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Wetzel County Board approves removing county IT director, expands lead Technology Systems Specialist role in 4–1 vote
Summary
The Wetzel County Board voted 4–1 to adopt revised personnel policies that remove the county technology director position and expand a lead Technology Systems Specialist (TSS) role to 261 days with a $10,000 supplement, reallocating some duties and reassigning nursing oversight. Board members debated whether the procedural path to re-adopt the policy was appropriate.
The Wetzel County Board of Education voted 4–1 to adopt revised policies that eliminate the county technology director position and elevate the district’s lead Technology Systems Specialist (TSS) role, increasing that role to 261 days and adding a $10,000 annual supplement.
Board President Mrs. Mitchell, who presided over the discussion, said the change will make the lead TSS “the main point of contact for anything IT.” Superintendent Porter presented the revised job expectations for the lead TSS, telling the board the role will “assist county and school administrators in guiding site technology coordinators in 21st century instruction, develop the technology budget, provide and coordinate computer repair and placement, manage specifications for hardware and software, manage and maintain the Wetzel County School web page, [and] maintain current knowledge of network systems.”
The measure replaces the previously listed county technology director position with a lead TSS that the administration says will consolidate duties now split across several staff members; the board also discussed reassigning nursing oversight from the former IT director to Mr. Barkas (as noted in the packet). The administration told the board that the 261-day term for the lead TSS aligns with comparable positions in neighboring counties and reflects summertime workload for hardware refresh and system maintenance.
The policy change generated procedural and policy questions. At least one board member said they were uncomfortable with the process of bringing the policy back for a third reading after a prior failed vote and said the board should be sure its legal advice supports the path forward. Superintendent Porter and the board’s attorney had discussed options for labeling the action as a second or third reading; the administration said it had followed counsel’s guidance. The board ultimately moved forward and approved the revised policies by a 4–1 margin.
Technology staff who attended the meeting urged support for the change. Josh Weekley of the district’s technology department, speaking during public comment, thanked maintenance staff for creating a new, improved workspace for the department and later answered policy questions about certifications and job duties.
What the vote does and what remains to be decided - Effect: The board removed the county technology director line and formalized a lead TSS as the primary IT contact, set at 261 days, with a $10,000 supplement. - Reporting: The administration indicated the lead TSS would report through the director of personnel (job description and reporting lines to be confirmed in job descriptions and postings). - Nursing: Nursing functions formerly connected to the director of IT will be reassigned to Mr. Barkas (reported by the administration). - Procedure: Some board members asked for written legal guidance on the reading/vote process to avoid future procedural challenges.
The board’s action is effective immediately as policy was adopted during the meeting. The administration indicated job descriptions and postings for the lead TSS will be provided to the board and contracts will follow the adopted policy.
