Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer
At the August 16 Pocahontas County Board of Education meeting, superintendent Dr. Leatha Williams shared the school system’s report card. The report highlights academic achievements, academic progress and attendance, showing where the system needs improvement and where it is excelling.
Williams shared at a previous meeting and reiterated here that there is a significant issue with math at Pocahontas County High School and attendance at all the schools. She said there are plans in place to work on these issues and make improvements this school year.
In her presentation, Will-iams said there is concern about students being on track to graduate. She said there is a significant number of students who are not on track and are currently behind in earning the credits they need to receive a diploma.
By the end of sophomore year, students should have two credits in each of the four core subjects – English/language arts, math, science and social studies. If a student fails to earn these credits by that time, it is difficult for them to catch up and graduate with their class.
“We did offer summer credit recovery,” Williams said. “Everyone who was offered summer credit recovery did not take those courses. I want to alert you in advance that there have been multiple opportunities to pass courses and we have some students that are in jeopardy.”
Williams said she is working with the administration at PCHS to help these students get back on track.
In miscellaneous management, the board approved:
• To convey the property next to the Community Wellness Center to the town of Marlinton subject to reversal clause and other requirements, for a period of two and a half years.
• Nature’s Mountain Playground trips for the 2025-2026 school year.
• Overnight trip to Cedar Lakes Conference SkillsUSA Fall Leadership, October 14 and 15, for six students.
In personnel management, the board approved:
• Resignation of Jennifer Stewart as special education teacher at Pocahontas County High School, effective September 19.
• Employment of Melissa Doss as school counselor/ program monitor at Pocahontas County High School.
• Employment of Jason Place as substitute custodian for Pocahontas County Schools.
