Latest news with #RaleighCountyBoardofEducation
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
State lawmaker slams Raleigh County Board of Education for counselor layoffs
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — A Fayette County lawmaker criticized Raleigh County School officials for terminating a number of school counselor positions earlier this year. Republican Delegate Elliott Pritt of Fayette County said that school counselors were now a necessary aspect to the state's education system because West Virginia has the highest number of foster children in the U.S. Counselors are equipped to help with both special needs and student behavior. In March the Raleigh County Board of Education voted to terminate, transfer or cut the hours of a number of school counselors. Pritt said recent legislation could force the Board to rehire some of the counselors. 'We had to pass a bill this year in response to a decision Raleigh County made to fire so many of their school counselors, which is a terrible decision,' said Pritt. 'A terrible decision. Whoever made that decision should have their education degrees removed, and I don't mind going on the record and saying that.' Raleigh County Board of Education members said in March that they were forced to balance a budget with less funding from Charleston. CEO of WV Coal Association says trade war with China will impact coal operations Raleigh County Schools Superintendent Dr. Serena Starcher said in March that the Board was following the wishes of school principals, who had suggested the cuts the BOE later approved. Public schools are expected to lose more funding to private schools and providers of homeschool curricula through growth of the Hope Scholarship program, which transfers tax dollars from public schools to support private institutions. Pritt also called on private schools to admit a growing population of children in the foster care system, many of whom need the services of school counselors and individualized educational plans. Prosecutor warns of potential charges against women who miscarry in West Virginia The president of the West Virginia Education Association has said that most private schools do not pay professional wages, which would be required to attract school counselors and many certified teachers. State law now requires one counselor for every 250 students in public schools but does not make the same requirement for private schools. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Raleigh County Board of Education votes on Reduction-In-Force
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — Raleigh County Board of Education met at Woodrow Wilson High School Tuesday night, anticipating a large crowd. An estimated 80 parents, teachers, counselors and students attended, as speakers asked the board to reconsider a Reduction-in-Force (RIF) that would affect 79 counselors and elementary school teachers. The RIF would cut positions, contracted hours or force transfers between schools. Two Woodrow Wilson High School students spoke about the importance of school counselors in their own lives, and two of the school counselors spoke of the difference they make in students' lives and academic success. 'We're looking at this, and everybody's like, 'We don't have the money, we don't have the money, we don't have the money,'' Woodrow Wilson High School counselor Erica Hampton said. 'But somehow we have the money for things, our kids, our students don't necessarily need with an education, but they need a support system.' Local city wins USA TODAY's 'Best Small Town Food Scene' Another counselor spoke of maintaining diversity, equity and inclusion standards which validate all students. Brian Brown, a Beckley businessman, asked the board to have a 'change of heart.' 'Cuts will need to be made. But they should be made across the board,' said Brown. 'We know that we have a top-heavy administration, yet we seem to be cutting from the bottom and not the top. We are taking from the children when we should be taking from leadership.' Board members and the superintendent went into executive session and the board voted to continue the RIF of most school counselors. The board voted to spare the job of a Stratton Elementary School counselor and to stop the transfer of three other elementary school counselors. In a split vote, the board approved the terminations and transfers of a large number of elementary school teachers, predominantly music and art teachers. How one local sawmill is already feeling the effects of new tariffs Following the vote, the two students who had spoken on behalf of counselors huddled protectively near Hampton. 'These counselors mean a lot to me. My sister is also adopted,' said Virginia Kestler, one of the students who spoke. 'She has IEP's, so this really does affect my family, as well. It just means a lot to me, and it means a lot to my friends, my family and the community, and I'm worried about my future.' Board members have said they are forced to make personnel cuts due to the state aid formula, set by lawmakers. They said schools have lost enrollment and funding because of population loss and also because of the tax-funded Hope Scholarship, which takes money from public schools and places it into private schools and homeschool curricula providers, some of which are out of the state. Catelyn Cook, the second WWHS high school student who spoke, said cuts could have been made in a way to spare counseling positions. 