First 2024 Board of Education Meeting Highlights Little Birch

The Board of Education for Braxton County conducted their first regular meeting of 2024 on January 9.
The meeting opened with a presentation from Little Birch Elementary Principal Jessica Pierson. She thanked the board for their support and especially the community for their continued support. During the holiday season, Little Birch was able to provide backpacks to all of their students with toys, snacks, hygiene products, hats, gloves, and other items. Principal Pierson noted the goals of improved academic scores and improved attendance. iReady benchmark testing already shows improvement since the beginning of the year and chronically absent students has dropped by 12%. Work is continuing on addressing low performance areas and building the school culture.
In regular action, the board approved the following consent agenda items on a motion by Lisa Ratliff: budget transfers and supplements; and payment of bills.
On a motion by Kevin Gregory, the following personnel recommendations were approved: resignations for Deborah Doshier, math, BCHS and Lisa Vaughan, English/Drama, BCHS (both due to retirement), Jaclyn Whitney, first grade ECCAT/aide/paraprofessional, Sutton, and Jessica Ward, special education supervisory/instructional/transportation aide, Flatwoods; and employment of substitute teachers-Athena Clark, Ermalinda Brooks, Justin Rose, Preston Hamrick, Desiree Lykins, Andrea Lemon, Leslie Loggins, Seth Arnold, Danielle Jividen, Debra Cline, and Lisa Vaughan, Leanna Blankenship, bus operator, bus 34, Kassidy Dobbins, interventionist, Sutton, Britni Ramsey, school technology contract, Frametown, and Patricia Dean, interventionist, Flatwoods.
The board postponed the discussion on cell tower litigation due to the attorney not being available and the presentation on RIF/transfer process to allow the superintendent more time to prepare.
Misty Vaughan was approved as a parent volunteer for Davis on a motion by Dr. Kenna Seal.
The board approved to repeal Policy 2300 Alternative Education Policy. Two policies were in place and this policy conflicted with the most recent policy. Lisa Ratliff made the motion for the approval.
Dr. Kenna Seal led the action to approve the first reading of Policy 4225 Alternative Educational Placement.
Board members ended the meeting with a few remarks.
Lisa Ratliff welcomed Seth Arnold, who was present for the meeting, to the substitute teacher list.
Kevin Gregory requested budget projections for the 2024-2025 school year.
Dr. Kenna Seal requested preliminary information on the state aide formula. He noted he was worried about public education during the upcoming legislative session.
Board President Evelyn Post stated she had been at meetings on the sports complex. The school system has received a letter of intent from Ike Morris. She also has another meeting coming up on other land options.
Superintendent Dr. Donna Burge-Tetrick and Board President Evelyn Post discussed the importance of providing activity buses and transportation to away games. More students are becoming involved and a large number are showing interest in spring sports at both the middle and high schools.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 pm. The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 23 at 6:00 pm. As always, members of the Braxton County community are encouraged to attend regular board meetings. Any parent or concerned community member wishing to speak as a delegate or with public concerns may do so by signing in up to 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting.