.

“We can’t legally take their phone, but the student will get expelled for three days for the first offense and five days for the second offense for not handing over their phone,” said Yoho.

Tyler Consolidated Middle School Principal Ed Stomback added to the discussion, saying in the past the middle school students haven’t been as apprehensive about handing over their phones. The middle school’s policy will be the same as the high school’s policy.

Arthur I. Boreman Elementary School Principal Patricia Feldmeier said there were no major changes in the student handbook and Krista DeVaughn, the newly appointed principal of Sistersville Elementary School, said their handbook is the same as Boreman’s.

Under project updates, Superintendent Robin Daquilante stated she spoke with Fritz Lowe on the air conditioning units being installed in the schools. According to Daquilante, a walk-through has been scheduled for Wednesday, August 18.

Daquilante also brought up the issue of purchasing service mats for the roof at A.I.B. She reported that while replacing the new units at Boreman, some tears in the roof occurred. The roof on the school is 18 years old said Daquilante. She also stated they are under budget to replace the whole roof, but surplus money from SBA could be used to purchase service mats to keep the roof from leaking.

Daquilante reported that a couple of service mats were placed on the tears and during the week of the fair and the heavy rain in the county, the roof didn’t leak.

Jimmy Wyatt reported on a meeting that he attended in Beckley. He said there is going to be a committee with discussion points regarding on retirees. Wyatt stated that medical bills will be on a “need” basis. Wyatt commented that the meeting was enlightening.

Under personnel requests, Michael Wells was approved to serve as a volunteer assistant coach for the 2010 football season.

Under resignations, Brandy Jones, Tyler Consolidated Middle School head boy’s track coach and Donald Cunningham, Tyler Consolidated High School varsity baseball coach resigned effective immediately.

Both resignations were approved.

Under new employments, Shawna Hamilton was approved as a Kingergarten teacher at A.I.B. and Janet Cline as the Business Preparations teacher at Tyler Consolidated High School.

The next regular meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, August 30 at the Tyler County Board of Education Office located inside Tyler Consolidated High School.