The Calhoun County Board of Education met Monday evening, July 10th, 2023 for their regularly scheduled meeting. A meeting of notable events and announcements included the approval of of the request for proposal (RFP) for LED auditorium house light equipment and installation of theatrical state lighting and contract with Knight Sound and Lighting, Inc. in the amount of $67,467.46. The need arose from a lightening strike that damaged equipment and was not covered by the school’s insurance. Additional issues came from aging equipment and unsupervised use by many people. Through the Lights and Sound Project volunteers, funding was raised, with the final amount given by the Calhoun County Commission at their June meeting. Deirdre Purdy and Chip Westfall who were instrumental in organizing the funding project addressed the board at Monday’s meeting.
The second item that was added to the agenda shortly before the meeting on Monday was the announcement of the resignation of Superintendent Kelli Whytsell effective August 4th, 2023. While this had been rumored for some time, there had been no official notice until the revised agenda. But, Mrs. Whytsell making decisions without warning is not uncommon.
A letter received from the School Building Authority of West Virginia was the third worthy mention of announcements. On June 12, 2023 the Calhoun Board of Education received notice from the School Building Authority of the awarding of the MIP grant funding request in the amount of $622,810. The money is for upgrades, including a safe school entrance and door replacement at Calhoun Middle/High School. An additional letter and official grant award contract will be sent in the coming months.
