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Superintendent outlines start‑of‑year schedule, Kingwood Elementary construction and staffing plans
Summary
Superintendent Martin told the board about opening‑day staff sessions, corporate donations to offset staff meal costs, facility work at Kingwood Elementary including a secure entryway and office demolition, and staffing plans to cover vacancies before school begins; staff reported about 1,500 student information responses so far.
Superintendent Martin gave a broad opening‑of‑year update to the Preston County Schools board, describing professional development and logistics for staff, recent donations to offset lunch costs, ongoing facilities work, and personnel plans as the new school year approaches.
Martin said opening day for staff is scheduled the week before students and that the district plans staggered student start dates beginning Monday, Aug. 18. He named several corporate donors who provided funding to offset staff lunch costs at opening events: Ray Thompson State Farm, The Thrasher Group, Colonial Life Insurance, and Unum Dental and Optical.
On facilities, Martin reported that the School Building Authority project at Kingwood Elementary began with demolition of the main office and that contractors will construct a secure entryway and replace exterior doors; classroom, principal and nurse access will be maintained during construction. Concrete repairs on a gym building block and a new faculty parking lot have been completed, with paint and sealing still to be scheduled.
Martin also said district staff had received approximately 1,500 student information form responses and that principal academy sessions covered the district strategic plan, discipline reporting requirements, a new cell phone policy, and other start‑of‑year procedures. He and school leaders are coordinating with local colleges (WVU and Fairmont State) to staff open positions and to source music and special‑education candidates in the spring.
Board members asked procedural questions and requested follow‑up on the Dominion Post report Martin referenced about statewide enrollment declines. The superintendent said he would provide additional updates and confirmed a regular meeting date of Aug. 25 at 6 p.m. and a planned community work session for Aug. 8.
