[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6297923,"mediaKeyId","2506041-273dc5b0cbaf0c462591e77927fc38cd","parentId",2506041,"title","Cabell County Schools outlines proposed makeup days after winter closures; waiver possible for some dates","audioSeconds",165,"startMs",1580860,"endMs",1746000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2506041-273dc5b0cbaf0c462591e77927fc38cd&start=1580&end=1746","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2506041-273dc5b0cbaf0c462591e77927fc38cd/thumbnail_1580860.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6297923/West-Virginia/Cabell-County-Schools-outlines-proposed-makeup-days-after-winter-closures-waiver-possible-for-some-dates","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297923-3f05459a06edcbf0095d12808a66004a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142279&Signature=hQ8gWsmEs2OtWE5sr5mSCvIt2k6Oh4eUiOsSc~8DwlVGAjmLkfT95Bdejpcen1DQQ2aG6LPTZL6K0~ZvXp0tlXo~YLcf0N1QERKRv1xDcKuHw7xOWh1wdfQ5ZKaMFo5JLX8sv32KPrihtQJ1dC9WcIv2u3rPdWXGGkjWl2bQddkN8l7FIVruNfKWmAw9w70zrONyA0MgvYRBwkl~F5x2pw0mSu9Z~7CvhnvWCgaMUOIp6hzGfRjOaktP-n9VJteGfH-T~MG4I1dfhcYnfP4h4cPry5K3GRib-rrjxS114GmCRx3lWLCQmZMcyl51KTr0CRR-LGsZt-I-iyoaa-N6RA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-04T10:18:07Z","article","District staff informed the board that Cabell County Schools has used all five nontraditional instructional days and six code red/blue closure days this winter, and that five instructional days must be rescheduled unless a state waiver is granted.

Staff listed proposed changes to the 2024–25 calendar (subject to change and pending any additional closures and any state waiver): May 27 (originally a teacher prep day) would become an instructional day; May 28, May 29 and May 30 would be instructional days; June 2 would be instructional; and June 3 would revert to a teacher prep day. The district said these changes assume no further weather disruptions.

Waiver possibility and staff impact

The presenter said the state Department of Education portal for emergency‑declaration waivers had not yet opened. The district may seek a waiver for up to three student days because three closures occurred during a state of emergency declared by the governor (Jan. 6, Feb. 6 and Feb. 17). Even if the waiver is granted for student days, staff still must meet the 200‑day employment requirement, meaning staff last work day could remain June 3 even when students are released earlier.

Why it matters: Calendar changes affect families, childcare planning and transportation; staff schedules and contract days are subject to state requirements and collective bargaining considerations.

Next steps

District staff said a news release would be issued at 6:00 p.m. and that the board will be asked to modify the calendar at an upcoming meeting if the waiver does not resolve the makeup days.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Cabell Schools Board Work Session March 3, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","District staff told the board it has used all five nontraditional instructional days and six code red/blue closure days, and proposed converting several calendar days in late May and early June into instructional time to make up missed instruction.","taxTitle","CABELL COUNTY SCHOOLS, School Districts, West Virginia","taxId",13059,"location","West Virginia","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6297928,"District review flags special education staffing and MTSS gaps; ESSI report prompts targeted training",381,1105141,1486690,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2506041-273dc5b0cbaf0c462591e77927fc38cd&start=1105&end=1486","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2506041-273dc5b0cbaf0c462591e77927fc38cd/thumbnail_1105141.jpg","/articles/6297928/West-Virginia/District-review-flags-special-education-staffing-and-MTSS-gaps-ESSI-report-prompts-targeted-training","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297928-b7cc8083ca44e76b501187174c872cee/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142279&Signature=h93RJTYPF18zvvvl-NnB7VgyOEUmOX~xSUcCfn7S~jyprFSF0s1mOCJpzVTgiI-DEmZFLg3eQoOFvmifDFrINM19ZerneUXWcsyMPvDcI58en4ljqft535jaBE7DPYzg8AGWzvJjZ5QTf~lR16Ziq6gtd1byYmttjlAqCFwN0XRsMOiqIBJFIW6C98xOXMs1STfYPHsIZCGTGenLtvCrPAdoGEsHJgQBlT9RiGRZLpxTp7TedgBnLFU-5Qb-MORcqu1ZAbfEn3KrOutGAniZkVffnqaAnevO6iUw~YLbpkhkXareqeUiK~5zHFF88z88bvcGPGWe3VQH2xc2Aa1xWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cabell County Schools staff summarized an outside review by Education System Solutions Inc. (ESSI) that examined rising special education costs, classroom practices and support systems across 24 schools.

