MINUTES
WEST VIRGINIA BOARD OF EDUCATION
Board Conference Room
Capitol Building 6, Room 353
1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East
Charleston, West Virginia
December 8, 2010
I.
Call to Order
President Priscilla M. Haden called the meeting of the West Virginia Board of Education
(WVBE) to order at 9:00 a.m. on December 8, 2010, in the Board Conference Room, Capitol
Building 6, Room 353, 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Charleston, West Virginia.
The following members were present: President Haden, Vice President Jenny N. Phillips
(via telephone), Secretary Robert W. Dunlevy, Michael I. Green, Lowell E. Johnson, L. Wade
Linger Jr., Gayle C. Manchin, William M. White and ex officio Steven L. Paine, State
Superintendent of Schools. Student representative in attendance was Lexi Miller of Vienna,
West Virginia, who attends Parkersburg High School (Wood County). Members absent were
Burma Hatfield and ex officios Brian E. Noland, Chancellor, West Virginia Higher Education
Policy Commission, and James L. Skidmore, Chancellor, West Virginia Council for Community
and Technical College Education.
II.
Recognitions
Ms. Allison Barker, Coordinator, WVDE Communications Office, presented Global21
Moments, spotlighting Roane, Upshur, Ohio, Summers, and Morgan County Schools for the
Board’s information.
III.
Delegations
Mr. Doug Lambert (provided copy of his remarks for the record), Superintendent,
Pendleton County Schools and representing the West Virginia Association of School
Administrators, addressed the Board regarding the Superintendent Search. Mr. Mike Mitchem,
President, McDowell County Board of Education and President of the West Virginia School
Boards Association, addressed the Board regarding the retirement of Superintendent Paine.
(Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment T.)
IV.
Approval of Agenda
Upon motion by Dr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Linger, the Board unanimously approved
the agenda.
V.
Education Alliance Update
Dr. Patricia S. Kusimo (distributed information), President/CEO, Education Alliance,
presented information regarding wvementoring and requested the Board’s support if the
initiative. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment U.)
-2VI.
Initial Individual School Education Performance Audit Reports
for Berkeley Heights Elementary School, Spring Mills Middle School,
and Musselman High School, Berkeley County
Dr. Kenna R. Seal, Director, Office of Education Performance Audits (OEPA), reported
that announced on-site reviews (five days in advance) were conducted at Berkeley Heights
Elementary School, Spring Mills Middle School, and Musselman High School October 14, 2010.
Upon the recommendation of Dr. Seal and a motion by Mr. Dunlevy, seconded by Ms.
Phillips, the Board unanimously approved Berkeley Heights Elementary and Spring Mills
Middle Schools’ reports and directed that Musselman High School revise its Five-Year Strategic
Plan within 30 days and correct the findings noted in the report by the next accreditation cycle.
(Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment A.)
VII.
Initial Individual School Education Performance Audit Report
for Moorefield Intermediate School, Hardy County
Dr. Seal reported that an announced on-site review (five days in advance) was conducted
at Moorefield Intermediate School October 12, 2010. Ms. Barbara Whitecotton, Superintendent,
Hardy County Schoools, addressed the Board’s questions regarding the Moorefield Intermediate
School audit report.
Upon the recommendation of Dr. Seal and a motion by Dr. White, seconded by Dr.
Johnson, the Board unanimously directed that Moorefield Intermediate School revise its
Five-Year Strategic Plan within 30 days and correct the findings noted in the report by the next
accreditation cycle. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment B.)
VIII.
Initial Individual School Education Performance Audit Report
for Keyser High School, Mineral County
Dr. Seal reported that an announced on-site review (five days in advance) was conducted
at Keyser High School October 13, 2010. Mr. Tilden “Skip” Hackworth (distributed
information), Superintendent, Mineral County Schools, addressed the Board’s questions
regarding the Keyser High School audit report. Mr. Chuck Heinlein, Executive Director, WVDE
Office of School Improvement, and Dr. Dixie Billheimer, CEO, Center of Professional
Development of West Virginia (CPD), provided information regarding assistance and training
offered/available to administrators.
Upon the recommendation of Dr. Seal and a motion by Mrs. Manchin, seconded by Mr.
Green, the Board unanimously directed that Keyser High School revise its Five-Year Strategic
Plan within 30 days and correct the findings noted in the report by the next accreditation cycle.
(Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment C and addendum.)
IX.
Break
President Haden called for a break at 10:52 a.m.
-3X.
Call to Order
President Haden called the meeting back to order at 11:06 a.m.
XI.
Education Performance Audit Reports for the Mason County School District
and Ashton Elementary School, Beale Elementary School, Leon Elementary,
New Haven Elementary School, Roosevelt Elementary School,
Point Pleasant Intermediate School, Hannan High School,
Point Pleasant Junior/Senior High School, Wahama High School
and the Mason County Career Center
Dr. Seal reported that announced on-site reviews (five days in advance) were conducted
at Mason County School District and Ashton Elementary School, Beale Elementary School,
Leon Elementary School, New Haven Elementary School, Roosevelt Elementary School, Point
Pleasant Intermediate School, Hannan High School, and Point Pleasant Junior/Senior High
School, and Wahama High School October 25 – 28, 2010. The OEPA conducted the reviews
which concentrated on student, school, and school system performance and progress. The
reviews also consisted of resource evaluation. Mrs. Suzanne Dickens, Superintendent, Mason
County Schools, and Mr. Tom Nunnery, member, Mason County Board of Education, addressed
the Board regarding the Mason County audit reports.
Upon the recommendation of Dr. Seal and a motion by Dr. Johnson, seconded by Mrs.
Manchin, the Board unanimously approved the recommendations listed in the Mason County
School District Report and directed that quarterly status reports be provided to the Board. (Copy
appended to Official Minutes, Attachment D.)
XII.
School District Approval Status and School Accreditation Status
December 2010 Report of Ratings
Dr. Seal presented the School District Approval Status and School Accreditation Status,
December 2010 Report of Ratings for the Board’s consideration. It was requested that monthly
updates be provided for all counties and schools under corrective action.
Upon recommendation of Dr. Seal and a motion by Mr. Dunlevy, seconded by Mrs.
Manchin, the Board unanimously issued the schools and school systems in West Virginia the
accreditation/approval status as shown in the December 2010 Report of Ratings. (Copy
appended to Official Minutes, Attachment E.)
XIII.
Consent Agenda
Upon motion by Dr. Johnson, seconded by Mrs. Manchin, the Board unanimously
approved the Consent Agenda. (Copies appended to Official Minutes, Attachments F through
N.)

