[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6143050,"mediaKeyId","5536175-f3ab7871fce80635bb4639a48769480a","parentId",5536175,"title","Public commenter urges board to display executive order on vaccine exemptions","audioSeconds",165,"startMs",305000,"endMs",470000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5536175-f3ab7871fce80635bb4639a48769480a&start=305&end=470","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5536175-f3ab7871fce80635bb4639a48769480a/thumbnail_305000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6143050/West-Virginia/Public-commenter-urges-board-to-display-executive-order-on-vaccine-exemptions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6143050-0317c7cc673ea93cfb771c1fafe6b373/orig.mp4?Expires=1770923754&Signature=eUFU368EVVGCHdqmRDOLJMFVogy4To7KvSqZVcmkCbNSz5EItLKRwwLz0T-BNrkDJhVgZXdcmUe5thT5G1vdjS-tJ2-KHnBvgKvDPn1z-hfen4EgGv1sGltu~JzVrIEwQPPpBPghk52rW9D5E5BkxsT0FXDcLmUrTqACrY8p6N1nBgo-tKwy65J91QWDDpmcrmo7bhtKjVFqPVsaBYo0fvghB-Ems6dZfQnrCcoVU-LyKmv~7xGGCD-4ynm-xjNRbYarHGUTxF98QauLYqiRHuExg7DJoocXXbewovi~X~oECww1794zE5DfRzsY2QLYVZvGKl71E6Tlr6OfkgJezw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Berkeley County Schools","date","2025-08-06T16:01:00.297Z","article","During the public-comment portion of the Aug. 4 meeting, Christine Joy addressed the board to request that the Berkeley County Schools add \"Executive Order number 725\" to the district enrollment information so parents know about what she described as currently available religious, personal-belief and medical exemptions to school vaccine mandates.

Joy cited a news item she identified as wbnews.com (dated July 2, 2025) and said a suit had been filed in a county board and state board case; she discussed liability, FDA licensing and other claims as reasons parents should consider exemptions and contact the board. Joy urged parents to consider the exemption and to contact the school district for details.

Board members listened to the public comment; no action or vote on the subject was recorded during the meeting.

The board did not indicate a timeline for reviewing or posting the material Joy requested during the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Meeting--August 4, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A member of the public asked the board to add information about an executive order she said created religious, personal belief and medical vaccine exemptions to district enrollment materials; board took no action on the request during the meeting.","taxTitle","BERKELEY COUNTY SCHOOLS, School Districts, West Virginia","taxId",13060,"location","West Virginia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6143054,"Board authorizes contracts for nursing, speech and sign-language interpreters; Medicaid reimbursement discussed",250,3919000,4169000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5536175-f3ab7871fce80635bb4639a48769480a&start=3919&end=4169","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5536175-f3ab7871fce80635bb4639a48769480a/thumbnail_3919000.jpg","/articles/6143054/West-Virginia/Board-authorizes-contracts-for-nursing-speech-and-sign-language-interpreters-Medicaid-reimbursement-discussed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6143054-ee8947b212c8559309153b473c376328/orig.mp4?Expires=1770923754&Signature=l6Ae8AvoMGQXIWHNLhb5jbpcvK4BXUXE8Q53c~9c2TFpSa0bLE9usGbn93R5I7zOnMh-Kc-uvrLA9I1Uqo3t64u3B-Oi83~gIP66wLdXzvSb0BIBIisf1mlbjPjxWwkWSuViUizP-Yotg7KjDgDfnRCksPg~6~YbdO-YhPV721bck4fwUnUw0ua3Cg3MAaTPitAtBqKb2QUd7Y5serIZdPPX1FGWF-FJx34C9OYB-lCaZZE8POu03xJkZ6a3QiWS7~clHVQ2eBF2Tx-Y-pipV~BFWTCqhch0GjcrTqCQjxocynEqck3HAgm99d95gNKM0pi5Sqn8q8bJldjbtolzxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Berkeley County school board members on Aug. 4 approved contracts to secure nursing services, speech-language pathologists and sign-language interpreters to support special-education students for the 2025-26 school year.

Sam Turner presented the contracts and said they were awarded after request-for-proposal processes in May, evaluated on price, capacity, past performance and ability to maintain collaborative relationships. Turner said the supplemental agreements are intended to ensure service continuity and avoid reliance on single vendors.

Board members asked whether anticipated state or federal Medicaid funding changes would affect the district's ability to pay for services. Turner said the district's Medicaid cost-settlement reimbursement in recent years has typically averaged roughly $2.1 million to $2.5 million depending on statewide cost-report factors and billings. He said the district had not been given specific federal or state guidance indicating an imminent reduction in settlement methodology that would affect current contracts and that officials would notify the board if further information arrives.

