The Tyler County Board of Education met Tuesday, April 21 at the board office in Middlebourne, where members resumed business from the March 16, 2026 meeting and approved the regular and special levy rates for Fiscal Year 2027. The levy rates, already approved by the state auditor’s office, were reviewed with an explanation from Tyler County Schools Treasurer Jeff Lancaster, who noted that fluctuations are tied directly to changing property values. Current estimates indicate property values could decline by approximately 60 percent in 2026, with an additional decrease projected for 2027.

The regular meeting opened with the approval of the minutes from the April 6, 2026 meeting. Board members In attendance were Katrina Byers, Scott Strode and Diana Stender. Present by phone was Larry Thomas. Andy Shreves was absent. Superintendent Shane Highley was also present.

Agendas are approved by the WV State Superintendent, Michelle Blatt, prior to the meeting.

Under delegations, Mr. Roger Weese spoke to the board stating natural gas prices are increasing, new wells are being drilled on Rt 180 and Indian Creek, and the board can look forward to new revenue increases from this activity. Mr. Weese then inquired when the questions he posed at the last meeting would be answered.

Superintendent Shane Highey next addressed the questions first raised by Mr. Weese at the previous meeting. In response to questions from Weese, Mr. Highley explained the rationale for placing the excess levy on the ballot early, noting it is required by law to appear during the general election and serves as a safeguard if the measure were to fail, allowing time to prepare a second vote without disrupting funding. He added that costs to run the levy are minimal since it coincides with the general election, with expenses largely limited to required legal advertisements rather than staffing a separate election. Superintendent Highley further clarified that the decision to hold the levy election two years early was made at the state level, as the state currently maintains control of Tyler County Schools. Addressing the need for the levy, Mr. Highley said projected property value declines of 60 percent in 2026 and an additional 19 percent in 2027 make the funding essential to maintain services such as school social workers, school resource officers, on-site nurses, and student support programs. He noted the school system operates on approximately $34 million annually. In response to a final question regarding reserves, Mr. Highley stated the district’s unassigned fund balance stands at roughly $35 million after setting aside funds for the new elementary school. Finally, Mr. Highley stated that at any time during the levy years if the county realizes a surplus in funds the board has the right to lower the tax rates.

The following text book adoptions were approved:

1. Health:

(9-12) Essential Health Skills for High School – Goodheart-Wilcox Publisher; (6-8) West Virginia Teen Health – McGraw-Hill; (K-5) Great Body Shop – The Children’s Health Market, Inc.

2. Personal Finance: Managing Your Personal Finances – Cengage

3. The Arts: (9-12) Exploring Visual Design – Davis Publications, Inc.; (9-12) Experience Clay – Davis Publications, Inc.; (9-12) Focus on Photography – Davis Publications, Inc.; (6-8) Flex – The Art of Education; (K-5) Flex – The Art of Education; (K-5) Quaver Music – QuaverEd, Inc.; (6-8) MusicFirst Creativity Solution – MusicFirst LLC

Under trip requests, Matt Jennings requested approval for the TCHS Band to go to Washington, D.C. on July 3-5, 2027. The Band was invited to participate in the 2027 Independence Parade. Suzette Miller requested approval for six students to represent Tyler County at the WV Young Writers Day at the University of Charleston in Charleston, WV, on May 8, 2026. Students will be transported by parents in their personal vehicles to and from the event. Scarlet Hood and Diana Earley with Artslink, Inc. requested approval to use the TCHS Auditorium for a concert on March 30, 2027. The organization will be totally responsible for clean-up. Matt Jennings has agreed to over-see the event.

Adam Haywood resigned his positions as Math Teacher, Head Boys Track and Math Field Day Coordinator at Tyler Consolidated High School, effective June 30, 2026. Courtney Postlethwait resigned from her positions as Special Education Instructional Aide at Arthur I Boreman Elementary School, effective immediately March 25, 2026. Erin Gieseke resigned from her position as Assistant Soccer Coach at Tyler Consolidated High School, effective immediately.

The following employments were approved. Sara Conner License as Special Education Teacher at Sistersville Elementary School, effective the 2026-2027 school year. George McCrobie as Operator of Bus and route 63, effective the 2026-2027 school year. Lisa Winters Cook III/ Cafeteria Manager, effective the 2026-2027 school year. Chasity Pittman as Temporary Classroom Instructional Aide, effective April 22, 2026.

Approval of recommendations for renewing probationary contracts for eligible employees and granting continuing contracts to eligible employees.

The payment of the bills was approved.

There will be a Budget Overview on Monday, April 27, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. with Jeff Lancaster, Treasurer of Tyler County Schools. The Budget Overview will take place at the Tyler County Board of Education Office located on Dodd Street in Middlebourne.

The next Regular Meeting will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Tyler County Board of Education Office located on Dodd Street in Middlebourne.