MINUTES
WEST VIRGINIA BOARD OF EDUCATION
Board Conference Room
Capitol Building 6, Room 353
1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East
Charleston, West Virginia
October 6, 2010
I.
Call to Order
President Priscilla M. Haden called the meeting of the West Virginia Board of Education
(WVBE) to order at 12:30 p.m. on October 6, 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, Delores W. Cook, Michael I. Green, Lowell E. Johnson,
and Gayle C. Manchin, and ex officio Steven L. Paine, State Superintendent of Schools. Student
representative in attendance was Taylor Fealy of Ellamore, West Virginia, who attends
Buckhannon-Upshur High School (Upshur County). Members absent were Burma Hatfield and
L. Wade Linger Jr., 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
The Board recognized Ms. April Hobson, teacher at James Monroe High School in
Monroe County, West Virginia’s recipient of the 2009 Milken Educator Award.
III.
Approval of Agenda
Upon motion by Ms. Phillips, seconded by Mrs. Manchin, the Board unanimously
approved the agenda.
IV.
Autism in West Virginia
Ms. Pat Homberg (distributed information), Executive Director, WVDE Office of Special
Programs, Mrs. Jeannie Elkins, parent, Boone County, and Chairperson of the West Virginia
Developmental Disabilities Council, and Mr. Manny Arvon, Superintendent, Berkeley County
Schools, provided an update regarding autism successes, services, challenges and solutions.
President Haden requested an update be provided at a future meeting. (Copy appended to
Official Minutes, Attachment P.)
-2V.
Implementation Report for the West Virginia Healthy Lifestyles Act
Ms. Melanie Purkey, Executive Director, WVDE Office of Healthy Schools, and Mr.
Clinton Giles, Principal, Capital High School (Kanawha County), provided an update regarding
the implementation of the West Virginia Healthy Lifestyles Act. Dr. Richard A. Wittberg,
Executive Director, Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department, was unable to attend the meeting due
to illness and submitted written remarks. The report provided four years of trend data regarding
West Virginia public school implementation of the requirements placed in the Healthy Lifestyles
Act of 2005 including physical education time, FITNESSGRAM® and Health Education
Assessment Project (HEAP). Conclusions and Action Steps for improvement were provided to
the Board for consideration. Superintendent Paine indicated that the Department’s response to
the action steps for improvement will be presented at a future meeting. (Copy appended to
Official Minutes, Attachment A and addendum.)
VI.
Parent Involvement
Dr Amelia Courts, Assistant State Superintendent, Division of Educator Quality and
Student Support, Ms. Liza Cordeiro, Executive Director, WVDE Office of Communications, and
Ms. Debbie Gurtis, President, West Virginia Parent Teacher Association, provided an update
regarding parent involvement in the West Virginia school system. The Parents21 website was
viewed and Ms. Gurtis spoke regarding National Parent Involvement Month (October).
VII.
Final Individual School Education Performance Audit Report
for University High School, Monongalia County
Dr. Kenna R. Seal, Director, Office of Education Performance Audits (OEPA), reported
that an announced on-site review was conducted at University High School in Monongalia
County March 10, 2009. A Team returned to the school September 8-9, 2010. The purpose of
the return visit was to verify correction of the findings identified during the original Individual
School Education Performance Audit and to recommend a final school accreditation status. Mr.
Frank Devono, Superintendent, Monongalia County Schools, addressed the Board regarding the
final audit report. Following discussion, Dr. Johnson requested that the job functions of the
librarian and the media specialist be distinguished and defined at the elementary, middle, and
high school levels, the number of librarians not transitioned or transitioning to 21st century skills,
and what higher education is doing to train individuals for library/media positions.
Upon the recommendation of Dr. Seal and a motion by Ms. Phillips, seconded by Mr.
Dunlevy, the Board unanimously continued the Distinction Accreditation status of University
High School until the 2010 data are reviewed and the December 2010 Report of Ratings is
released. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment B.)
VIII.
Break
President Haden called for a break at 2:40 p.m. Mrs. Manchin departed the meeting.
-3IX.
Call to Order
President Haden called the meeting back to order at 3:03 p.m.
X.
