Annual Linkage meetings have been completed for all schools in the county. At those meetings Principals, LSIC members, Teachers and Students presented the state of the state of Gilmer County Schools before the Board of Education and the public.
The Students are to be congratulated. Each presenter was articulate, knowledgeable and captured the audience attention. Did you know we have aspiring artists, journalists, rocket scientists, meteorologists, broadcasters, documentary film producers, story tellers and homemakers in Gilmer County? That we do and so much more to be very proud of.
The Teachers must receive credit for encouraging those young minds and letting them know that they can dream and achieve. Both tenured and new are striving to make our schools a better place. Are we working to support them? That needs to be a question in the forefront when it comes to educating the children. Teaching professionals need to know that their hard work is appreciated. With the introduction of new curriculum known as Common Core the task ahead will not get any easier. We need and must support good Teachers.
Community attendance and interest was very evident at the Sand Fork, Troy and Normantown Elementary meetings. They were upbeat and positive as Principals spoke about their schools future goals and how fun the past year had been. Unfortunately the numbers were very low at the two Glenville school meetings. Is this indicative of a pocket of apathy or perhaps bad timing? Hope public participation improves next year.
It was disturbing that behavioral problems including high numbers of reported physical assaults were an issue reported at Glenville Elementary. The Principal emphasized a need for an elementary alternative learning center to handle problems. One expulsion was documented. There was also one reported at Troy. However the Principal at Troy said they use a room across from the office as their alternative area to separate a problem child, get them refocused and prepared for return to the group setting. That is a proactive response geared to keeping a child in trouble within a peer setting that should be applauded. Gilmer County schools are not overstaffed. It takes caring and quick thinking using the resources at hand to get it done.
Most are aware of incidents at the High School over the past year. The presentation was well done and very informative. Incidents of discipline numbers decreased from the prior year but included documentation of 3 expulsions. A local mother who will have a child entering High School next school year expressed serious concern and wanted to know what was being done about the bullying, bomb threats and drug busts. She reported that State Police said there had been an arrest. This was confirmed by the Principal who stated there were others under investigation but it was an ongoing Police matter and could not be discussed.
The Vice Principal and the State Superintendent voiced the opinion that these things happen at every school and went on to say that many times the first thing they hear of a problem is when the parent calls wanting something done about it. Administrators were in agreement that Parents not taking enough responsibility for their child’s behavior was a contributing factor to the problems here. The Mother reminded them she could not be concerned about other schools, just the one her child attended and demanded to know what was being done. Then members of the Board Of Education spoke up, saying they had no knowledge of any expulsions in Gilmer County. Expulsion indicates total removal of a child from the school system and of those brought before the board this year none had been expelled. It was asked why they were not using the alternative learning experience at the Career Center rather than expel. The senior member stated “We do not throw our children away.” Shortly thereafter the meeting was adjourned.
Since there was no administrative explanation, no denial, the question remains who approved the expulsion of Gilmer County Children? Who is in charge? By WV Code and advisement of the State BOE that is a function of the local board even under intervention.. No child is to be suspended beyond 10 days without being brought before the local board for hearing either in executive session or open public meeting as decided by their parent or legal guardian and may have an attorney present. They are entitled to due process under the law, not to be pushed around at the state’s discretion.‘’
To that end Parents must join together and stay involved guaranteeing not a single Gilmer County child will be tossed to the side. No one can do that but you. Expulsion is a very serious matter that can set the tone for the rest of life. It should be used only as a last resort. Nothing can be done to avoid it, no assistance provided when events are cloaked in secrecy. Apparently you must insist upon being informed. Information will not be offered. Attendance at all school meetings must become a priority.
State BOE, do not take arbitrary action behind closed doors. When it comes to how you treat the children here there can be no secret acts. Protect the student name if the family wishes but follow your own rules and state laws. Follow educated and well thought out procedures. Do this for the only reason you exist, Do this for the good of the children. Expulsion must not become a routine punishment. It solves no problems. It shoves students in trouble out of the door, away from possible help and into a world they are obviously not prepared for. Gilmer County doesn’t give up on its children.
Community Concerns™: Delegates Walker and Boggs, Why Tolerate Withholding of Information ....
Community Concerns™: Delegates Walker and Boggs, Why Tolerate Withholding of Information for Gilmer County’s Schools
The second year anniversary for the State’s seizure of Gilmer County’s school is near. Seizing control of the schools by the State humiliated the County and to add insult, citizens have not been informed of improvements the State has made during its rule plus the remaining tasks to be completed before the school system can be restored to local control.
The failure of the State to disclose information promotes a belief that it is treating Gilmer’s citizens similar to conquered people under martial law. In addition to be denied information they have no say in how their tax money is used for schools or anything else associated with administration of the County’s public schools.
Despite assurances that the State’s knows what it best for public schools there is no credible proof that in other counties with seized school systems education outcomes have markedly better. Take McDowell County for an example. After a decade of State control too many of its children remain non-proficient in reading and math.
Honorable Delegates, you have authority to require the WV Department of Education to provide citizens with the following information and an urgent appeal is made for your intervention. The information is known to be accessible through your authority as legislators.
# By referring to the audit report preceding the seizure of the County’s schools what are the specific tasks that have been completed to eliminate documented deficiencies?
# What specific tasks remain to be completed before all the school system’s deficiencies are corrected?
# What is the State’s schedule for completing remaining tasks to enable citizens to know when the school system can be returned to local control, and why did the State fail to submit its official exit plan promised in 2012?
With the State’s present way of doing business it appears that it authorized itself open ended options to do as it pleases with Gilmer County’s schools while avoiding any accountability, an anathema to good government.
Taking away local oversight caused more than one problem. The Super hired a principal for Troy who was unable to work and he was paid anyway, the Super failed to secure natural gas access for the new Linn school and that blunder will cost taxpayers unnecessary money because of higher electricity costs, and we hear that the Super plans to use excess levy money to purchase the school site along Cedar Creek. Before the election he assured us that the money was needed for basic expenses to keep the school system functioning and nothing was disclosed about its use to purchase land. We were hoodwinked big time folks. What else is there that we don’t know about because of the State’s lid on information?
By Ralph Morgan on 05.13.2013
Gilmer residents who voted for the levy should know their tax money is not used for students as indicated. Just to mention one, Blankenship illegally used the excess levy funds to replace the phone system for about $80,000.00.
There was not anything wrong with the phone system when he replaced them. But now we have a system, which does not work and does not function as promised. In Gilmer County under state control the kids and teachers are not first.
By a boe employee [23] on 05.13.2013
There are very important legal issues that need addressed in this Gilmer School debacle.
Apparently both Superintendent Blankenship and principal Butcher have stated publicly, that there have been several students expelled from school.
Expulsions from more than one school.
The elected school board was not informed nor were they involved either.
Discipline and school trips were the only two items your school board can vote on. These issues are under their control.
Seems Blankenship has taken it upon himself alone to be the “court of expulsion” without informing or involving the school board.
These students and their parents were denied their “day of court” with the school board being excluded.
How long must Gilmer County citizens be treated in this fashion?
Governor Tomblin and Delegate Boggs and Walker. Please help!
Obviously there is NO oversight of Blankenship. There is NO oversight of the State of West Virginia Board of Education.
Governor, Delegates. You have a responsibility to resolve these issues.
By its your elected duty on 05.13.2013
I attended one of the levy meetings where Superintendent Blankenship and Board President Bill Simmons was actually telling all of us how desperate this levy was for the children. The levys funds would be used to buy books and tablets that were needed but there was not enough money in the budget to purchase. The Superintendent and the school board appeared to be ‘selling’ the levy to those of us attending.
Are you saying that the levy funds are and will not be used as was presented to us in the public meetings?
By really? on 05.13.2013
Our problem is the superintendent who thinks he is knows it all. He has always does his work, if any, in secrecy. He really likes his back scratched in all of his dealing. I hope I am getting the point across. He does not want the state to communicate with people in the county. How many times the state officials have mentioned that Blankenship should have explained or been at a meeting?
By must look at the source of problem on 05.13.2013
If the school board, as a balanced group of elected representatives are supposed to have control of discipline, but Blankenship jumps ahead of the Board, wouldn’t the parents and students have a solid basis for a suit against both Blankenship and the State ? Parents, you need to speak out!
So how many times has this happened that the board and no one else is aware of?
What makes Blankenship think he has been appointed judge, jury and hangman for our Gilmer County children?
By where's the oversight on 05.13.2013
To the Board of Ed[23] employee and the 80K unnecessary, non-working phone system. The bus drivers say that their bus radios were working OK when Blankenship had them replaced. Can you tell us how much that cost the taxpayer? Do you know how much the salary was that was paid to the Troy Principal who never showed even one day for work? And people wonder why the taxpayers are hissed off with this mafia payola system?
Superintendent Blankenship. You are a *radio guy* ? How about telling where all those good used radios reside today? Tell your school board in a public meeting, so everyone knows.
By in crooked county on 05.13.2013
Buying unnecessary stuff is a habit of Blankenship. This is the way he makes his kickbacks under the table!
By think about it on 05.13.2013
This glaring example of purposely withholding information from the public extends to Mr. Ted Matterin, Mr. Charles Heinlein, Dr. Linger, Gayle Manchin, and Governor Tomblin. The problem could be resolved within days if the individuals would exhibit courage to act. An investigation needs to be done to expose how State interventions have failed, what the expenses to WV taxpayers have been, and how our public school children have suffered from the gross incompetency while the State tinkered over the years. Does anyone know if Ron Blankenship receives his 120 K salary in addition to his State retirement money, and does Ted Matterin get his consulting fees paid in addition to his regular State retirement? It is no wonder that the individuals do not want to speed up the return of our schools to County control because it is would be against their financial interests.
By J. D. Lingenfelter on 05.14.2013
Mrs. Hurley, could the Coalition get us information for the compensation for Ron Blankenship and Ted Matterin for a GFP posting? Citizens have a right to know. This school mess raises serious questions about who profits from funds being spent and the treatment of Williamson and Shriver is one of many issues needing to be looked into. Why does the firm get what is believed to be no-bid contacts to have a monopoly on school building projects? Is any of Mark Manchin’s SBA money to W & S from federal sources to give the feds justification for investigating?
By Earl Batson on 05.14.2013
Good point Earl Batson. Remember, the ‘education budget’ portion of state expenses, is over 50% of the entire state budget. Mark Manchin is son of A.J., former treasurer. Remember that deal? If our new AG ever starts investigating corruption, he will need to at least double his staff.
By Anonymous For a Reason on 05.14.2013
Earl B. So sorry to be late responding, had some down time. Last year’s BOE financial statement showed Mr. Blankenship receiving $123,000 and a little over $4,000 in travel. As to Mr. Mattern, I will try to find who issues his contract and if we would be provided that info or will a Freedom of Information request necessary.
I know that Gilmer County BOE did not hire W&S. There was no bid.The state issued that contract. It is my understanding the state has a list of “approved vendors”. I believed those were vendors that meet state criteria such as insurance, bonding, product specs. etc. I have found no evidence that being included on that list exempts a company or an entity from the laws regarding public improvements and bidding whether education or no.
By N Hurley on 05.15.2013
Norma, are Blankenship and Matterin double dipping to receive their regular State retirement benefits plus full compensation for their school system work too This is information WV taxpayers should know. Thank you.
Well Gilmer County, here we are. Our school system is still under State intervention and we still have unanswered facilities issues. For the second consecutive year the Superintendent’s request for SBA consolidation funding was denied.
The plan, one elementary school to be located on Little Crooked Run is an attempt to bring all students in to one central location. Once more a plan that fails to meet the transportation timeline requirements established in W.V. Code and greatly increases the cost. This is a plan to build a school that will have no gymnasium, no library and no auditorium. Is that what you really want? Do we really want to have to drive the children from a secondary to a main road in order to catch a bus? Don’t even think about the “hollers”.
I write this letter to discover if it is fact that the Parents, Grandparents, Caregivers and Tax Payers really want just one elementary school in Gilmer County. Will that meet the needs? We know it cannot meet the laws. President Simmons reports on the desire of every citizen he has spoken to and has reported to our Board of Education that they speak in favor of this one school. Is this reality or, given the fact there is no project started, would you like to see Gilmer County have the opportunity to vote on a bond issue to be used to construct a second school? Would you like to see a vote on that? One funded by Gilmer County Taxpayer bonds to run concurrent with funding for a second to be requested from the W.V. School Building Authority. If we are ever going to do this the time is now. Another funding cycle and it will be too late. Permission has to come from the State Board of Education to even try. We are quickly reaching the point of now or never.
Fayette County school district has been under state authority for quite some time but was recently granted approval to vote for bonds and avoid unwanted consolidation through WV State Board of Education. Fayette County was given the legal right and opportunity for their citizen’s voice to be heard no matter what the outcome.
Why shouldn’t Mr. Blankenship and State Board of Education Superintendent James B. Phares restore that same right to the people of Gilmer County? It is a question some feel should be asked and can be pursued if that is the will of the people. SBA Director Manchin has indicated to both the Democrat reporter and Coalition Facilitator they would look favorably on such an effort. It was the original deal.
If our right to vote is returned we can debate whether one should be located close to town but toward Sand Fork (already SBA approved) and possibly one at the also approved Letter Gap site, maybe one for 240 students and one for 155 to accommodate our remaining 395? Or discuss any other possibilities you want. Gilmer County can come to an intelligent consensus if given options and the opportunity to hear proposals and be part of the decision making process. Surely this is food for thought for all concerned Gilmer County citizens? If we funded a bond and consolidated to two schools would there be reason for the large excess levy that supported four?
Most know we don’t need 79 acre sites for an elementary school. A future high school was projected by Superintendent Blankenship, Principal Butcher and President Simmons in public meeting not to be needed for at least 15 years. A high school must meet the centralized need of the students for Glenville State College and Calhoun/Gilmer Career Center access and, given a greater amount of time by law to transport the older students, can be done. That must be for future discussion at a more relevant time. Today, the needs of our youngest are on the table.
Hope to see community comments to this letter, It will also be taken to the Glenville Democrat/Pathfinder as well. Mr. Ramezan, Mr. Corcoran, will you please run a public opinion poll asking whether Gilmer County feels the need of one elementary school or two and if they would vote for a bond issue to fund a second school? The time is now. This is the last chance to even try. After one school is funded it will be too late. The subject must be broached to the State before time runs out to try and make it possible. Neighbors, your consideration and feelings on this important issue would be appreciated.
No matter what I WANT MY RIGHT TO A VOTE! What makes the State Board of Education think they have any right to take that for any reason? This is a Gilmer County problem not the states and they need to exercise some common sense and stop the bullying.
We would vote for two schools. This one central idea is not practical and will only cause hardship for people having to drag their kids out even earlier to get them to a bus stop or find a babysitter and it will hit our local BOE budget hard in the end. I know that is the fact of what will come from this. Mr. Blankenship warned parents to expect it from the day he was put here. The man won’t even show the new attendance area maps and we know he had to work on them for the Lewis County school let alone this Crooked Run.
By Don't Take My Rights on 05.07.2013
WHY is 79 acres necessary or even being considered? The site where they wanted to purchase is not a good location to start with. I wonder if they considered about getting students home when the roads are snow covered and they would have to travel up the steep hill from the Crooked Run site or high water. Where would they place the students in case of a bomb threat, in the woods maybe? Would be a long WALK to the college. Where are the heads of all these high paying positions people that have the big degrees but no COMMON SENSE. I can tell you where their heads are and it is not pleasant. Build the one school for the county that they say will have no gymnasium, no library, and no auditorium? Wow, we have SMART people in control. After all Gilmer County wants to be noted for their smartness. There you are, “here’s your sign.“ I am in favor of firing every single one from the county level to the state level. Pull some people with common sense off the street and give them the jobs. They certainly could not do any worse than what we have representing us now. I hope the elites who are behind all this stupidity for this county is held accountable and would step up to the bat and say hey we made a mistake in what we are doing and do what is right for the kids. I don’t think that will happen, but one can always hope.
By Sad but so true on 05.07.2013
West Virginia Constitution 12-10. Creation of independent free school districts.
No independent free school district, or organization shall hereafter be created, except with the consent of the school district or districts out of which the same is to be created, expressed by a majority of the voters voting on the question…..................................
They didn’t ask Troy and Alum Bridge to vote. Now they want to combine the rest no questions to be asked or answered? Free? Where’s the freedom?
Linger wants to say they are giving more local control, to who? Show us where. You guys haven’t said a word about intervention counties. Neither did you Governor. Did we disappear when you waved your magic wand and labelled us a problem? Do you consider us serfs to the master? Seems so. What, do you just pick an area and say well you’re not free anymore, you don’t matter and can’t be part of this state? You don’t have a voice and what you think doesn’t count because we say so? We’ll tell you what to do with your children and you better like it?
HECK NO!
By Put It To a Vote on 05.07.2013
Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn’t there a referendum for a bond a couple of years ago to pay a portion of the funds for building two new elementary schools? And wasn’t this referendum voted down?
It would seem to fly in the face of the author’s argument for a solution. I would think the reason it failed is the majority of the property owners and therefore tax payers for such a bond either don’t have kids in the schools or don’t believe that such a solution will address the real issues. I don’t know, but I do know that such a vote was held and I wonder where was the push then? To do the process again will take much more than just a vote, it requires plans, lawyers, etc. John Bennett could enlighten all on the effort, but I assure you it is no small undertaking in time or effort.
By Roger Moore on 05.07.2013
Does anyone know the cost of the Crooked Run site as well as the other two sites that were looked at? Shouldn’t that be part of the discussion?
By anonymous on 05.07.2013
Bus travel time is an important part of the placement of any school in our county, isn’t it? Gayle Manchin sits on this board so I have read. Husband Senator Manchin signed into WV Law limiting bus ride time limits for our children. This is all the more reason to see that schools are built at locations for the travel time to meet those requirements.
By anyone watching? on 05.07.2013
To Mr. Moore,
I would support a bond for two schools. The real reason it failed before is because the all the choices presented to the people included major renovations for the high school. We need to focus on the young children right now, like the writer said. Let’s take one step at a time and do the right thing for our kids. According to the article in the Democrat last week, Mark Manchin said the SBA would build a school if the tax payers would build one. Let’s take him up on that offer!
By Rose [1] on 05.07.2013
That first bond was voted down because the majority WANTED TO KEEP ALL OF THEIR SCHOOLS and not consolidate at all. We wanted to save our communities and did not know we had no other choice. Nobody told us it wouldn’t matter what we wanted but that has become very clear now that Troy Elementary was thrown away by the State appointed Superintendent.
It needs to go back to the ballot. That’s the only way Gilmer County can have ANY SAY about ANYTHING that happens when it comes to education now. This one school absolutely won’t serve our needs and puts children and families in a terrible position. Those folks who bring their kids in on their way to work from out Sand Fork way won’t find it so great to drive over to Crooked Run and back to Glenville to work, then back over the bridge and back to town just to pick up their children & get home.Let alone for any extra curricular activities. (if there are any). With the High School out there the cost and wear & tear to get the buses back and forth to the career center and GSC will go higher and take twice as long. With no gym and the other schools gone the only way the kids can play basketball will be if they can get time in the High School gym. Don’t be so quick to give my right to vote away just because some self appointed big shot thinks they know what’s best for us. From what we experienced since this takeover happened I say vote on it.
