By Stephen Smoot
Earlier this month, the Hardy County Board of Education convened. Sheena Van Meter, Superintendent, prayed during the customary invocation that “Father . . . we thank You . . . give us wisdom and discernment in all that’s done. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.”
Then came the Pledge of Allegiance and introductions of officials and attendees.
Board of Education President Dixie Bean shared that “it’s nice to have everybody here!”
Josh See opened with the maintenance and transportation report, stating that his crews had reacted to 92 percent of open work orders. The remaining eight percent represented older orders that could not yet be addressed.
He told the Board and Superintendent “we had what we thought were roof leaks” at Moorefield Middle School. Analysis determined that the roof had not leaked, but condensation from the HVAC system. The work done “seems to have taken care of it.” Another issue was related to worn stucco and insulation on the outside of the building.
See then noted that “we found another water leak between the meter and the building” at East Hardy Elementary School. Leaks from the system have plagued the school system.
He added that work would start on repairs to the Moorefield High School high tunnel greenhouses after spring break.
Bean shared that “I see that the lights in the auditorium are out,” and explained that “with concert season coming up” she hoped that could be remedied. See replied that “ESG will do that” and described the work they would undertake.
Additionally, See reported that the State Fire Marshal’s inspection was “fairly easy” and presented no major issues.
See then presented information of the costs and benefits of diesel and gasoline powered buses. That included comparative prices, approximately $151,000 for gasoline powered and $162,000 for diesel models. Diesel buses also are more prone to breakdowns and have significant maintenance costs. Bean added that reimbursements from the state represented “another reason to go to gas.”
Bonnie Crites then presented on benchmark testing scores, reporting “significant growth in both data sets.” That was true for “all grade levels and both high schools.” The outlier remained the testing for 10th grade mathematics that came back lower than the rest. Since ninth and 11th grade test results are not out of line, officials discussed possible reasons for the outcomes in just 10th grade in both schools. Crites suggested “it must be something with the test.”
Bean credited classroom ECATS aides for their work in supporting teachers. She stated that their work was vital in helping to increase scores.
In the attendance report, overall numbers increased slightly over this point last year to 93.04 percent. Chronic absence, however, had seen a slight one percent increase over the previous school year. Crites noted “we’re not sure what’s going on there” but that this year’s numbers in that field remind significantly better than two years ago.
Van Meter stated that Communities in Schools staff had performed visits to determine reasons for chronic absences. Also, it was reported that discipline numbers are stable and that most came from classroom incidents.
Orrin Staggers, counsel for Hardy County Schools, shared that 14 children had been approved for HOPE Scholarships next year with 35 more expressing interest.
