| Police will be present at tonight's Gilmer County Board of Education meeting, following unruly outbursts during last month's meeting by a group of school employees, their family members and a few parents.
The Glenville Democrat said the group exhibited "crass behavior" after the board voted to table the renewal of superintendent Ed Toman's contract.
After the board went into executive session for one hour and 45 minutes, board president Phyllis Starkey called for a vote, with board member Larry Butcher making a motion to re-hire Toman for two years.
When Starkey called for a second, board member Alton Skinner moved to table the motion to re-hire, which was seconded and approved, after which Toman supporters, many wearing "For Toman" t-shirts, erupted into screaming.
The Glenville Democrat said "The crowd grew louder with screaming, name-calling, cursing and threats, and even some crying."
One school professional made a chicken-clucking noise, indicating board members were chicken to re-hire the superintendent.
Toman supporters continued their behavior after President Starkey adjourned the meeting, crowding around her and blocking her exit, although several people in the crowd of over 100 came forward to insure her safety.
The protesters, in what the Democrat called an "uproar," insisted that proper procedure was not followed regarding the tabling of the motion to rehire Toman.
The WV School Board Association advised state media that president Starkey followed all proper procedures.
One of the contentious issues with superintendent Toman is linked to his pushing for the closure of three elementary schools in Normantown, Sand Fork and Troy.
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