By O. A. Hill on 05.07.2013
Mr. Moore maybe you need to work on your math skills.The author’s argument is very valid. When that bond was voted down for 2 schools what did we have left? Four, not one. I don’t think there’s a soul would doubt if the bond was ran for one school it would have been voted down even faster and by an even higher margin.
Our schools are the heart of our communities. Now the state wants to tear that heart out and stomp on it calling that progress. We’ve produced some pretty successful adults from those small buildings and nobody wants to see them go. But if they must, then I say we have to try for two. One school just won’t cut it for Gilmer County. If Pickens can have a PK-12 school built for 37 and Ritchie an elementary school at Smithville for 89, both funded by the SBA, then there’s no reason our county can’t have two. The topography and areas of population density demand that at the very least.
If the state won’t help Gilmer County then we’ll have to help ourselves. It’s not the first time but just let them know it will be the last time the Governor and this do nothing Commission gets a check on the ballot from me or mine and wouldn’t count on too many excess levies if Blankenship doesn’t give us the right to vote on this.
By J.P. on 05.07.2013
When the voters voted down consolidating 4 schools into 2, that should have been the end of the consolidation business. The problem in education is not schools with too few children in them. The problem is government control of education in the first place. Parents and teachers should decide how schools should operate - not bureaucrats in some office who have no vested interest in what happens to the children involved. The state took over Gilmer County schools because they wanted to control people, not to improve education!
By Karen Pennebaker on 05.07.2013
Whomever “J.P.“ is, has summed it up well. The fact the SBA has funded small schools in other sparsely populated counties, basically says ‘Gilmer buzz off’. We are treated as second class probably because someone has the ego drive to think that Gilmer County needs an ‘all-in-one’ show palace. You can rather guess that idea would manifest from top of Court Street.
Education is supposed to be about exactly that. Education. Educating children, preparing them for life in the real world. Not stroking the ego of self serving elites.
The Democrat party has kept a strangle hold on our State and look how we stack up? Bottom of every measure. You see it everywhere you look in our community too.
Sorry to say many of my family have checked that block too. Do not look for any of them to repeat their mistake again. The other side is not much different, but they will
get all our votes from here forward.
Ike Morris runs this county. We all know that. Ike, get us some small schools built. Talk to Earl Ray, Joe, Brent, Dave and the rest. Do what is right for Gilmer County.
Maybe we would think different by the next election.
By please on 05.08.2013
Mr. Moore. Most of the voters I have talked with, voted against the levy because they felt it did not address the somewhat complicated school issues. There were not enough, rather not the proper options put in front of the voter. It failed for that reason. Likely a *well thought out plan* would still pass in the county. I know several that would support a bond. The right options would have to be in place with community input. I do not think either, that it was a money deal that killed it. Bad plans.
By anonymous on 05.08.2013
In response to previous question. The Sand Fork site was offered for less than $70,000 at the time, nothing was ever said about the Lettergap pricing but the reported price for this Crooked Run is just shy of a half million for more land than any elementary school would ever need. The Lewis County site Gilmer supposed to pay $167,500 as half the cost. No sense applies when it comes to spending other people’s money. If the state’s buying shoot for the moon is the rule for people with no conscience. Until recent years this county did its level best to stay in the black and work with what we had. That doesn’t seem to be what the greedy want. Just spend it all, ask for more and say what’s the problem?
By Needs to Change on 05.08.2013
Resolution on Behalf of the Gilmer County Board of Education
Authorizing a Lease Purchase Agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Ms. Heather Hutchens Deskins, General Counsel to the WVBE and WVDE, presented a resolution on behalf of the Gilmer County Board of Education authorizing a lease purchase agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc. for the Board’s consideration. Gilmer County Schools wishes to finance the purchase of Motorola school bus communications equipment in the amount of $114,538.66 with financing at 4.59% interest, payable over five years with annual payments of $26,156.42 from Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Dr. Johnson moved that the WVBE adopt, on behalf of the Gilmer County Board of Education, the resolution authorizing the Lease Purchase Agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc. Ms. Phillips seconded the motion and upon the call for the question the motion was carried unanimously. (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment L.)
Just a little reminder from Sept 5, 2012 of what the state BOE likes about Gilmer County… They obligated us for five years of debt and didn’t even bat an eye. In the meanwhile most sat here with their hands over their mouths keeping still and ignoring the ones who tried to let them know like good little puppets. How far has that gotten us?
By Lily [1] on 05.08.2013
The Office of Education Performance Audits recommended the West Virginia Board of Education return local control of the county school system to McDowell pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding between the two boards effective July 1, 2013, subject to three conditions:
- The current appointed superintendent, Nelson Spencer, remains in that position for four years
- Training is provided to the McDowell County board in the following areas: personnel, finance, and board leadership
- The McDowell board be mindful that it is under the watchful eye of the WVBOE as noted in West Virginia Code 18-2E-5 (q)(2), which indicates the state board may intervene immediately in the operation of the county school system, “… if the state board finds the following: That the conditions precedent to intervention exist as provided in this section and that the state board had previously intervened in the same school system and had concluded the intervention within the preceding five years.”
GEE, I’D LIKE TO CONGRATULATE MCDOWELL COUNTY BUT JUST AM NOT SURE WHAT FOR. STILL A STATE SUPER,FIVE YEARS PROBATION, STILL NO MONEY, STILL TERRIBLE BUILDINGS AND THEIR BOARD WILL BE WATCHED AND WORRIED LIKE POOR CHILDREN WONDERING IF THE WELFARE WORKER IS GOING TO COME TAKE THEM AWAY AGAIN.
By But Lot's of Luck on 05.08.2013
McDowell has been told. ‘You all listen up here’. Its a false ‘return’. They state is STILL controlling the school district. State Board of Ed is simply hiding behind the smoke and mirrors.
CommunityConcerns™: Mounting Evidence of Gilmer County’s Failed High School
The world famous U. S. News and World Report organization published annual assessment data for the Nation’s high schools. Gilmer County’s high school fared poorly. Its math proficiency score was 37% compared to 27% for reading.
After the State’s seized our schools without warning it imposed what seems to be additional punishment by depriving top quality educations for our high school students. The students, through no fault of their own, are entering a highly competitive world at a distinct disadvantage because of insufficient math and reading skills.
Replacement of the high school’s principal should have occurred long ago as part of a comprehensive plan to upgrade the school’s educational performance. Why has that not happened? Does the principal’s family wield fear over the State’s decision-makers, do any senior State officials including Ron Blankenship genuinely care about our children’s welfare, and what options do Gilmer County’s people have to get the high school’s performance improved while our elected school board is powerless to make improvements? When the highly touted Common Core Standards are implemented it is unlikely that they alone will improve academic outcomes for math and reading at the high school unless a new principal with proven leadership qualifications is installed.
An immediate change of leadership at the high school is critical. Based on interpretations of statistics in the State’s database the County’s grade schools perform well, but after students enter high school their proficiency in math and reading suffers. That underscores need for a new principal to help contribute to a better education for our children.
The high school’s substandard performance is enabled by inaction by Governor Tomblin, Dr. Linger, Dr. Phares, Mr. Heinlein, Mr. Mattern, and Mr. Blankenship. There is ample blame for Delegates Boggs and Walker too. Until these powerful individuals intervene a new principal will not be hired. A continuance of inaction by the officials will devastate the County even more because a principal is ultimately responsible for achieving favorable academic outcomes. A convincing argument cannot be concocted to refute that truism. Refusal by the State’s officials to act responsibly for the betterment of our children defies logic to promote spreading anger and disgust among Gilmer County’s concerned citizens.
Mr. L. Wade Linger, in your article printed in the Charleston Gazette on May 05, 2013, you advocate that the State Board of Education’s must act decisively to solve West Virginia’s daunting public school system problems. Why not heed your personal counsel by demonstrating that you mean business by using your authority as the president of the West Virginia Board of Education to provide Gilmer County with a new high school principal?
WENT TO THE ARTICLE, HERE ARE THE NUMBERS REPORTED FOR GCHS. IF YOU DON’T FIND THIS UPSETTING I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO TELL YOU. THE KIDS CAN’T READ. IF THEY CAN’T READ, THEY WILL NOT SUCCEED. IF IT WEREN’T FOR THE MATH PROGRAM MENTOR OUR BOARD HAD IN PLACE BEFORE THE STATE CAME (THEY SINCE TOOK HIM OUT) THE MATH SCORES WOULDN’T BE WHERE THEY ARE AND THEY ARE DISGRACEFUL.
By Heads Need to Roll on 05.06.2013
Fact is the problems set in when block scheduling was introduced by Principal Butcher under Superintendent Toman. Trying to force semester type classwork with no continuity on kids as though they should be able to study like they were already in college. Despite the fact the Board of Ed voted it down unanimously and even Mr. Toman spoke against it but refused to tell the Principal no. Why is that? Could it be a case of not biting the hand that gave the free rent? The same hand that paid two years salary at the college when his contract wasn’t renewed? There seems to be a pattern here and not one that puts the children first. Why is Ed Toman still lurking around in the background staying in contact with the office? When Bennett was here in he’d walk in the door all the time. Now he phones in to get information.
By The Reign of Power Mongers Must End on 05.06.2013
The federal comparisons are shocking but do not actually reflect what our children can do. If for example the state standards test only eight out of fifteen of the national testing requirements when averaged in our numbers become appalling but not an honest assessment. All because the State Board of Ed wants the money and have to turn in incomplete numbers to get it.
This is a disgrace and Charleston you are the ones responsible for this. You get money for programs and fund a position not the program. When are you going to get out of the way and let the Teachers teach! Stop the paperwork nightmare, stop taking federal monies if you won’t use it for the students and stop these crazy interventions.
By Stop Hurting our Children on 05.06.2013
The sad truth is, do the people in county care? It does not seem like it. Otherwise they should stand up like other counties and demand answers. Parents in other counties organized and kept their kids home and protested in front of the school. Harrison County is a good example. Only the power of people can make change. In Gilmer County it seems only few have the power. They are the ones who demand their kids’ grades changed to A at the high school and then they buy their ways in to a college degree. The majority ends up struggling. We must change this. State boe does not care, superintendent does not care, and principal does not care. Gilmer Countians should care.
By Anybody Cares? on 05.06.2013
Why do you think people home school or move away? Consolidated schools do NOT work. If parents don’t care, the children don’t learn, either. Education isn’t something that comes in a box or improves in a “modern building” with all the technology in the world available. Any child who is not on grade level should not be promoted to the next grade. This “politically correct”, one size fits all approach to education has failed and ought to be scrapped. Let’s face it: governments have no business being in the education business. Education should be the responsibility of families and the teachers they chose, not the local, state or federal government.
By Karen Pennebaker on 05.06.2013
NEVER wanted to live to see the day Gilmer County wouldn’t stand and fight. Couldn’t dream we’d ever take the easy way out and bow down. What happened folks? Tired? Then get ready to be a doormat for the rest of your life and your kids too.
Don’t let Charleston sweep us under the rug in the name of school consolidation disguising the next step which is county consolidation. That’s what happens if we quit now. Have you forgotten your heritage? Have we stood side by side through flood, fire and famine for this? One community down and three to go.
Troy didn’t believe it would happen but it has. When they finish the other three the next in the line of fire will be the High School and Glenville. Why do you think they are letting the mold situation go on? Will we have to throw them in trailers for years like Normantown? There’s a good possibility of it. Why do think they want us to pay for land to use 15 years down the road? Does that make any sense at all? Can you really call that being fiscally responsible?
Blankenship and his yes man kind still hold the power, the checkbook and show no signs of giving it up. If he wears out there’s another one just waiting for a chance to jump at that salary. All Charleston BOE wants is for you to give up and shut up. If your’re tired take some Geritol but you better find the will to fight. Making nice and playing ball got us where we are today.
By Better Wake Up & Find That Backbone! on 05.06.2013
If the proficiency numbers are correct, just another indicator that Phares, Linger, and the other names mentioned are demonstrating they are NOT CAPABLE of the job assigned to them.
If the High School is failing like this, it is Blankenships’ responsibility to seat a new administrator.
The nine state board members, each drawing a paycheck of over $5,000.00 per month, (last count) should all resign as well as board president Linger. They have done NOTHING to improve the State system, let alone remedy any problems that they claimed permeated in Gilmer County.
In fact, the State Board of Ed thumbed their nose at Governor Tomblin’s audit report…....and he let them get away with it?
By anonymous on 05.06.2013
Most parents and residents in West Virginia do not know the law has changed regards “which county the student attends school”.
New law GIVES THE SUPERINTENDENT the decision as to where each student attends school. That decision has been taken from all school boards.
Watch how this plays in Gilmer County. Parents. Enjoy.
By anonymous on 05.06.2013
Our community has no backbone. People are tired of fighting the political money system we have. Money rules. No common sense. Just ego feed. You see it everywhere you look. Businesses, city government, county government, school system, Glenville State College. The same few control all. They always get their way…..except when they buy CUBE t-shirts. lol. The community has been worn down by these selfish factions. Everyone worries about their job or someone in the family job. So that pretty much shows that all the problems in our community belong to those egotistical psychopaths that run the county. They buy off their cronies at the Capitol and always get their way. And about the CUBE t-shirts, is Toman sitting in the “life less tree” like one of those carrion eating birdies? He is buttering his bread to come back to Gilmer County.
By amoeba county on 05.06.2013
Behind closed doors it was planned to force out our most valuable and experienced educators saying they were old fashioned, couldn’t teach the new ways. In reality the next generation came from our colleges unprepared. The honest will tell you that they know before they enter the system they are behind. Our college sets poor standards for student acceptance and we reap what they sow. Many things must change from the bottom to the top but it will take an administration willing to accept responsibility and equal to the task. We don’t have that.
By Things Must Change on 05.06.2013
Backbone has been replaced with a fund raising mentality in much of America. Wash a car, make spaghetti, run a race, do a bingo game, make homemade candy, and such. This replaces the mental state with a false belief that “I am doing something”. It can be referred to as “conscience salve”. It falsely replaces the do what “is right” in individuals minds. The volunteer individuals are telling themselves “I am a good person” and then can sleep at night. It substitutes for actual stand up, back-bone type of action.
By anonymous on 05.06.2013
Calhoun Middle/High School
Proficient in Reading 13%
Proficient in Math 27%
College Readiness Index 0.4
Here’s the number for Calhoun County’s only high school. As you can see the problems are not isolated. It is posted on the Hur Herald that Mr. Phares has asked the students to take the Westest2 seriously this year. OMG. Mr. Phares, when will you take the pressures our Teachers and students work under seriously? When will you start evaluating High School administrators by anything other than their social influence quotient? When will you hold someone in your own failing administration accountable for anything? You insinuate blame but take none yourself. Pretty sad to lay State BOE failures on the students.
By Put Some Big boy Pants On Phares on 05.06.2013
One thing is different: Calhoun County does not have the few who betray their county for personal and political gains.
By Calhoun Proud on 05.07.2013
Calhoun schools are nearly in the same shape as Gilmer schools. We are still recovering from the “Blankenship years”. Pity you Gilmer people.
G-LtE™: Shocked in Tanner - First Energy Corporation
Dear Editor,
I am a senior citizen on a fixed income as are many residents of Gilmer County. In fact, our county isn’t getting any younger. I’m having a problem with our “newest” utility company, First Energy Corporation.
It seems that since taking over from Mon Power in April 2012, that they have been unable or unwilling to read meters in Gilmer County. My last actual reading in March 2012 resulted in a credit on my April 2012 bill. This was used by First Energy Corp. to compute my bills for one year until my next actual reading in March 2013. This reading resulted in a bill of $908.01. This, I am sure, has happened to others in Gilmer County.
In talking to customer service, I was told that this formulation has not caused any problems. When I mentioned that others have complained, I was told that they have no way to address this concern because they can only see my account. (How convenient!)
Of course, I asked to speak to her supervisor, and I was told that “she’ll just say the same thing.”
I’m asking you to print this letter so that anyone with health concerns or elderly will not be so shocked when they receive their bill for next month’s estimated reading; they might require medical attention. You see, my April 2013 bill was for $729.33, estimated
On Friday, a customer service supervisor called. After explaining my concerns on the formulation of estimates, she acknowledged that “there might be a flaw” in these calculations. She will have someone, a supervisor, from the meter reading department call me. You see, that is the department that formulates the estimated readings.
A little known fact is that an estimated bill is just that and legally you can not be made to pay it. Again a little known fact.
The utilities, not just here but in all states, have been utilizing this practice for many years in an effort to save money in the reading of the meters. Those rules are set by each state’s Public Service Commission. In order to allow the practice the PCS has required the utilities to provide the customer with the ability to read their own meter.
I would suggest the following if your meter is only being read once per year.
Do not sign up for their automated payments - these are based upon formulations involving average daily temperatures, your house’s square footage and possibly your past use of the utility. It does not take into account your usage, the fact you may be gone, installed a new a/c, furnace, etc. Since you already are seeing an over-estimation then something is off there.
Make your own reading on the meter, or get someone you trust to do so if that is more than you can do. It is not hard. On the reverse of your bill you will find the process of how to read the meter and also a phone number you can call and give the Representative your actual reading and they will issue a new bill.
If reading once a month is too much, then don’t pay the estimated bill one month and then take an actual reading. They can’t shut your utilities off for not paying for estimated usage that you didn’t use. Just make sure to put the money away for the month you don’t pay.
Eventually two things will occur. They will change your formula based upon the actual readings you provide and they will send a meter reader to confirm your readings are correct. Neither will take a year.
They are not really trying to pull one over on you although it may seem that way. (Now their practices when they had you on the phone were not the best, as if you were upset they should have looked at the formulation, especially based upon the large overpayment.) However they are operating as our PCS has allowed them to based upon their arguments and the PCS Commission’s approval. Since remedies are made available to read your own meter and they are not permitted to cut off someone not paying an estimated bill, it has been a permitted practice for a number of years.
By Jeff Adams on 05.02.2013
I too am having a problem with the power company not reading meters. Meters are supposed to be read every other month. I live on Rt. 5 West and my electric meter has been read 3 times since March 2012 by the power company. We have read the meter ourselves three times during this period of time, so we will not get huge bills all at one time because of them not doing their jobs. I waited 25 minutes on hold one time I tried to call them to give them the readings. The point is…the meters are NOT being read every other month by the power company. We are not being paid to read our own meters. If we have to read our own meters, then the power company needs to reduce our prices of electric. Some people have told me their meters are only being read 1 time a year and the rest of the time estimated. This is not right. If our bills are underestimated which has happened to many that I have talked to, then when they finally read it the bills are out of sight such as Mrs. Williams. As she said a lot of people live on fixed incomes and cannot afford bills like she got. I tried to avoid this from happening to us and therefore that is why we called ours in three times. I asked them how they would like it if I “estimated” how much I was going to send. Something needs done.
