| By Bob Weaver
Calhoun County schools have achieved a major turn-around, following the failure of Calhoun-Middle High School to meet Average Yearly Progress (AYP) for several years, and being placed on probationary status following a highly critical Office of Education Performance Audit (OEPA) in 2007.
"Our school system has recently achieved two significant milestones," said Superintendent Roger Propst.
Propst said Calhoun County schools is one of only three school systems in the state of West Virginia to have all its schools meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), defined in the No Child Left Behind federal statute.
"This is a remarkable accomplishment for our system , and one in which the entire community can take great pride," said Propst.
In May, the Office of Education Performance Audits (OEPA) visited Calhoun Middle-High School to review progress being made on critical findings in 2007.
The West Virginia Department of Education has announced the results of the most recent statewide WESTEST examination, which says county schools met the No Child Left Behind Standards for Average Yearly Progress.
"Thanks to the diligence and hard work of the students, administration, support staff, and faculty, the school was commended, not only on the improvements to the learning process, but also in the safety, cleanliness, and appearance of the facility," said Propst.
Calhoun Middle-High School's status has been returned to full accreditation.
Board president Cynthia Dale praised teachers and administrators who "are held in extreme accountability under WV Department of Education mandates and federal NCLB" stipulations.
"Our teachers and paraprofessional are some of the best in the state of West Virginia," Dale said, "The meeting of AYP in all schools was a huge milestone to accomplish," particularly in Calhoun Middle School.
Propst said the school system is working to complete the next 10-year Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan (CEFP) for 2010-2020.
"The most significant need to be addressed in that plan is the problem of continual flooding at Arnoldsburg Elementary. It is my hope that we will be able to replace the school with a new facility out of the flood plain in the next few years with assistance from the School Building Authority," he said.
Longtime board member Lee Evans, who indicated he is closing his final year on the board, lauded teachers and administrators for the progress they have made, saying, "Our county implemented many new and innovative programs in technology and we had major accomplishments in our sports programs."
Board Member Joy Starcher said, "I would like to personally
congratulate and thank Mrs. Kirby, Mrs. Wade, Mrs. Whytsell and CMHS Staff for all their hard work in bringing
Calhoun Middle High School up to (OEPA) compliance and AYP
(Adequate Yearly
Progress)," in addition to the Central Office staff.
Board member Steve Whited said, "This was a particularly hard year to achieve such goals, due to the changes in the performance test given. This, along with the recent final OEPA results, is a tribute to the teamwork and commitment of our students, staff, community, and administration.
"Academic success, construction on Pleasant Hill Elementary, hiring
and placement of personnel in key positions, work done by
the summer youth program, and new grants that will target
special needs of our students are just some of the exciting
things that reflect the hard work and determination of
everyone involved," said new board member Larry Harris.
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