What was not Discussed at the Calhoun BOE Meeting

by Publisher Shari Johnson

The Calhoun Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. Monday, September 15th, 2025. Many reportedly believed that it would be well attended by concerned parents and community to speak to the Board about the recent arrest of Arnoldsburg 1st Grade Teacher Jacob McCumbers. But that was not the case. Less than 10 community members were there for that intention.

Because they didn’t understand the need to sign up to speak prior to the meeting the opportunity didn’t arise and those who did attend left discouraged and frustrated that the School Board showed no sympathy for their concerns or felt the need to allow them to voice their concerns.

An opening statement was given that basically said Jacob McCumbers wasn’t working at the school and they couldn’t further comment was the Calhoun BOE’s way of dealing with this community crisis. One parent said, “Some parents were there (about 13 of us in the audience) they didn’t know to speak under delegations. We walked out and went to the parking lot to have a conversation, escorted by trooper Williams.

Grandparent Brenda Holcomb asked a question at the end of the meeting and prior to an executive session as to whether Mr. McCumbers was supported by his Teacher’s Union. The Board’s response was they couldn’t answer for the union. She was then told what teacher would be replacing Mr. McCumbers during his absence, then the meeting was closed for executive sessions without any further response.

McCumbers was placed on administrative leave by the Board after having been charged of 50 counts of Sexual Abuse by a Parent, Custodian or person of Trust.

Outside the building was a member of the West Virginia State Police to watch over those attending. The concerned citizens met together outside the building to discuss what had “not” occurred in the meeting. All were shocked that the Board of Education did not acknowledge their presence or offer any comfort. They shared why they had fears, their experiences with Mr. McCumbers that had been reported to the school without action on multiple occasions. (*Comment unsubstantiated by the Calhoun School System)

The question was raised among them as to why the school had not made an effort to help the children in coping with the issue by bringing in counselors. Why were teachers not told how to handle questions from students or the public? Plenty of warnings on Social Media for parents not to assume guilt of Mr. McCumbers, but few commenting about the confusion, fear and concern of families regarding the safety of their children.

Why is it that parents didn’t appear? Why is it that the School Board offered nothing to console the community. (Comments always welcome.) Ridgeview News would truthfully like to know why something so serious that has been discussed at great length outside the school, garnered so little attention by community with a desire to speak directly to the Board of Education?

It is believed that this story is far from over, but only time will tell. Ridgeview News encourages anyone with information related to the abuse of a child to contact the Calhoun Sheriff’s Department, the West Virginia State Police, or the Crime Investigation Unit for child crimes in Charleston.

Commissioner Eric Lupardus attended the meeting and he too was shocked at the board’s response. Commissioner Lupardus is requesting that this case be removed from the Calhoun County jurisdiction because of local biases. He is currently working with those directly in the Capitol and has conducted many phone calls over the weekend to ensure the safety of our citizens. Commissioner Craig Arthur is actively seeking child advocacy groups as well to assist local residents.

Two prayer meetings for the County are being held at the courthouse and on the porch of the Avalon campus Tuesday at noon (former Wayne Underwood Press box). The community is encouraged to attend.

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