[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-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",[32,75,87,97,109],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_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,"_74":73},"mediaId",6218383,"mediaKeyId","3629113-69e974260c05e9110b885086f708e011","parentId",3629113,"title","Board approves renewal of district workers’ compensation insurance with Erie Insurance","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",7104000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3629113-69e974260c05e9110b885086f708e011&start=7104&end=7104","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3629113-69e974260c05e9110b885086f708e011/thumbnail_7104000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6218383/West-Virginia/Board-approves-renewal-of-district-workers-compensation-insurance-with-Erie-Insurance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6218383-75bad5a2699461ad6667bc7f2532b5f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770441015&Signature=Yv-ieRBDqCJ5~rtFhltPVfM1Ggj6dVSGsFddAYEMa6ZE2Bp7GjFnnHBzDZIjPFr2n6w658-eqLBMSpH6f2Gg7uM2ZpjgVMK0TVpHCF1OHwrH6ikcqRbd-iJ4FMsFDQGXKoJAENpXksLObTuKY89UZizVldEhC8f775g5rUqmDUJt9RgZ~q~BmeVTR~~ORJQ6xYOlIp4aOMYqDknNM4dpk0S6XZtk2~wxhd55GCT0x0Q2VTfWyE0cxzQtrn9YXrnG3FDXqliBpD9s5~p-ArUFi9ElqknrfEDDFbu5fUTd8Q0ulQEfKXP79BGBJPYR5MOVdfE2VgdK3jMRxKfG2HidLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Berkeley County Schools","date","2025-06-03T12:48:24Z","article","BERKELEY COUNTY, W.Va. — The Board of Education voted June 2 to renew the district’s workers’ compensation insurance with Erie Insurance for fiscal year 2026, accepting a bid of $415,217.

Finance staff presented four bids and recommended continuation with Erie Insurance. The presenter said the FY26 bid was lower than the current year and noted the district’s experience rating is 0.9 — a number staff characterized as positive because it indicates relatively lower claim experience.

Board members moved and seconded the recommendation; the motion passed by voice vote. No additional fiscal detail was provided in the meeting minutes beyond the award amount and proposal recommendation.

Why it matters: workers’ compensation is a routine but material operating expense that affects the district’s risk management, budgeting and employee claims handling.

What’s next: the district will process the renewal and monitor claim experience and premiums during FY26.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Meeting 6/2/25","oneSentenceSummary","Staff recommended and the board approved the district’s workers’ compensation insurance renewal with Erie Insurance for FY26; administrators said the $415,217 bid was lower than the current year and the district’s experience rating remained below 1.0.","taxTitle","BERKELEY COUNTY SCHOOLS, School Districts, West Virginia","taxId",13060,"location","West Virginia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6218387,"Martinsburg parent urges district apology after graduation proceeded in downpour",252,3367000,3619000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3629113-69e974260c05e9110b885086f708e011&start=3367&end=3619","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3629113-69e974260c05e9110b885086f708e011/thumbnail_3367000.jpg","/articles/6218387/West-Virginia/Martinsburg-parent-urges-district-apology-after-graduation-proceeded-in-downpour","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6218387-ed32dc3886c0c70a1259fd99e1e7ea0b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770441015&Signature=LsASuexHBB9WW5T3qGy22VuQbH2pf7d--SlnNthhB1FCGzfXQmmsV89W76qUP2~eKEarCRmx7awkC7OL5aFufiQMwoR~SCSfSn2Cvof5lPeCyd4jF0-qx4DW8XfuNz9fDhHeJN23PstJ-PZGZLmhBcxZuJp0RokSDU9zVGa0d1CacOAb~l0BH87F6GvBBByzkUldY1P2eKZtB~cm7jfB6lrsFVztQ0O317fjC2dCYBWHZNCIoB7l-ZQDuaeh1NUmV8nU0D94ZV6JXC6Vz789pFnxQX4VulhVGtKpdn5O~X9vyO8f9SGqrb3dERmZrvmq8C0llCC-HUV6hF3VzgBJVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","BERKELEY COUNTY, W.Va. — During public comments at the June 2 board meeting, a Martinsburg High School parent denounced district leadership’s handling of the class of 2025 graduation, saying the outdoor ceremony proceeded in heavy rain, diplomas were damaged and some students developed medical issues afterward.