The board approved the contracts as presented. Staff said these vendor agreements are meant to maintain service continuity and create redundancy rather than rely on a single supplier.","The board approved multi-vendor contracts for nursing services, speech-language pathology and sign-language interpretation for special-education students and heard staff describe Medicaid cost-settlement estimates for reimbursable services.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6143060,"Board approves year-three transportation contract and moves ahead with bus purchases",1025,2876000,3901000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5536175-f3ab7871fce80635bb4639a48769480a&start=2876&end=3901","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5536175-f3ab7871fce80635bb4639a48769480a/thumbnail_2876000.jpg","/articles/6143060/West-Virginia/Board-approves-year-three-transportation-contract-and-moves-ahead-with-bus-purchases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6143060-6a4a184b08712d74b4332a48f4894cfc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770923754&Signature=TTEBt10Z4j9d1DJgywR7K2LAeMrOX4PSTCSy3ssi5fmEqFh2kqUp16uKknRZOXf9g7NknvW8PGIGB0BL4qMQ9QhmteCAoeFMKgTtB9s9GzNsO~WK6hUZ0jxaleQyqxxynbXZd8XO5KWaIyKAw1SwjAfefFlGaz3PLNkoLLULDCP8fKeEjE7gZjvTGz8X0aABCfpXdc381M1pItqVLY02zLxZAJiPICHexnKXPMTvWj-eS8I1dv8LZVMGFYrBtRZHD-AXujxoE8teU~1IryDkAdXqCcky~~WBr958GRn7yZZhyblTisbWqymdCisfGRIF9mBK8yjK4ZXhPllMYR5KeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Berkeley County school board members voted on Aug. 4 to continue a third-party transportation contract for an additional year and to purchase replacement buses funded through state replacement dollars.

Board members approved a one-year extension (year three) of the district's contract with Varsity Travel / River Riders for outsourced transportation services, with staff citing an anticipated contract ceiling of $5,000,000 for planning purposes. District staff described the extension as part of an ongoing approach to manage special-education and McKinney-Vento transportation needs while pursuing route consolidation and other efficiency measures to reduce third-party expenses. Board members asked about hourly billing, contract terms, and how in-district consolidation and special-education routing could reduce reliance on third-party vendors.

Staff said the district has been working to optimize routes, move some special-education services into zoned \"hub\" classrooms, and train routing personnel on route-optimization tools. Staff indicated transportation costs for the prior year exceeded $6.5 million and said the goal is to bring expenses down. The board voted to approve the third-year option; a roll-call by name was not recorded in the transcript of the motion and second.

Separately, the board approved a letter of intent to purchase 11 general-education buses and three special-education buses under the state replacement funding program, with an estimated purchase total of $2,099,679. Presenters said the new buses include air conditioning and that the district will retire older vehicles as replacement buses arrive.

Board discussion noted the district is pursuing multiple strategies -- consolidating routes, adding zoned special-education classrooms and training routing staff -- to reduce outsourcing over time. Staff said any contract overruns would be brought back to the board for further action.","The board approved a third-year option for a third-party student-transport contract with an anticipated $5 million ceiling and authorized purchase of 14 school buses funded by state replacement money.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6143065,"District construction updates: multiple school projects near completion before fall",621,1874000,2495000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5536175-f3ab7871fce80635bb4639a48769480a&start=1874&end=2495","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5536175-f3ab7871fce80635bb4639a48769480a/thumbnail_1874000.jpg","/articles/6143065/West-Virginia/District-construction-updates-multiple-school-projects-near-completion-before-fall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6143065-368108dab41c3d1cb75aac370e119533/orig.mp4?Expires=1770923754&Signature=ltdts4e~KKoOrN93nD6eEI01TZf954770J9lm6wNKTxpDtOyI-COGCJ41R3lfBWAE9-4-pwiqEUpBR25hme~tWBwWo01bd776NudPKzRkalEj9nWzG6lIc~iUg~Au7CwJC6pnTvw33i6izYDj6edJnm5Una56Yo38nrkFIlBMaWRY7ww9uhfvXWyD-~ji4iW-zXwT7YSXxMQk6IebRIH37uHMF4zwDNTZmch8Xxd1j9ETDqekv9HJ7BYYarTc6~MIs8ZLURef9imHBv0SF2ovAaqnJLPw7p0wfJYjxfV7JGINCyb2Yey24u9DMiarpammxQTB7aIqeuoTwTgAnPvoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Berkeley County school officials told the board on Aug. 4 that a slate of bond and summer projects is nearing completion ahead of the new school year and that a handful of items remain tied to permitting or parts deliveries.

Construction director Tyson Vaughn reported that the Hendersonville Early Learning Academy has exterior veneer and roof decking in place and that interior work is progressing. Tom Hacking Intermediate was described as essentially complete with a final punch-list walk-through scheduled and the HVAC system tested and balanced; officials said occupancy could be approved this week. The Martins Road High School band room was scheduled to finish Aug. 12, with lockers and touch-ups to follow and work to move next into the auditorium.