'They have chosen to cut so many of the counselors from the schools, and it's really going to affect the students, whereas they could've cut some from the board,' she said. 'There's tons of positions up there that don't really need to be up there. They aren't necessary.' What are the top 10 Police dog breeds? Dr. Serena Starcher, superintendent of Raleigh County Schools, said principals at the various schools had submitted the positions they believed could be cut. Starcher said there are vacancies inside the school system, which is overstaffed in some fields, and those who have been terminated may apply to fill, even though it is not in their field of expertise. Some of those attending the meeting said they had concerns for the benefits and seniority of those educators forced to find another position. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Raleigh County Board of Education honors WV Young Writers Contest winners
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — Raleigh County Board of Education members honored the winners of the 2025 West Virginia Young Writers Contest during a regular meeting on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Dr. Serena Starcher, superintendent of Raleigh County Schools, awarded the medals, with assistance from BOE members. Ryan Johns, an Independence High School student, was present to read his own entry, which took the statewide honor of first place. West Virginia coal industry could see 'severe negative impacts' from China tariff: report Johns' teacher, Milena Belcher, had prompted students to imagine their upcoming high school graduation and to write about six people they would present with roses, in honor of how each person had inspired them. Johns wrote about his late grandmother, Sheila Mayhew, who took custody of him after Child Protective Services intervened. Mountain State Destinations: Pinnacle Rock State Park Board members and other present wiped tears from their eyes as Johns read the piece, which follows: Six Roses for Graduation by Ryan Johns In lieu of walking the stage at graduation for you, I walked the cracked cobblestonesidewalk at Sunset Memorial. The ground, still squishy with every step from the fallen rain,caked a thick layer of mud across the bottom of my silky white gown. Through a glimpse of sunlight that barely peeked through the grey clouds, a twinklecaught my eye and led me straight to you. Before me, you sat. I looked at you with a smile. Thegraduation coordinator gave every member of our class six fresh roses to gift to special figures in our lives; I kept all six for you. As I lay them beside you, I recall what each one stands for. Rose number one is for MacArthur Skating Rink, 2010- one of my earliest memories. Iwas only three years old. It was a cold winter's day when you decided that you wanted to get meout of the house for a few hours. We left and stopped at our favorite restaurant to kill time. 'Wehave to wait for the lights,' you'd say every time I'd ask when we were going to get there. 'What lights? What lights??' Upon our arrival, you helped me fasten my tiny ankles into a pair of oversized rollerskates. I could never muster the courage to leave the rail, but you stood and walked right besideme the whole time, just in case I did. Once 8PM came around, the lights across the rink dimmed, and a large disco ball loweredfrom the ceiling. A strobe of pink, green, and yellow lights began to dance around the walls asyou led me out to the center of the rink. I was too terrified to let go of your arm on the floor. Westood and laughed and joked and danced for what felt like hours. Before leaving, I glancedaround one time. Everyone seemed to disappear momentarily; it was just you and me. Rose number two is for Myrtle Beach, 2013. I was six years old. For the weeks prior, Ihad heard you talking about a trip to Myrtle Beach with my cousins; I was pleasantly surprisedwhen I learned that I was coming too. We spent the night at my cousins' house and left at 4AMthe next morning. The drive to South Carolina was a nightmare. The air conditioning unit in the car gaveout against the early July heat. To make matters worse, my uncle couldn't find our condo and drove us in circles for hours, refusing to listen to your directions. 'He's always been this hardheaded,' you'd say, rolling your eyes, giggling, and glancing at my cousins and me in the back seat. I was the only one awake to hear it. That night, we settled in just quick enough to step out onto the patio to watch the Fourthof July fireworks show above the ocean. I had never seen fireworks before. You boosted me up onto a chair, and I was immediately immersed in the mosaic of reds, blues, greens, and oranges. Rose number three is for Sabine, 2014. I was seven. I had only left your house to returnto my own mere hours before a social worker loaded my siblings and I into the back of her carand removed us from our mother's custody. My siblings went to live with a distant you had priorly tried to get custody of me, I came to live with you. When the social worker knocked on the door, you opened it. She asked if you still wanted me. You said yes and welcomed me back inside. I sat down in your office chair and sobbed silently while you scrambled on the phone with Child Protective Services trying to get everything in order. The next few years are a blacked-out blur of court dates postponed, inconclusive, postponed, and inconclusive again. Rose number four is for Twin Falls, 2016. I was nine years old. For the last two years, Ihad lived