The Tyler County Board of Education met on Monday May 4, 2026, in the board office in Middlebourne. All board members were present including Superintendent Shane Highley.

All Tyler County Board of Education agendas are pre-approved by the WV State Superintendent, Michele Blatt, prior to the meeting.

Following the approval of the minutes from the April 21, 2026 meeting, the meeting began with a presentation from Kelly Myers. Kelly began by thanking the board for the provision to lower the levy rate if we have another excess of money. Tyler County Schools do not receive state aid, and the excess levy is vital to continue the programs the schools offer. If the levy fails, cuts would have to come in teacher benefits, programs for kids, and the medical card for school personnel and would make it harder to continue to attract good teachers to the school system. “The big losers, if the levy fails, would be our students,” said Kelly. She closed by asking Tyler County to vote yes for the excess levy.

Superintendent Shane Highley provided a detailed explanation of the legislative bills recently passed and discussed how they are expected to impact Tyler County schools. Readers can look for a full breakdown of those bills and their local effects in next week’s edition of the Tyler Star News.

The Board accepted a professional development bid from Education Systems Solutions in the amount of $45,000. The company which currently provides services for Tyler County Schools will continue offering professional development training and support for teachers throughout the district. Mr. Highley noted Education Systems Solutions is experienced in working with students and school systems in West Virginia making them well equipped to meet the needs of Tyler county educators and students.

The TCMS football schedule for 2026-27, the TCHS football schedule for 2026-27 and the TCHS volleyball schedule for 2026-27 were all presented and approved.

The following trip requests were approved by the State Board. Beth Andexler requested approval to take the TCMS Student Council to Texas Roadhouse and Skate Country Roller Rink in Parkersburg, WV, on May 8, 2026. Laura Minor requested approval to take her students in Room 82 to Sistersville Park on May 8, 2026. Jennifer Stephens requested approval to take the NAHS Art Club to Genesis Healthcare in Sistersville, on May 6, 2026. Casey Goudy requested approval to take the Spanish Club from TCHS to Dos Hermanos in New Martinsville on May 15, 2026. Debra Price requested approval to take the TCMS Jazz Band to the elementary schools to recruit band students on May 18, 2026. Matt Jennings will also attend. Pam Stollings requested approval to take the Junior class with a few select Sophomores to Certainteed in Moundsville, WV, on May 6, 2026. Lillian Jones requested approval to take the Sophomore Health class to the St. Mary’s Correctional Center, The Station and Smith Candy on May 20, 2026. Zach Willhoite requested approval to take the TCHS Astronomy/Physics to the Green Bank Radio Observatory on May 13, 2026. Shayla Strawderman requested approval to take the Fourth Grade at SES to the HIVE at Meadowbrook Mall on May 11, 2026.

Next, the State Board granted approval of all requests to cross county lines to attend Tyler County Schools for the 2026-27 school year, as they were submitted.

Under Personnel, consideration and possible action on the Superintendent’s recommendation was given to accept the following personnel actions Amanda Gist resigned from her position as Student Council Advisor, effective June 30, 2026. Jan Smitley resigns from her position as School Nurse, effective April 16, 2026. Zachary Heasley resigned from his positions as Special Education Teacher, Assistant Football Coach, Assistant Baseball Coach at Tyler Consolidated, effective May 4, 2026.

The following employments were approved: Jeffrey Wittmer and Michelle Weekley as Summer School Math Teachers at Tyler Consolidated High School, effective June 23, 2026. Lori Franks as Summer School Science Teacher at Tyler Consolidated High School, effective June 23, 2026. Teya Henthorn as Summer School Special Education Teacher at Tyler Consolidated High School, effective June 23, 2026. Megan Campbell as Summer School Math Teacher at Tyler Consolidated Middle School, effective June 23, 2026. Angela Watts as Summer School ELA Teacher at Tyler Consolidated Middle School, effective June 23, 2026. Melissa L Smith as Summer School Elementary Teacher at Tyler Consolidated, effective June 23, 2026. Kendra Lydick as Facilitator/Tutor for Summer School at Tyler Consolidated High School, effective June 23, 2026. Christina Ferrell and Cindi Greathouse as Summer School Special Education Teachers at Tyler Consolidated, effective June 23, 2026. Heidi Martin as Summer School Cafeteria Manager at Tyler Consolidated, effective June 12, 2026. Angie Baker as Summer Food Cook at Tyler Consolidated, effective June 15, 2026. Chelsea Utt as Summer School Cook at Tyler Consolidated, effective June 15, 2026. Shawna Griffin as Summer Secretary at Tyler Consolidated, effective June 15, 2026.

Following the payment of the bills the meeting was adjourned.

The next Regular Meeting will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Tyler County Board of Education Office located on Dodd Street in Middlebourne.