Meeting minutes of November 9, 2010 (Attachment F)

Amendment to the Morgan County Ten Year (2010-2020) Comprehensive
Educational Facilities Plan to include structural repairs to the roof at Widmyer
-4Elementary School. Structural engineering analysis has indicated that the
current roof structure supports will not support the weight of high accumulation
of snowfall combined with the weight of the rooftop HVAC units (Attachment
G)
XIV.

Two requests for continuation waivers of instructional materials (Attachment
H)

Three notifications, per Senate Bill 227, W. Va. Code §18A-4-7a, Transfer of
Teachers After Five Days Prior to Starting Instruction, from Wood County
Schools (Attachment I)

Received written quarterly updates from Fayette, Grant, Lincoln, Mingo,
McDowell and Preston Counties (Attachment J)

Received a written quarterly update from the West Virginia Schools for the
Deaf and the Blind (Attachment K)

Policy 2445.40, Groupings for Adoption of Instructional Resources for Early
Childhood Education, Middle Childhood Education and Adolescent Education
(Attachment L)

Policy 5100, Approval of Educational Personnel Preparation Programs
(Attachment M)

Received the Medicaid Reimbursement FY10 Annual Report (Attachment Mc)

Appointments to WVBE Statutory Units/Liaisons/Presidential Committees
2010-2011 (Attachment N).
Break
President Haden called for a break for lunch at 12:01 p.m.
XV.
Call to Order
President Haden called the meeting back to order at 12:35 p.m.
XVI.
Board Reports
RESA Committee. Dr. Johnson, assisted by Mr. Nichols (distributed information),
provided an update regarding committee activities, provided an overview of the annual report at
a glance, reported that all RESAs now have a RESA specific strategic plan on their website,
indicated that a stakeholder from the business community is solicited for addition to the
committee, RESAs wish to be a part of the LSIC initiative, indicated an interest in computer
surplus and the ability to place the computers for use by students in low SES or low performing
schools, and indicated that a RESA communications plan continues to evolve. This committee
-5will continue to meet to further develop the cohesiveness of RESA initiatives. (Copy appended
to Official Minutes, Attachment V.)
Innovation Zone Selection Committee. Dr. Johnson (distributed information) provided
an update regarding committee activities and provided a brief overview of the application
evaluation and approval processes. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment W.)
Professional Development Committee. Dr. Johnson provided an update regarding
committee activities and reported that the professional development goals have been completed
and now requires Board action. This item will be placed on the January agenda for action. The
goals are to be focused on the following:
1) Common State Standards for English/Language Arts and Mathematics
■ Targeting content specialists in English and Mathematics
a. Emphasis on writing and text complexity
b. Focusing on school wide efforts to improve literacy and numeracy
c. Integration of technology and science
d. Communication strategy for multiple audiences to build awareness and
understanding of the revised content standards and objectives
2) Professional Standards for Teachers and Leaders, and
3) Leadership Development for School Improvement in Low Performing Schools.
Following discussion, it was requested that members be provided the goals for review and
comment prior to the January meeting. Development (by the CPD) of a goals template,
evaluation component and committee membership were discussed. The next committee meeting
will take place on February 3, 2011, at 1:00 p.m. Ms. Phillips departed the meeting.
Common Ground: Education and the Military Committee. President Haden provided
an update regarding committee activities and provided a brief overview regarding the following
meeting agenda items: memorandum of understanding for military students who transfer, Civil
Air Patrol, Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test, communication plan, military
collaboration protocol, and a National At-Risk Youth Forum plan of action. Mr. Linger departed
the meeting.
Secondary School Redesign Committee. Dr. Stan Hopkins (distributed information),
WVDE contract employee, provided a brief overview of the December 7 meeting; agenda topics
included proposed policy changes to support secondary school redesign and timeline and process
for completing secondary school redesign work. The committee will meet on January 12, 2011,
at 9:00 a.m., to review a timeline and action steps for presentation to the Board at its February
2011 meeting. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment X.)
Local School Improvement Council (LSIC) Committee. Mrs. Manchin provided a
brief overview of the December 7 meeting; agenda topics included LSIC membership,
professional development for LSIC members, update on resource development, and next steps.