as a 'ward of the state' … whatever that meant. You had several health scares duringthis time, but finally, on a beautiful spring day, you woke up and felt like yourself again. Myaunt had recently purchased a professional camera and offered to take you to the Twin Falls State Park for a photoshoot. I came along. You put on a gorgeous floral print sundress with a floppy sunhat and even did yourmakeup. You hated makeup. When we got to the park, we first had a picnic before searching for the perfect photo opportunity. We came across several nature shots that you enjoyed, but it wasn't until we saw a gazebo in a meadow clearing that you fully burst to life. Bathed in golden sunlight, you sat atop a railing and smiled at the camera. In that moment, you looked like the closest thing to an angel I had ever seen. Rose number five is for Ole Jose in Pineville, West Virginia, 2017. After three long yearsof a custody battle, you had finally won. You cried as you shook the judge's hand for a photoand then took me out to celebrate. We had never tried this new Mexican restaurant that had opened right beside a gorgeouscreek bed. Upon being seated, we ordered our food and filled our stomachs. When I thought the meal was over, you told the waiter what we were celebrating. He then brought us a complimentary fried ice cream, and the entire restaurant- customers and staff- cheered for us. That was the last good memory we got to make together. On January 4th, 2018, we lost you to a long fight in the hospital. I was spending theweekend with my great grandmother, your mother-in-law, when my aunt and uncle came to pickme up. They sat me down on my great grandmother's scratchy couch and broke the news to me. Idid not cry in front of them; I went to the bathroom and sobbed in secret. My entire life then changed. I moved to Raleigh County, switched schools, and essentially started life back over. Rose number six is for graduation, May 31st, 2025. Our graduation coordinator requested that we reserve seats for our family members so that she could ensure that there was enough room in the venue. I only booked three seats: two for my aunt and uncle (who became my legal guardians after we lost you), and one for you. Prior to the commencement ceremony, I did not get to look into the parent seating area. Itwasn't until I was standing in line next to the stage that I glanced over and saw my parents. In the empty seat I had reserved for you, there was a picture frame holding a printed copy of you in your floral dress at Twin Falls. My angel had come to watch me one last time. I feel the tears on my cheeks as I lay the sixth rose beside your glossy headstone. In lieu of turning my tassels for you, I simply remove my cap and place it beside your headstone along with the roses. I love you. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Teachers strike back at proposed cuts to the arts and school counselors
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — A number of teachers were at the Raleigh County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, to speak out in support of students and the need for art and music programs, in addition to school counselors. They came out to oppose any plan by Raleigh County School officials to slash teaching and counseling positions. School officials and analysts from the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy have said that the tax structure, in addition to loss of enrollment due to population decline and lawmakers sending millions of tax dollars to private and homeschool providers, some of them located outside West Virginia, means public school students could lose services. Shady Spring Elementary music teacher Mark Campbell, who has taught since 1998, said the proposed cuts to the arts will harm students. 'We cannot let that happen. I have seen shy students find their voice through singing,' said Campbell. 'I have watched children who struggle in other subjects light up when they pick up an instrument. I have witnessed students come together, despite their differences, and there's a lot of them, to create something beautiful, as a team.' Lowered adoption fees at the Mercer County Animal Shelter to Code Red status Campbell said the Shady Spring Elementary School district has gained students, even as enrollment has declined in the rest of the county. Raleigh County Schools teacher Kevin Okes, who leads agricultural programs, questioned the logic of decreasing programs at a district school which was reportedly gaining enrollment and said that cutting those programs leads to disengagement from families and students. 'We're losing students to sitting at home looking at a computer, completing a few ridiculous assignments and saying, 'Wow, I got my work done. I can sit around forever,'' said Okes, regarding the tax-funded Hope Scholarship program. 'Why would they go to school? OK, things like music, the programs like what I offer at Shady Spring High School are a few things that keep those students in school.' West Virginia coal industry could see 'severe negative impacts' from China tariff: report Teachers also addressed proposed plans to cut school counseling positions. Elementary school teacher Amanda Sammons Meadows said she is also the mother of a high school junior. She told board members that counselors are an important part of student success and that she does not want counseling positions to be cut. 'This disturbs me, greatly. As an elementary teacher, I can tell you cutting the counselors half time is going to be detrimental to some of these schools,' said Meadows. 