At Mountain Ridge Primary, crews completed blasting and rock removal and will start footer excavation within two weeks. Vaughn said the Department of Highways recently issued the permit needed to connect a new entrance off Route 51; that connection remains to be completed and will be tied to an interchange project and later bid or contract work. Officials said connecting roads in front of the intermediate and middle schools are paved and will be open for the first day of school.

Summer HVAC work and rooftop-unit installs were described as wrapping up in the coming two weeks. Officials said remediation teams completed mold abatement at Tomahawk after moisture issues and that damaged classroom furniture would be replaced. Athletic projects including track resurfacing and a Musselman tennis court paving and fence installation were also reported as nearly complete; only striping and final finishes remained, officials said.

Board members praised project coordination and custodial and contractor teams for completing a large volume of work in a compressed timeframe. Officials said a small number of items remain dependent on contractor schedules, Department of Highways permits, and parts deliveries; they promised updates to the board as remaining work is closed out.","Berkeley County officials reported progress on bond and summer projects including a pre-K center, intermediate and bandroom work, road permitting for Mountain Ridge Primary access, HVAC and gym repairs, and remediation at Tomahawk Intermediate.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6143070,"Berkeley County Schools to restructure virtual pathway using Pearson Connexus",318,511000,829000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5536175-f3ab7871fce80635bb4639a48769480a&start=511&end=829","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5536175-f3ab7871fce80635bb4639a48769480a/thumbnail_511000.jpg","/articles/6143070/West-Virginia/Berkeley-County-Schools-to-restructure-virtual-pathway-using-Pearson-Connexus","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6143070-dd02346277da76f245dcd05d7855c88a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770923754&Signature=gXpO9rfpJdscHHYYRuMmjhHYVL6YMvkfByotVy987KDV4jHIW7cZsiQsaz1jkl2X0S-kP28Zb2WnY-vHvUNZncX~pu0JeU7dKfeDFEXcIXBfoo5rxIVJJdwyed~SO4Fz~WIoDq~mTxR1LSNFSHKzFzhejOBzyi80AtRsy5VhmrO9OUUKdRy8Y7EsEGYm8tZf-Ed1a5W7j5h-QkB8ULJzzf2Ob5kWldqoxIQNXKZ1CdZd4WHVwGjP~nlOz1MT6Ky~GdesS9-A0t8ElTJNI69WiGMR20pmtYneUcqxe-kLIcbNKDVgl6SHP2~Kj5WXFbx2d5OHW0I5LkMac0z8giXnQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Berkeley County Board of Education officials on Aug. 4 outlined a plan to restructure the district's virtual pathway program by adopting the Pearson Connexus platform for kindergarten through 12th grade students who choose a full-time virtual option. District staff said the change will centralize curriculum delivery while keeping key student supports inside the district.

Officials said the district will remain accountable for enrollment, academic placement, counseling and state testing. The district-appointed teacher of record and district staff will provide instructional support and special-education services tied to existing IEPs, officials said. Mrs. Holly Branch was identified in the presentation as the assistant director of virtual school and the district's point person for program oversight.

District staff said Pearson Connexus will supply the k-12 course catalog, NCAA-eligible high-school courses, live reporting for student activity and grades, and marketing and recruitment support. The district will assign teacher-of-record duties, set student schedules and provide counseling through the students' home schools. Officials said k-5 students in the program total roughly 70 and will be split into two groups of about 35 for synchronous support; secondary enrollment was described as about 130 students. Presenters said roughly 20 percent of the current virtual program population has special-education needs and that those students' IEPs and testing requirements will be followed within the new delivery model.

Board members asked how the new platform differs from the prior model; staff said the district will now contract for a platform and course catalog instead of maintaining a larger adjunct teacher pool, and that the restructure reduces the number of lead teachers while preserving district responsibility for placement and diplomas. Staff said the shift should reduce recurring curriculum maintenance costs and streamline grading and reporting. The district also said it will continue to offer homebound instruction for temporary medical or psychological needs on a separate platform.

Officials described the implementation as a transition year and said the district may consider additional synchronous cohort instruction models for elementary students in future years. Staff said principals will lead training on high-impact instructional practices and that families and parents will retain access to real-time student activity and grades through the platform.

The board received the presentation for review and discussion; there was not a recorded vote on program adoption during the meeting.

The district said it will provide additional implementation and staffing details, including how lead-teacher assignments and schedules will be organized, before final program decisions.","School officials presented a plan to reconfigure the district's virtual pathway program using Pearson Connexus, consolidate staffing, and emphasize district oversight, while confirming accommodations and testing plans for special-education students.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public commenter urges board to display executive order on vaccine exemptions

Board authorizes contracts for nursing, speech and sign-language interpreters; Medicaid reimbursement discussed

Board approves year-three transportation contract and moves ahead with bus purchases

District construction updates: multiple school projects near completion before fall

Berkeley County Schools to restructure virtual pathway using Pearson Connexus