Parent Pat Laughlin requests new coach
for girls middle school basketball
Pat Laughlin appeared before the Calhoun school board Thursday representing some parents, requesting the hiring of Danny Bunch as coach for the Middle School Girl's basketball team, saying "We had a disastrous season last year," with the previous coach failing to win a game.
Laughlin said she and the group she is representing are "just concerned that the team has done really well in the past," and that "just because someone is a teacher does not make them a good coach."
Laughlin questioned why the coaching job was not posted, with Superintendent Lynch saying there is a protocol about hiring, a matrix, that when the job is hired within the system it is not posted for external hire.
Board president Evans said "We have to follow the rules...We may not always get the best qualified person (coach)."
Melinda Fitzwater says "I'll even bake cinnamon rolls."
Teacher and running coach Melinda Fitzwater appeared before the board requesting approval for the formation of a track team for Calhoun High School.
Fitzwater said she has a number of runners who want to participate in the sport, saying it will not cost the school system any money.
"I'll even bake cinnamon rolls to raise money," she said.
Fitzwater said the board would need to approve the team immediately, so a sanctioned schedule could begin next week.
Board president Lee Evans said while the board supported such efforts, "there are time constraints," suggesting the effort be made for a start next year.
Board member Joy Starcher gave a report from a RESA-V meeting, saying there has been recent discussion about the WV Board of Education wanting to do away with local school boards.
Starcher said school board members have heard the state board is split about wanting "Business corporation executives to come in and run the school system."
She also said a funded survey is being sent to parents regarding their concerns about local schools.
Much of Thursday's meeting was spent dealing with issues relating to new duties being assigned to a middle school principal. See ...Board Declines To Act...
Approved volunteers Megan Cain at CMHS (Library) and Brenda Clawson at AES.
Two contracts approved, Straight-Cut Lawn Care and Landscaping, LLC and a School Access Safety Grant Contract-SBA.
The resignation of Cathy Craddock, CMHS, effective 6/10/08 was approved and a job posting was issued for am elementary teacher at CM-HS.
Employment approved: Melanie Garrett - Elementary Teacher - PHE (1st Grade) 08-09; Kelli Whytsell - Elementary Teacher - PHE (4th Grade) 08-09;
Brandi Richards - Heads Up (PHE) (Effective 3/01/08);
Adam O'Harrow - Heads Up (CMHS) (Effective 3/17/08);
Jim Morgan - Heads Up (CMHS) (Effective 3/17/08).
Several transportation requests were approved.
Board member Cynthia Dale requested that a presentation by secondary school students be allowed at the next board meeting.
The next meeting is April 15 at 7:00 p.m., LSIC Special Meeting, Arnoldsburg Elementary. | 
