Development News for Fairmont, West Virginia

Board Approves Multiple Agenda Items, Including Program Renewals, Personnel, and Student Expulsions

The board approved the 2000 series items with a 5-0 vote, including various renewals, MOUs, a facility scheduling software, bus purchases, free meal programs, banking services, and the removal of modular classrooms. The 3000 series items were also approved, with one item (VNW electrical sales) handled separately. A 4-0 vote approved the 3000 series excluding VNW, and a 4-0 vote approved VNW. The 4000 series personnel agenda was approved with a 5-0 vote, except for item 4456 concerning a substitute bus operator's termination, which was also approved with a 5-0 vote. The 5000 series policy on crowdfunding and Title I parent participation was noted as being on its second reading with no action required. Two student expulsions, items 70-23 and 70-24, were approved with 5-0 votes for one-year terms due to possession of illegal substances on school property [cite: 367-450, 666-673].

Board Questions Banking Services and Modular Classroom Lease/Removal Costs

Concerns were raised regarding the contract for banking services (item 2676), specifically whether banks were individually contacted as in previous years. The process involved advertising in the paper and contacting seven banks, with four bids received. West Fanco was awarded the contract due to the best interest rate and other financial specifications. Board members questioned if the lease payments for modular classrooms (item 2677) were high, especially since a separate company is being paid for their removal, noting this is similar to renting an apartment. The removal bid was the lowest among four companies contacted. The board aims to remove all trailers from campuses, though Whitehall's location presents land limitations [cite: 207-346].

East Fairmont High School Girls Basketball Coach Recognized as Coach of the Year

Coach James Beckman was honored as the Girls Basketball Coach of the Year. He has been the Athletic Director at East Fairmont High School since 2018. Under his leadership, the girls' basketball program has seen significant progression, reaching the state championship game this year. He was previously named State Coach of the Year two years ago and Big Ten Coach of the Year this year. Coach Beckman emphasized that the success is a team effort involving his staff, administration, and dedicated students. He anticipates another strong season next year, aiming for the state tournament [cite: 114-146].

Board Receives Updates on Multiple Capital Projects Including Track Resurfacing, Roof Replacements, and School Access Roads

The board received updates on several capital projects. Resurfacing of the track is planned, with bids opening June 9th and recommendation on June 15th. Bids for new signs will also open June 9th. An update was provided on the access road at North Marion High School, which will be bid out by McKinley and Associates, with the hope of inclusion on the June 15th agenda. Plans for the Mononga roof involve the school building authority and asbestos testing, with bids to be put out by McKinley. The fifth project is the White Hall trailers, with the low bid for their removal to be on the June 15th agenda. The East Fairmont High School roof project is underway, with construction starting June 8th and an August 14th completion date. A structural geotech analysis is being conducted at East Fairmont High School due to suspected building cracks, funded by local money, with the cost to fix any identified problems to be determined later. The Whitehall boiler replacement is scheduled for this summer. A smell issue in classroom 115 at North Marion High School is being investigated. Safe schools entrances are progressing, with three completed and others expected by August. The Mononga roof project may be funded by an SBA loan or local funds if the loan is not approved. Potential overruns for the East Fairmont roof, track resurfacing, digital signs, and the North Marion access road are being considered due to limited funds [cite: 468-533].