The parent told the board the graduation “was marred by avoidable and irresponsible leadership” and said other nearby districts postponed or rescheduled ceremonies as storms moved in. She raised equity concerns, saying Martinsburg is the county’s most economically disadvantaged and diverse high school and that students there did not receive the same accommodations as graduates at other county high schools.

“Students were soaked, diplomas were damaged, and medical issues followed, including my daughter who required treatment the very next day,” the speaker said. She asked the board to issue a personal written apology to each affected Martinsburg graduate rather than a mass PR statement.

The parent also criticized parking fees charged for the event and said some concession and parking arrangements left wheelchair‑bound guests and older attendees exposed to the elements. She urged district elected officials and administrators to prioritize student safety and dignity when making venue decisions.

Why it matters: public comment raises community concerns about event planning, equity across schools, and student safety. The speaker asked the board to investigate and consider individualized written apologies.

What the board did: the comment was received during the public-comment portion of the meeting; no formal action was taken June 2. District administrators later noted graduation planning falls under school operations and will be reviewed as part of event planning protocols.","A Martinsburg High School parent said the school’s outdoor graduation was held in heavy rain without adequate contingency planning, damaged diplomas and led to medical issues; the speaker asked for personal written apologies to the affected graduates.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":42,"_43":90,"_45":90,"_46":91,"_48":92,"_50":93,"_52":94,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":95,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":96,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6218392,"Board receives bond-construction updates; approves playground, camera and intercom change orders",7552000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3629113-69e974260c05e9110b885086f708e011&start=7552&end=7552","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3629113-69e974260c05e9110b885086f708e011/thumbnail_7552000.jpg","/articles/6218392/West-Virginia/Board-receives-bond-construction-updates-approves-playground-camera-and-intercom-change-orders","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6218392-f5b34c1435d51634b83785c423f5c82c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770441015&Signature=T-CErN~nuD94Ul7QForNI1uLlPuP-T~4ZJ8Qdec89ijR8pI2W374OrRwcHypKl8bm7eZIoJc5D4WzKPAoPavHW21WSmg9s8b8rmi-geC~vTR50GdQ2gfBMh-JDecw1IX2HgEdkQ4XPcS7JDky~-VDfCeVrKpffDR-aFjBrZSLlNV3XW59nNpxb8NmxqBqQeMJ~22Hp6xw~G6rqMWDtmFXzN5ziEVLyAtw4VHVw0Td0biVSbDbcct~pTJzRh1kMwbaWQS4Z6e91tt-HLTVf8-ziIMLw5r302ci7H69uofwcaO1CZsmKw7dBXyLNTw6Ocv6YdQb9gZ95LgnKMeLzBN0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","BERKELEY COUNTY, W.Va. — On June 2 Berkeley County Schools staff updated the Board of Education on the district’s bond construction portfolio, reporting progress on multiple school projects and asking the board to approve several contract awards and change orders tied to current additions and renovations.

Project updates: Bond project managers showed progress on multiple active builds including Henderson Early Learning Academy (steel and roof structure in place, waiting on a FirstEnergy approval for one corner), Tomahawk Intermediate (on schedule for July completion), Martinsburg High School band-room and auditorium reconfiguration, and Mountain Ridge Primary site work and foundation preparation. Administrators said 87 of 112 bond projects are complete and about 25 remain active.

Playground award: The board approved a low bid from Bluegrass Recreation for the Mountain Ridge Primary playground system — a themed play area sized for school use with rubber mulch surfacing — at $320,696.63, under the $350,000 budgeted for the school’s playground. The contract uses cooperative purchasing and the scope excludes a pour‑in‑place safety surface (rubber mulch specified).

Security and intercom change orders: To complete the Martinsburg High School addition, the board approved two change orders: Atlantic Security to extend the district’s camera system into the addition for $16,350, and Teleplus to complete the intercom system and office call switches for $55,671.52. Administrators said the base construction contract assigned certain owner responsibilities to the district; these change orders extend contracts from earlier districtwide security and intercom procurements so the new addition uses the same systems.

Mowing contract: The board approved a multi-site grounds‑maintenance bid (Made in the Shade) to continue countywide mowing through the fall; staff estimated the mowing contract for July–November at roughly $207,000 and noted the vendor was the current provider. Questions from board members focused on communication about mowing schedules and oversight by maintenance staff.