By Margaret Collins on 05.02.2013
As I stated a few days ago, after two years I received an electric bill for $327.00 after calling it in myself. Waited over half hour twice and finally talked with someone to give my reading third call wait of 15 minutes. Well, that was last month. Just received our Energy Power bill for May and now its up to $418.00. Yep, thats right. The bill shows the $327.00 payment, as ‘estimated’.......after I called it in. Now they are showing an ‘estimated’ bill of $418.00. They may be able to produce electric, but they can’t produce a correct billing. Anyone else having problems like this?
Wonder if I will have to call three times to the utility commission to get this resolved?
By Sand Fork resident on 05.04.2013
To: Sand Fork Resident
Even when you call your own meter reading in it will still show as estimated on your next bill. The bill says it should show C for customer reading but it does not. It still shows as estimated unless they come read it. We have read ours three times and it never shows customer. I hate to think what ours would have been if we had not read it. I to had difficulty getting thru to a LIVE person to give the readings. Finally I called the Public Service Commission and told the lady about what was going on and she said give me the reading and I will guarantee I will get it to them. She did. She was very nice and helpful. I suggest you and any one else having the same problem to call the number below and report it to them. Maybe if enough people complain something will be done. Enough is enough.
Public Service Commission of WV
201 Brooks Street,
P.O. Box 812
Charleston, WV 25323
Phone 304.340.0300
Fax 304.340.0325
The name of the nice lady was Shannon and she is the Consumer Affairs Technician
Utilities Division
1.800.642.8544
G-FYI™: Who Is Auditing The State’s Screw Ups? They Knew Better, Didn’t They?
The public should know this incident happened on April 18, 2013 at Sand Fork Elementary School in Gilmer County, WV. The school system is under state control with Ron Blankenship as state appointed superintendent.
The following is part of INTERCEPTED LETTERS, enough to show you how the Gilmer County Schools are run by Mr. Blankenship who is known to say “I am not aware of it”, “Everything is under Control”, and “this type of decisions are above my pay grade.”
Gilmer County Board of Health
Carl E. Nichols, M.D., Health Officer
809 Medical Drive Suite #3
Glenville, WV 26351
April 23, 2013
Ms. Marian Swinker, Commissioner for Public Health
Bureau for Public Health
350 Capital Street, 7th Floor
Charleston, WV 25301
Re: Written Statement—- Water outage at Sand Fork Elementary School in Gilmer County
Dear Dr. Swinker;
Here is the Written Statement you requested. The Health Department staff and myself worked together to get it wrote up correctly.
We first received a call from Gilmer PSD around 8:20 AM stating that the water was turned off at Sand Fork area due to a water line break. Around that same time, Carol Beam, Administrator, faxed to the Board of Education and to Sand Fork Elementary School a copy of the Environmental Health Procedure Manual section: Drinking Water, Procedure # DW-18 {2 pages).
Around 10:15 received the second call from PSD saying "all pressure has been released."
Around 10:30 AM we started receiving calls from the staff at Sand Fork Elementary School regarding the unsanitary conditions. "No way to wash our hands, no way to flush the toilets, some children are gagging from the foul odors." We got other calls from parents complaining also.
After discussing the complaints with the Administrator, Carol Beam, she called Superintendent Ron Blankenship to discuss the problem. Mr. Blankenship told her everything was under control. They had gotten some drinking water and the Fire Department was bringing water to flush the toilets. Mr. Blankenship was then informed by Ms. Beam that the Health Officer and the Public Health Nurse were going to make a site visit to the school to evaluate what was going on. Mr. Blankenship then informed Ms. Beam that "that was not necessary, but do whatever you want to do".
As we were leaving to go to the school, we received another call from (does not want name mentioned, for fear of losing job), who stated that they were in the process of flushing the toilets with the fire department water hose, there was too much pressure and feces, urine, toilet paper and water went everywhere, in the bathroom floor and into the hallway.
As the Public Health Nurse and I arrived on scene [Sand Fork Elementary School], it appeared they were cleaning up the floor with water the fire department had brought.
Upon some further investigation, myself and the public Health Nurse come to the conclusion that it was not safe for children or staff to be there at this time, due to unhealthy and unsanitary conditions.
Mrs. Radabaugh, Acting Principal was informed that the school needed to be closed until repairs could be made and the place properly cleaned and sanitized.
I then called Mike Pickens, State Board of Education to update him on his findings and recommendations, as he requested I do.
Mr. Pickens agreed with my action to close the school till repairs were done and the place was cleaned and sanitized properly. Mr. Pickens stated that his office backed me 100%.
Called Mr. Blankenship [Gilmer County Superintendent of Schools] by telephone, his extension, no answer, left a message on his voice mail informing of my Actions and my conversation, and of the State Board of Education's Approval to shut down Sand Fork Elementary School till repairs were done and it was properly cleaned, sanitized and inspected.
Received a phone call from a school employee stating they just received a phone call from the BOE secretary with a message from Mr. Blankenship that “school will not close until regular closing time.”
I then called Mr. Pickens, State Board of Education office and updated him as to Mr. Blankenship's' behavior, that Mr. Blankenship was defiling my Order to close the school. And he was keeping the school open till normal closing hour. This action was placing the students and staff at risk of infection. The contaminated area had not been cleansed or sanitized properly. Mr. Pickens stated he would have to report this to his superior, Mr. Heinland, who in turn would call Mr. Blankenship and resolve this issue. He would call me if any problems or questions arose.
I received no further calls from Mr. Pickens or Mr. Heiland.
Friday morning I found out that school was not shut down, and it remained open as usual. I heard nothing back from Mr. Pickens or from Mr. Heiland. Therefore I assumed the problem was taken care of on Thursday.
I also called Gene Johnson, Board of Health President to make him aware of what was going on. I attempted to call BOE office—- no answer.
Amy Atkins, Division of Local Health Director, was contacted at this time. She will investigate this matter and get back in touch with me.
Carol Beam, GCHD [Gilmer County Health Department] Administrator called Chief Sanitarian, Penny Mangold of Fairmont District Office, to come and do an inspection before Monday. She did come down on Friday and did the inspection. She will send me a report as soon as she gets all information put together.
The Health Department received a phone call around 10:15 on Friday, April 19th from the Gilmer PSD stating "the boil water advisory had been lifted.
On Tuesday, April 23, I received a phone call from Amy Atkins, Director of Local Health. She had spoken with you regarding all of the above. She stated to me that everything was handled correctly and that I did have the authority to shut the school down. The BOE does not have a Health Officer; therefore they must follow the county Health Officer’s recommendations.
I hope I did not overstep my boundaries. I did what I felt was best for the children and staff at the school. lf there was something handled incorrectly, please let me know. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Carl E. Nichols, M.D.
Gilmer County Bd. Of Health Officer
cc: Gilmer County Board of Health
Gilmer county BOE members
Amy Atkins, Director of Local Health
Mike Pickens, State BOE
Total disrespect for Gilmer County children,their families and even employees now a proven fact. Remember when the kids had to stand out at the bus stops in sub-freezing wind chills because this Superintendent wouldn’t delay start time? Fear of this state driven totalitarian regime is now documented.The water was off the next day in Troy but with Mr. Blankenship not available to stop it the school was closed for the day as it should have been. Ronald Blankenship, State Board of Education, it is time for you to GO! You came in here with no good cause and based on your actions no good purpose in mind. Knowing better, you to feel no responsibility to do better. Urine and feces blown out into the hallways and you left children as young as four years old in the building the rest of the day?
By The Last Straw on 05.01.2013
Get this James B Phares, if even one of these kids get diarrhea or an infection we will see you in court!They couldn’t wash their hands, how did you keep little ones from sitting on those dirty toilets? How did you feed them lunch? Who do you really think you are?
By Believe It on 05.01.2013
What a disgrace. The Superintendent has actually committed a crime against our little children. Teachers, did you file a grievance with your union? You have a big part in this mess too. Quite apparent, the State has placed someone in charge that is clueless, no common sense, no respect for anyone. Just in it for the dollars!
By Anonymous on 05.01.2013
Gov. Tomblin is absolutely right. State Education needs more oversight! Governor - - - Are you up to it?
By doesn't seem so on 05.01.2013
Sure Phares, that’s what you said to a parent over a case when you were Randolph County Super. So now that your over the state office the rule doesn’t apply anymore? Your own Deputy was called, Mr.Chuck Heinlein, so you were well informed. Who did Michael Pickens call for instructions? You. Mr.Pickens as State Facilities Director you are in charge of school closures. If you don’t believe it review your own areas of responsibility on the WVDE website.
This is one more case of turning Blankenship loose on the citizens and children of Gilmer County to take revenge on the voters that would not renew his contract here or support his candidacy later on
.
Governor Tomblin, Delegate Boggs, Delegate Walker, you too must stand responsible for not exercising Legislative oversight of the people you not only put in power but also fund via state budgets. It is you who must hold them accountable. They are not within reach of the voters but remember, you are.
If something is not done about the gross mistreatment of Gilmer and the other intervention counties of this state it can be safely predicted that you will be the ones paying the political price.
What would you do if your grandchildren were forced to stay put in such an environment? Oh, that’s right, they would have closed the school for you because if not,someone would pay.
Do something to actually help the people of this state.Instead of faking protection of the children by interventions designed to get at the checkbook, actually protect them. Put some common sense, responsibility and accountability behind your actions or don’t be surprised come next election.
By Please: Think Beyond Your Own Wants on 05.01.2013
In any other area, those children would have been sent home right then. What on earth do people in this county have to do to convince the state education department that the state takeover has been a total disaster? If I were a parent at Sand Fork, my children would not set foot in there until there were some answers to why children were literally kept captive under unsanitary conditions. The principal should not have needed the superintendent’s permission to decide the area was unsafe. If Dr. Nichols said it was unsanitary, that should have been enough to close the school.
By Karen Pennebaker on 05.01.2013
This situation goes well beyond anything that the community can resolve. Delegate Boggs, Walker, and others need to involve themselves and see that Superintendent Blankenship is removed. There certainly appears to be continuing, ongoing issues with this gentleman since day one when the State took over our schools. Quite obvious the state education department is either unable or unwilling to clean up the mess they have so well created. What a shame that little kids and school staff have to be subjected to such as this.
By anonymous on 05.01.2013
Mr. Heinlein, on the WVBOE organizational chart you are directly under Mr. Phares. The line runs straight to him with no other area of responsibility. The buck gets passed to you and stops with him. Please give one good reason why the people of Gilmer County should have to stomach such vile maltreatment. Our county pays $123,000 at your direction for a Superintendent with no ethics,moral compass or class. Are you cut from the same cloth? If so you and your boss should resign immediately. While you are at it take the State Board with you. Your kind of oversight is not needed. I read that letter Phares wrote to the citizen. In it he compares himself to a gatekeeper. Too many Ghost Busters movies, not enough human decency would be my guess.
By Pickles on 05.01.2013
If there was NO water, how could the cooks prepare and serve food!!!!????
Not to be able to wash hands…...is STRICTLY AGAINST ALL FOOD HANDLERS RULES AND LAWS ! ! !
Blankenship is doing Governor Tomblin, State School Superintendent James Phares, State Board President Wade Linger real proud.
This would make a GREAT EPISODE of “BUCKWILD” for America to watch. Ronald Blankenship - - - doing West Virginia PROUD !
This situation was all made possible by your neighbors, the ones who wore the CUBE T-Shirts. Doing their community a great job!
I believe they are a gang of bullies and cowards. Do they wear their t-shirts?
By its irresponsible on 05.01.2013
Gilmer taxpayers’ should be outraged with this irresponsible action by Blankenship.
How can you live with yourselves allowing this man continue to be insensitive to innocent children? Mistakes happens, but this man keeps doing it thinking parents and citizens are too coward to face him.
By wakeup people on 05.01.2013
Thank you Dr. Nichols and the Health Department Staff. Thanks to the brave school employees who did what was right and reported this problem in spite of their fear. It is a shame you must fear doing what is best for the children in your care or that anyone has to be afraid to do the right thing. Hope we all live to see dictatorial bullying end in Gilmer County. That would be a great day. Now we will see how the state Health Department operates.
By Thanks Again on 05.01.2013
Attention ALL school districts! The rest of you could be in the same place, the same situation as Gilmer County is in!
If you are taken over for any reason, you are stripped of your board. Your elected voices are silenced!
Your elected represenatives in Charleston turn a deaf ear to you. They say ‘we aren’t involved in education’.
You are stuck, you are ‘skrewed’. You pay the bills while your children suffer.
It appears the t-v and radio pundits are afraid to touch the sad situation in Gilmer County.
Even the WV Record is missing in action.
James Phares. Where are you? Joe Manchin laid the foundation for this mess?
Delegates Boggs and Walker where are you?
By anonymous on 05.01.2013
Throw all the stones and barbs you want at Blankenship. He is laughing at ALL of West Virginia, including his employer. Think a minute. He is making over $2,500.00 a week for three days or less. Comes out to over $800.00 a day. He laughs every time he sees his bank statement. I laugh too, every time I think about him having B. Simons’ job. What a fun world we live in.
By lyao 2 on 05.01.2013
THE FACTS OF VIRTUAL SCHOOLING, THIS IS WHAT WE ARE FACING. IT IS NOT THE ANSWER
BOULDER, CO (May 2, 2013) –A national study, released today by the National Education Policy Center (NEPC), offers a comprehensive review of 311 full-time virtual schools operating in the United States and finds serious and systemic problems with them.
University of Colorado Boulder Professor Alex Molnar, who edited Virtual Schools in the U.S. 2013: Politics, Performance, Policy, and Research Evidence, summed it up this way: “Even a cursory review of virtual schooling in the U.S. reveals an environment much like the legendary wild west. There are outsized claims, lagging performance, intense conflicts, lots of taxpayer money at stake, and very little solid evidence to justify the rapid expansion of virtual schools.”
Lagging Performance – Soaring Enrollment
On the publicly-available metrics of Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), virtual schools lag significantly behind traditional brick-and-mortar schools
In the 2010-2011 school year, 52 percent of brick-and-mortar district and charter schools met AYP, contrasted with 23.6 percent of virtual schools – a 28 percentage-point gap. Virtual schools also enroll a far smaller percentage of low-income students, special education students, and English language learners than brick-and-mortar public schools.
“It now appears that early adopters of the virtual school model were largely home-schoolers who were used to studying alone and who generally had lots of parental guidance,” said Western Michigan University Professor Gary Miron. “As virtual schools have expanded, it appears that their performance has slipped dramatically.”
Currently virtual schools enroll more than 200,000 elementary and secondary students in 39 states and the District of Columbia. McLean, Virginia- based K12 Inc. is by far the largest private operator in this sector.
Expansion Driven by Lobbying and Advertising Rather than Student Success
Despite virtual schools’ track record of students falling behind their peers academically or dropping-out at higher rates, states and districts continue to expand virtual schools and online offerings to students.
Publicly-funded virtual school expansion appears to be driven by lobbying and advertising dollars. It is not justified by the research evidence, nor is it governed by thoughtful policy.
Columbia University Professor Luis Huerta, another of the report’s authors, noted that, “In the past two years a number of states, including Wisconsin, Oregon, Louisiana, and Michigan, either raised or eliminated enrollment caps for full-time virtual schools.” Co-author Jennifer King Rice, a University of Maryland professor, points out that at the same time, ”None of those states passed legislation strengthening accountability and oversight.”
By Reality Not Rhetoric on 05.02.2013
Thank you Doctor Nichols and the Gilmer Health Department for your efforts to keep our children safe at the Sand Fork school.
It is beyond belief that Superintendent Blankenship and the State, has, and is failing the community as they are.
Thank you Free Press for bringing this information to our attention.
By anonymous on 05.02.2013
Dr. Simmons, I know you are a good man and have tried to work with these people. Please keep into account the fact twice they have backstabbed you. This is an experience you should not forget. Blankenship and his bosses are evils and care less about you, the students, and teachers. You should change your strategy and support your people who voted for you. Thank you
By Please Sir on 05.02.2013
Some seem to feel they are superior to the majority of people they were elected to serve. The “strategy” of supporting those of like mindset has failed the citizens and children here for many years. It is time to reevaluate many things. Our voting strategy will be one of them.
By No Second Class Citizens Here on 05.02.2013
A writer who signs “Please Sir” states that Dr Simmons has been ‘backstabbed twice’. That is likely true. The part about ‘good man’. Here we can have some discussion and many will agree. It is common knowledge the ONLY reason BS was elected to school board was to work with the Coalition. We all heard his comments while campaigning for the school board. No secrets here in Gilmer. Will the “court of public opinion” will pull the lever on the “gallows” and that will be the abrupt end of the political career. We locally know what is said about those in Charleston as well as what is said here. Playing both ends against the middle is always a recipe for failure.
By election cometh on 05.02.2013
Well, guess there are more of us in this meter reading story. We had thought we were alone. Our bill was about $75 for a long, long time. Got to looking way back at old bills. Meter not read for a couple years. Did a reading, tried three times to call it in. Waited over a half hour twice, third time about 15 minutes. For my trouble they sent us a $327. bill. This included the 3 weeks we were without electric with the big storm last June. Wondering now what the next bill will look like.
By Sand Fork resident on 05.03.2013
EC you are right. Eyes open about a lot of things that’s been told. I suspect more than one in this state and county will find things different come election time. Most people don’t care much for being two faced with get ahead lies. What was said before the election don’t half compare to what was said after.
By Waiting for the Ballot Box on 05.03.2013
I think it is time for a good old fashioned uprising, if you bring the tar, I’ll bring the feathers.
The Emperor has No Clothes
or you would say?
GC is WITHOUT a School Board President
Once upon a time, in the Land of Gil, there was a legal, active, school board. The Land of Gil still has a school board, but they have been reduced, made largely inactive by people in Kanawha County who are out of the reach of taxpayers. The Wise One in the Big House has seen that this is good and wants all to continue. This keeps people under control and also keeps them from pointing fingers at the Wise One.
Anyhow, in the Gil Land of Fairies and Tales, the Wise one has seen to it there is NO President of the elected school board. This is how the people are managed, shackled and kept on their knees. Oh yes, there is ‘one’ who is referred to as the ‘big man’ or school board president. But that is all an illusion. It is not to be.
You see, the Wise One and his underlings have seen to it that the school board in the Land of Gil, has little power or authority. No, that has been removed, taken from them. The Wise One controls all. The school board in the Land of Gil can only vote on school trips and expulsion issues. Yes, they are held on a very short rope.
So you see, to have a school board President, that the school board will choose that person form our legally elected members. The group of five. Oh yes, they did decide to call one of their own a ‘president’. But alas! That cannot be! They have no authority to so. That authority was stripped from them when Mz. Marple and company removed Bennett, fired the never on the payroll Simmons, and told the rest, ‘just come to the meetings now’.
So you see, there is NO school board President in the Land of Gil. It does appear that one is claiming to be President, but if there was a vote to elect Mr Simmons as board President, it was simply a superficial act. Illegal even? Going thru the motions in the Land of Gil.