Office of Education Performance Audits (OEPA) Director’s Information
Dr. Seal provided information regarding visits currently in progress and distributed a
report provided at a recent meeting of Legislative Sub-committee B. (Copy appended to Official
Minutes, Attachment Q.)
XI.
Initial Individual School Education Performance Audit Report
for West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind and Progress Report
Dr. Seal reported that an announced on-site review (five days in advance) was conducted
at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind June 2-5, 2010. Dr. Jorea Marple
(distributed information), Deputy State Superintendent of Schools, provided the WVDE’s
recommendations and updates for the Board’s review and comment. Dr. Patsy Shank,
Superintendent, West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, addressed the Board
regarding the audit report. Following discussion, Dr. Johnson recommended, and the Board
concurred, that a WVBE member be an ex officio member of the National Advisory Council for
the WVSDB.
Upon the recommendation of Dr. Seal and a motion by Dr. Johnson, seconded by Ms.
Phillips, the Board unanimously accepted the recommendations, as presented by the Office of
Education Performance Audits and the West Virginia Department of Education, for the West
Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment C
and addendum.)
President Haden requested that New Business item A. Operation: Military Kids (OMK)
be moved to immediately follow the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind audit
report.
XII.
Operation: Military Kids (OMK)
Mr. Chuck Heinlein, Executive Director, WVDE Office of School Improvement, and Mr.
Richard F. Switzer, West Virginia OMK Youth Program Specialist, West Virginia Army
National Guard, presented an overview of OMK. OMK is the U. S. Army’s collaborative effort
with America’s communities to support youth before, during and after deployment. The Board’s
support of youth development through OMK, and the introduction of legislation to enter into the
Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, was requested.
President Haden deferred the vote on this matter until later in the agenda.
-4XIII.
Capacity Building for Low Performing Schools
Mr. Heinlein provided a summary of System of Support services provided, based on the
OEPA for capacity building with low performing schools, specific to the school reports located
on the October 6, 2010, Consent Agenda. Superintendent Paine addressed the Board regarding
capacity issues/workload and support for the WVDE’s Office of School Improvement.
XIV.
Recess
President Haden recessed the meeting at 4:29 p.m. and announced that the meeting would
reconvene on October 7 at 9:00 a.m. in the same location.
XV.
Reconvene
President Haden reconvened the meeting of October 6, 2010, at 9:03 a.m. on October 7,
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, Delores W. Cook, Michael I. Green, and Lowell E.
Johnson, and ex officio Steven L. Paine, State Superintendent of Schools. Student representative
in attendance was Taylor Fealy of Ellamore, West Virginia, who attends Buckhannon-Upshur
High School (Upshur County). Members absent were Burma Hatfield, L. Wade Linger Jr., and
Gayle C. Manchin, 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.
XVI.
Consent Agenda
Upon motion by Mrs. Cook, seconded by Ms. Phillips, the Board unanimously approved
the Consent Agenda. (Copies appended to Official Minutes, Attachments D through J.)

Revised Individual School Strategic Plans for Mount Vernon Elementary
School and Philip Barbour High School Complex, Barbour County
(Attachment D)

Meeting minutes of September 8, 2010 (Attachment E)

Amendment to the Kanawha County Comprehensive Educational Facilities
Plan to include the addition of a portable classroom at Montrose Elementary
School to accommodate the increased enrollment of the first grade classroom
(Attachment F)

Amendment to the South Branch Career and Technical Center Comprehensive
Educational Facilities Plan to include the addition of solar panels to existing
training buildings, converting conventional heat pumps to geothermal heat
-5pumps and adding additional miscellaneous green material to already approved
renovations in order to qualify them for a "Green Building Training Center"
(Attachment G)
XVII.

Nine (9) requests for a continuation waiver of instructional materials
(Attachment H)

Six 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)

Appointment of Dr. Joy Saab, Ms. Charlotte Judy, and Mr. Tom Tinder to serve
a three-year term on the West Virginia Commission for Professional Teaching
Standards (Attachment J)

Appointment of Mr. Gabe Devono, representing West Virginia School
Administrators, and Mr. Larry Gillispie, representing West Virginia State
Committee of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary
Schools, to the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission
Review Board.