Why it matters: The bond program covers major facility updates and capacity additions that affect school operations and long-term maintenance budgets. The playground award and security/intercom change orders are near-term capital expenses that must align with the district’s construction schedule to avoid delays.

What’s next: Project teams will continue summer work; administrators said they will provide more detailed bond-tracker summaries (allocated vs. spent) at the board’s request and will follow up on any outstanding FirstEnergy approvals and scope clarifications for specific builds.","Administrators updated the board on ongoing bond projects and secured approvals for several capital purchases and change orders including a $320,696 playground, security camera and intercom change orders for a Martinsburg High School addition, and continued mowing vendor selection.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_46":103,"_48":104,"_50":105,"_52":106,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":107,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":108,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6218397,"Board hears transportation reorganization plan aimed at route efficiency and new staff roles",7484,1601000,9085000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3629113-69e974260c05e9110b885086f708e011&start=1601&end=9085","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3629113-69e974260c05e9110b885086f708e011/thumbnail_1601000.jpg","/articles/6218397/West-Virginia/Board-hears-transportation-reorganization-plan-aimed-at-route-efficiency-and-new-staff-roles","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6218397-0f80e60c6a7a1e38e3b3cb126494e80a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770441015&Signature=XZEPN~jh~QttUtOjGa9reyocJbLM8a3RCzrcSCZZ80K5A3REPyxrBSzKa-pbI9lTtB5QM5PMoexdsq0NIPCx-N74u5bIfdfiRpljEoO0kkvey5TGgLuxxrEtlschKFuoRORmgVcdIJo5oj78G9Xf07n2TmwrtJ37K35aoAoiOzhsXwFTtYgjrVDFS5zCHpuZJeJU5RYwcewGgTR3c5bnT~Fd~QvYqpP2qaTpeMtk-4DJSaJytIAkt4w1XEll5gZ7mGbGxyQEpItpe2xcspFQ1MbcTrGsYhfRLcEOSTZkz-4EsZilUvXsqPemajGAa2iMYw8bpwnzPoYjq36kfTcPEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","BERKELEY COUNTY, W.Va. — Berkeley County Schools presented a reorganization plan June 2 that would create new routing and operations coordinator roles, add clerical support in the transportation office, and hire multiple Transportation Support Specialists (TSS) to improve routing, reduce subcontracted trips, and centralize operational responsibilities.

Director of Transportation Eric Kiesecker described a proposed model in which one director would manage two high‑school feeder patterns and the other director would manage the remaining two. The plan would create a dedicated routing coordinator to build and monitor routes (general and special education), shift existing bus supervisors into routing roles where appropriate, and add a secretary to process invoices and manage substitute drivers.

Kiesecker said the changes are intended to reduce fragmented routing, bring some outsourced special-education and McKinney-Vento trips in-house, and improve communication between routing, maintenance and operations. “We felt the study yielded two things: there’s efficiency to be had as it relates to routing, and there is a need for operational and managerial efficiency,” he told the board.

Board members asked how consolidation would affect drivers’ jobs. Superintendent Dr. Sachs stressed that consolidation of routes “does not mean we reduce the number of bus drivers employed by Berkeley County Schools,” and that the district would seek volunteers to take on adjusted routes so that all current employees retain positions.

The personnel package considered that evening included multiple new TSS positions: administrators said 11 TSS hires are planned. Board members and administrators also discussed compensation for support staff who work additional days or non‑traditional schedules, and administrators said summer work assignments will help the transportation department complete routing updates and maintenance coordination.

Why it matters: transportation is one of the district’s largest operational expenses and directly affects daily schedules, student access and special-education service delivery. The district said improved internal route management could reduce subcontracting costs and improve service reliability.