The problem is our king thinks he has the cloth but in reality he has not realized there is a dictator ruling and taking advantage of him. The dictator is having the king to do his dirty work. While the dictator is laughing his A** off, the king is getting all the flak. Isn’t it time for the king to wake up and realize he can achieve more results by siding with his court and go after the dictator? King should see his land is in ruins while the dictator is making out in his castle not even in kings land. Your majesty, please wake up and serve your kingdom instead of serving the dictator. The dictator has no interest in improving your kingdom. We can see the results for many years. He is only after money and gold. Instead of blasting your court, you need to go after the dictator. Your kingdom is really disappointed at you and does not approve of what you are doing. You are shooting yourself in the foot with arrows while the dictator is doing the same to your back. Your majesty, enough is enough. Please.
By Justice on 04.29.2013
Therein lies the real problem. We do not need a King. What we need are people willing to give of their time and willing to put in the work it takes to be a knowledgeable public servant. But there’s no glory, no personal gain in being “just” a public servant. The reward there can only come from a job well done with the entire community in mind not a select few. If we learn anything from this it is how quick some are to run away from responsibility and forget how to keep those shoes on the right feet when the going gets rough.
By Tired of That on 04.29.2013
A person wouldn’t think it would be very hard to put children first, boy were we wrong.
By Pickles on 04.29.2013
Oh the vanity of people with so little power. Can’t vote, can’t set the agenda, can’t bring a bond up for vote before the public. Has a State Superintendent to to spew the state agenda. What exactly does this “President” do? Last time I read an agenda it said the Pledge of Allegiance was Superintendent Designee. Heard that the trips brought up have already been taken and signed off on by Mr. Blankenship who handles 99% of the discipline behind the boards back.
No clothes you say? I’d say that “big Man” has no conscience, could care less about elementary and high school kids and would to do anything to finagle a way back into college business.
MR. BLANKENSHIP, YOU HAD THE CONTROL AND THE TIME TO PREPARE FOR THIS PROJECT, THE CONSOLIDATED GILMER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
IN SPITE OF THAT THERE WAS NO CORE DRILLING, NO WETLAND ASSESSMENT AND NO OBLIGATION FOR THE LAND UNTIL AFTER THE DATE APPLICATION WAS DUE TO THE SBA.
AT THE CEFP MEETING TO SELECT THE SITE FOR THE CONSOLIDATED GILMER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, THE ARCHITECT ADMITTED THEY HAD NOT BEEN WHERE THE BUILDING WOULD BE SET.
DIDN’T WILLIAMSON & SHRIVER SEE CEDAR CREEK?
IT WAS ON THE MAP THEY DREW. DIDN’T THEY ADVISE YOU THAT A WETLANDS STUDY WOULD BE REQUIRED?
IT APPEARS YOU ARE DELIBERATELY HOLDING GILMER COUNTY HOSTAGE TO MAKE SURE YOUR CONTRACT IS RENEWED AND/OR THIS TAKEOVER NIGHTMARE CONTINUES. EITHER THAT OR YOU ARE TOTALLY INCOMPETANT. WHICH IS IT?
IT IS ABSOLUTELY FASCINATING THAT LEWIS COUNTY TOOK HOME THE MONEY ONE MORE TIME WHILE THE SOIL QUALITY FOR THE INTERCOUNTY SCHOOL IS SO POOR FOR HEAVY CONSTRUCTION THAT YOUR ARCHITECTS HAD TO RECONFIGURE BUILDING DESIGN. THAT IS WHY YOUR ENGINEERS WERE HIRED, TO PREVENT ANY “FORESEEABLE PROBLEMS” SUCH AS THE DESIGN CHANGE FROM GAS TO ELECTRIC BECAUSE THEY HAD NO GAS?
CALL THEM YOURS BECAUSE THE STATE HIRED THEM, NOT GILMER COUNTY. WE DID NOT HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO GO TO BID.
THE STATE WAS BOSS. WE’RE JUST A CHECKBOOK.
BUT IT SEEMS LEWIS COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT MACE WAS TOLD HOW TO DOT EVERY EYE AND CROSS EVERY TEE TO MAKE SURE THE INTERCOUNTY SCHOOL HAPPENED.
WHY IS THAT?
YOU SAID THE REASON WE DIDN’T GET MIP MONEY FOR DESPERATELY NEEDED HEATING AND A/C AT GILMER COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL WAS DUE TO “NASTY POLITICS” AT THE SBA MEETING.
GCHS HAS MOLD BUT NO MONEY CAME OUR WAY WHILE WE PAID FOR LEWIS COUNTY LAND. HOW MUCH MORE WILL THE POLITICS OF THIS SITUATION COST US?
AT THE LAST GILMER BOARD OOF EDUCATION MEETING YOU SAID THERE WAS NOTHING IN THE NEEDS APPLICATION RELATIVE TO WETLANDS OR ANYTHING ELSE THAT WOULD STOP FUNDING OF A GILMER COUNTY SCHOOL. OBVIOUSLY THAT WAS NOT TRUE.
YOU INSIST ON FOLLOWING STATE LAW DOES NOT APPLY RULES, GET IT DONE BEHIND CLOSED DOORS PROCEDURES AND NO MEANINGFUL COMMUNICATION POLICIES.
HOW’S THAT WORKING OUT FOR YOU?
PLEASE DON’T ASK US, ALL WE SEE IS LESS IN THE CHECK BOOK AND DECREASING STUDENT PERFORMANCE.
TO A CONCERNED CITIZEN
WOW: You said this very well. Shame there are not enough SMART ones in the local Gilmer County School System and the State Board of Education to understand what you wrote. They only see things their way, which by the way is not working for the betterment of this county or it’s students. It’s working for them, not us. More money, power and control is all the “elites” are looking for, not a better education for our children. Lewis County comes out smelling like a rose and it comes from the hard working people of Gilmer County not Lewis. Thanks to us, the Gilmer County taxpayers. The three top people at this county BOE, (Blankenship, Simmons, Armour) are on the bottom of the list of about every citizen of this county. Maybe we could send them to Washington. They would fit right in.
By just a thought on 04.23.2013
Never wanted consolidation, definitely not one school. The state is going to just stay here while our community schools are shut down one by one and for what? Can’t be to protect the kids safety due to dangerous buildings because they are still sitting at the same desk in the same locations two years later.
Drop out rates on the rise, graduation rates dropping, drugs in the school,technology access poor and breaking down, inappropriate conduct right and left. Taking children to juvenile court and expelling them is no answer. All these years such things seldom if ever seen in Gilmer County.
Out of control State BOE encouraging families to leave by forcing their children into a poorer performing school district in the name of consolidation. Supposedly saving money while we watch neighboring counties go broke trying to lease bus service and stuck with the contracts. The cost so prohibitive they can’t pick the kids up even close to their home anymore. Rural elementary schools here have always had better testing results and discipline records but the State BOE wants to force them to into a cookie cutter system.
Nothing that shows consolidation has ever improved education. It’s been going on for YEARS and W.V. still gets a failing grade at the national level.
By State BOE Don't Ruin Gilmer Over Egos on 04.23.2013
There is NO fix to this mess.
So many individuals who have had a part in it, due to their self inflated egos, and all are out the reach of the voters.
The CUBIES set this in motion. They should be ashamed for what they clearly imposed on our children.
Not to mention, parents, taxpayers, school staff and others.
The ONLY ones who can do anything, to date, have done nothing.
Please, Governor Tomblin, all of the Legislature, please come to the aid of Gilmer County citizens ! PLEASE !
You do have a responsibility to Gilmer citizens.
By anonymous on 04.23.2013
Gilmer Board of Education is powerless.
Citizens. voters, public, parents, staff have all been effectively silenced.
The Board of Education for the State of West Virginia shows incompetence daily.
Charleston elected officials must approve, as we have experienced no improvement in our schools.
By Gilmer Observer on 04.23.2013
Many people don’t know who the CUBES are?
Lets have a “CUBES in the Park Day” !
They can once again proudly wear their CUBIE T-Shirts !
Have not seen them around. They must be saving them for a Special Occasion !
By Giv It. Tooemm on 04.23.2013
That NASTY PARAGRAPH that Superintendent Blankenship, displays on the School Board Meeting agenda, shows exactly what an immature, cowardly, group of people the state board of education has set in place. You voters up in Glenville have been skru-ed!
G-LtE™: Comments and Questions on Editorial Letter: “Are We Going from Bad to Worse”
This letter, its contents, its implications do not bode well for the children of Gilmer County.
Also disturbing are the two posts, one from R.Ross and the other from Gilmer School Facilitator.
These two comments are at the least contradictory. I do not know who “R.Ross” is, but we all know who the identity of our Gilmer Coalition Facilitator. As always, a signed response is likely to be more accurate.
The comments from R. Ross raise more questions than are answered. That is fine. Questions are always good.
Ross summarily states that the Gilmer Boards duties are limited to voting on trips and leading the pledge.
This being the case, why is board member Simmons leading the meeting? Apparently he does not have the authority to do so, but Blankenship allows this to happen?
Ross also states that Simmons contacted three groups who stated that it is “improper” for board members to serve a dual roll at meetings? That word “improper” is a long ways from being unlawful or illegal. The fact that Simmons was trolling for advice seems to give credence that he was aware of his position, his own plans, and he was simply laying groundwork to provide cover for a future confrontation?
Ross. Please provide the name of who “requested” Simmons attendance at Boggs meeting as well as those other than Armour. Please explain why Armour was chosen.
There are board members with considerably more experience than either Simmons or Armour.
Now to a very questionable part of this letter. Ross clearly states and I quote “Prior to the meeting there was language in the bill to exclude Gilmer County from having an equal say”.
The School Coalition Facilitator clearly has stated previously that the bill was all ready in the Senate Committee waiting for passage, prior to the politically motivated schmooze trip to Delegate Boggs office, if I have read postings correctly?
After talking with other sources, it certainly appears the intercounty governing bill was in Superintendent Blankenship’s office, prior to this Boggs meeting.
Ross, you may well want to continue your conversations with Simmons to see if you can get to the bottom of these opposing stories.
Is Simmons attempting to schmooze with the political crowd in Charleston to get Blankenships job? Is Simmons attempting to some other ploy? It has become very clear that since day one of this Gilmer School tragedy, the whole issue is politics and nothing to do with the welfare of our children.
All this is adult ego feed. Reminds one of the movies showing phiranna feeding on their victims.
Shame on of you involved in the politic game. How do you sleep at night? ~~ author on file ~~
I just emailed a complaint to the Federal Communications Commission tonight about the filthy language on TV. I have very basic cable and so many channels use the worst profanity and they take my Lords name in vain.
It’s time we take a stand with this filth and bring back family TV. Even the remakes of the old westerns use profanity.
I received the following info after making a complaint. Which by the way was very easy to do..
I would like to encourage everyone reading this post to join me and get this filth off TV especially during daytime hours, our children should not be exposed to this filth, nor should we.
“Thank you for contacting the Federal Communications Commission to share your concerns about inappropriate program material. It’s against federal law to air obscene programming at any time. It is also against federal law to air indecent or profane programming during certain hours. The Commission is charged with enforcing the law that governs these types of broadcasts.
Your views and concerns about program material are important to us. The Commission will review what you have submitted carefully to determine whether it contains sufficient information to suggest that there has been a violation of the obscenity, indecency or profanity laws. If it appears that a violation may have occurred, the Enforcement Bureau will start an investigation, which may include a letter of inquiry to the broadcast station. Further information about the complaint process is available on the Commission’s web site at www.fcc.gov/eb/oip/process.html, and in our consumer fact sheet entitledObscene, Profane and Indecent Programming.“
For just a few minutes imagine the following. You attend a public meeting of a publicly funded entity under state control in rural America. There are five elected representatives from your communities at a table. Every dollar of the budget this entity lays claim to comes straight out of the pocket of you and your neighbors in the form of taxes whether assessed by local government levies or federal and state taxation. Imagine that.
Imagine that one of those duly elected officials addresses the audience saying no matter what you want, what you need, he will see that you get it. He qualifies that with he is only one voice but he can guarantee you get what you want. Could you even conceive such a thing in general but especially if you knew those officials had no say whatsoever over that budget under state control. How long would any public entity with limited funding exist if they gave everyone what they wanted? Your thoughts might run toward “nice dream”.
Imagine that same elected official tell you that he takes another of the group sitting next to him, a personal friend, to “closed door meetings for his own protection” and constantly drops names of people in positions far higher up on the electoral or business ladder. How would you feel about that? Would you put a lot of faith in what you heard? Or would you wonder “What closed door meetings?” Who sent HIM to that? Who is paying for that? Might cross your mind just another good old boy politician in the pocket of the elite doing business as usual?
Then imagine that same duly elected official, still under state control, tells you that he has decided who can and can not speak at THIS meeting. Listen as he tells a co-member, duly elected, charged with the same duties of office, that they are not to speak as a citizen. Knowing full well the person was denied the right to speak as a member in a previous “closed door” meeting he took part in. That they can not do the job they were elected for and told CANNOT participate. What if, after all the self important political connection speeches and closed door meeting rhetoric, the same elected official with no more power that the other four beside him, does not want to hear any citizen in public delegation “comment” on what he feels is “political” without specifying what subject matter that covers. HE does not relate why his own insinuation of political influence is OK but be careful what you say everyone else not on any ballot in the state. Would you be real happy to find out freedom of expression was no more in your town?
After such a meeting , could you be confident that the other officials are able to operate free from undue influence, favoritism or threat? Would it encourage you to attend let alone speak at a public meeting ran in such a fashion? Would you personally feel free from undue influence, favoritism and threat if it came your time to speak as a concerned citizen?
What you just read is not imaginary. It is an accurate description taken from the meeting of the Gilmer Board of Education held at Glenville Elementary School April 11, 2013 at 6 PM in front of a captive audience of Teachers that had worked all day but had to wait for the BOE meeting to finish before their required Linkage presentation was allowed. The speaker was Mr. Simmons, Board President, his regular companion at closed door meetings Mr. Armour and the member denied any right to participate in meeting or delegation was Mrs. Starkey. Regular citizens cautioned as delegation Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Hurley. IMMEDIATELY After the meeting, Superintendent Ronald Blankenship denied ANY PRIOR KNOWLEDGE of Mr. Simmons intended actions.
IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT MR. BLANKENSHIP DID NOTHING TO STOP NOR RECTIFY THIS TRAVESTY.
Recently I took a deep breath and moved out of my comfort zone - I met with my representatives in the West Virginia Legislature.
I was motivated by the issue of protecting people - our homes and our health - and protecting groundwater and air from the highly toxic chemicals used in “fracking” for natural gas.
Did you know that when the mainline natural gas pipe exploded under Interstate 77 last December12 there was a fracking waste water injection well “right in the middle” of the disaster area, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection? There is another site within 400 feet of the Maranatha Church and another near the former Sissonville High School.
The Kanawha County Commission and our senators and delegates didn’t know this. Why the secrets?
Some background information: Most of us think of fracking as an issue in Doddridge County or Wetzel County, or in Pennsylvania, where landowners face an onslaught of heavy equipment destroying roads, creating slick mud in the winter and choking dust in the summer; a swarm of workers who may or may not know what they are doing; traffic accidents and fatalities; well pads near enough to homes to turn the quality of a family’s life upside down; incredible noise, fumes and light day and night.
Those who raise objections are fighting to be heard, since neighbors who sell surface access or own mineral rights, and a few local businesses and local government entities stand to gain a great deal of money. There are reasons that correct information is not reaching our Legislature.
This industrial catastrophe is a major concern for the Mountain Party and our executive committee has been working to understand why residents aren’t being protected from this onslaught.
Our Legislature is often dependent on information from whoever knocks on their doors and takes time to educate them. Will we let them only hear from industry lobbyists whose wealth depends on how well they pitch their propaganda?
So here is what we can do. There is a bill right now in the House Judiciary Committee that is a bundle of regulations - Senate Bill 243. It has a major flaw.
An amendment was added by industry lobbyists that creates a gag order for our doctors and makes it hard for emergency responders to get information if there is a spill or explosion.
It is an amendment to help Halliburton and hurt the people. It’s called the “Dirty Secrets” amendment, and it should be removed from SB 243.
Whether you live in Sissonville, Elkins or at ground zero in Doddridge County, please call your legislators and “educate them” for our safety.
Ask them to remove the “Dirty Secrets” amendment from SB 243. And then pay attention and see what your representatives do.
CommunityConcerns™: Gilmer County High School’s 2013 Third Tier OEPA Rating
West Virginia’s Office of Education Performance Audits (OEPA) published its 2013 Report of School Ratings (www.oepa.wv.us) including those for Gilmer County’s five public schools.
The ratings in a decreasing order of desirability are:
• EA=Exemplary Accreditation
• DA=Distinction Accreditation
• FA=Full Accreditation
Among our schools the Normantown Grade School received the highest rating with a DA.
The other four schools including the high school received a third tier FA rating.
The high school’s diminished rating is alarming.
In any other WV County there would have been bold print newspaper headlines to address the suboptimum performance to cause citizens to demand corrective actions, but the news was not printed. Why?
Citizens deserve to know specific causes for the high school’s third tier rating.
Why was monitoring not done by the State to prevent the third tier rating, and most importantly what are the specific actions planned to elevate the rating to the EA category?
Governor Tomblin, Dr. Linger, Dr. Phares, Dr. Gus Penix, and Delegates Boggs and Walker, all of you were informed of our high school’s problems so what will it require to receive your corrective involvement?
Our School Board is powerless to act with its authority stripped by the State to emphasize the utmost necessity for your help.
This community concern deserves top priority attention in Gilmer County.
Gilmer County Economic Development (GCEDA), Glenville State College (GSC), those who caused the takeover (CUBIES), Gilmer Schools Coalition (G.S.C.), parents, teachers, and all other interested citizens, we have an urgent and immediate need to unite to achieve performance improvements at our high school.
Please attend future Board meetings to show community support for changes.
High praise is extended to Normantown Grade School’s students, principal Chambers, and its admirable teachers and staff for earning a DA rating.
With consolidated grade schools pending, proactive initiatives must occur to ensure that they are EA performers.
Because the Gilmer High School will not be replaced by consolidation, the community must demand whatever may be required, including a change of administration if necessary, to elevate its rating to an EA level. Anything lower than top performance will be unacceptable to prevent our high school students from continuing to be victimized.
Kudos to the GFP and Mr. Dave Ramezan for providing this important information to Gilmer County’s citizens.
Was talking with the Coalition Facilitator last week about the inter-county governance bill Boggs and Walker said they’d sponsor. The lady doesn’t bandy her name all over the place and seldom takes any credit but I thought we should all know about the phone calls and letters she has sent out to legislators and school board Presidents to try and get this done for the past year, that’s why they asked her opinion. She told me Boggs office had called last week to say they were still working on the bill and it was in the Education Committee for further work before it was brought to the floor from committee.