Board Reports
Common Ground: Education and the Military Committee. President Haden
provided an update regarding committee activities and reported that the next committee meeting
will take place on November 1 at 9:30 a.m. in the Board Room.
President Haden provided an overview of the Operation: Military Kids (OMK) initiative
and called for the vote deferred earlier in the agenda with regard to OMK. Ms. Phillips spoke to
a need for an organization/initiative to support the needs of foster children.
Upon motion by Dr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Dunlevy, the Board unanimously issued
support of youth development through OMK and approved the introduction of legislation to
enter into the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. (Copy
appended to Official Minutes, Attachments K-1 and K-2.)
Local School Improvement Council (LSIC) Committee. Ms. Betty Jo Jordan,
Executive Assistant to the State Superintendent of Schools, provided an update regarding the
September 24 meeting, committee activities, and reported that the next committee meeting will
take place on October 26 at 1:00 p.m. in the Board Room. Dr. Johnson questioned a possible
connection between low performing schools and low-functioning LSICs.
Board Member Reports. President Haden introduced Ms. Fealy who suggested that
programs to match teachers to students and tutoring would be of great assistance to students.
President Haden served on a panel and attended meetings at the West Virginia School Boards
Association fall conference, suggested members attend Board meetings in the takeover counties,
-6attended an Arts in Education week activity, distributed (attached) eMentoring information,
attended a School Building Authority meeting, and attended a Southern Regional Education
Board meeting. Ms. Fealy attended a meeting of the Upshur County Board of Education. Dr.
Johnson attended the Common Ground Committee meeting, RESA 1 regional council meeting,
West Virginia Center for Professional Development meeting, and Jobs Cabinet meeting (Dr.
Johnson requested a presentation, at a future meeting, comparing the national and state
technology reports and where technology in West Virginia is headed). Mr. Green spoke at an
Office of Institutional Education Programs meeting, attended West Virginia Holocaust Education
Commission meeting (discussion ensued regarding bullying/cyber-bullying), and attended an
Innovation Zone informational meeting. (Copies appended to Official Minutes, Attachment R.)
XVIII.
Break
President Haden called for a break at 10:36 a.m.
XIX.
Call to Order
President Haden called the meeting back to order at 10:59 a.m.
XX.
Board Reports (Continued)
Board Member Reports. Ms. Phillips reported that the Board’s Evaluation Committee
met and reviewed evaluation instruments; the only change to occur is in regard to the evaluation
of the Superintendent of the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind in that the
Superintendent will be evaluated by the Deputy State Superintendent of Schools with the
evaluation submitted to the Board for approval. Mr. Dunlevy reported that he attended a
RESA 6 meeting, School Building Authority meeting, West Virginia Secondary School
Activities Commission meeting, and Jobs Cabinet meeting. Mrs. Cook organized Constitution
Day for Boone County, attended a School Building Authority meeting and toured a number of
Boone County Schools that have received School Building Authority funding, and attended the
Common Ground Committee meeting.
XXI.
Technology Systems Specialist Pilot Grant Application
Dr. Marple, assisted by Ms. Brenda Williams, Executive Director, WVDE Office of
Instructional Technology, presented the Technology Systems Specialist Pilot Grant Application
for the Board’s consideration. The Governor has allocated $2 million of the discretionary
portion of West Virginia's State Fiscal Stabilization Funds to be used for a pilot project within
the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) to derive information about the need,
value, and activities of Technology Systems Support personnel who will provide technology
support to schools selected by the WVDE to participate on a pilot basis. The WVDE will
provide a comprehensive report to the Governor and Legislature delineating the impact and value
of the pilot program and offering recommendations at the conclusion of the pilot. The American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) requires the Grantee's governing body to pass a
resolution confirming acceptance of the Contract between the Office of the Governor and the
WVDE for the Technology Systems Specialist pilot project.
-7-
Upon motion by Ms. Phillips, seconded by Mr. Green, the Board unanimously resolved
acceptance of the terms of the agreement entered into between the WVDE and the Governor’s
Office for the Technology Systems Specialist pilot project in the amount of $2,000,000.00
authorized by ARRA.