'I am worried about my son not having someone who knows him next year and we're going into this big senior year.' A concerned citizen, Dr. Kristi Dumas, warned board members that drastically reducing the number of school counselors could impede the school district's ability to comply with Senate Bill 199, which Governor Patrick Morissey is expected to sign into law. US cities located in states won by Trump would be most hurt by Canadian tariffs, an analysis finds The bill requires school administrators to refer elementary school students who have problematic behavior to school counselors and other specialists as an intervention. The specialists must develop a behavior plan and monitor the progress of the student before the student may be sent to an alternative school. 'How will Raleigh County be in compliance with the bill and avoid legal action if all the resources are gone or only part-time?' asked Dumas. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Raleigh County Board of Education officer says opioid epidemic leaves critical need for special education funding
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — The Vice President of the Raleigh County Board of Education has called on state lawmakers to increase funding for special needs children in West Virginia. The need is even more pronounced as state teachers provide an education to the number of children who were diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) at birth, he said. 'A lot of those students need physical therapy, occupational therapy, a lot of different therapies,' said Snuffer on Monday, March 17, 2025. 'There can be some violent behaviors in that. We have to have social intervention with them. ' Statistics show West Virginia has one of the nation's highest number of children born addicted to opioids or another drugs. Data at the National Library of Medicine show nearly 51 of every 1,000 babies born in West Virginia from October to December 2019 were diagnosed with NAS, compared to the national average of 7 per 1,000. The West Virginia Perinatal Partnership reported 14% of all West Virginia children at birth had been exposed to a substance How church helped a woman break the chains of an 18 year addiction According to data collected by The American Medical Journal, the children are up to three times less likely to perform at their grade level academically, and more likely to meet criteria for educational disabilities. Snuffer said the public school system has a responsibility to educate the influx of students who were born addicted, but both Snuffer and West Virginia Education Association President Dale Lee reported that state lawmakers have decreased state funds for special needs children over the past several years, including those formerly diagnosed with NAS. Local Dollar General suffers break-in and fire, closed indefinitely 'We're funded one-for-one,' said Snuffer, referring to the funding system. 'We get the same funding for them as we do our regular student.' Lee said that, several years ago, state lawmakers provided 2-for-1 funding, allocating double the educational dollars to a school district for each special needs child. The ratio dropped after the 2018-2019 school year. State data shows that in 2023, legislators provided just over $8,200 per student to public school districts in the state. Snuffer said the cost of providing services to a special needs child is more than $13,000, on average. 'It takes extra funds to provide the services that are necessary for a special needs child,' Snuffer added. 'So those are funds that we have to absorb locally.' Citing teachers' reports of increased behavioral problems in state classrooms, West Virginia lawmakers have proposed a flurry of bills over the past two years which address school discipline. One failed bill aimed to reinstate corporal punishment but was met with backlash from teachers and parents. The State Senate recently passed a bill which allows teachers to remove students from the classroom for behavioral issues. 'What you're finding is, a lot of those students that are being removed are special needs kids,' said Snuffer. 'They're acting out in that classroom, (they) are special needs kids. So, yes, you can remove those children, but you still have to provide services to them.' WVSOM gears up for their 3rd annual CASE camp According to data at The American Medical Journal, students diagnosed with NAS are more likely to have challenges with impulse control, internal and external behavioral concerns and behavior which can be similar to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which can include lack of focus, lack of motivation and reduced time management skills. With lawmakers set to send $300 million tax dollars from public schools into private school coffers and homeschool curricula providers next school year through the Hope Scholarship program, Snuffer said special needs students, including those most impacted by pharmaceutical companies, stand to lose resources. The U.S. Department of Education mandated special education in public schools in 1975. Snuffer said private schools are often smaller and do not offer professional salaries and benefits that may attract a large number of qualified special needs teachers. Snuffer said some lawmakers have expressed interest in providing at minimum a 1.5-for-1 funding formula for special needs students. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
