School personnel news
The Morgan County School Board approved a number of personnel actions at its June 15 meeting.
Reading coach Kandy Kulus was transferred to a position as central office director of Title 1 programs. She will also oversee some Title 2 programs.
School psychologist Christina Hare’s days of employment were increased from 220 to 240 days with Medicaid as the funding source.
Shannon Brown’s transfer from first grade teacher to kindergarten teacher at Widmyer Elementary was rescinded.
Berkeley Springs High School science teacher Leigh Jenkins is taking an unpaid leave of absence for educational purposes for the 2010-2011 school year.
Neil Heard was approved as student council advisor for Berkeley Springs High School.
Resignations
Laura Umstot resigned as kindergarten teacher for Paw Paw Elementary.
Paula Banks resigned as remedial specialist for Warm Springs Intermediate School.
Margaret Miller resigned as substitute teacher.
Staci Smith resigned as yearbook advisor for Warm Springs Middle School.
Mentor teachers
Dena Kerns and Brenda Nichols were designated as mentor teachers at Widmyer Elementary, as needed.
Kathy Burkhart was selected as a mentor teacher for Warm Springs Intermediate School, as needed.
Retirement
Kathleen Ambrose retires as kindergarten aide at Widmyer Elementary on June 30. She will be employed as a substitute aide in the fall.
Sterling Ambrose retires as sanitation plant operator, plumber and maintenance worker on August 31. He will be a substitute for his position beginning September 1.
Coaches
Darrell Bennett resigned as assistant football coach for Berkeley Springs High School.
Sarabeth Swope was hired as head cheerleading coach for Berkeley Springs High School.
Darlene McClintock resigned as assistant cheerleading coach for Berkeley Springs High School.
Summer programs
Taunie Buckley was hired as a county extended school year teacher for students with learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, mental impairments and autism for July, as needed.
Temporary part-time
Samantha Michael, Sabrina Barnes, Monica McBee and Corinne Dowling were hired for student internship at minimum wage. The funding source was the State Farm Greenhouse Project grant.
Positions added, reinstated
An alternative education program teacher and halftime counseling position for the program were added. Funding sources will be state alternative education funds and county funds.
The positions were the same as for the evening alternative education program and there would be no additional costs, said School Superintendent David Banks.
A full-time kindergarten teacher position and a full-time kindergarten aide position at Widmyer Elementary were reinstated that were due to be abolished. Some 142 kindergarteners are now enrolled, said Assistant Superintendent Joan Willard.
Supplemental salaries
Supplemental salaries for staff development participants were increased from $20 per hour beyond the required number to $25 per hour.
Summer workshop/academy pay was changed from $100 per day to a maximum of $150 per day.
Funding would come from Step 7 and Title 2 funds, Banks said. Those allocations slightly increased, said School Treasurer Nancy White.
The increased staff development and summer academy salaries are pretty much in line with what surrounding counties pay, Banks said. Some pay teachers their daily rate, which is in the upper $200, he noted.