The presenter said special education costs have grown substantially over four to five years, estimating an additional $12 million this year for a total of about $26–$27 million; roughly $3.5 million of that increase comes from local funds. The ESSI review visited 24 schools, examined student records, observed classrooms, reviewed referral and intervention processes (SAT and MTSS), and interviewed regular and special education teachers, co‑teachers, principals and administrators.

Why it matters: The district said the review aimed to identify root causes of rising costs and to improve classroom supports and interventions rather than to assign blame. Staff said the West Virginia Department of Education audit is separate and that the state audit report was expected later in the month.

Key recommendations and next steps

- Provide districtwide professional development on MTSS (WVTSS in West Virginia) and SAT processes so schools align on intervention practices.
- Train administrators to use instructional walkthroughs to support teachers and aides.
- Provide professional development to general and special education teachers on differentiation, co‑teaching and student engagement.
- Review and monitor schedules for speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy and aids to ensure appropriate staffing and service delivery.

District staff said they have begun analyzing the ESSI report, are developing a plan of prioritized actions that will feed into the district strategic plan, and will provide each school with its onsite findings in follow‑up visits. The exit conference with ESSI occurred Feb. 14; the ESSI contract was approved by the board Jan. 14.","Cabell County Schools shared findings from an Education System Solutions Inc. (ESSI) review that identified rising special education costs, uneven MTSS/SAT implementation, and staffing/scheduling issues; the district plans targeted professional development, co‑teaching training and school‑level followup.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6297932,"Cabell County Schools outlines multi-year plan after enrollment decline, plans personnel actions in April",0,1745000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2506041-273dc5b0cbaf0c462591e77927fc38cd&start=1745&end=1745","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2506041-273dc5b0cbaf0c462591e77927fc38cd/thumbnail_1745000.jpg","/articles/6297932/West-Virginia/Cabell-County-Schools-outlines-multi-year-plan-after-enrollment-decline-plans-personnel-actions-in-April","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297932-bf36e22bc17ab78456446d437293b507/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142279&Signature=hQn46PPCCiA6jUQvTxIZcbRtcQTsSkFQVlb~SOMoiYDmouW~S-QpEZtuw2i1zH2VEXYz0qgzMKn7RFbU7ai01e7YpgdeLcRyWpZSadTGkF91t8VcnEGogFonlgOUk8H6KIk5YDrMkXqhNPFuB~e1-LsuimOSN4J5MvYTOGpW3UQ~6olxcfbWRs4PiBF1aap1p9jDOrfFW2JCBYiykkbltWup26WvtfmDGE9DronHlDerd3p07i1sSS1magqDmXbfC9UL63o5-QZNWX-M27YTpVdKMp4yRa0meWJK7zZhi2oAOsbq1cEB7fRhHYJhX4dCJ673Utk3cRWOXSwoZ~PmVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","An unnamed Cabell County Schools staff presenter told the board that enrollment has fallen roughly 2,000 students since the 2014–15 peak of 13,221 and that the end of one-time federal ARP funding has left the district running a multi‑million dollar annual gap.

The presenter said the district employed 997 professional staff in 2024–25 while the state funding formula allowed 864, leaving the district “above formula” because positions hired with ARP funds continued on payroll this year. The presenter said the district expects to use some reserves next year and aims to reach required carryover levels within three years.

The decline in enrollment — described as roughly 200–250 students per year since the peak — reduces state aid and has driven a funding shortfall the presenter put at roughly $12 million to $14 million per year, larger than the $2 million annual impact of restoring parks and library funding the board previously returned to those agencies.

Why it matters: State aid to public schools in West Virginia is tied to enrollment; the district’s excess staffing relative to the funding formula is partially a legacy of one‑time federal funds. District leaders said they will present a formal plan to the board addressing transfers and reductions that could affect employees.

Key details and next steps

- The presenter said the district must maintain about 16.6% carryover (approximately $27,000,000) to cover two months of operating expenses and preserve payroll continuity.
- The district will begin delivering notices to impacted employees this week; staff and union representatives have already met with district leaders to explain the process.
- The presenter requested a special personnel board meeting on Monday, April 21 at 4:30 p.m. to consider transfers, reduction in force actions and contract renewals; the presenter warned that hearings by employees could extend the session into a second day.
- The presenter reiterated that personnel decisions are being made at the position level rather than targeting individuals: “It’s not about an individual or the job they’re doing. It’s just at the end of the day, we have to be able to pay our employees.”