What’s next: district leaders said job descriptions are being finalized and positions will be posted. The board approved the personnel actions presented on June 2, including the listed TSS hires and related transfers.","District leaders presented a reorganization of the transportation department to consolidate routes, add routing and operational coordinator positions, and hire additional Transportation Support Specialists; officials said job changes are intended to maintain driver employment while improving routing efficiency and in‑house trip capacity.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_46":115,"_48":116,"_50":117,"_52":118,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":119,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":120,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6218402,"Berkeley County expands LETRS training and explores interim reading curriculum after state delay",791,3653000,4444000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3629113-69e974260c05e9110b885086f708e011&start=3653&end=4444","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3629113-69e974260c05e9110b885086f708e011/thumbnail_3653000.jpg","/articles/6218402/West-Virginia/Berkeley-County-expands-LETRS-training-and-explores-interim-reading-curriculum-after-state-delay","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6218402-7363d1e34553c918d5f1e573d7aec5d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770441015&Signature=hkPDlhj0spmKNL14DAKUxgeRtWQSXKEjz1mrRFMmX4~ycm2fCF5P7EIkjsAQPOn7QHkAWzx4YzZDiBV6NkHDSXMg2-s1Z6MSMAvn0r1kVm9K8DmRRHqCy4FTa7M1t8Ir4BCZ6XoKUKFXhPrVsaJHjTJXz1t3QAThkN7AW8r8T7VSXLemeAsLdEE0ts4A0eiKF9pVKM7JFfibeyzJXAhN-UHTWZN5mTQdbOGSWCg2F8S-SOqVIW-baf~HVuB4q2PjVba9YEk9PDzcwPJIDM6EzTkrNfC4HNxEzMn7pB1FL3TxCzuaXZXcSSQkPlWpRytlyG0SYzcG8LUhKXrODmN3dg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","BERKELEY COUNTY, W.Va. — Berkeley County Schools officials told the Board of Education on June 2 that the district is expanding teacher training in LETRS — the state-funded science-of-reading program — and is considering a two-year districtwide pilot of a research-aligned reading curriculum while the state delays its scheduled ELA adoption.

District leaders said the LETRS training is intensive and lasts roughly two years (eight modules). District staff described a stipend structure tied to module completion and said the state is covering the training fees while the district provides local stipends for teachers who complete modules. The district reported 62 educators in the first cohort and 63 signed for the next cohort.

Board members were told why the district is pursuing LETRS: it shifts classroom practice from “cueing” strategies toward explicit, phonics-based instruction backed by brain-science research, with the stated goal of increasing foundational reading skills that should be secure by third grade.

“LETRS doesn’t just tell you how to teach reading. It helps you to understand what to teach, why it matters, and when to teach,” a staff presenter told the board during the instructional update. Erica Props, principal of Rosemont Elementary School, said the training had “provided us with the professional development to deepen our understanding of the science of reading” and urged wider participation.

District officials also outlined next steps after learning the West Virginia Department of Education postponed the statewide reading-adoption timetable by a year. Superintendent Dr. Sachs and other administrators told the board they plan to pilot one or more research‑aligned core reading programs (names discussed included Curriculum Associates’ new offering and CKLA) across multiple schools and consider a districtwide, two‑year commitment to ensure instructional consistency until the state adoption occurs.

Officials described additional supports tied to LETRS: administrators and teachers who complete modules will receive stipends (district staff said the structure is $500 per four‑module block, for a total district stipend of up to $2,000 per teacher over the two‑year program), the state is funding the training itself, and the district is planning local implementation supports such as coaching and monitoring.

Teachers who have begun LETRS reported early classroom results. “If they make a mistake, I’m able to explain to them how to fix it,” one classroom teacher said, adding that even early units had changed how she diagnoses and corrects student errors.

Why it matters: third-grade reading outcomes are a commonly used early indicator of long-term academic success. District officials said recent diagnostic data show about 34 percent of third graders lack a solid phonics foundation; staff characterized LETRS as a tool to change instructional practice so more students reach grade-level reading.

What’s next: administrators said they will bring a more detailed proposal to the board at an upcoming literacy workshop, including a plan for pilot schools, estimated costs, and implementation supports. The board scheduled a literacy-focused workshop for June 10 to review materials and next steps.

","School officials told the Board of Education they have enrolled dozens of teachers in LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), will pay stipends for course completion, and are proposing a districtwide two‑year pilot of a research-aligned core reading program while the state delays its reading-adoption timetable.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves renewal of district workers’ compensation insurance with Erie Insurance

Martinsburg parent urges district apology after graduation proceeded in downpour

Board receives bond-construction updates; approves playground, camera and intercom change orders

Board hears transportation reorganization plan aimed at route efficiency and new staff roles

Berkeley County expands LETRS training and explores interim reading curriculum after state delay