by Kate Evans
The Morgan County School Board approved the following personnel changes at their July 16 meeting. These personnel actions included employing teachers, hiring coaches and approving transfers and resignations for the new school year:
Emily Wardropper was employed as a Berkeley Springs High School English language arts teacher beginning August 12 for the 2024-2025 school year.
Leslee Leary was hired as a Widmyer Elementary second grade teacher beginning August 12.
Matthew Griffith, Berkeley Springs High School Communities in Schools (CIS) student success liaison, transferred to a position as Berkeley Springs High School physical education and health teacher beginning August 12.
Rachel Hopkins, Berkeley Springs High School English language arts teacher, transferred to a position as Warm Springs Middle School multi-categorical special education teacher for students with autism starting August 12.
Gary Wachter was employed as a Berkeley Springs High School long-term substitute math teacher starting August 12 for the 2024-2025 school year or until a fully certified candidate is employed.
Zack Harrold was hired as a Paw Paw Schools long-term substitute math teacher beginning August 12 for the 2024-2025 school year or until a fully certified candidate is employed.
Kendra Casto was employed as a Paw Paw Schools long-term substitute kindergarten teacher beginning August 12 for the 2024-2025 school year or until a fully certified candidate is employed.
The employment of Janae Parkolay as county school nurse was rescinded effective at the end of July 12.
Matthew Hayes resigned as Berkeley Springs High School social studies teacher effective at the end of July 16.
Leslie Clark and Kimberly Hamrick resigned as substitute teachers, effective at the end of July 1 and the end of July 5, respectively.
Myra Cockrum resigned as a substitute teacher effective at the end of July 8.
Service personnel
Jessica McConnell, Warm Springs Intermediate School cook II, transferred to a position as Warm Springs Intermediate School itinerant special education aide/autism mentor starting August 12.
Macall Moore resigned as a Widmyer Elementary kindergarten aide/ECCAT (early childhood classroom assistant teacher) effective at the end of July 3.
Rebecca Unger and Lisa Unger resigned as substitute aides effective at the end of July 9 and the end of June 30, respectively.
Additional position
The board approved an additional position of a county itinerant LPN (licensed practical nurse)/aide.
Extracurricular/extra duty
Rachel Hopkins resigned as Berkeley Springs High School English language arts team leader, yearbook advisor and testing coordinator effective at the end of July 16.
Coaches
Charles Deal was hired as Warm Springs Middle School head girls’ basketball coach beginning August 1.
Julia Simpkins was employed as Warm Springs Middle School assistant cross-country coach and Warm Springs Middle School head middle school cheer coach starting August 1.
Meghan Powell was employed as Warm Springs Middle School assistant girls’ volleyball coach beginning August 5.
Tim Smailes was approved as volunteer assistant golf coach at Berkeley Springs High School and also at Warm Springs Middle School for the 2024-2025 school year.
Aaron Close was approved as Warm Springs Middle School volunteer assistant volleyball coach for the 2024-2025 school year.