Main reason I want this public is because I heard through the grapevine that Simmons and his sidekick went to Charleston this week to see Boggs. Was it for a photo op? Did Blankenship send them in his place? We were told last Coalition posting here that his opinion (and others) were asked and should have been. The Coalition Facilitator never claimed to be the only one and told us so. If we see photos and a letter come out on the subject you’ll know what I’m saying here is true. Armour made a smart comment to her on last meeting video about working with the Legislators and that’s what made me start checking into what’s really going on. Mrs. Hurley takes a lot of guff for standing up Will they really have nerve enough to take all the credit here? We ought to be glad for anybody willing to work to make things better for Gilmer County children. There sure aren’t many from what I see.
I want to know how Simmons claims he speaks and acts for the Gilmer County Board of Education without asking all the members if they want him to represent them anywhere. No board members say they voted for him to go down there and speak with the Delegate. Mrs. S was right; he can be a pompous arse. That last meeting of the Linn school committee to pick a mascot, school name and school colors says a lot. Shouldn’t that be done by the students? Wouldn’t that be a great opportunity to get the Troy and Alum Bridge students together and do posters, talk about how they feel and get them to know each other a little bit before they get thrown in the building together? Maybe an assembly, maybe a picnic, a poster contest, anything to make the transition a little easier. Seems to be it’s only who leads the band that’s important around here, not the music being played.
The Facilitator also showed me in the SBA minutes about the Crooked Run School that the SBA said Blankenship has to have a wetland study and core boring done before they will even fund that site. How much will that cost besides buying 74 acres that’s not needed to build an elementary school? Why would Blankenship even spend our money to get land for a high school he says might be 10 to 15 years down the road? The location will add a lot to transportation costs and how efficiently will they get high school students over to the Career Center the Governor says is so important or to the college for track for instance? How much more money do we have? How early will the elementary kids have to be picked up and dropped off to get the high school in on time? Are they really going to make the parents bring them out to the main road? Where are those attendance area reports? Who knows what we’ll need 15 years from now? None of it makes any sense for Gilmer County and none of it does anything for the children. Just thought you should know.
Attention Gilmer Schools Coalition Members and Concerned Citizens of Gilmer County, Good News!
Delegate David Walker informed us that legislation first started by himself and Delegate Boggs on the governance of inter-county schools has been passed from the Education Committee by unanimous vote and is moving forward from that committee.
Also, an additional bill is in progress to set the standards for a clear exit plan after state intervention.
G-LtE™: Gilmer County High School Is Rotten to the Core
Gilmer County High School is rotten to the core. There is constant bullying and harassment of both students and teachers.
Teachers are bullied to make grades for certain students.
Students that have very little are ignored and bullied.
Most of the bullying comes from the “special” students at GCHS.
The administration does not run the school, the counselors do. They do what they want, when they want (especially if it regards their children and close friends).
As a parent, my child has told me numerous times he has been made fun of by the “special” students.
All these students better have all “A’s” or there will be hell to pay.
So many cover-ups with grades and illegal doings.
Stand up to the “special” people because our children are being cheated.
If we honestly examine current indicators, while keeping an eye to our history, Gilmer’s future looks rather bleak. Granted, there will be those who would argue differently. We all want to see our community in a positive light, hoping it to be what we want it to be. That is simply not being realistic, or fair to one’s self.
Income, population, school declines, and job decline. Now county property values in sharp decline, decreasing occupancy rates at motels, businesses cutting back and closing. Premium prices in local businesses in an attempt to survive. None of this bodes well for the county well being. Statistics are all online to see. Go look.
Yes, pretty sad to see the decline of Gilmer County. In years to come, people will look back a couple generations “to what it used to be.“ The County Fair. Gone. The old Dusk Camp and old Glenville bridges. If you don’t preserve your history, soon you will not have it.
Most of the pretty, old historic homes have vanished, mostly in the name of progress. The college has had what can be argued a negative impact as well as a couple other local developers. Many of our leaders rather rejoice when they see another old building “rid of”. That is their idea of progress. Taxes will have to increase in the county, as there are fewer properties to pay for services.
Don’t swallow any statement our population is on the rise. Yes, the 2010 Census shows a dramatic increase. But this is the first time the “residents” at FCI-Gilmer were added to the count. Deduct the prison population and you will see the steady downward trend. We all realize that for a community to thrive, there actually has to be inhabitants and growth.
So what do we have left? Well, actually a few business, but they too are mostly in decline as well. Several years ago Foodland did expand, but many cannot afford to shop there. It is a nice store with pleasant employees.
Everyday consumption items. Prices are higher in the county than else where. Choice and availability become more limited every day. The ‘bare necessity’ discount stores seem to be busy. They are the last to hang on. Thrift stores? Yep, have them too. All indicators of a community in decline as well.
Our once vibrant and coveted Folk Festival is reported to be broke and in debt? Wonder if they will recover. Its being reported they are in process of selling items out of the Country Store Museum in order to pay the bills. Hard to have a museum with bare walls. Maybe someone will rescue them. We can hope.
Many of the social organizations that once prospered and were a big part of the community. Gone. If you think just a couple minutes you can name almost a dozen. Jaycees, Rotary Club and more. Even the 4-H clubs are shrinking. No wonder as our youth population is in declining numbers.
The take over of our school system will also prove itself out to be a major blow to growth and viability to Gilmer County and Glenville as well. Jobs will disappear as well as shifted out of the county. The length of bus ride time will make Gilmer less attractive to prospective parents and those looking to move to Gilmer.
Lets mention crime. More than ever. Just read the lists published in local media. Ask the local officers. They know its on the rise. They will confirm the increases.
These thoughts are not an effort to cast a negative light on our community, but rather to cause an awaking of what is happening every day right in front of us. I hope readers will chime in with ideas and suggestions as how to make Gilmer County a better place. Its our home.
G-LtE™: County Commissioners and a Conflict of Interest
Every Spring, the Gilmer County Economic Development Authority approaches the Gilmer Commissioners for a statement requesting the Commissioners support. They always get their request honored.
This statement from the commission allows GCEDA to request grant money from the state, of approximately $35k which will then pay salary as well as other expenses.
This year their game maybe needs to change? Someone should recommend to the Gilmer County Commissioners, to seek legal advice before granting that letter.
One would suspect that it would be an illegal, conflict of interest for Commissioner Chapman to vote to support a former employer? It’s quite likely he is also a member of GCEDA.
If it is not illegal for Commissioner Chapman to vote in support, it most certainly would be unethical. ~~ Author on File ~~
Dr. Mark Manchin, Why Are Schools Built With WV School Building Authoriy (SBA) Funds Without Competitive Bidding?
The West Virginia SBA administered by Dr. Mark Manchin, Senator Manchin’s cousin, has spent hundreds of millions of taxpayers’ dollars building public schools.
The Linn School and the new Gilmer County School along Cedar Creek are examples for which approximately $20,000,000 will be spent.
Building new schools by the SBA can boost cash poor counties, but the way business is done fouls the air.
For example when new schools were being discussed here, from day one Williamson and Shriver, a Charleston based architectural firm was already involved.
There were no discussions about trying to maximize benefits for the taxpayers by completing the projects with competitive bids.
Why did this occur?
Is W & S wired into Charleston’s politicians to receive favoritism with huge no-bid contracts?
Officials in other WV counties reported that they were pressured from Charleston to engage W & S for school construction, but they bucked the system by using competitive bids.
The same officials concluded that with competitive bidding they received more for their money at lower costs.
For the two schools referenced earlier, what could be done with savings a few million dollars to benefit our children while achieving accountability for financially strapped WV taxpayers?
Perhaps a facility with overall better construction, one with enhanced energy conservation, better instruction space designed to boost early learning, a day care center, a world class early reading center, a counseling center, a high tech security system to help deal and to prevent issues similar to those plaguing the GCHS, who knows?
If Charleston politicians truly want to trim unnecessary spending an obvious opportunity would be to mandate competitive bidding for school construction (and all other State construction projects).
Also, for firms receiving State SBA construction contracts there should be an ironclad requirement for disclosing how much money was contributed to specific political candidates.
Requiring adherence to rigorous and transparent competitive bidding practices should be demanded as WV struggles to salvage its failed K-12 education system for which we rank high on the national list for per pupil spending.
Mr. Partick Morrisey, our newly elected Attorney General, should investigate existing school construction funding practices to determine if there was financial mismanagement and corruption in need of correcting.
Meanwhile, if citizens fail to demand full accountability for all the State’s construction spending on schools through competitive bidding processes, business as usual will continue as we lurch along while fat cats engorge at the public trough.
In fairness to Dr. Mark Manchin and Williamson and Shriver principals, they are invited to explain why the existing system of awarding non-competitive SBA bid contracts for public school construction should remain intact.
Improper Disposal of Drilling Waste: Oil, Gas Companies Need to Police Contractors
Recently, authorities in Ohio and West Virginia had to take action against companies that disposed of drilling waste improperly.
Federal prosecutors are charging the owner of Hardrock Excavating LLC with violating the U.S. Clean Water Act.
They say the company’s owner, Ben Lupo, ordered about 20,000 gallons of drilling mud and brine be dumped directly into a storm sewer that empties into the Mahoning River watershed.
If convicted, Lupo could be fined as much as $250,000.
Less serious action was taken by officials at the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, which fined a Wisconsin company, Michels Pipeline Construction, $3,800 for placing drilling mud from an Antero Resources operation into an unlined pit near Ellenboro in Ritchie County, WV.
The practice allowed waste to be carried out of the pit and into a nearby stream.
If West Virginia DEP proceeds with an agreement with Michels, the firm will stop storing waste drilling mud at the site.
In both cases, the companies were subcontractors providing services for larger drilling companies.
The larger companies need to insist on proper conduct by the smaller companies with which they do business.
If Lupo is convicted and fined the full amount, other companies will be deterred from similar misconduct. It would also help if prosecutors pursued charges against the Hardrock worker who carried out Lupo’s order.
The ‘'I was just doing my job’‘ defense has little credence since, according to one report, Lupo told the worker to carry out his actions only in the dark and only if nobody else is around.
In West Virginia, the $3,800 fine is, well, peanuts in comparison to the profits to be made by drilling industry subcontractors.
It needs to be noted that Michels was not accused of intentional wrongdoing, while Lupo is.
Big gas and oil companies should do their part to police subcontractors, as we have suggested previously.
When intentional misconduct is found, subcontractors should face the wrath of companies for which they are working, even if it means being told their services no longer are desired.
G-LtE™: The Good Trusting Citizens of the Mountain State
The Good Trusting Citizens of the Mountain State,
West Virginia is a great place to have been born, to live, to raise a family. Not many of us will dispute these facts. Communities are made up of great neighbors, friends, and families that tend to look after each other much more than in other places in America. The scenery, the climate, cost of living, vast recreational opportunities from rafting to fishing to railroad excursions, hunting and lots more are at every turn.
OK. So now this question. Why does our Great State of West Virginia remain at the bottom of nearly all economic and educational rankings? I believe the answer reflects on the very goodness of our fellow citizens. We are a very trusting, close knit, family oriented, mostly rural folks. You trust your friends and neighbors. We also trust our politicians.
We never stand back and look at the politicians with a good eye. We trust them. The politicians have learned this and have now for generations taken advantage of us. We looked at them as ‘part of the family’. We have not looked hard enough to actually evaluate what they have been doing. We put our faith in them; they are ‘just one of us’. Well, at one time that was the gist of it. Somewhere along the line, these politicians, who were family and friends, discovered they could fleece us of our money, stuff their pockets with it, put all their family, friends, and cronies to work and build little empires for themselves.
So where are we now? The state educational system is a ‘hot topic’ in Charleston as well as many other communities at present.
Do you realize West Virginia spends more dollars per student, than 95% of the other states?
Do you realize West Virginia students score at 47th in state education?
Our politicos that have controlled our West Virginia for the past 80 or so years, are really responsible for all our woes. We trusted them and we have been taken squarely to the cleaners for giving them that trust. They have failed the voters, most especially, with our failed education system. We have been promised, told it will be repaired. Myself and a lot of others do not believe it. We think there is just more of the same old lip service and broken promises by the same old bunch.
All of these old horse incumbents that have caused the problems are now telling us they are up to fixing it?
A. Lincoln said it best: “you can’t fool all of the people all of the time”.
Actions always speak louder than words and we can’t see anything but the same-o same-o.
We know now that Mingo County was under State Control for 12 years before they got it repaired and returned. So how long will it take Charleston to repair the entire BOE?
Doubtful any of us alive today will live long enough to see that happen.
It’s good to take a look at the history of Lincoln County when talking about state intervention and school consolidation. Lincoln County was at the heart of the May 1982 Pauley v. Bailey school financing case.
It started in the 1970’s when a Lincoln County mother of 5 saw a crumbling school with broken windows, broken chairs and an open sewer running onto the playground while attending a PTA meeting and had enough. As a result, Ohio County Circuit Judge Arthur Recht ruled three decades ago that West Virginia’s system of financing public education was unconstitutional and did not create a “thorough and efficient” education system. Recht ordered an overhaul of the education system, the creation of measurable performance standards and a mechanism to equalize educational opportunities between rich and poor counties.
The 1982 Recht decision took years to implement, but it spurred the creation of the state School Building Authority (SBA) to oversee major school construction projects throughout West Virginia, the Office of Education Performance Audits (OEPA) to monitor schools’ progress, and worked to equalize pay and tweak the state’s school aid funding formula. What he didn’t say was who was going to enforce it.
Three decades later, with all the talk of how the Recht decision had revamped West Virginia’s education system, one $30 million consolidated Lincoln County High School and a little remodeling did not begin to solve the problems of education faced by Lincoln County.
It won’t solve anything for Gilmer County either and we’ll see far less than that. Aside from a smattering of shiny state-of-the art facilities using primarily federal funds, (the term state of the art is debatable), not a whole lot in the state’s school system has changed for the better. Little to no effort has been put toward the real root of our problem. At the top of the list, retaining and recruiting high-quality teachers remains a concern. Put that in conjunction with the repeated statistical failure of the majority of West Virginia students per federal level comparisons and it’s easy to see not much has changed at all.
In Lincoln County’s case the State Board of Education kept control for twelve years. Although returned to local board control in December 2012 citizens expressed their frustration by failing a school bond levy by 75% this month that would have consolidated two more schools despite threats that the state would not hesitate to intervene at anytime they feel the Lincoln County Board of Ed are not “progressing”. After twelve years it would seem threats have a hollow ring to the ears of Lincoln County taxpayers who have always passed an excess levy for their schools. That excess levy expires in 2014. It will be interesting to see the State BOE response to the bond issue failure given that fact. Who will they blame?
Lincoln County followed the rules yet their own Delegate Stowers posted “ less than stellar” results being recorded while the county school system was under state control including a lower graduation rate, a lower college attendance rate and longer bus drives causing increased cost of operations, all correlating with a higher drop out rate. Eight years into state control he acknowledged that their citizen “votes and voices meant nothing” and that the state could do “whatever they want” with tax dollars and close schools despite Lincoln biting the bullet on consolidation, cooperating and embracing state direction. He went on to say that the people had” lost patience, hope and tolerance” with an “experiment that did not prove to be worth all that it claimed”.
If recent reports on the Charleston Gazette are any indication, State BOE intervention in county school systems will continue to increase according to none other than ex-Lincoln County state Senator and current State BOE Board member Lloyd Jackson. Mr. Jackson, previously on the board for eight months under then Governor Bob Wise, was reappointed to that board by Governor Elector Earl Ray Tomblin in November 2011. He has said that fiscal difficulty “ is the number-one symptom of counties you have to take over. You’ve got to catch these things quickly because if you let them get out of control, get ready to take them over because this is where it starts,” Burdened by endless, cumbersome and impractical state BOE policies more of our school systems are seeing red ink on a regular basis.
Though seemingly happy to see Lincoln County regain control of its school system Jackson was quick to let his home BOE know, that although the county once again had control of the school system,” it has to make sure it keep doing what it’s doing in order to prevent similar takeovers from happening again.” A sobering thought indeed. Seems no matter what an intervention county does that threat will always be there until and unless Governor Tomlin finds the courage to take over his appointed board and return authority to the counties who must take responsibility for their schools and the education of students. It is not a job than can be done effectively long distance as West Virginia’s repeated failure nationwide has shown.
Of all that’s been said on the subject of takeover or “intervention” counties, comments by Joe Panetta, superintendent of finance for the Department of Education are perhaps most disturbing of all. The Charleston Gazette reports, “the state’s intervention will continue to increase in county school systems that face financial hardships, as state officials will perform monthly analyses and provide recommendations about how to reduce expenditures according to Mr. Panetta. “We are taking a more active role in providing assistance and monitoring counties’ financial status,“ he said. “These are things we haven’t required in the past.“ That speaks volumes to what has happened in many WV Counties. The WV State Board of Ed mandates spending on RESA, and buildings, and technology and hand picked vendors but has no clue if the local boards can come up with the money. They didn’t ask.
Gilmer County taxpayers were well aware that their county school system was operating in the black before state intervention. By the state’s own admission this was due only to our local Board of Eds exercising due diligence. Given Mr. Panetta’s statements, we now have every reason to fear that our school system may not be in the same financial condition when the state BOE finishes this “emergency takeover” due to a facilities emergency that leaves the children in the same buildings two years later. Or maybe they should just call it forced regionalization and consolidation and call a spade a shovel. One thing is certain; they won’t say they intervened to provide the ultimate aphrodisiac, personal and political power, to old cronies.
Tomblin Revisits Internet Access Plan After Audit Slams $24M Router Deal; Cisco Pledges Help
West Virginia officials are reconsidering where to install high-capacity Internet routers purchased with federal stimulus funds after audits blistered the $24 million deal.
Governor Earl Ray Tomblin on Thursday announced a 30-day review of the schools, libraries and other community institutions slated to host these routers.
Among other concerns, legislative auditors slammed the buying of Cisco routers for anchor sites that would never need their capacity.
Five are within a half-mile of each other in Clay County where less than 500 people live.
And while a Kanawha County public library located in a singlewide trailer got a router, an area high school with more than 1,200 students did not.
Tomblin also said Cisco has agreed to exchange unneeded routers while extending all warranties by three years.
“Because taxpayers are consenting to be taxed in excess of what the law requires when they approve excess levies, providing full and complete information to them so that an informed decision can be made would be good public policy.” Byrd v. Board of Education. (CODE CITATION)
Excess levies are an example of a rare moment in politics: citizens choosing to be taxed more heavily than required by the law. In West Virginia, there has been a tradition of excess levies imposed by local boards of education. West Virginia Code 11-8-16 provides the specifics for the power to lay (levy) an excess levy. Levies imposed by boards of education require only a simple majority of the votes of those who show up at the polls for passage, and the outcome affects every taxpayer in the county. Therefore, all should recognize the necessity of informing themselves on the nature of the issue and then exercising their right to vote on these levies.
