by Kate Shunney
Morgan County school board officials voted unanimously on Tuesday, May 19 to adopt their proposed 2027 Fiscal Year budget. No member of the public spoke during the Public Hearing about the budget at that meeting.
The total estimated revenue and expenditures contained in the budget total $34,693,062 for the period beginning July 1, 2026 and running through June 30, 2027. This is the period of the 2027 fiscal year.
Of that total, there is an anticipated property tax revenue of $13,681,535 from local sources, and an estimated $16,639,347 in State Aid to the school system. The budget includes a $3.35 million carryover. Some of those funds are taken in during one fiscal year but due to be paid out in another.
Under the expenditure listing, the school board and finance officers projected that $18.2 million will be spent on instruction costs for more than 2,000 county students.
Another $13.2 million is budgeted for “Supporting Services” that include services for students, instructional staff, central administration, school administration, central services, operation and maintenance of facilities and student transportation.
Other expenses in the budget include food services and principal retirement contributions.
The budget includes $1.73 in budgetary reserves.
A special revenue fund of $4.6 million contains revenue from federal sources that are earmarked for specific programs. The county’s food services line item rests in this fund, at a cost of $2.395 million.
School finance officer Erin Hook told board members she had to make adjustments in the budget for fuel expenses.
A capital projects fund of $2.9 million is budgeted for work on school buildings.
Morgan County Schools operates six schools for students across the county and grade levels – Pleasant View Elementary, Widmyer Elementary, Warm Springs Intermediate School, Warm Springs Middle School, Paw Paw Schools and Berkeley Springs High School.
Superintendent review
In other business, Superintendent David Banks received his annual evaluation from the board of education.
Board members went into closed session during the May 19 meeting to conduct the evaluation. When they returned to open session, School Board President Aaron Close issued the following statement:
“On Tuesday May 19, 2026 the Morgan County Board of Education completed the Superintendent’s annual employment review and evaluation, highlighting significant progress across key strategic goals while emphasizing the district’s commitment to continuous staff and student academic improvement along with facility upgrades.
“Superintendent Banks has demonstrated strong experienced leadership and a clear dedication to students and staff. We, the Board, are pleased to report Superintendent Banks has met and or exceeded the goals set for the school year 2025-2026,” the board said.
During the opening of the meeting, Superintendent Banks spoke about the recent receipt of the Purple Star award for support of military families for Morgan County Schools.
He said there’s a point person in each school to smooth the transition for any military child who’s changing locations due to their parents service. In West Virginia, 74 schools received the Purple Star award, including Morgan County that renewed its award.
Band director Ian Helmick also highlighted the recent outstanding performance of the middle school band during a recent competition.
“I couldn’t be more proud of these kids,” he said.
During the board meeting, Aaron Close congratulated the turnout of voters in support of the Excess Levy, as a sign of confidence in the school system.
John Rowland talked about the 1960s when the school levy initially passed, and then in short order passed a bond that built several of Morgan County’s schools. He is impressed with their vision and investment in local schoolchildren.
Laura Smith said she really appreciated the people who worked on the committee and candidates who talked about the levy renewal as well.
Beth Golden told board members that she and several other administrators and five teachers will attend an Instructional Empowerment conference in Florida as speakers and participants.
“It’s a wonderful way to begin a new year with new ideas,” she said.
Instructional Empowerment is a company that has a contract with Morgan County Schools to advise officials on professional development and other support programs to increase the effectiveness of teaching in county schools.
Personnel changes
School board members also considered and voted on an array of personnel actions at the May 19 meeting.
Kyla Smith was hired as a first grade teacher for Widmyer Elementary, beginning August 10, contingent upon meeting employment requisites.
Athena Frank was hired as a Social Studies teacher for Berkeley Springs High School, effective August 10.
Amber Guthrie was approved to transfer from assistant principal and special education teacher at Paw Paw Schools to Special Education Coordinator for the county, effective July 1.
Erica Brown was hired as a substitute bus operator, effective May 20. Brown was also approved as a Cook II, effective August 10.
Stephanie Subetto was hired as a Bus Operator, effective August 10.
Amy Lange will transfer from a special education aide and autism mentor at Widmyer Elementary to a Kindergarten Teacher Aide at Pleasant View, effective August 10.
Becky Barkley was approved as the Head Volleyball Coach for Berkeley Springs High School, effective May 20. Board members approved the resignation of Linwood Sealy, assistant Cross Country coach at Berkeley Springs High School, effective April 21.
Joshua Jones was hired as a math teacher at Berkeley Springs High School, effective August 10.
Julia Simpkins resigned as 8th grade Language Arts teacher at Warm Springs Middle School, effective June 30.
Mandy Blank was hired as a Summer Program Cook II, effective June 15.
Barb Munson was hired as Summer Program Bus Operator, effective June 15.
Gloria Rankin was hired as Summer Program Bus Operator, effective June 15.
