The most recent meeting of the Braxton County Board of Education was held on April 15. The meeting opened with the adoption of the levy rates for the 2025-2026 school year which was approved on a motion by Lisa Ratliff.
Next was the second public hearing regarding the 2025-2026 school calendar. No comments had been received and now the two calendars will go out for staff to review and vote on.
Melissa Adkins, Director of Legal Services, spoke to the board concerning the RIF/transfers. First, she explained the difference between RIF (Reduction In Force) and transfers. RIF means termination of contract whereas the transfers are just that. Director Adkins noted that it is a complex system set down by state code. Fourteen positions in each professional and service personnel will need to be cut according to the state formula. She and the superintendent are looking at other available funds, grants, and other cost saving measures to keep those positions as the county cannot afford to lose staff and keep academic growth at the forefront.
Superintendent Dr. Donna Burge-Tetrick discussed issues with the roof at the high school caused by recent high winds. A large section blew loose, and Treasurer Erica Whitney contacted the insurance company. She was able to negotiate for 80% of the costs to be covered for the repair. Since that incident more blew lose and again, she worked with the insurance company to lower costs. Close to $100,000 is what the county will be responsible for instead of the $900,000 actual costs. The roof repair will come with a 20-year warranty and a reflective coating that should reduce utility costs. A company is working now to do emergency repairs before more damage can occur.
Dr. Kenna Seal asked if the SBA application included the roof replacement at the high school. Dr. Burge-Tetrick said that she had been informed that it was not recommended to have two items on the application so she was removing the roof in light of recent events and the application will be modified to be just for the water system at the middle school.
Debbie Friend with the WVU Extension Service provided the board with a program overview in which she highlighted programs that directly involved students. She requested a $4,000 increase over last years budgeted funds.
The superintendent and Board President Evelyn Post discussed having a work session to review the budget, address the increase request, and the funds for other entities like the libraries, as well as other items discussed in the meeting that will need funding. Board President Post also wanted to add a discussion on the liability insurance that the school system currently pays for Holly Gray Park.
Under regular business, the following consent agenda items were approved on a motion by Dr. Kenna Seal: March 18 regular meeting minutes with corrections; budget transfers and supplements; and payment of bills.
The following personnel recommendations were approved on a motion from Lisa Ratliff: resignations of Kristen Cox, substitute teacher, and Patty Montgomery, teacher, Burnsville, due to retirement; employment of Gracie McCoy, substitute aide; transfer of Megan Facemire from pre-k to second grade, Sutton; and leave of absence requests for Kay Holcomb, cook, Davis, Sandra Fisher, aide, BCHS, and Brent Rose, bus operator and extra-curricular bus mechanic.
Other items approved during the meeting on separate motions were: permission and approval of $500 to each student organization for travel expenses to national conferences; permission and approval from BCHS FFA’s advisor and five students to attend the WV Envirothon Contest in Ripley on April 16 and 17; repeal of Policy 5200-Parent and Family Engagement; and the approval of the first reading of Policy 5200-Parent and Family Engagement.
Board members discussed several items at the end of the meeting.
Lisa Ratliff talked about her recent visit to the cosmetology program at the high school where she got to experience some of their services with a facial and a wash and style. She stated it was a “phenomenal program”, and she highly recommends everyone to visit if they get a chance.
Kevin Gregory spoke on the RIF/transfers. He stated he knew it was a difficult process and thanked all of the staff and their diligent work on trying to keep staff despite the funding cuts. He also noted the importance of programs like the WVU Extension Office and thanked Debbie Friend for coming out.
Larry Hardway agreed with Gregory on the importance of programs and the libraries for the students. He said the county needs to work on getting people to invest in the children and the need for an excess levy to help elevate the funding issues. He also mentioned that he had went to recent track meets and the athletes are doing a great job including first places at Lewis and Philip Barbour.
Dr. Kenna Seal thanked Debbie Friend for her report on their activities. He also stated he was glad the legislative session was over but knows some of the items are not completely gone and will come up again including vaccinations and school consolidation/regionalization. He encouraged the public to keep up the fight.
President Post concurred with her fellow board members. She stated that the public is talking about the new sports complex and she had recently received an exciting call from an anonymous donor.
The meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm. The next regular meeting is set for May 6 at the board office.
