| By Bob Weaver
The Calhoun Board of Education approved the hiring of Carla Taylor as the county's new Director of School Improvement at yesterday's regular meeting. Taylor's efforts will largely center on the improvement of curriculum and student achievement. She is currently the Middle School principal.
Linda Jarvis reported on the Respect and Protect Program, saying "The program has had some set-back with the loss of the in-school suspension room, but it is still showing improvement" in student's behavior.
Calhoun's Respect and Protect Program is being used as a model for behavioral improvement around West Virginia.
"We've really got to do more to turn kids around, who have problems," Jarvis said.
Responding to a question from a board member, Jarvis admitted that some teachers have not bought into the uniformity of the Respect and Protect Program.
Board president Lee Evans told Jarvis "We [the board] really need to try and do everything we can to get the in-school suspension room started again."
Calhoun High has a new football coach, replacing Bryan Sterns.
The board hired Doyle Hupp, Jr. as Head Varsity Football Coach. They also approved the hiring of Adam O'Harrow as Varsity Girl's Basketball Coach, Kevin Cunningham as Middle School Football Coach, Kelley Sampson as Head Middle School Volleyball Coach and Sandy Weaver as Varsity Cheerleading Coach.
Tim Mowery resigned as Instructional Technology Supervisor.
Board member Cynthia Dale raised a number of issues with Superintendent Jane Lynch, including asking her why she was not responsive to teachers and administrators who sent her e-mails.
Lynch said "Sometimes I'm not in the office, or caught up with work," indicating she believes she is responsive.
Dale responded by saying "I don't know about you."
Dale said she was upset to learn about vandalism on the school's practice field from the Hur Herald, indicating she felt school officials should keep board members posted on problems.
Lynch said "Donnie Pitts notified me of the problem, the individuals were caught and the problem was quickly fixed."
Pitts said a video camera taped one of the cars involved in the episode, leading to the identification of three individuals.
Dale discussed the need to upgrade graduation requirements, and concerns about too many special education students at Pleasant Hill Elementary, indicating the need for a part-time instructor.
She also expressed concern about the slowness of funds for classroom supplies and the superintendent's hiring of substitute teachers to provide part-time help in the board office, apparently without the board being aware of their hiring.
Donnie Pitts told board members there may be a serious problem with the main drain at Pleasant Hill Elementary School.
The sewage line that runs under the main building could have a serious problem, since the outside line was discovered to be deteriorating.
"The bottom of the iron pipe is missing," he said, saying such pipes generally last 100 years. Pleasant Hill Elementary was built in the late 1970's.
Pitts said the main sewer under the school's concrete floor will be examined. "I just hope it is not like the outside section," he said, indicating it will be a major repair project with a huge price tag.
Pitts reported an auction of surplus equipment netted over $10,000.
Gary and Melina Hicks went into executive session with the board regarding an issue with a middle school teacher and their daughter.
Homer Wilson appeared before the board requesting that a lot be deeded back to his family where the Mt. Zion School once stood.
Wilson said his grandfather "gave" the property to the school in 1923 for $1, with a stipulation it be returned to the family if it was no longer used as a school.
Superintendent Lynch said she and the board are consulting with the Prosecuting Attorney regarding the property.
Other hires and job postings approved by the board will be listed on Calhoun County Schools
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