XXII. Statewide Waiver – WVBE Policy 2510, Assuring the Quality of Education:
Regulations for Education Programs, Section 5.6.1. Adolescent Education,
Graduation Requirements (Effective for Entering Freshmen 2008-2009)
Superintendent Paine, assisted by Ms. Jordan, presented a waiver request of WVBE
Policy 2510, Section 5.6.1. Adolescent Education, Graduation Requirements, effective for
entering freshmen 2008-2009. The purpose of the waiver is to enhance the delivery of
instructional programs and to improve the educational performance of schools and school
systems. Policy states “Students in the professional pathway and college bound students in the
skilled pathway, who do not achieve the State assessment college readiness benchmark (CRB)
for mathematics (based on grade 11 WESTEST 2), shall be required to take a college transition
mathematics course during their senior year.” Research points to the value of using multiple
measures of student achievement instead of one singular measure to determine mastery of
content. The alternative program will allow all West Virginia high schools to apply an index
system to determine whether students will be required to take a college transition math course as
seniors. The index system delineates multiple measures, instead of one standardized test score, to
determine student placement in the college transition mathematics course. Those measures
include students attainment of college readiness benchmarks on EXPLORE, PLAN and ACT,
performance on the Grade 10 and 11 WESTEST 2 mathematics assessment, mathematics courses
taken, and course grades. The index of multiple measures allows diverse opportunities to
document student achievement, rather than depending on the WESTEST 2 point-in-time
snapshot. A WVEIS screen located in the WVEIS on the Web Maintain Student Information
Program has been created to assist high schools and county systems in identifying eleventh
grade students who may not be on track to meet the CRB for mathematics. The WVDE will
prepare communication for counties and schools to use with students and parents regarding this
graduation requirement. Schools and counties will also be encouraged to (1) use these data to
identify students before grade 11 who may be at-risk of not meeting the CRB for mathematics;
(2) provide mathematics support programs; and, (3) enhance mathematics instruction in order to
increase the number of students who are college ready.
Upon a motion by Dr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Dunlevy, the Board unanimously
approved the statewide waiver request of WVBE Policy 2510, at Section 5.6.1. Adolescent
Education, Graduation Requirements, effective for entering freshmen 2008-2009.
XXIII.
Policy 2445.40, Groupings for Adoption of Instructional Resources
for Early Childhood Education, Middle Childhood Education
and Adolescent Education
Ms. Carla Williamson, Executive Director, WVDE Office of Instruction, presented
Policy 2445.50 for the Board’s consideration. The WVDE recently completed the criteria
-8setting, call for bid and adoption process for social studies instructional materials. No materials
considered for adoption met the criteria for K-8 social studies. Limited resources for grades 9-12
met the criteria. The WVBE recently adopted the Common Core State Standards for English and
Mathematics which will become effective in 2014. Work has begun on the Common State
Standards for Science and Social Studies. By delaying the adoption of instructional materials for
two years, the Common State Standards for English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies
will be in place. Instructional materials publishers are transitioning to interactive digital content.
Due to the many changes in standards and the limited availability of rich instructional resources
as the publishers make their transition to interactive digital resources, it was recommended that
the WVBE revise Policy 2445.40 to delay the adoption of instructional materials for two years.
Upon motion by Dr. Johnson, seconded by Ms. Phillips, the Board unanimously placed
Policy 2445.40 on public comment for 30 days. (Copy appended to Official Minutes,
Attachment L.)
XXIV.
Policy 5100, Approval of Educational Personnel Preparation Programs
Ms. Lori Wiggins, Executive Director, WVDE Office of Professional Preparation,
presented Policy 5100 for the Board’s consideration. Policy 5100 is being revised to include
new West Virginia Professional School Counselor Standards. The suggested revisions articulate
what a school counselor should know and be able to do. The standards include identify five
broad areas in which the school counselor should demonstrate expertise: Program Planning,
Design and Management; Program Delivery; Data Driven Accountability and Program
Evaluation; Leadership and Advocacy, and Professional Growth and Responsibilities.
Upon motion by Mrs. Cook, seconded by Ms. Phillips, the Board unanimously placed
Policy 5100, at Section 1.0 General, and Appendix A-6, on public comment for 30 days. (Copy
appended to Official Minutes, Attachment M.)
XXV.