The committee will meet on January 11, 2011, at 1:00 p.m.
-6Student Representative. Ms. Miller addressed the Board regarding her expectations
during her service as student representative to the Board and her experiences with regard to
Advanced Placement and college classes offered at Parkersburg High School.
Board Member Reports. President Haden assisted in the judging of finalists for the
United States Senate Youth Program, distributed information from RESA 8, attended a press
event naming West Virginia’s Milken award winner, and attended a Public Broadcasting
Authority meeting. Mr. Green, President Haden and Dr. White provided comments, and the
Board viewed electronic photos, regarding a recent visit to McDowell County Schools
(Superintendent Paine distributed a memorandum regarding McDowell County and community
schools). Mr. Dunlevy attended a RESA 6 meeting, WVSSAC meeting/events, and, as a
member of the Health Plan Board, reported that $500,000 has been designated for healthy
schools grants to schools in selected areas of West Virginia and surrounding states. (Copy
appended to Official Minutes, Attachment Y.)
XVII.
Break
President Haden called for a break at 3:22 p.m.
XVIII.
Call to Order
President Haden called the meeting back to order at 3:29 p.m.
XIX.
Resolution – Preston County Public School Bonds
Ms. Heather L. Deskins, General Counsel to the WVBE and WVDE, presented a
resolution for Preston County public school bonds for the Board’s consideration.
Upon motion by Dr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Dunlevy, the Board unanimously
approved the adoption of a resolution that authorizes, on behalf of Board of Education of the
County of Preston, the issuance and sale of tax exempt Public School Bonds, Series 2011, in the
amount of $39,600,000, pursuant to the passage of the bond issue by 53% of the voters in
Preston County on November 12, 2010. (Copies appended to Official Minutes, Attachment O.)
XX.
WVBE Personnel Matters
Upon motion by Mr. Dunlevy, seconded by Mr. Green, the Board unanimously approved
the Board’s personnel items. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment P.)
XXI.
State Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Paine presented Department personnel items for the Board’s information.
(Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment Q.)
Provisional Return of Control to the Lincoln County Board of Education.
Superintendent Paine, pursuant to paragraph 4 of the Memorandum of Understanding signed
May 19, 2009, recommended the provisional return of control to the Lincoln County Board of
Education over all personnel actions in the county, related financial matters and professional
development.
-7Upon motion by Dr. Johnson, seconded by Mrs. Manchin, and unanimously carried, the
Board returned provisional control over all personnel actions in the county, related financial
matters and professional development, to the Lincoln County Board of Education.
Update - Technology. Ms. Brenda Williams (distributed information), Executive
Director, WVDE Office of Instructional Technology, provided an update regarding technology
initiatives, activities and implementation issues. Discussion ensued regarding electronic
upgrades that must be in place by 2014 and it was requested that a proactive plan be developed
for presentation to the Board at its January meeting. (Copy appended to Official Minutes,
Attachment Z.)
XXII.
Recess
President Haden recessed the meeting at 4:30 p.m. and announced that the meeting would
reconvene on December 9, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. in the same location.
XXIII.
Reconvene
President Haden reconvened the meeting of December 8, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. on
December 9, 2010 in the Board Conference Room, Capitol Building 6, Room 353, 1900
Kanawha Boulevard, East, Charleston, West Virginia.
The following members were present: President Haden, Vice President Jenny N.
Phillips, Secretary Robert W. Dunlevy, Michael I. Green, Lowell E. Johnson, L. Wade Linger
Jr., Gayle C. Manchin, William M. White and ex officio Steven L. Paine, State Superintendent of
Schools. Student representative in attendance was Lexi Miller of Vienna, West Virginia, who
attends Parkersburg High School (Wood County). Members absent were Burma Hatfield and ex
officios Brian E. Noland, Chancellor, West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, and
James L. Skidmore, Chancellor, West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College
Education.
XXIV.
State Superintendent’s Report (Continued)
Update - 2011 Legislative Session. Mr. Joe Panetta, Assistant State Superintendent,
WVDE Division of Student Support Services, provided an update regarding the fiscal year 2011
budget request and improvement packages. It was the consensus of the Board that the Board’s
Legislative Committee (committee of the whole) will meet on December 22, 2010, at 10:00 a.m.,
