The July Calhoun County School Board of Education Meeting was called to order by Board President Jenna Jett at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 14th, 2025.
Under Reports Board member Hortz Motz reported on the Calhoun Gilmer Career Center stating that it’s important to understand that the Calhoun County Schools are a part of the Calhoun Gilmer Career Center. The Career Center has currently received 115 applications for students for the fall term with more to come. He cited that Mrs. Minnie has done an excellent job as the CGCC Director hosting a Summer Academy for professionals.
Jenna Jett asked Mr. Motz about the decline in enrollment of Allied Health Students to which he responded that it wasn’t so much as a decline as it was the combining of programs.
Mr. Motz also recognized that the welding program area had been painted and the environment was looking so much better.
Superintendent Fitzwater reported that the summer camp program had done very well, with several elementary and high school students taking the opportunity to enjoy the classes, trips and activities offered. He noted that his own children preferred the Summer School program over other fun choices given. The student trips to the Saundra Johnson Aquatic Center in Grantsville has been an added benefit for this especially hot summer and is a great place for kids to be kids!
Mr. Fitzwater informed the Board that he will be attending a couple of Zoom meetings this week where the WV State Superintendent will address Instruction Benchmarks.
As he enters his third year as Superintendent of Calhoun County Schools he is excited the school is continuing to grow. He shared that he has a white board in his office where he pens his goals for the Schools, one of which is a 3% growth. Although he said that it may not sound like much, for Calhoun it is a high number.
He was excited to report that Calhoun Country Schools are hiring and retaining amazing teachers and staff with more consistency. The CMHS Principal and Assistant Principal are staying in place encouraging both parents and students that it’s a safe place for their children to be. “We’re producing amazing kids and we want to recognize that our community is doing great things as well in programs such as the 4-H and FFA,” he said.
The Calhoun Levy funding has kicked in and Mr. Fitzwater wanted to insure the Community that Calhoun County Schools will be good stewards of the gift of that funding.
Mr. Fitzwater requested a special Board meeting to be held August 4th for purpose of getting new hiring in place before the new school year begins. Agenda and time to be announced.
When visiting the school this year the view will be different on the foundation of student cellphone and technology use. Statewide Schools have mandated cell phone policies which may very county to county. Students will no longer be able to use their cell phones during the day, including lunch and other breaks. The full policy will run on Ridgeview as soon as it is made available.
The following resignations were approved:
- Hannah Wilson, Preschool/Preschool handicapped Teacher, PHE effective June 30th, 2025.
- Lacy Whytsell, Substitute Teacher, effective July 25, 2025.
- Jaden Swearingen, Mechanic, Effective July 14, 2025
- Levi Allen, Middle School Boys Head Basketball Coach
- Andrew Cummings, Varisty Head Wrestling Coach
The following employment was approved:
- Jenna Milliron, Substitute Summer School Tutor/Teacher
- Jesse Kargol, Substitute Teacher
- Athena Clark, Preschool Teacher/Preschool Special Needs Teacher, PHE
- Heather. Cummings, Preschool Teacher/Preschool Special Needs Teacher, AES
- Sandra McCumbers, Multi-classified Aide II?Supervisory Aide/Bus Aide/Specialized Health Care Procedures, CMHS
- Jason Swearingen, Substitute Mechanic (pending background check)
- Kayla Staton, Substitute Custodian
- Jenna Milliron, Authorized/Certified (non-paid) Assistant Band Director
- Kevin Boak, Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach
- Katie Jones, Head Varsity Softball Coach
- Whitney Butler, Athletic Director