Given the importance of proper stewardship in taxing and spending, it is important to maintain transparency and accountability in this process. These levies should be subject to the scrutiny of an informed public. Under normal circumstances, oversight for the expenditure of school funds would be entrusted to the local elected board of education. However, as the State Board of Education intervened into the administration of Mingo County Schools, the county board has no authority as to the expenditure of funds, which would include funds collected with this levy. This levy has effectively been called by the State Board, and that body will have control over how the money is spent. In essence, there is no democratic mechanism by which the taxpayers of Mingo County can control how their money is spent.
In looking at the past four levy elections (including the proposed 2014 levy) in Mingo County, it is important to note the tremendous benevolence of the citizens regarding their support of excess levies. This benevolence can be expressed in dollars using the amounts of money the people have paid historically and will pay including the proposed levy on March 23, 2013. This will be approximately $160,000,000.00, or about $8,000,000.00 annually extra money for school purposes.
While Mingo County has been generous in school support, a number of counties in West Virginia have either failed to ever pass a special school excess levy or do not have excess levies at the present time. These counties are Barbour, Braxton, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Pendleton, Pocahontas, Randolph, Roane, Summers, Tucker and Webster, a total of twelve counties from the fifty five counties comprising West Virginia.
Where then do counties, with or without excess levies, derive funding for education? This question is of particular importance because the West Virginia Constitution has given high priority to the education of the citizens. It tells us both who shall provide and the quality of education that shall be provided: “The Legislature SHALL provide, by general law, for a thorough and efficient system of free schools.”(WV Constitution, Article XII 12-1). Further, this same constitution states that the Legislature shall provide for the support of free schools by appropriating thereto—-and by general taxation of persons and property or otherwise.
A recent article by Talkline host Hoppy Kercheval stresses the consequences of this constitutional mandate: “West Virginia spends about $3.5 billion (state and federal dollars) on public education every year. That`s a lot of money, especially considering the state`s small size. In fact, West Virginia ranks 8th in education spending relative to income.” There could be a bit of irony in this statement since Mingo County ranks 8th in the state in per pupil expenditures.
The funding for education in West Virginia, however, comes from a variety of sources, which is important to understand in looking at the case of Mingo County. The West Virginia Legislature has historically been generous in the funding allocation of the state`s limited resources to education. Mingo County will receive (estimated for the year ending June 30, 2013, mandated by WV Code 11-8-12) $26,781,610.00 from the state as aid to the schools. The federal government also plays an important role in the funding of education, as Mingo County will receive an estimated $900,000 in unrestricted funds from that source. The taxpayers of Mingo County also contribute to funding as mandated for their share of public school support. These are funds collected at the local level (real and personal property taxes) estimated at $8,000,000.00 for this tax year.
It is well to remember the efforts taken by former members of the local board of education, as stated in the Mingo County Comprehensive Plan (2000-2010), to provide a thorough and efficient education system. At the crux of this effort was the consolidation of four high schools, Burch, Gilbert, Matewan and Williamson into a new comprehensive school.
The plan mentioned above (CEFP) has cited the annual savings for the closure of Cline, Gilbert and Varney Elementary Schools—all closed in 2004—as $3,500,000. These savings are derived from the personnel, utilities, insurance, maintenance and other costs attributed to these closures. At the close of this school year, 2013, the CEFP indicates further savings will accrue from the closure of Burch Elementary (contingent upon School Building Authority funding), Matewan Middle, Williamson Middle, as well as two high schools, Matewan and Williamson, which were not closed when the new Mingo Central High School was opened in 2011. Next year, Mingo County will be comprised of nine or—maybe ten schools.
Given the above historical and factual information, the taxpayers consenting to be taxed more heavily in excess of what the law requires should ask questions regarding the expenditure of more money for education in the spirit of Byrd v. Board of Education. I have some questions of my own.
1. Who is the board/entity who takes the responsibility to determine that there are insufficient funds available to provide a thorough and efficient education?
2. Who is the one person that has the prevailing power to spend, not only budgeted but unrestricted, funds amounting to millions of dollars?
3. Who is the person accountable for the tracking and inventorying the millions of dollars spent on equipment, technology (including iPads, iPods, computers, televisions, tools, materials, etc.)?
4. Who has taken the responsibility to address the same issues facing our state in the recent (January 2012) Education Efficiency Audit of West Virginia? Has this person addressed these issues in the proposed excess levy:
1. Maximize Limited Personnel Resources
2. Better Connecting the Education System to Workforce and Career Futures
3. Mandate 180 days of instructional time (will require legislative input).
4. Improve Teacher Compensation. Please note that in the proposed levy NO new dollars have been included nor have been included in at least 20 years, for personnel.
5. Strengthen School Leadership by Investing in Principals.
6. Launch a plan to Recruit the Best Teachers and Improve Training and Licensure and to Retain our own best teachers and support staff?
Mingo County, as well as the state of West Virginia as a whole, has opportunities that, if utilized, could well make our students the leader in education reformation. As voters, we must ask ourselves these questions as we prepare to go to the polls and vote on the critical issue of the excess levy. It was William Shakespeare who said, “Failure has many architects.” It is my belief that a well informed populace and a transparent and accountable administration can be architects for success. We have a responsibility as citizens to ensure that our government spends our money fairly and effectively for the betterment of everyone, especially our children.
William D. Duty, President
Mingo County Board of Education
With the community’s blossoming demand for improved conditions in the County, establishment of the Gilmer Free Press has been the most important development in decades.
Because we live in an isolated area the hard copy press neglected us. Resultantly, news which would have been on front pages of major newspapers went unreported.
This chronic news shortage hampered progress in the County because citizens lacked access to information to use to make up their own minds when important issues arose.
Most importantly the informational deficiency blocked normal check-and-balance processes our Nation’s founders envisioned.
The result was that a small hand full of the County’s elite, through their personal wealth and political contributions, garnered unfettered license to do as they pleased.
The elitists relished their exalted status because they could operate without transparency and accountability.
Resultantly, illegal drug use skyrocketed, other types of crimes increased to seem out of proportion to our population, too much secrecy was imposed for functions of our legal system, the County Commission operated without full transparency, problems with our school system were kept from citizens, etc.
When members of the elite were confronted about withholding information from the public they justified their actions by saying that only a few persons in the County were intelligent enough to process information to make important decisions!
That type of arrogant, elitist rationalization insults all of us. All our people may not have had the privilege of going to college, but their basic intelligence is just as good as anyone else’s and superior in instances, provided they have unimpeded access to information.
The Gilmer Free Press made an immeasurable contribution to getting news to our citizens. The editor’s contributions to the County exemplify what a free press is supposed to do.
In a democracy, along with good news, it is necessary for controversy including graft, abuse of power, and other inequities to be reported.
This openness enables citizens to determine what is best for society, and their formidable pool of collective wisdom made the United States of America the world’s envy.
Keep up the good work, Mr. Dave Ramezan, while assured that Gilmer’s people support you and what you stand for. Your work is about freedom!
G-LtE™: VOTE FOR ME, PUT ME IN POWER, GIVE ME A PAYCHECK THEN….
VOTE FOR ME, PUT ME IN POWER, GIVE ME A PAYCHECK THEN:
SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP!
I’LL TALK TO YOU WHEN I NEED YOU NEXT ELECTION
Unfortunately, this seems to be the prevailing attitude of the Gilmer County Commission and it becomes more obvious every day. Appears they’ve taken a page from Ron Blankenship’s play book. President Kennedy admitted to meeting about the Recreation Centers future behind closed doors. Oops! If it were not for citizen outcry to keep that Board along with the Commissions fear of losing votes it would be gone today just like our schools! It is the feeling of some local citizen leaders they will attempt to give the Rec Center to the College next. Time will tell all if we can still hear it. The Gilmer Free Press gives us information we would not otherwise receive and a voice they hear loud and clear in spite of their denial and don’t forget it. Remember Bill Simmons holding up one of its articles he disagreed with in the BOE meeting? You’ve heard Ramsey and other “elected” deny they reads it but when he didn’t like what it said he showed up. They all do.
Has there ever been a mistake? Probably, no one is God or perfect but not too many and that’s for sure. We have all read necessary corrections and polite apologies on the GFP. Only if a prominent name complains will you see that in the counties only printed “news source”. No minutes from any meeting are ever published by its editor though its reporters always voice record them. It is a DISGRACE to the freedoms established under the Constitution of this United States for anyone to attempt to suppress our rights to free speech and public information! Anyone doing that has something to hide. That is the only logical conclusion one can come to.
Using public office to influence Tax Payer choice of which business to support is unacceptable but easy to do in a small county where we all know each other. To persecute this site out of a misguided sense of self righteous, self protecting indignation even more so. Really Commissioners, really EDA? How many businesses are you going to drive out of our town to keep the money in your own pockets and eliminate competition for limited dollars? Seems the more we give you free reign the more we lose! Take a look around. Oddly enough you all swear you support broadband and internet technology. Is that only if it supports you? So it would seem.
Many, too many of us, have heard the owner of this free publication, a successful local businessman that actually serves the public (along with his beautiful family), a contributing tax payer and citizen of the U.S.A., put down, insulted, called a foreigner, a terrorist and other bad names because of the transparency and accessibility to public information provided by the Gilmer Free Press. Such talk by elected officials on the street to divert attention from their own short comings is an affront to the dignity of public office, it shows ignorance, convinces others we ARE backwoods hillbillies and it is TIME FOR THIS UNPROFESSIONAL NONSENSE TO STOP!
Did it ever occur to one elected official to change their own bad behavior? Do they think maybe, just maybe they should follow the laws of this state, obey open meeting laws, conduct themselves in a moral and ethical fashion and consider what the tax payers want or need? NO it doesn’t. They don’t want to take responsibility for their own bad conduct and all they want to do about that is SHUT THE PEOPLE WHO DISAGREE WITH THEM UP. Don’t know about you but my vote just changed for the next several election cycles and it won’t be for more of the same.
Over the past two weeks the Gilmer Schools Coalition Facilitator received communications from the office of WV Legislative House Majority Leader Brent Boggs. We were advised Delegate Boggs is working toward a piece of pending legislation addressing inter-county school issues.
Comments and suggestions were requested and submitted in an effort to clarify and possibly expand the scope of the proposed bill. We have since been informed that the information provided by the Coalition was forwarded to the WV Department of Education for their analysis and response.
Our Delegate requests that the actual document not be made public due to its pending status and the possibility of change. However, the Facilitator requested and received permission from Delegate Boggs to notify the citizens of Gilmer County about this work in progress. It is our understanding that it has been forwarded to Superintendent Blankenship and other interested parties.
The Coalition has contacted multiple Legislators and school boards who voiced very clear support for Gilmer County and offered their efforts toward addressing our needs and those of any other
inter-county school in the Legislature. They agreed to contact Delegates Boggs immediately.
A Gilmer Schools Coalition Team work session has been scheduled for Monday, February 25, 2013 at 12:30 PM at Holt House (Historical Society), Main Street, Glenville, WV and wishes to extend a sincere thank you to Delegate Boggs and his staff. We are both pleased and grateful to know that you hear the voices of concerned Gilmer County citizens.
We feel that Delegate David Walker who was appointed to the House Education Committee will also be of assistance in this matter and will forward all pertinent suggestions to his office as well.
Greater Harrison Task Force Takes the Lead on Drug Education in North Central West Virginia
School Officials & Law Enforcement Join Forces to Fight Addiction, Overdoses
Law enforcement leaders and local school administrators announced a new drug education and outreach program for North Central West Virginia on Thursday known as Project FUTURE: The Right Prescription for West Virginia.
Board members from the Greater Harrison County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force (hereinafter “Task Force”) were joined today by Harrison County School Officials in making the announcement. According to United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, Project Future is a comprehensive strategy designed to educate parents and children about the dangers of prescribed medicine, synthetic drugs, and other illegal drugs that are plaguing communities in West Virginia.
“The goal of Project Future is for every child to live a life free from substance abuse, and we plan to achieve that goal by the aggressive enforcement of drug trafficking laws as well as by educating our youth about the dangers of drugs,” said Ihlenfeld.
Dr. Gregory Moore, Assistant Superintendent of Harrison County Schools stated: “Prescription drug abuse is the leading type of drug abuse in the state of West Virginia. Project Future will supplement the educational programs Harrison County Schools already has in place that focus on prescription and illegal drugs in order to give our school system a comprehensive approach to teach children about the dangers of drug abuse. Since prescription drugs come from a doctor, people tend to believe that they are safe. But unless those drugs have been prescribed to you—nothing could be further from the truth.“
“The Task Force has a responsibility to do more than just arrest, indict, and lock people up,” said Chief John Walker, Bridgeport, WV, Police Chief and Chairperson of the Task Force Board. “We have a duty to inform the young people of Harrison County that the choices they make on a Friday or Saturday night at a party could affect them for the rest of their lives, or could even end their lives.”
Over the next year members of the Task Force Board will visit schools in North Central West Virginia and they’ll be joined by special guest speakers with real-life experience in dealing with addiction. In addition, community awareness meetings will be held in the evenings so that parents can be fully informed and made aware of warning signs that their children may be using drugs.
The Project Future events that have already been scheduled for the area include:
February 21, 2013
9:30 AM - Robert C. Byrd High School (11th & 12th grades)
1:30 PM - Robert C. Byrd High School (9th & 10th grades)
6:00 PM – Community Awareness Meeting (at Robert C. Byrd High School)
February 22, 2013
9:00 AM - Bridgeport Middle School (7th & 8th grades)
10:30 AM – Washington Irving Middle School (8th grade)
1:45 PM – Liberty High School (9th & 10th grades)
March 27, 2013
Calhoun County Middle-High School (7th thru 12th grades)
Gilmer County High School (7th thru 12th grades)
April 09, 2013
Cameron High School (7th thru 12th grades)
April 30, 2013
Tucker County High School (9th thru 12th grades)
May 01, 2013
Liberty High School (11th & 12th grades)
Fairmont Senior High School (9th thru 12th grades)
The dates of additional events in Marion, Monongalia, Mineral and Hampshire Counties are in the process of being finalized and will be announced in the near future.
The Project Future program has partnered with United States Senator Jay Rockefeller, who has been a leader in Congress in tackling the issues related to prescription drug abuse. Drug Free Clubs of America is also a partner with the initiative.
U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld said that he encourages other schools and community groups that are interested in hosting a Project Future event to contact his office at 304.234.0100.
CommunityConcerns™: Gilmer County Recreation Center Board Meeting Report – 02.19.13
GFP Note: The video of this meeting will be published as soon as it is processed.
It was not a typical Tuesday evening in Glenville, WV at the Gilmer County Recreation Center Board of Directors meeting which took place at 6:00 PM, Tuesday, February, 19, 2013.
Rumors had it that the Gilmer county Commissioners were about to dissolve the Recreation Center Board and take over the operation.
Why rumors? Well there was not an official announcement of any sort by the commission about it as well as any indication that commissioners Brian Kennedy, Darrell Ramsey, Larry Chapman, as well as the county administrator Cindy Wilson were to attend the meeting.
Strange? Yes. Why? Because there has not been any representation from the commission attending the meeting for several month! Commission President Brian Kennedy, a Recreation Center board member has not been attending the meeting for several month citing being busy, having no time.
As soon as the meeting was called to order by the center board President Larry (Bud) Sponaugle, after making a comment about the fact that for some reason all the commissioners were present, surprised, he declared the meeting over due to lack of a quorum. It takes 6 members present on the board to have a quorum and there were only 5 present.
The Gilmer County Commission has failed to appoint necessary board members since November and as the result Recreation Center Board has not had enough members to have a quorum in their meetings, especially since the commission president Brian Kennedy has not been attending the meetings.
At this point the tensions flared up when both presidents went at it citing problems from personal level to business.
Kennedy screaming said Sponaugle was a hard person to work with and Sponaugle wanted to know why the board had failed to appoint the members to the board so they could have a quorum. Everyone in the room was quiet listening to the harsh debate.
Kennedy stated, the board was in trouble because the Recreation Center budget and expenses was out of hand citing the taxpayers were not going to put up with it. Sponaugle acting surprised, wanted to know who the taxpayers were that Kennedy was referring to because none of them have showed up either at the Recreation Center Board or the Commission meetings. Of course he did not get an answer to his question.
Surprisingly enough at this point a board member, Greg James showed up late allowing the board to have a quorum since Kennedy was present. Susie Kirkpatrick was absent.
When asked again why the commission had not appointed the needed two board position to have a quorum since November, Ramsey said, they could not because they did not have enough members present at the commission meeting to make such decisions. Kennedy had not made it to several meetings since November.
Sponaugle cited the financial problem due to cutbacks in their budget by the commission. Kennedy said it had to be done because the county just does not have any money.
The issue went back and forth. Lisa Smarr, the Center Director, resigned last week for another job and again the Center Board could not act on it due to lack of quorum. Ramsey suggested the commission should hire a director and pay for the position rather than the board. (He even offered to be that director)***. Other commissioner did not respond to such move.
Kennedy said, let’s move on and he wanted ideas on what needed done to get the Center to operate in black. When asked what his suggestions were, he said he did not have any.
The idea of a levy was talked about and comment was made that a levy for the Center has failed twice. Chapman suggested a fundraiser. Comments were made by several attending that people in the county are supporting so many fundraisers already. In short, the commission citing the problem, but had no answer to any solution.
Kennedy was told the board was operating in black when the center was being used for training of law enforcement officers and it was changed by the “powers in charge”, as well as budget cuts by the commission leading to shortfalls.
The Gilmer Free Press asked why the commission never talked about the financial problem at the Recreation Center in any of the commission meetings. The response was “it was talked about behind closed doors and not in public meeting.” The GFP did not feel it was fair for the commission to quote the taxpayers as being fed up, when the taxpayers had no clue what was going on! GFP thought it was not fair for the commission to come out of blue sky doing what they were doing and called it a good example of crisis management. Kennedy finally agreed that the issue was never brought up to public.
Kennedy kept repeating people have to decide what they want to do with the center, and Sponaugle kept saying the commission needed to decided and tell the board what they should do.
Having been to enough meeting, when we hear “the people have to decide” and all of a sudden decisions are made by the commission without people really having an input, it seems like there might be another hidden agenda in this case.
In conclusion, there are two positions open on the Recreation Center Board in Glenville and Center District. The board along with the commission is having a meeting on Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 6:00 PM to decide on the director position for the center as well as any new ideas. Employees were also concerned about their jobs at the meeting.
Public is invited to the meeting at Shawnee Hall at the Gilmer County Recreation Center.
GFP Note: The video of this meeting will be published as soon as it is processed.
*** Need to verify on video to make sure whether Mr. Ramsey made this statement.
Gilmer County Board of Education Regular Meeting Report - Monday - 02.11.13
Meeting Report for:
AGENDA
Gilmer County Board of Education
Gilmer County High School Media Center
Monday, February 11, 2013 - 6:00 PM
[Numbers in format 00:00:00 (hh:mm:ss) are approximate timeline for the video]
I. 00:00:20 - CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Board President Dr. Simmons. Members Phyllis Starkey, Misty Pritt, Dr. Carl Armour, Tom Ratliff as well as the state appointed Superintendent Ron Blankenship were present.
