With the summer break coming to a conclusion and the new school year on the horizon, the Hardy County Board of Education held its initial meeting for the month of August.
Hardy County Schools Superintendent Sheena Van Meter opened with the customary invocation, praying that “We thank you, heavenly father, that we’re here together this evening to do your work, and we ask, Lord, for your wisdom, your guidance, and just knowledge about all decisions that are made this evening.”
She concluded with “Let us do what’s best for our community and our kids.” All in attendance then recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the meeting was called to order.
The meeting opened with a lengthy report and discussion on maintenance. Josh See in his report noted a number of issues that have plagued East Hardy Elementary School and how his team has worked to address them.
It started by reporting that the “East Hardy Elementary School elevator was made operable this month,” but still awaits the proper fixtures. More significant is the ongoing issue of multiple water leaks at East Hardy Elementary School. See shared, adding that they thought the problem was a spigot and turned that fixture off over the weekend. “We went back today. It’s even wetter today.” See also discussed conversations with Logan Moyers at the Hardy County Public Service District, saying that often no knowledge of a leak is available until the bill comes. Then it must be determined if the problem is higher usage or a leak.
See related that Moyers told him that an alarm will usually indicate a leak but that the current problem might not rise to the level of setting it off.
Additionally, plans are in place to run an internet cable through a planned walkway canopy between Moorefield Elementary School and the Pilgrims building nearby. This will help to operate cameras in the building. At East Hardy High School, a hillside that presents mowing challenges will receive a gravel covering. Also, three buses received transmission service this summer.
Board of Education members also voted on a resolution to support the “I Love West Virginia Public Schools” promotional campaign. This effort came from the West Virginia Association of School Administrators, whose leadership team includes Van Meter. Also from this region are three current and former officials from Pendleton County Schools.
As Van Meter has explained previously, the intent behind the movement lies in facilitating the telling of positive stories and accomplishments from the classroom. With 90 percent of students educated in public schools, WVASA decided that the system needed its own advocates to engage lawmakers and the public at large.
Part of the resolution included “Hardy County Schools shall actively participate in the campaign by utilizing the district website, Facebook page, and other official communication platforms to share campaign information, correspondence, success stories, student accomplishments, and examples of the positive impact that public schools have on the citizens of Hardy County.”
Van Meter then offered “Congratulations . . . I saw the Tri County parade results were posted, and I think Hardy County led in every category across the board from bands to FFA chapter . . . there were different things in our [region/area] we really did clean up. I was really proud of that too.”
Toward the conclusion of the meeting, it was noted that the Hardy County Commission had approved $3,000 to support music in schools. Board members gave Chip Combs of WELD credit for helping to promote the cause.
Photo Cutline: The logo for the new public school advocacy campaign launched by the West Virginia School Administrators Association
