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Preston County Board approves a slate of MOUs, purchase orders and budget items ahead of school year
Summary
At its July 29 meeting the Preston County Board of Education approved memoranda of understanding with Fairmont State and several behavioral‑health providers, authorized two purchase orders including a $300,000 blanket order for Best Life Therapy and approved budget journal entries and routine finance items in unanimous votes.
The Preston County Board of Education on July 29 approved several memoranda of understanding, two purchase orders and routine budget items as the district prepares for the start of the 2025‑26 school year.
Why it matters: The actions give the district access to dual‑credit courses and a group of behavioral‑health providers and consultants the superintendent said the district may use to meet new legislative requirements and student needs. The approved purchase orders set spending ceilings for contracted services used across schools.
The board voted unanimously to approve an MOU with Fairmont State University to create dual‑credit pathways in programs including education, health and human performance, business, behavioral science, architecture, forensics and natural science. Board member Mister Ziggray moved the motion; the vote passed 5‑0.
The board also approved memoranda of understanding to secure behavioral supports. An MOU with Holly Blatt, a board‑certified behavior analyst, was approved to provide behavior consultation and training on an as‑needed (pay‑per‑use) basis. Superintendent Mister Martin said the agreement “will give us some options… to potentially offer services as needed to so that we're compliant with, some of the recent legislative acts.” The board voted 5‑0.
A separate MOU with Valley Healthcare System for behavioral‑health services for 2025–26 was approved 5‑0. During discussion one board member objected in principle to contract language that could limit venue for legal disputes; staff said that clause can be discussed in future agreements.
On finance, the board approved a blanket purchase order to Best Life Therapy (speech pathology, DHH, vision and ASL interpreter services) not to exceed $300,000 for the 2025–26 school year and a $135,893 purchase order to Curriculum Associates for i‑Ready benchmark and implementation support. Martin characterized the Best Life authorization as a need‑based ceiling rather than a guaranteed payment: “that is not necessarily the contract that we'll pay out. It would be based upon need,” he said. Both purchase orders passed 5‑0.
The board also approved budget journal entries 101–103 (transition conference, Andrew Goldstrom Fund and AP test fees), a levy check report and the schedule of checks/payment of bills after staff confirmed public‑reporting language and a counsel opinion about disclosure. All votes were unanimous.
What’s next: Most of the approved MOUs and purchase orders are operational in nature; the board will receive follow‑up details as services are used. The superintendent said staff will continue to bring contracts and financial details to the board for oversight.
Board action list (selected): - MOU: Fairmont State University — approved 5‑0 - MOU: Holly Blatt, BCBA — approved 5‑0 - MOU: Valley Healthcare System — approved 5‑0 - MOU: Youth Health Behavioral Threat Assessment Team — approved 5‑0 - Purchase order 2600044 to Best Life Therapy (blanket) — authorized up to $300,000, approved 5‑0 - Purchase order 2600211 to Curriculum Associates (i‑Ready) — $135,893, approved 5‑0 - Budget journal entries 101–103 — approved 5‑0
The board adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
