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By Bob Weaver
The presentation of belated diplomas to Calhoun
men who went off to war before they completed high
school, was undoubtedly the highlight of the Calhoun
County Board of Education meeting Monday night.
Calhoun was the first county in West Virginia to
begin recognizing 700 veterans from West Virginia
who qualified. (SEE "Old Soldiers Get Their Due" 4/3)
The Board discussed the use of the old baseball field
at Grantsville. Administrator Roger Propst said there
are problems with continuing to care for the field and
providing lighting. Donnie Pitts said a policy needs to
be adopted regarding its use by the community. The
Board will discontinue funding the up-keep this year.
"We could still use the old field to play ball," said
Propst, apparently referring to the problems with the
new field at the Mt. Zion campus.
Discussion focused upon the selling of the "band
building" behind the old Grantsville Grade School,
placing it on the auction block. A decision is being
made to sell the current administrative offices of the
Calhoun school system, the old stone cut Grantsville
Grade School property, adjacent buildings and
playground/parking areas.
A delegation of elementary school teachers
approached the Board regarding elementary teacher
work days. Currently teachers at Pleasant Hill
receive 180 minutes of planning time per week,
compared to 450 minutes of planning time at the
high school.
Kelli Whytsell, speaking for the group, asked for
more time to plan for classes. She said research
confirms that adequate opportunities for teacher
preparation leads to more effective teaching and
learning. The Board will consider the proposal.
Financial administrator Connie Roberts presented
the Board with the fiscal year 2000 audit, which
contained a minimum number of shortcomings. The
Board accepted the audit. Board members Carlene
Frederick and Ralph Cunningham gave reports on
RESA and the Calhoun-Gilmer Career Center.
The Board approved three out-of-state transportation
requests, two volunteer agreements for Eleanor
Coltabiano (Pleasant Hill) and Teresa Ritchie
(Calhoun High School). Two home-school requests
for Patricia Vosberg for two students and Eleanor
Neilson for a sixth grader.
The resignation of Twila Miller was accepted. Carol
Webb and Eleanor Neilson were employed as
substitute teachers. The Board made three
employment transfers, Catherine Johnson, Aide IV at
Calhoun/Middle/High School; Barbara Tingler, Cook III
at Calhoun Middle/High School; and Vivian Dye to
Arnoldsburg/Calhoun Middle/High School.
The Board approved invoices for $309,531 and the
February financial statement. The next meeting will
be on April 17 (Tuesday) at the Board office.
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