WVBE Personnel Matters including Termination of
Teacher at Davis-Stuart School
Upon motion by Mr. Dunlevy, seconded by Mr. Green, the Board, with five members
voting yes and Dr. Johnson abstaining, approved all personnel items including the termination of
a teacher at Davis-Stuart School. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment Mc.)
XXVI.
Approval of Addendum to Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract with
Constellation Energy Projects and Approval of Lease Purchase Agreement
for the Increased Cost on behalf of Preston County Schools
Ms. Heather L. Deskins, General Counsel to the WVBE and WVDE, presented an
addendum to the Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract with Constellation Energy Projects and
the Lease Purchase Agreement for the increased cost on the behalf of Preston County Schools for
the Board’s consideration. An addendum to Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract with
Constellation Energy Projects was requested to replace digital controls at the Preston County
High School and Rowlesburg Elementary. The original contract only contemplated upgrading
-9controls at the High School, but the energy audit determined that the controls needed replacing in
both locations. A lease purchase agreement similar to the original one that financed the
Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract to finance the increased cost was also requested.
Upon motion by Ms. Phillips, seconded by Mrs. Cook, the Board unanimously approved
the addendum to the Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract with Constellation Energy Projects
and the Lease Purchase Agreement for the increased cost on the behalf of Preston County
Schools and a lease purchase agreement similar to the original one that financed the Guaranteed
Energy Savings Contract to finance the increased cost.
XXVII.
State Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Paine presented Department personnel items (Attachment N) for the
Board’s information. Education Efficiency Audit Update. Mr. Joe Panetta (distributed
information), Assistant State Superintendent, Division of Student Support Services, provided an
update regarding the Governor’s requested education efficiency audit. Discussion ensued
regarding the scope of the audit, financial aspects imposed by the courts, and the constitutional
authority of the Board. Dr. Johnson requested that the firms’ proposals be provided to him
electronically. Mr. Green departed the meeting. Advanced Placement Update. Ms. Jordan
presented recommended actions and timelines with regard to the West Virginia Advanced
Placement Strategic Plan that was developed by the West Virginia Center for Professional
Development. It was the consensus of the Board that the recommended actions and timelines be
accepted. Ms. Purkey provided information regarding an $8.9 million competitive grant targeted
at safe and supportive schools at the high school level. Superintendent Paine also spoke about
drop-out prevention and I3 grants, drop-out prevention report, integration of patriotism concepts
at the middle school level, The First Tee (character development initiative), and stated that Dr.
Linda Darling-Hammond will be visiting West Virginia on October 20 and will also be
presenting at NASBE. Superintendent Paine indicated that he had received information
regarding Preston County’s school bond election and members would be provided a copy.
(Copies appended to Official Minutes, Attachment N and addendum.)
XXVIII.
Board Items for Future Consideration
President Haden requested that items, inclusive of any requested during the meeting,
members wish considered for placement on a future agenda be provided to her or Dr. Marple as
soon as possible. Dr. Johnson requested all items, as stated previously in the minutes, be placed
on a future agenda. Ms. Phillips requested Judge Moats be invited to provide a presentation next
month regarding truancy. Superintendent Paine requested a presentation regarding best practices
with regard to foster children (Ms. Phillips indicated that she knew such a person and would
invite her to provide a presentation at a future meeting). (Copy appended to Official Minutes,
Attachment O.)
XXIX.
Future Meetings
President Haden announced a meeting of the Board’s Student Representation committee
for October 29. The next regular meeting of the Board will be held November 9, 2010, in
- 10 Charleston, West Virginia. The meeting will continue on November 10, 2010, if the agenda is
not completed on November 9, 2010.
XXX.
Special Recognition ~ Delores W. Cook
President Haden recognized Mrs. Cook for her meritorious service and unwavering
dedication to providing a thorough and efficient education to West Virginia’s children as a
member of the Board from 2002 to 2010.
XXXI.
Adjournment
President Haden declared the meeting adjourned at 12:32 p.m.
Minutes approved by the Board on November 9, 2010.
_______________________________________________
Priscilla M. Haden, President
_______________________________________________
Robert W. Dunlevy, Secretary
Minutes were recorded by
Virginia M. Harris
Secretary to the Board.
Wvbeminutes10/6/10