II. 00:00:40 - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Dr. Simmons led the Pledge of Allegiance
III. 00:01:16 - SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS
None, according to Superintendent
IV. BOARD REPORTS:
A. 00:01:36 - CGCC: Phyllis Starkey (January 28, 2013)
Phyllis Starkey explains about rules and conditions Superintendent has put on her. In short she is told by Superintendent if she asks questions, he would not make any recommendation to the state for local control. (Video)
****************************************************
Calhoun-Gilmer Administrative Council Official Minutes January 28, 2013
Members Present:
Ronald Blankenship, Presiding
Phyllis Starkey, Gilmer
Steve Whited, Calhoun
Donald Pitts, Calhoun
Jason Hughes, WVDE
Bryan P. Sterns, Secretary
Donald Pitts substituting for Roger Propst
Others Present:
Nancy Weekley
Members Absent:
Roger Propst
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order by Blankenship at 11:00 AM
Delegations:
None
Approval of Minutes:
The minutes of December 18, 2012, were approved on motion of Whited; second by Hughes. Motion carried. Vote: Unanimous.
Reports:
Natural Resources Management: Sterns reported that he has received some applications for the position and will be reviewing the qualifications of the applicants.
NOCTI Results: Sterns reported that McCormick and Snyder both passed the NOCTI Exams for their content areas.
SBA Grant Award: Sterns reported that the Calhoun-Gilmer Career Center has been awarded a $490,072 grant for renovations to the Center that include replacement of the sewer plant, water plant & piping, restroom fixtures, parapet walls, three HVAC units, and interior walls & floor tile. There was discussion regarding employment of Roger Sweppenhiser as the Clerk of the Works for the project. He would perform the duties after his regular work hours.
New Business:
Financial Matters: The list of bills, an additional list of bills, the financial report, a budget supplement, three budget transfers, the CGCC Individual School Report for December. Pitts moved to approve the financial matters as presented; second by Whited. Motion carried. Vote: Unanimous.
Personnel:
Sterns recommended the employment of Paul Parsons for mentor teacher for Jonathan McCormick, Networking Technology Instructor.
Reduction in Force: Sterns discussed eliminating the daytime ALCII position and re-posting for an afternoon ALC II/Evening Instructor. No action was taken at this time.
General Discussion:
Academic Support - Calhoun: To be addressed at a later date.
Safety/Evacuation Plan: Sterns discussed procedures in regard to a total evacuation of the school. The plan will be presented to the council for approval before being sent to the State for approval.
CGCC Policies: Various individuals have been assigned to work on sections of the CGCC Policy Manual.
School Based Health: Sterns reported that the hours for the school based health clinic have been changed from Wednesday morning to Monday afternoon.
New Telephone System: Weekley reported that a new telephone system will be installed at the center on Wednesday. The old intercom/bell system will be eliminated and the new telephone system will have those features.
Adjournment and Scheduling of Next Meeting:
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Calhoun-Gilmer Administrative Council will be held on February 19, 2013, at 11:00 AM. With no further business the meeting was adjourned.
B. 00:03:44 - RESA VII: Dr. Simmons (January 17, 2013)
He spoke about School Safety program at RESA VII meeting. Poverty, education reform, need for communication with Board of Education, and a good public relation with parents were the topics he talked about. (Video)
IV. 00:18:50 - TRIP REQUESTS
None, according to Superintendent
VI. 00:18:57 - CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes – January 14, 2013 & Special Meeting January 16, 2013
****************************************************
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING: The Board of Education of the County of Gilmer
Monday, January 14, 2013 - 6:00 PM Gilmer County High School Media Center
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 1800 hours by President, Dr. William Simmons.
ROLL CALL:
Members present: Carl Armour, Misty Pritt, Tom Ratliff, Bill Simmons, Phyllis Starkey and Ronald Blankenship, Secretary.
Others present: Nasia Butcher, Norma Hurley, Dendra Miller, Adam Osborne, Dave Ramezan and Daniel Reed.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Dr. Carl Armour led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.
SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS:
Nasia Butcher, Gilmer County High School Principal, introduced Adam Osborne, physics teacher and Daniel Reed, counselor, who discussed the Gilmer County High School Rocketry Project. This group was chosen to make this rocketry presentation to the International Society of Technology in Education at the 2013 Conference in San Antonio, Texas .
BOARD REPORTS:
Starkey reported on the December 18, 2013 monthly meeting of the Calhoun Gilmer Career Center.
TRIP REQUESTS:
None.
CONSENT AGENDA:
A. Minutes - December 17, 2012
B. Personnel
C. Budget Supplements & Transfers
D. Accounts Payable
E. Policies for Approval
F. Student Transfers
G. School Volunteers
DELEGATIONS:
Dendra Miller, Phyllis Starkey and Norma Hurley addressed the Superintendent regarding various issues.
SUPERINTENDENT REPORTS:
The Board entered into executive session at 6:52 PM for the discussion of personnel and school security returning to regular session at 8:08 PM.
FUTURE MEETINGS:
The next regular meeting of the Gilmer County Board of Education will be held on Monday, February 11, 2013. A special meeting for expulsion hearings will be conducted at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at the central office.
ADJOURNMENT:
Dr. Carl Armour moved and Tom Ratliff seconded that the meeting adjourn at 8:09 PM Motion carried unanimously.
MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING: The Board of Education of the County of Gilmer
Wednesday, January 16, 2013 - 6:00 PM
Gilmer County Schools Central Office
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by President, Dr. William Simmons.
ROLL CALL:
Members present: Carl Armour, Misty Pritt, Tom Ratliff, Bill Simmons, Phyllis Starkey and Ronald Blankenship, Secretary.
EXPULSION HEARING:
Carl Armour moved the Board enter into executive session at 1800 hours for expulsion hearing E001-2012/13. The motion was seconded by Tom Ratliff and was passed unanimously.
Tom Ratliff moved the Board return to open session at 7:15 PM. The motion was seconded by Misty Pritt and passed unanimously.
The Superintendent recommended student E001-2012/13 be expelled for the remainder of the school year. Motion was made to approve the recommendation by Carl Armour with a second by Tom Ratliff. The motion passed unanimously.
Misty Pritt moved and Tom Ratliff seconded the Board return to executive session at 7:19 PM for expulsion hearing E002-2012/13. The motion passed unanimously.
Misty Pritt moved and Carl Armour seconded the Board return to open session at 7:52 PM. The motion passed unanimously.
The Superintendent recommended student E002-2012/13 be expelled for the remainder of the school year. Motion was made to approve the recommendation by Phyllis Starkey with a second by Misty Pritt. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT:
Tom Ratliff moved and Carl Armour seconded the meeting adjourn at 7:58 PM. The motion passed unanimously.
• Judy Jaffre, Resignation for Retirement effective 01.17.2013
Reclassifications:
• None
Leave of Absence:
• Debra Huffman, Return from Leave of Absence 01.02.2013
• Twila Reed, Leave of Absence extended to 04.02.2013
Postings (2012-13):
• Principal, Sand Fork Elementary School 2012-13
• Science Teacher, GCHS 2012-13
• Reading Interventionist, Sand Fork
Employment (2012-13):
• Shelly Mason - Principal, Sand Fork Elementary School 2012-13
• Miranda Canfield - Reading Interventionist, Sand Fork
C. Budget Supplements & Transfers:
• Budget Supplements January 2013 = $81,987.19
• Budget Transfers January 2013 = $82,613.06
• December 2012 Financial Statement
D. Accounts Payable:
• State Approved 01.14.13 = $117,704.88
• State Approved 01.15.13 = $6,618.84
• State Approved 01.16.13 = $330.00
• State Approved 01.29.13 = $59,872.20
E. Policies for Approval:
• None
F. Student Transfers:
• None
G. School Volunteers:
• Rondal Smarr, Troy Elementary
• Darren Pritt, Gilmer County High School
H. Approval of Student Request – Policy 6141.01
• Re: Chase Smarr, GCHS Student
****************************************************
January 28, 2013
Ronald Blankenship, Superintendent Gilmer County
Gilmer County Schools Board of Education
201 N. Court Street Glenville, WV 26351
Dear Blankenship:
I have received a request from William Smarr, father of GCHS senior Chase Smarr, to permit Seth to attend school one-half day this Spring Semester which will allow him to keep his fulltime job. I have attached a copy of his request for your records. By attending school in the morning, Chase will complete all the necessary requirements for graduation in May 2013. Smarr, a single parent, is on disability and lives with his mother, Dora Smarr, who does not work; they partially on Chase’s income to help support the family.
It is my recommendation to all Chase Smarr to be permitted to attend school one-half day for reasons of family financial hardship.
Respectfully,
Mrs. Nasia P. Butcher Principal
Poiicy regarding this issue:
POLICY MANUAL POLICY #6141.01
TITLE: INDIVIDUAL EXCEPTION TO FOUR YEAR ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT
State Board of Education Ref: 2444.01, 2510, West Virginia Code §2,0-A-4
6141.01 GENERAL POLICY: Attendance
Attendance for all four years during grades 9-12 1s Important to attain full benefit from the educational programs offered 1n the schools of West Virginia. Therefore, all students shall be scheduled for the full Instructional day for all four years.
Exceptions may be made by County Boards of Education to accommodate placement into:
College courses,
Advanced vocational programs, or for other
Compelling circumstances.
The Gllmer County Board of Education shall make the following exceptions available to Its students:
6141.02 Exceptions for Educational Reasons
A student may be excused to:
Enroll 1n college courses, which are the equivalent of or In excess of high school courses, (refer to Board Policy 6141.01 which defines Instructional day restraints.)
Travel abroad as an exchange student 1n another country, or 0 Extend their educational program as prescribed 1n the I.E.P.
6141.03 Exceptions for compelling circumstances
Family Responsibilities;
A student who 1s married and or a parent who must work to support a family or who because of a disability to their parents, must be available to assist with home financial obligations.
Health
A student who needs to modify their education program upon the recommendation of the attending physician.
Other
The Board may consider a compelling circumstance not listed herein 1f the circumstance can be adequately documented to qualify for an exemption.
6141.04 Conditions that do not require exceptions
Students who participated 1n a supervised work study program as a part of their Instructional program.
Students who have already attended four years 1n grades 9 through 12 and need only to be scheduled for those classes to meet graduation warranty requests.
Students whose Individual needs are addressed 1n their I.E.P.
6141.04 Procedural Guidlines
The Gllmer County Board of Education promulgates the following regulations as a guideline for parents and students who are seeking an exception to the attendance requirement.
Exemptions for Educational Reasons:
1. The guidance counselor must recommend a student for an educational experience based on available documentation of: ACT, SAT, and CTBS test scores; SPA grades 7 through 10, and; records of advanced placement honors classes completed.
2. The principal must recommend a student for an educational exemption.
3. Students will be required to show evidence that they are enrolled in a college or post secondary vocational school.
4. Student will be required to provide a copy of their grades to the high school counselor upon completion of each semester of college courses.
Exemptions for compelling circumstances
1. Students who request an exception for compelling circumstances must present documentation to verify the uniqueness of their Individual case. Illustrative examples would be:
I.R.S. Returns
Social Security Records
Fiscal Records
Medical Records
Etc.
2. All requests for exceptions shall be Investigated and documented by the Guidance Counselor and Building Principal.
3. The Building Principal’s recommendation is required ... in writing,
Time Restraints for Requests
All requests for exception to the attendance requirements shall be processed and placed before the Gilmer County Board of Education on or before the fifth day of the semester year for which the exception is requested.
VII. 00:19:24 - SUPERINTENDENT REPORTS – Mr. Blankenship:
Superintendent spoke about the school safety. He feels there will be some money coming from Washington for implementing different types of technologies in school safety for new schools and perhaps in old schools as well.
He is putting a grant together for having a safety officer at high school.
He noted there are going to more safety implementation and upcoming plans.
Superintendent feels the handling of the bomb threats at high school has been pretty good by quoting one of the officers he spoke to. He said the bomb squad officer felt the Gilmer County has the best response plan.
He also said the State Police has narrowed their investigation and there will be an arrest soon.
Board member Misty Pritt was concerned about the students having to walk to the college, especially in bad weather. She questioned why buses were not used to transport the students. Blankenship said he could not answer that question, but could not see any problem using the buses if the drivers are available. Further discussion was made about the bomb threats. (Video)
VIII. 00:30:00 - DELEGATIONS*:
• 00:30:20 - Phyllis Starkey Commentary
She expressed her dissatisfaction about the way she has been treated by the Superintendent and Dr. Simmons and question why she was not getting any answers to her question, .... (Video)
• 00:35:30 - Norma Hurley
Report on SBA and funding as well as providing data why Gilmer County should have two elementary schools instead of the propose only one school. (video)
IX. FUTURE MEETINGS: March 11, 2013
X. ADJOURNMENT
* “Speakers are asked to express themselves in a civil manner, with due respect for the dignity and privacy of others who may be affected by your comments. While it is not our intent to stifle public comment, speakers should be aware that if your statements violate the rights of others under the law of defamation or invasion of privacy, you may be held legally responsible. If you are unsure of the legal ramifications of what you are about to say, we urge you to consult first with your legal advisor.”
I am writing this letter because I am very upset the way we are treated by department of highways.
I put up a sign for my business and DOH had me take it down. I was told I could have the sign on the side of the road.
The sign was done professional, it was not on DOH’s right of ways, it was on private property, and I had permission from landowner to use the space.
I understand people put temporary signs on the roads for occasions and direction. I also understand some signs are for public establishments, but I see business signs stay up year round beside the roads and in Glenville and DOH is not taking them down and allows them to use the right of all they want.
What is going on? Do you have to be someone special or know somebody special?
What is the policy?
Why was mine taken down and others stay up? Especially when they are not done professionally?
Gilmer County Commission Regular Monthly Meeting Report – 02.05.13
00:24 PLEDGE of ALLLEGIANCE TO THE US FLAG
01:50 WiFi Project for Sand Fork – Question was asked by GFP regarding the status of the WiFi Project approved by the commission over two years ago – Although Commissioner Chapman is to check into it, he believes the project fell through! The concern for asking the question was about the funds for the project and what happened to the funding from the government.
04:00 Approving estate qualifications and estate settlements - Approved
08:46 Board Appointments and/or Resignations – There is an opening on ambulance Board in Center District
09.18 Gary Wolfe – Introducing New Employee – Stacy Smith – she was welcomed by the Commissioners
15:40 Jack Heater - Re: Improper dismissal from an unpaid position in January 2013 meeting - Following is Mr. Heater’s response to the commision:
Gilmer County Commission:
I am confident that you are aware of my purpose of addressing the commission today. However if you are not, I am here to respond to my surprise letter dated January 03, 2013, of my dismissal as the Assistant Director of Emergency Services for Gilmer County (actually it is the Office of Emergency Management and the position is Deputy Director as you will recall this action was taken by the commission at the January 2nd meeting. I did not know the commission was going to be addressing this topic; I was not informed by either the commission or the Director of Emergency Management. Was this item on the agenda for the meeting? If this was an agenda item to be discussed should I not have been informed of such?
If this was not on the agenda how can a motion, second and vote be done? Would this not be in violation of the Open Meeting Law? Also which commissioner made the motion, which one second, and what was the final vote?
The reason for non-renewal of my contract as stated in the letter was I did not reside in the county. If you review the previous contract there was not a residence requirement. What is the difference of not living in the county as a deputy director and the director being unavailable for contact when out of the county or not being available to report to duty due to primary job duties or part time job duties?
I have been the Deputy Director for 30 years, I was Mr. Tom Luzader’s deputy and after that I was Mr. Ed Messenger’s deputy. During that time of tenure I have did not receive any monetary compensation (unlike the director which is a paid position). I have not once during that time period been questioned as to my job performance. With the ever tightening financial conditions is it not ironic to terminate an unpaid person?
The reason or more accurately the excuse for terminating my contract has nothing to do with the question of my residence. I am aware this decision was made upon the fact that I challenged certain individuals’ authority as it pertains to a different committee. As soon as that occurred I was a target for those individuals. Commissioners without mentioning names I am confident that you understand this statement.
Living almost 60 years in the county and knowing each commissioner personally I am disappointed the commission did not have the common courtesy to contact me with the prospect of not renewing my contract. From my view point this was a predetermined, non-discussable and personal action by the commission.
Unlike the commission to not advise me that the commissioners were going to address my position and the chance for me to comment, you have had almost one month of notice that I would be here and why. I had the courtesy to request on January 10, 2013 to have this item placed on the agenda for this meeting. This should have given the commission ample time to anticipate my comments. I could have simply appeared and addressed the commission during the public section of the agenda. Common courtesy necessitates that one does not do unto others as they have done to you.
Jack A. Heater February 05, 2013
NOTE: THIS IS A SUMMARY OF THE PRESENTATION THAT WAS MADE AT THE GILMER COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 05, 2013
Commission speechless, decided to setup a discovery meeting with Jack Heater and Susie Kirkpatrick.
33:35 DEE McCULLOUGH - RE: Plan for Courthouse Drill on a weekend in September of 2013 - Approved
40:35 Approving County Commission Minutes: 01.02.2013 Minutes Correction – Jim Bailey LANDMARKS COMMISSION NOT HISTORICAL SOCIETY as listed in the Agenda. Also questions were asked about missing of the financial figures on the minutes. After discussing the problem with County Clerk, Commission requested financial data to be included in the minutes from now on - Approved
51:00 Approving invoices for payment
00:24 Continuing to pay invoices
04:35 Lisa Smarr – Gilmer County Recreation Center, regarding the estimate for the steps and ramp at the center
10:53 LARRY GERWIG – RE: Update on bookkeeping progress – He reported Reta Kight has been working on the project and she is almost done with the work.
23:50 Continuing to pay invoices
27:12 MIKE MURPHY – VIA PHONE RE: Willard Cottrill Estate
37:40 MAGISTRATE CAROL WOLFE – RE: Parking & Annex Security
52:28 KELLY CAIN – RE: Little Kanawha Bus Letter of Support & $500 Advisory position on Board - Approved
00:24 KELLY CAIN – RE: Little Kanawha Bus Letter of Support & $500 Advisory position on Board – Approved
11:20 Continuing to pay invoices
43:19 Budget Revisions and Budget Control Report - Approved
00: 24 Continuing to pay invoices
01:40 Renewal of flood insurance for Holt House – Approved
02:04 Closure of Gilmer County Health Center Board of Trustees United Bank Sweep Account – Approved
03:04 Closure of Health Department United Bank Sweep Account – Approved
03:44 Old Jail Boiler System – Discussion made on some estimates – No decision made
04:10 Magistrate Alton Skinner Certificate of Entitlement from State Supreme Court to reimburse for home phone bill – Approved
04:37 Letter from Bill Rowan recommending to remove Furr’s Wrecker Service from Gilmer Counties rotation list due to lack of response to request for information – After the mishap on Jack Heater’s case, commission did not want to make the same mistake again. They decided to look into the matter further.