Discussion and context

Board members and staff discussed the timing of notices and the district’s communications to employees. The presenter said many affected classroom teachers have been offered voluntary transfers into newly required third‑grade positions under House Bill 3035; some teachers declined and opted to pursue county transfer procedures. The presenter said the district met with representatives from AFT and WVEA to answer employees’ questions.

The presenter described long‑term facilities and maintenance costs — for example, HVAC replacements — as items the district must plan for as it reduces recurring operating costs. The presenter said the April presentation will include a plan to use a portion of reserves while phasing staff adjustments over three years to reach funding formula targets.

Ending

The board did not take a formal vote on personnel actions at this meeting; the presenter asked that the April personnel meeting be dedicated to personnel items only so employees and the board could focus on transfers and hearings.","District leaders told the school board that enrollment has fallen about 2,000 students since a 2014-15 peak and that federal ARP funding ended, creating a $12–$14 million annual shortfall that will require using reserves and staged staffing adjustments; a special personnel meeting is proposed for April 21 to act on transfers and reductions.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6297918,"Board hears explanation of SHIELD homeroom; Huntington High handled advisor‑advisee time within instructional day",120,2165140,2285539,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2506041-273dc5b0cbaf0c462591e77927fc38cd&start=2165&end=2285","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2506041-273dc5b0cbaf0c462591e77927fc38cd/thumbnail_2165140.jpg","/articles/6297918/West-Virginia/Board-hears-explanation-of-SHIELD-homeroom-Huntington-High-handled-advisoradvisee-time-within-instructional-day","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297918-5a7dbb5d603152572af344af9d347d13/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142279&Signature=CwnhqJ1ZJuyuadji2t5zNMZ2JmiX4TPWTgTJt3NPmK0E1ugo~8hCBES0Oa1DGTismYbGCN40dfOgKgYU1Hzf-ySX~o4P665-2ZuDEB26nyCh3gzYMOs2VSfgfdEU-~tnw3LLiMeOyKGx9XrLIfdSirH~tQfz-yHBogrsy1CBZ6LHmR13Q~sylRVlCXAk-MDvdK1sd9699VDymp8Ne00QSD4jv57wm~b3Rlu4vc-9yyGB9w~eVQb-Vhhx3vK3g3j4uhcXAtuEI6asImDi4iHKTcVBFNMs~DACZIQOJCBlt7WNlpO9QJwV6h3BMMnOXfMx-Fi4Ef~-n6veGYCSJi4LTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two board members reported parent concerns that the SHIELD homeroom at Cabell Midland requires students to be at school earlier and that some parents and educators questioned its use. District staff explained SHIELD is an advisor/advisee period of about 20 minutes at the high school level intended for student supports, planning and targeted activities.

District staff said Huntington High eliminated its separate homeroom, called Compass, and redistributed those minutes into the instructional day rather than shortening the school day. Huntington High staff added support time and clubs during the school day to reduce tardies and still address advisor/advisee responsibilities. At Cabell Midland, staff provide homework support, Khan Academy usage, SAT practice for targeted groups and recovery time during the SHIELD period.

Why it matters: The structure of homeroom/advisor time affects start times, tardiness and where students receive homework or test‑prep assistance; the district said SHIELD is used for targeted student support rather than being merely study hall.

Next steps and clarifications

District staff offered to provide additional explanation if board members want more detail about SHIELD implementation at specific schools. The board did not take action on start times at this meeting.","Board members raised parent concerns about SHIELD (a roughly 20‑minute high‑school advisor/advisee period) at Cabell Midland; district staff explained Huntington High eliminated a separate homeroom by folding advisor/advisee time into the instructional day and that SHIELD provides supports such as Khan Academy, SAT prep and homework recovery.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Cabell County Schools outlines proposed makeup days after winter closures; waiver possible for some dates

District review flags special education staffing and MTSS gaps; ESSI report prompts targeted training

Cabell County Schools outlines multi-year plan after enrollment decline, plans personnel actions in April

Board hears explanation of SHIELD homeroom; Huntington High handled advisor‑advisee time within instructional day