to discuss legislative matters.
Update - Governor’s Education Audit. Mr. Panetta provided an update regarding the
status of the Governor’s Education Audit.
Update on a Plan for Operationalizing the Counseling Standards. Ms. Barbara
Ashcraft (distributed information), Coordinator, WVDE Office of School Improvement,
provided an update regarding the plan for operationalizing the counseling standards. Discussion
ensued regarding the need for a job definition for the 25% of time not spent in direct counseling
to students, evaluation, professional development and the funding formula. (Copy appended to
Official Minutes, Attachment AA.)
-8Superintendent Paine provided information regarding: 1) Amanda Mays, West Virginia’s
Milken Award winner for 2011 and parental involvement at J. E. Robins Elementary; 2) West
Virginia’s application an I3 grant (funding was not awarded during the first round of awards but
is under consideration for the next round of funding); 3) federal Office of Special Education
Programs conducted a verification/focused monitoring visit in West Virginia November 29
through December 2 (the monitors indicated they would like to use West Virginia as a model
state for compliance); 4) recent NAEP assessment (West Virginia was one of 11 states to
participate)/NAEP results for science to be released within the next 60 days; 5) replication of the
National Science Camp for 150 West Virginia students this summer; 6) Program for
International Student Assessment (PISA) results; and 7) NAEP test as well as other educational
programs and initiatives.
XXV.
Proclamation Honoring State Superintendent of Schools
Steven L. Paine
President Haden recognized Superintendent Paine for his distinguished service to the
State of West Virginia by entering the following proclamation into the minutes and, on the behalf
of the Honorable Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, presented Superintendent Paine with the
Distinguished West Virginian award.
A Proclamation of Sincere Gratitude and Thanksgiving
WHEREAS, Dr. Steven L. Paine has faithfully served West Virginia public schools since 1979,
including roles as a teacher, principal, county-level director, county superintendent, deputy state
superintendent and state superintendent; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Steven L. Paine has had a long and distinguished record of public service
dedicated to bettering the children of West Virginia; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Steven L. Paine has extended his national and international influence on
educational issues by serving as president of the Council of Chief State School Officers and as a
member of the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future (NCTAF) Board of
Directors and the National Assessment Governing Board; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Steven L. Paine has steadfastly and unselfishly strived to fulfill the mission of
the West Virginia Board of Education to prepare students to be college and career ready for the
21st century upon high school graduation; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Steven L. Paine has tirelessly worked to instill the vision of an exemplary
school system in the hearts and souls of all state employees and educators; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Steven L. Paine has exhibited outstanding leadership as state superintendent by
focusing closing achievement gaps and holding all students to high expectations; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Steven L. Paine has vigorously labored to create the best school system that
exceeds national and international standards; and
-9WHEREAS, Dr. Steven L. Paine has spearheaded cooperative efforts among educators,
policymakers, community leaders and others to transform our public schools into 21st century
learning centers to provide students with a world class education; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Steven L. Paine has worked to ensure that every West Virginia child succeeds
as a citizen, worker and leader in the 21st century through the acquisition of 21st century skills,
including global awareness, communication skills and world languages so that today’s students
graduate with skills necessary to live and work effectively in a 21st century global context; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Steven L. Paine has worked to expose West Virginia students to diverse
languages and cultures to better equip them to resolve international problems and to encourage
countries to work as partners to improve cross-cultural understanding and cooperation in an
increasingly interconnected world; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Steven L. Paine is held in high regard by citizens, colleagues, students and
others across the state and nation:
NOW, THEREFORE, we, members of the West Virginia Board of Education, do hereby
