Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer
At the May 16 Pocahontas County Board of Education meeting, math coach Joanna Burt-Kinderman gave an update on math scores and grants for the upcoming school year.
Burt-Kinderman shared the 2022 test results, which were the best she has seen in her career with Pocahontas County Schools.
“Of the seven grades we get tested – third through eighth and eleventh – six of them tested above state average proficiency,” she said. “That’s the first time in twelve years that I’ve been doing this job. That’s the best we’ve seen yet. That’s really exciting.”
She added that the 11th grade was second out of the 55 state districts and seventh of the 114 high schools in the state.
While the score reflects well on the students’ retention of math lessons, Burt-Kinderman said there is always room to improve.
“I think it’s in three parts – more models, more fluency and more math time,” she said. “By models, I mean all the stuff that probably looks weird to you on kids’ homework, is really tracking – like drawing pictures to learn how to add, subtract, multiply and divide. To develop a deep flexible understanding what it means when you learn to long multiply or long divide.”
Burt-Kinderman explained that math has evolved and while middle school math looks similar to what board members learned in school, high school and elementary math has changed. The high school students are doing more and learning in different ways and the younger students are using new methods that have helped them learn math.
The board thanked Burt-Kinderman for her continued efforts in getting new ideas and grant funding for the math program, as well as for her update about the progress of the students.
In miscellaneous management, the board approved the following:
• Memorandum of Understanding between and among West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition Programs, Pocahontas County Schools and West Virginia Bureau of Juvenile Services, making clear the roles and responsibilities of all parties in delivery of services to Pocahontas County Schools students placed in the Pocahontas County Reporting Center for the 2023-2024 school year.
• To remain in conjunction with the Country Roads Cooperative in a roll-over bid with Gordon Food Service/HPS, per terms of the 2021-2022 bid agreement, including the annual membership fee for the 2023-2024 school year.
• Three week out-of-season athletic practice dates for the 2023-2024 season from June 12 to June 30.
In personnel management, the board approved the following:
• Requested transfer of Karen R. Murphy from teacher of multi-subjects, fifth grade, at Green Bank Elementary-Middle School, to teacher of multi-subjects, fourth grade, at Green Bank Elementary-Middle School, at a state minimum salary based on degree and experience plus equity, effective for the 2023-2024 school year. Term of employment is 200 days.
• Rescind consent to change Kristin A. Baer as teacher of multi-subjects, first grade, at Green Bank Elementary-Middle School, to teacher of multi-subjects, second grade, at Green Bank Elementary-Middle School, effective for the 2023-2024 school year. Term of employment is 200 days.
• Consent to change Kristin A. Baer as teacher of multi-subjects, first grade, at Green Bank Elementary-Middle School to teacher of early education at Green Bank Elementary-Middle School, effective for the 2023-2024 school year. Term of employment is 200 days.
• Employment of Amanda R. Buzzard as teacher of multi-subjects at Hillsboro Elementary School, at state minimum salary based on degree and experience plus equity, effective for the 2023-2024 school year. Term of employment is 200 days.
• Employment of Diane L. Arbogast as secretary II/accountant II at Marlinton Elementary School, at state basic salary, effective for the 2023-2024 school year. Term of employment is 215 days.
• Appointment of Sherry L. Radcliff as treasurer for Pocahontas County Schools, bonded requirement by the State of West Virginia, as per Code 18-9-6, effective for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
• Requested transfer of P. Duane Gibson from teacher of carpentry at Pocahontas County High School to director of maintenance, transportation and safe schools for Pocahontas County Schools, at state minimum salary in accordance with Pocahontas County Administrative Salary Schedule, commensurate with experience and education level, effective for the 2023-2024 school year. Term of employment is 261 days.
• Employment of Wendy Kirk Picarella as teacher of art and CTE/career exploration at Marlinton Middle School at state minimum salary based on degree and experience plus equity, effective for the 2023-2024 school year. Term of employment is 200 days.
• Employment of Sally J. Logan as teacher of art and CTE/career exploration at Green Bank Elementary-Middle School, at state minimum salary based on degree and experience plus equity, effective for the 2023-2024 school year. Term of employment is 200 days.
• Employment of Haley G. Cummins as special education classroom aide/bus aide at Pocahontas County High School, at state basic pay, effective for the 2023-2024 school year. Term of employment is 200 days.
• Employment of Cammy J. Kesterson as summer school program coordinator for the 2023 Summer Opportunities for Learning and Engagement (SOLE), at daily rate of pay, effective for the four-week program, June 5 through June 29, plus an additional five days for preparatory work/SOLE closure, as needed. Wages are contingent upon adequate staffing and student enrollment. Paid holidays are not part of this contract.
• Employment of Penny S. Beam and Vada L. Boback as K-5 academic interventionists for the 2023 Summer Opportunities for Learning and Engagement (SOLE), at daily rate of pay, effective for the four-week program, June 5 through June 29. Wages are contingent upon adequate staffing and student enrollment. Paid holidays are not part of this contract.
• Employment of Lora S. Miller as cafeteria manager for the 2023 Summer Opportunities for Learning Engagement (SOLE), at daily rate of pay, effective for the four-week program, June 5 through June 29, plus one additional day for meal preparation. Wages are contingent upon adequate staffing and student enrollment. Paid holidays are not part of this contract.
• Employment of Tina M. Tracy as special education classroom aide/bus aide for the 2023 Summer Opportunities for Learning and Engagement (SOLE), at daily rate of pay, effective for the four-week program, June 5 through June 29. Wages are contingent upon adequate staffing and student enrollment. Paid holidays are not part of this contract.
• Employment of Tomma J. Johnson as custodian III for the 2023 Summer Opportunities for Learning and Engagement (SOLE), at daily rate of pay, effective for the four-week program, June 5 through Jun 29. Wages are contingent upon adequate staffing and student enrollment. Paid holidays are not part of this contract.
• Employment of Jessica M. Oxier and Tammy S. Rider as school nurses for the 2023 Summer Opportunities for Learning and Engagement (SOLE), at daily rate of pay, effective for the four-week program, June 5 through June 29. Wages are contingent upon adequate staffing and student enrollment. Paid holidays are not part of this contract. This will be a shared position as SOLE requires only one nurse per day.
• Resignation of Shannon G. Arbogast as head boys soccer coach for Pocahontas County High School, retroactive to April 25.
• Resignation of Fred H. Barlow as substitute school bus operator, retroactive to April 27.
• Resignation of Jamie D. Hill as substitute teacher and substitute aide for Pocahontas County Schools, retroactive to April 28.
• Creation of position professional accountant for Pocahontas County Schools, at state minimum salary plus $4,000 yearly supplement, effective for the 2023-2024 school year. Term of employment is 261 days.
The next board of education meeting will be Tuesday, June 6, at 6 p.m., at the board conference room.