| A Calhoun student was expelled on drug related charges at Monday
evening's Board of Education meeting. The board voted unanimously to
expel the student for the remainder of the school year for a level III
violation of the Student Code of Conduct. The student or parents did not
attend the hearing.
The board was given a presentation by Gregg Cartwright on Writing
Assessment Data for Calhoun Schools covering five school years,
which indicated general improvement in the county's three schools.
Cartwright announced that Calhoun Schools will be participating in a
pilot computerized writing assessment project starting in November.
He gave a PowerPoint presentation demonstrating how the program
can evaluate writing skills, although board members Fitzwater
and Dale expressed concern regarding a computer program evaluating
content.
Pleasant Hill Elementary School (Grade 4) demonstrated exemplary
achievement in Writing Assessment in the 2004 scoring. The school
ranked 12% higher than the state average. Cartwright said Arnoldsburg
School (Grade 4) was 13% below the state average. Calhoun Middle
(Grade 7) was 1% above the state average and Calhoun High (Grade 10)
was 5% below the state average.
Board president Carlene Frederick reported on a recent meeting for
board presidents at Canaan Valley, which covered legal aspects,
ethics, funding, problems with math scores and other issues. She also
reported on a recent RESA meeting.
Mr. Harris reported on the September 28 Calhoun-Gilmer Career Center
meeting, reporting on progress with building improvements.
Superintendent Ron Blankenship reported on the upcoming Excess
Levy for Calhoun Schools, saying he was available to come and speak
before any group regarding the levy proposal.
The board approved volunteer agreements for Betty Ellison - Calhoun
Middle/High School; Anne Lacy - Pleasant Hill and Sherry Patterson -
Arnoldsburg.
A contract was approved for Linguacare Associates, Inc. for speech
therapy services.
Home school requests were approved for Lisa Sheldon - Mason
Sheldon (grade 3) and Luke Sheldon (grade 2); Tammy Carder - Jessica
Riddle (grade 11); Deanna English - Cedar English (grade 7) and Debra
Melrath - Tyler Storm Melrath (grade 3).
Some Lights On! proposals were approved.
Retirements/Resignations approved: Tim Davis - Head Varsity Baseball
Coach; Mitchell Morgan - South End Activity Run (Heads Up) and Amy
Fiddler - Counselor.
Job Postings: Head Varsity Baseball Coach, Counselor and Heads Up
Activity Bus Driver - South.
Employment approved included Robert Scott Golinsky - Physical
Education Teacher - Pleasant Hill; Andrew Bremar - Homebound
Teacher; Carla Taylor - Homebound Teacher (effective September 20)
and Bonnie Bock - Substitute Teacher.
The board approved the following finances: Invoices - $449,950.13;
Supplements - $146,874.93;
Transfers - $104,184.82. The September financial statement was
approved.
The next regular meeting scheduled for November 15 at the Office of
the Superintendent at Mt. Zion, West Virginia.
Items of concern expressed by board members published October
19.
Attending board members Cynthia Dale, Richard Fitzwater, Carlene
Frederick, Donald Harris and Joy Starcher, Ronald Blankenship,
secretary.
Others Present:
Greg Cartwright,
Emilio Garza.
Bob Rentschler,
Connie Roberts,
Bob Weaver.
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