recognize Dr. Steven L. Paine for his role in advancing the cause of education in West Virginia
and throughout the United States.
Priscilla M. Haden, President
West Virginia Board of Education
XXVI.
Break
President Haden called for a break at 10:26 a.m. Superintendent Paine departed the
meeting.
XXVII.
Call to Order
President Haden called the meeting back to order at 10:35 a.m.
XXVIII.
Selection of State Superintendent of Schools
President Haden distributed a proposed search process for the Board’s consideration and
requested that Ms. Deskins (and she complied) provide an overview of the Attorney General’s
Opinion regarding the selection of a State Superintendent of Schools. (Copy appended to
Official Minutes, Attachment BB.)
XXIX.
Executive Session
President Haden, in accordance with W. Va. Code '6-9A-4(b)(2)(A), requested a motion
to move into Executive Session to consider the hiring of a State Superintendent of Schools as
well as to identify a salary to be offered. Mrs. Manchin moved, and Ms. Phillips seconded, the
motion. Upon the call for the question it was carried unanimously. The Board entered into
Executive Session at 10:42 a.m.
- 10 XXX.
Return from Executive Session
The Board returned from Executive Session at 12:03 p.m. at which time President Haden
announced that no action was taken and no decisions were made.
XXXI.
WVBE Personnel Matters including Selection of
State Superintendent of Schools (Continued)
President Haden called for a motion to hire a State Superintendent of Schools.
Mr. Linger moved that Ted Mattern be appointed to the position of State Superintendent
of Schools, at a salary of $150,000.00, effective, January 4, 2011, with the full power and
authority of the position. Dr. White seconded the motion and upon the call for the question the
motion was carried with five members voting yes and three members voting no.
Discussion ensued regarding the interview process and procedures. It was decided that
the hiring of an outside firm was not applicable as the job posting had been released; the timeline
for the search process would be determined by the number of applications received; the
applications would be embargoed until finalists are determined; WVDE Office of Legal Services
will review the applications and verify that the applicant meets the minimum requirements and
that the application contains all required parts; all applications (inclusive of those not meeting the
minimum requirements or that did not contain all required parts) will be provided to members as
soon as possible after the deadline for receipt; no instrument for the weighting of qualifications
will be developed/utilized; President Haden will set the date for members to meet and select
finalists; reference checks will be conducted for finalists by the National Association of State
Boards of Education at a cost not to exceed $2,499.00; a sub-committee, consisting of President
Haden, Mr. Linger, Mrs. Manchin, and Dr. White, will meet to develop interview questions at a
future date (members were requested to provide committee members with three questions that
they would like to be included in the interview); the interview committee will consist of Board
members only and will receive input from anyone wishing to comment; interview dates, times
and location to be determined by President Haden (it was suggested that the interviews take
place at Stonewall Resort or Flatwoods); President Haden is to determine a procedure for
consensus building toward making the final decision/selection and will contact the successful
candidate to offer the position and negotiate the start date and salary; appropriate press will be
released upon the successful conclusion of the search.
XXXII.
Board Items for Future Consideration
President Haden requested that items, inclusive of any requested during the meeting, that
members wish considered for placement on a future agenda are to be provided to her as soon as
possible. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment R.)
XXXIII.
Future Meetings
President Haden requested the Board’s pleasure regarding the invitation from Wayne
County Schools to host a meeting of the Board. Dr. Johnson moved, and Mrs. Manchin
seconded, that the Board accept Wayne County’s invitation. Upon the call for the question the
motion was carried unanimously. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment S.)
- 11 The next regular meeting of the Board will be held January 12, 2011, in Charleston, West
Virginia. The meeting will continue on January 13, 2011, if the agenda is not completed on
January 12, 2011.
XXXIV.
Adjournment
President Haden declared the meeting adjourned at 12:42 p.m.
Minutes approved by the Board on January 12, 2011.
_______________________________________________
Priscilla M. Haden, President
_______________________________________________
Robert W. Dunlevy, Secretary
Minutes were recorded by
Virginia M. Harris
Secretary to the Board.
Wvbeminutes12/8/10