Tag: West Virginia State Board of Education

State Board Considers Taking Over Boone County Schools

The West Virginia Board of Education could vote this week to take over Boone County’s public school system.

State board members tell The Charleston Gazette-Mail that the county board has twice refused the state schools superintendent’s orders to make severe employee pay and benefit cuts and submit a “fiscally sufficient” budget for this fiscal and school year.

Officials expect to address the issue at a Wednesday meeting in Charleston.

State board member Gayle Manchin says Boone’s budget for 2016-17 isn’t balanced and needs to be fixed.

Boone school officials have blamed their financial woes on a sudden, drastic decrease in property tax revenue from bankruptcies of major coal companies.

The state board, which includes nine voting members, already controls parts of the Gilmer County and Fayette County school systems.

Fayette County Sues State Board of Education Over Schools

Fayette County Commission officials have filed a lawsuit against the state Board of Education and the state School Building Authority, accusing them of failing to fund a consolidation plan for the facilities of Fayette’s schools.

Local news outlets report that the lawsuit was filed by the Fayette County Commission, commission President Matt Wender and two parents of students at Fayette’s public school system.

The lawsuit accuses the agencies of not fulfilling their duties to fix the school’s failing facilities, which the commission says present a threat of physical harm to students.

Attorney Sam Petsonk says his clients are asking a judge to order the defendants to explain why agencies shouldn’t be forced to fund a school consolidation plan.

SBA Executive Director David Sneed said Wednesday the agency will continue working with the county to develop a plan to solve the issues.

Comment Period on Proposed Education Changes Ends Next Week

The public has the chance to comment through early next week on proposed state Board of Education policy changes on course offerings.

The board proposal would require high schools to offer students an optional computer science course. The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports it also would change social studies and science requirements and course offerings.

Under one proposal, schools would be allowed to determine course instructional time. Previously, counties had to request state board policy waivers before offering high school credits for courses with fewer than 8,100 instructional minutes.

If approved, the changes would take place the next school year. The public comment period ends on March 14.

Rotruck Appointed to West Virginia Board of Education

Scott Rotruck has been appointed to the state Board of Education.

Rotruck replaces Wade Linger, who resigned last month.

Rotruck has been director of energy and transportation services at the law firm of Spilman Thomas and Battle. He also worked for several years for Anker Energy, CONSOL, CSX and Norfolk Southern.

Rotruck previously served as economic development director and senior adviser to the president at West Virginia University. He also taught a course on entrepreneurship at WVU’s business college.

In announcing Rotruck’s appointment Friday, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said that he possesses a wealth of knowledge fundamental to the state’s economic growth and ongoing development.

West Virginia Counties to Submit Teacher Certification Plans

State education officials say 25 counties plan to submit proposals this month for certifying teachers who don’t have a formal education background.

Approved by lawmakers last year, it allows for the alternative certification of teachers in some high-need areas. The state Board of Education approved a policy in September establishing the certification process.

State schools Superintendent Michael Martirano says the program will help promote, recruit and retain a “highly effective and diverse” workforce for students.

The Department of Education says in a news release that the proposals from the 25 counties must be submitted by Feb. 22. A board will review the proposals next month.

Additional proposals also will be accepted before the start of the 2016-17 school year. Further board reviews are scheduled in June and September.

Governor Won't Intervene in Consolidation Rift

West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin is staying out of a funding issue involving school consolidation in Fayette County.

State Board of Education President Mike Green wrote to Tomblin on Tuesday, asking that the School Building Authority conduct a new vote after rejecting Fayette County’s funding request.

Tomblin spokeswoman Shayna Varner tells the Charleston Gazette-Mail that Tomblin won’t force the SBA to hold a special meeting.

In September the Board of Education voted to combine Fayetteville, Meadow Bridge, Midland Trail and Oak Hill high schools. In denying the funding request Monday, the SBA cited a lack of local support, including a rejected bond issue by voters.

Green says the SBA exceeded its authority because it was only supposed to determine whether the required data had been filed.

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