06:01 Recreation Center to start paying own water bill – Approved
07:07 Request from Sallie Matthess to make Senior Center an Emergency Shelter – Approved
07:23 Receipt of Gilmer PSD Board of Director’s Meeting Minutes for 10.02.2012 and 11.19.2012 – Approved
07:46 Update on dilapidated buildings – Letter have been sent to the owners of these properties and no response has been received.
09:13 WV Consolidated Public Retirement Employer Contribution rate will increase from 14% to 14.5% as of July 01, 2013
10:36 Reading of Citations from WV House of Delegates and West Virginia Governor for Gilmer County’s 168th Birthday.
Drugs come to where the money is It is a business ran for profit and dealers don’t start out looking for the poor. They like to establish a drug operation where kids and adults have money to buy, A preferred location will be where neighbors do not communicate and isolate themselves making it easy to intimidate those that do notice drug activity. When they find it business thrives. To the rich man, drugs are like the average guy having a beer after work or going to the bar on the weekend. Why not, they can afford it and who does it hurt? But when the big money buyer gets hooked, needs companionship of like mind, it all trickles down because the poor man’s dollar spends just the same whether he can afford it or not and who cares what happens to him as long as the party’s on? They can afford the best but there’s always something available to the rest..
Do any of these sound familiar to you? Excessive foot or car traffic to and from a house or property. Groups loitering in or around a house or business. Frequent and unusual traffic patterns such as: Stop - Enter – Leave at all hours- Cars frequently stopping and a resident comes out to talk briefly with occupants, Threats of intimidation connected to a residence? Windows foiled over or blocked out and signs of abnormally warm buildings.. In winter snow may melt off the roofs of buildings used to house a grow operation while others stay buried. Lights always on.
Yes, cross that bridge and take a drive through Brooklyn just after dark. Watch the proximity of the Pizza Hut and neighboring Bar. Observe the activity in the Grille parking lot after dark. Listen as the ambulance carries another OD off the hill or maybe another rape victim after a rave party. It’s all here and been here quite some time and it’s getting worse. Follow the Circuit Court reports. You’ll find pot, pills, heroin, cocaine, meth. Observe as once respected people start to hang with young men and women begging to join the party and be on the inside track. The fact that many will lose self-respect or watch their family fall apart to outside influences seems to mean very little..
Have you noticed a young person becoming withdrawn, depressed, tired all the time and caring less about anything? Have they become hostile, uncooperative and frequently break curfew? Has their relationship with family members deteriorated? Are they hanging with a new group of friends? Are grades slipping and school attendance irregular? Maybe they’ve lost interest in hobbies, sports or other favorite activities. Eating and sleeping patterns may have change to up at night and sleeping during the day. Maybe they seem to have a hard time concentrating or household money, prescription drugs or other items are disappearing. If so, spend the money and let a trusted doctor check them out. It may be physical, it may be nothing or it may be a drug problem.
Any way it goes, surely an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure when it comes to children since marijuana was recently found in our schools. Pills able to make a junkies speedball were reported found by police search heading into Gilmer County. It’s not cocaine and heroin but will substitute and these pills in quantity are produced in legal drug labs only available by prescription. Found along with synthetic marijuana banned for producing psychotic reactions.. No one can tell an adult what to do when it comes to making good life decisions but when it comes into our community, accessible to the college and to the children, something must change.
It is time to call out one of the worst possible trends which will lead to further deterioration of our community. It is time for us all to be honest and shine a light on the problem of legal drug dealers. I’m talking about physicians and other prescription writers that simply hand out controlled substances for a fee. These people are dangerous and they are a big reason why we are losing our “War on Drugs.”
Some blame it on the Pharmacy and certainly (as with all jobs) there will be those who abuse the trust…But why are so many doctors getting a free pass for simply setting up shop and giving patients what they want as long as they pay the office visit fee? How different is that really from setting up shop on a street corner with a couple of bottles of narcotics in your coat pocket?
Really not trying to demonize all MDs here but at some point shouldn’t we all face the facts? What is so frustrating is the fact that doctors that indiscriminately hand out prescriptions for controlled substances shift the drug diversion problem straight towards the pharmacies. And on some level pharmacists can feel helpless to do anything about the problem because technically the drug seekers in question have “valid prescriptions” from a licensed provider.
Think about it. What’s easier and more socially acceptable? Driving to a back alley of a downtown street to meet a drug dealer who walks up to the car and pulls a bottle of Xanax out of his over-sized coat or going to see a doctor at a local “ clinic” who is known to be overly generous in his prescribing habits. Mr. Seeker sits in a comfortable couch in a waiting area listening to the local soft rock radio station playing in the background while reading a magazine from a couple of months ago.
Unfortunately, there are MDs that are truly an embarrassment to the medical community with their prescribing habits. They give out prescriptions for controlled substances like pain medications and stimulants indiscriminately to anyone who is willing to go make an appointment and has the cash for an office visit.. There have been Doctors who write for Adderall or Ritalin for entire families including both parents and all of their kids in high doses and quantities: Think 180 or 240 or more pills per patient. Doctors who give out Percocet or, Codiene or other controlled substances for any hint of chronic pain. Those all too willing to prescribe antidepressants, “nerve pills” and prescription sleep aids if a patient complaint of stress.
Many articles you can find will talk about how law enforcement wants to use the prescription database to crack down on patients that are abusing the system. But not one article says anything regarding the possibility of investigating the prescribing physicians. Why not? All the focus of the investigations and law enforcement efforts seemed to be on the patients and not the ones writing the prescriptions.
There are legitimate chronic pain patients. Not all pain management is a scam. And the reality of the drug diversion problem means that certain chronic pain sufferers are scrutinized and often treated poorly because careful physicians and pharmacists are so conditioned to assume the worst that it becomes a natural mindset to question everything.
Prescription drugs are becoming the abused drugs of choice for many and the main reason for this is the easy access abusers have to those drugs. And despite the many other ways that drug seekers can get those drugs too often they simply walk into a doctor’s office and get a prescription. And at that point how is it possible to stop the massive abuse problem related to these prescriptions? It is too late when seekers have already gained their “golden ticket” to the drugs they want. There is no gatekeeper capable of stopping such abuse. This problem must be tackled at the source.
It is time for the AMA, law enforcement, and the state boards of pharmacies to really crack down and discipline offending offenders for irresponsible prescribing habits. It is reality check time for everyone. Sure. You may read about or hear of a doctor on the news that does get disciplined for giving out drugs illegally but for every one of those doctors punished there are at least ten more that aren’t caught. The last thing we need as a society is a legal way for abusers to get their fix.
It seems the cultural norm is switching from doing the right thing to every man for himself. The gradual deterioration of once proud communities becomes more obvious to the casual eye. If we are going to stop crime and drugs from taking over our neighborhoods and our children we must all work together as a team. If you think the pressures of daily life are hard on you try to remember they’re just as hard on the kids. Watch out for your neighborhood and work with Law Enforcement before it is too late to save someone You love.
Did you hear that many pistol shots rang out at the new Glenville Sports Club Bar & Grille (Old Lion’s Lair) Saturday night?
Fight broke out; barmaid’s car had tire and window shot out and on her car (its parked there now)
The shooting continued on over into Brooklyn with the police calling backup and many arrests made.
They say it broke out between black & white in the bar, went out into parking lot black on black then they ran over to Brooklyn to let their friends there know trouble was coming.
Things are not getting any better around here in Glenville, is it?
Communicate through G-vine via “tellus@gilmerfreepress.net”
G-Vine information IS NOT the opinion of The Gilmer Free Press
OddlyEnough™: Teen Punished for Stopping Bullies from Harassing a Special Needs Girl
Bullying incident raises the question: Why are schools slow to respond to harassment complaints?
A Florida high school student made a stand against bullying and is now in the hot seat with school officials. For months, 18-year-old Stormy Rich witnessed a girl with special needs being bullied by her peers on the way to school. “They would be mean to her, tell her she couldn’t sit on certain spots on the bus…just because she doesn’t understand doesn’t mean that should be happening to her,“ Rich told WOFL-TV.
Rich says she reported the incidents to the bus driver and school officials. When they didn’t take action, she stepped in and confronted the bullies; but instead of being praised for her efforts, Rich ended up being labeled as a bully, and her bus-riding privileges were revoked. A spokesperson for the school district said, “Two wrongs don’t make a right” and that the girl with special needs never complained about being bullied.
Stormy’s mother, Brenda, told The Daily Commercial, “My daughter was punished incorrectly. Stormy was standing up for a child with emotionally challenged disabilities that should not have been bullied. The district’s policy clearly states that anybody in good faith files a report on bullying will not face any repercussions and she is.“
What exactly was said on the bus is unclear; however, if a student says bullies are harassing another child, why does it take so long for schools to take action? We live in a country where 13 million kids are bullied each year and more often than not, the behavior occurs on the bus.
This is far from the first report of a teacher or bus driver turning a blind eye to bullying. ABC reports, “In one taped incident, two girls took turns punching another girl in the head and pulling out clumps of her hair. The driver, the only adult on the bus, continued driving the vehicle during the attack.“
The bottom line is something more needs to be done to combat bullying in our schools. Three million students will be absent from school this month because of the emotional and physical toll of bullying, and according to the organization Ability Path, children with disabilities are significantly more likely than their peers to be the victims of this mistreatment.
~~ By Jenny Inglee - WFOL-TV ~~
Do you feel it is inexcusable for schools not to take immediate action when a student reports a bullying incident?
Your government ‘sells’ this sort of stuff to make you feel good, when in actuality, its just more invasion into your life, causes bigger government, and in the end you have less input and they have more control?
I can just picture pans of them in the showcase at the local grocery store.
Not sure the effect it would have on this community. Doubt the store would have to reorder often.
It is the job of the Principal to make sure the drinking fountains are covered, water to the sinks turned off while providing hand-sanitizer and drinking water plus make sure any water used for meals or dishes has been boiled. Did they do it? Last time someone was too busy looking down their nose with a do what I want attitude. Last time they had no water at all.
Can we be certain that the children at Sand Fork are NOT drinking and washing their hands in the bad water?
By the way—-
What is the status/outcome of Superintendent Blankenship standing in defiance of the Health Department Order to close the Sand Fork School in April when there was not water, and the unsanitary conditions that resulted?
Has there been any testing of students and staff to determine if any hepatitis or other disease issues have resulted in the defiance of Health Department Order?
Next Generation CSO Crosswalk to 21st Century CSOs.
You can find this link on the WVDE web site.
“The Crosswalks Documents were created by the work groups in English Language Arts and Mathematics who studied the Common Core State Standards and then placed these standards into the West Virginia Framework for Next Generation Standards.“
WV does not plan to comply with Common Core.That was revealed from RESA at the last Gilmer County BOE meeting. They will institute Next Generation standards. RESA now has their own consortium. We are aware WV has joined multiple consortia that were funded by federal grant monies.
When all is said and done, the WV BOE must be the ones held accountable for passing or failing to meet national standards. Right now deferral from meeting NCLB requirements another year is pending. Nothing shows it will ever happen.
Does any of this improve the educational future of WV children? Westest results in Gilmer County declined during the past two years ofintervention.
You can spend a lifetime following the political money trail,never be bored and often upset.That can only be changed at the ballot box. One of the most fundamentally important questions on the table right now should be, are the children getting true value for tax dollars spent on education today?
Norma, are Blankenship and Matterin double dipping to receive their regular State retirement benefits plus full compensation for their school system work too This is information WV taxpayers should know. Thank you.
Earl B. So sorry to be late responding, had some down time. Last year’s BOE financial statement showed Mr. Blankenship receiving $123,000 and a little over $4,000 in travel. As to Mr. Mattern, I will try to find who issues his contract and if we would be provided that info or will a Freedom of Information request necessary.
I know that Gilmer County BOE did not hire W&S. There was no bid.The state issued that contract. It is my understanding the state has a list of “approved vendors”. I believed those were vendors that meet state criteria such as insurance, bonding, product specs. etc. I have found no evidence that being included on that list exempts a company or an entity from the laws regarding public improvements and bidding whether education or no.
Dear Burnt. I can’t wait until our IRS gets their hands on your med records to go with the financial records. We will be able to have more scandal with all that good stuff. thanks, ‘J’
Shipley is correct. As Karen P. has pointed out on here many times, smaller is better.
Home schools do better.
Amish schools do better.
Catholic schools do better.
Voucher systems do better.
Local control and local responsibility work. Thousands of tiny systems are custom built for the students they serve. Thousands of small experiments discover what works in education, and what doesn’t. These schools can spend more time chasing excellent teachers and less time chasing grants and they don’t have layer on layer of administrators looking out for administrators.
The U.S. Dept. of Education is a failure and the State Dept of Education is not much better, but don’t worry, they will take care of themselves!
I would like to try and summarize this article.
I am Jay Rockefeller and I just helped spend another 2.4 million of your tax dollars on more government that you didn’t even need or want.
He neglected to mention that you will also be getting thousands of new IRS agents to enforce the law.
Good point Earl Batson. Remember, the ‘education budget’ portion of state expenses, is over 50% of the entire state budget. Mark Manchin is son of A.J., former treasurer. Remember that deal? If our new AG ever starts investigating corruption, he will need to at least double his staff.
Great that the Feds FINALLY prosecuted somebody who actually violated this law. One out of HOW MANY? They don’t need new laws until the really start enforcing the ones they already have,
Mrs. Hurley, could the Coalition get us information for the compensation for Ron Blankenship and Ted Matterin for a GFP posting? Citizens have a right to know. This school mess raises serious questions about who profits from funds being spent and the treatment of Williamson and Shriver is one of many issues needing to be looked into. Why does the firm get what is believed to be no-bid contacts to have a monopoly on school building projects? Is any of Mark Manchin’s SBA money to W & S from federal sources to give the feds justification for investigating?
This glaring example of purposely withholding information from the public extends to Mr. Ted Matterin, Mr. Charles Heinlein, Dr. Linger, Gayle Manchin, and Governor Tomblin. The problem could be resolved within days if the individuals would exhibit courage to act. An investigation needs to be done to expose how State interventions have failed, what the expenses to WV taxpayers have been, and how our public school children have suffered from the gross incompetency while the State tinkered over the years. Does anyone know if Ron Blankenship receives his 120 K salary in addition to his State retirement money, and does Ted Matterin get his consulting fees paid in addition to his regular State retirement? It is no wonder that the individuals do not want to speed up the return of our schools to County control because it is would be against their financial interests.
This is just going to prove out as superfluous, ‘put a new dress on the old problem, and no one will recognize it’ ,government styled charade.
Remember how Linger and board of education told the Governor how ‘they’ were not in agreement of the audit?
To the Board of Ed[23] employee and the 80K unnecessary, non-working phone system. The bus drivers say that their bus radios were working OK when Blankenship had them replaced. Can you tell us how much that cost the taxpayer? Do you know how much the salary was that was paid to the Troy Principal who never showed even one day for work? And people wonder why the taxpayers are hissed off with this mafia payola system?
Superintendent Blankenship. You are a *radio guy* ? How about telling where all those good used radios reside today? Tell your school board in a public meeting, so everyone knows.
If the school board, as a balanced group of elected representatives are supposed to have control of discipline, but Blankenship jumps ahead of the Board, wouldn’t the parents and students have a solid basis for a suit against both Blankenship and the State ? Parents, you need to speak out!
So how many times has this happened that the board and no one else is aware of?
What makes Blankenship think he has been appointed judge, jury and hangman for our Gilmer County children?
Mr. Manchin,
I understand your statement of over dose on drugs. But what about the people that need pain pills and you fix it till they can’t get the medicine they need. That is not the right thing to do.
The doctors know when the patience is taking to many pain pills, and then he should stop them. But to take them away from the people that are suffering will not work. A lot of people get hooked on them, but that is because they are not trying to do what they are suppose to do with the medicine.
You have to be responsible for yourself and the medicine you take. Take it the way it is suppose to be taken and you won’t over dose on it.
We have a hard enough time trying to make ends meet. Do we have to suffer along with that to?
Think about it, one day you will get older and you may have to have pain medicine to. What if the doctor looks at you and say sorry, this is what you wanted.
Sincerely yours,
Betty
Our problem is the superintendent who thinks he is knows it all. He has always does his work, if any, in secrecy. He really likes his back scratched in all of his dealing. I hope I am getting the point across. He does not want the state to communicate with people in the county. How many times the state officials have mentioned that Blankenship should have explained or been at a meeting?
By must look at the source of problem on 05.13.2013
I attended one of the levy meetings where Superintendent Blankenship and Board President Bill Simmons was actually telling all of us how desperate this levy was for the children. The levys funds would be used to buy books and tablets that were needed but there was not enough money in the budget to purchase. The Superintendent and the school board appeared to be ‘selling’ the levy to those of us attending.
Are you saying that the levy funds are and will not be used as was presented to us in the public meetings?
There are very important legal issues that need addressed in this Gilmer School debacle.
Apparently both Superintendent Blankenship and principal Butcher have stated publicly, that there have been several students expelled from school.
Expulsions from more than one school.
The elected school board was not informed nor were they involved either.
Discipline and school trips were the only two items your school board can vote on. These issues are under their control.
Seems Blankenship has taken it upon himself alone to be the “court of expulsion” without informing or involving the school board.
These students and their parents were denied their “day of court” with the school board being excluded.
How long must Gilmer County citizens be treated in this fashion?
Governor Tomblin and Delegate Boggs and Walker. Please help!
Obviously there is NO oversight of Blankenship. There is NO oversight of the State of West Virginia Board of Education.
Governor, Delegates. You have a responsibility to resolve these issues.
“If you’re a school or district leader who is considering using education technology and digital learning in your schools, STOP—and go no further—until you have a comprehensive plan that addresses your district’s specific challenges and learning goals for all students,” said Bob Wise, president of the Alliance for Excellent Education and former governor of West Virginia. “Project 24 will help districts plan for the future and fully integrate digital learning into classrooms and school systems to achieve the goal of college and career readiness for all students.”
The “24” in Project 24 represents the next twenty-four months, a time during which the nation’s education landscape will change greatly as states and districts face numerous challenges, including the need to implement college- and career-ready standards for all students; utilize online assessments to gauge comprehension and learning; push for greater system and classroom innovation; deal with shrinking budgets; and contend with demands of states’ waivers from key provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act.
Gilmer residents who voted for the levy should know their tax money is not used for students as indicated. Just to mention one, Blankenship illegally used the excess levy funds to replace the phone system for about $80,000.00.
There was not anything wrong with the phone system when he replaced them. But now we have a system, which does not work and does not function as promised. In Gilmer County under state control the kids and teachers are not first.
Taking away local oversight caused more than one problem. The Super hired a principal for Troy who was unable to work and he was paid anyway, the Super failed to secure natural gas access for the new Linn school and that blunder will cost taxpayers unnecessary money because of higher electricity costs, and we hear that the Super plans to use excess levy money to purchase the school site along Cedar Creek. Before the election he assured us that the money was needed for basic expenses to keep the school system functioning and nothing was disclosed about its use to purchase land. We were hoodwinked big time folks. What else is there that we don’t know about because of the State’s lid on information?
