Cabell County tech specialists advocate against job cuts at school board meeting

The Cabell County Schools Board held a special meeting on April 21, 2025, to discuss personnel matters, particularly the potential reduction of technology support positions across the district. The meeting featured testimonies from four Technology Support and Training Specialists (TSTS) who expressed concerns about the impact of these cuts on students and staff.

William Richards, a TSTS at Milton Middle School, opened the discussion by sharing his experiences and the critical role he plays in addressing immediate tech issues for students and teachers. He highlighted that his position allows for quick resolutions to tech problems, which directly supports student learning. Richards warned that splitting the TSTS role between multiple schools would lead to delays in addressing tech issues, ultimately hindering educational efficiency.

Richard Black, from Huntington Middle School, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the high volume of support requests he handles and the importance of timely tech support in maintaining classroom productivity. He argued that reducing these positions would create a disservice to students and teachers alike.

Felicia Backus, representing Barbersville Middle School, expressed her frustration with the decision to cut TSTS roles, arguing that it undermines the efficiency and effectiveness of technology integration in classrooms. She pointed out that the technology provided to students is a significant advantage over private schooling options, and reducing support staff would jeopardize this benefit.

Christy Schafer, from Huntington East Middle School, presented a detailed account of her workload, noting that she had resolved thousands of tech issues and emails over her tenure. She warned that without dedicated tech support, teachers would revert to traditional methods, negating the benefits of the technology investments made by the district.

The board acknowledged the financial constraints leading to these recommendations, with Superintendent Hardesty explaining that the positions were initially funded by COVID relief funds, which are no longer available. He emphasized the need for budgetary responsibility to avoid future financial crises.

The testimonies from the TSTS staff highlighted a shared concern: the potential negative impact on student learning and teacher effectiveness if these positions are eliminated or consolidated. The board is expected to consider these perspectives as they deliberate on the future of technology support in Cabell County Schools.