The Tyler County Board of Education held its regular meeting Monday evening, July 21, at 7 p.m. at the Board of Education office. The meeting began with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Board President Katrina Byers opened the meeting, with board members Larry Thomas and Diana Stender attending in person and Scott Strode joining by phone. Superintendent Shane Highley was also present. Board member Andy Shreves was absent.

A major highlight of the meeting was a presentation from members of the Tyler Consolidated High School Silver Knight Marching Band, who recently traveled to Washington, D.C. Band Director Matt Jennings introduced Morgan Fisher, a band member who along with other band members shared personal stories from the trip.

Before departing, the band was featured in two local television news segments during practice sessions. While in D.C., students visited historical landmarks including the National Holocaust Museum, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

On parade day, students braved the high temperatures with the encouragement of their chaperones, staying hydrated and well-fed before marching down Constitution Avenue past the Washington Monument and cheering spectators. One student described the moment as “surreal.” Several senior band members expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the experience and thanked board members for their support.

Following highlights of the band trip, Superintendent Shane Highley presented a summary of recently passed state legislation and its potential impacts on local schools. He selected five Senate bills to highlight.

Senate Bill 199 addresses student behavior, particularly in elementary grades. Highley reported that Tyler County is already working proactively with Wetzel County on a plan to create a multi-county alternative education center to help meet this need.

Senate Bill 280 mandates the display of the national motto “In God We Trust” in all public schools. According to Highley, local churches have already donated plaques, which will be placed in the commons areas of each Tyler County school.

Senate Bill 912 requires that all students be assessed within 30 days of the school year starting. Highley assured the board that Tyler County already meets this requirement, using i-Ready for lower grades and Khan Academy tools for upper grades.

Senate Bill 203 restricts student cell phone use during class time. Tyler County currently has a policy prohibiting students from having phones out during instruction. However, Highley acknowledged that principals will need to increase enforcement. The bill also applies to adults in the building, allowing exceptions only for emergencies or use during planning and breaks.

Senate Bill 2513 pertains to board members, increasing the amount of required training they must complete annually.

Superintendent Highley also updated the board on several operational matters. The new parking lot at the high school campus is expected to be paved and ready for staff use by the start of the school year. Summer school, which ran from June 23 through July 10, was a success, with approximately 60 students participating. Although there is currently a federal hold on some school funding programs, Tyler County continues to receive Title I funds, which support educational equity and student achievement.

Next, Superintendent Highley made the following recommendations concerning personnel.

Dillon Reed resigns his position as Assistant Girls Basketball Coach at TCMS, effective immediately. Zachary Heasley resigns his position as Evening Events Coordinator at TCHS, effective immediately.

Approval was given for the transfer of Anya Glover from her position as Fourth Grade Teacher at SES to Second Grade Teacher at SES, effective the 2025-2026 school year. Employ Angelee Kokosinski as Second Grade Teacher at SES, effective the 2025-2026 school year. Transfer Lindsay Snider from her position as Interventionist at SES to SPED Teacher including autism at TCMS, effective the 2025-2026 school year. Employ James Eric Mason as Assistant Football Coach at TCHS, effective immediately. Employ Michelle Beaty as Substitute Teacher, effective the 2025-2026 school year. Employ Kari Grize as Director of Transportation, Maintenance and Safety effective August 1, 2025.

After approval to pay the bills, the meeting concluded with routine updates and no major action items. It was announced the next regular meeting of the board will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Tyler County Board of Education Office located in Middlebourne.