Raleigh County Board swears in new members and elects leadership

The Raleigh County Board of Education opened its July 6 meeting by swearing in newly elected members and choosing board leaders.

New members Ronald B. Cantley the 2nd and Charlotte Hutchins each repeated the oath to support the constitutions of the United States and the state of West Virginia and pledged to "faithfully discharge the duties" of a board member, according to the oath administered at the meeting. The board then nominated and approved Richard d Snapper the 2nd as president and Larry d Ford as vice president by voice votes that carried without recorded opposition.

The new president took the oath of office and — after briefly apologizing for an apparent scheduling mix-up — began work with committee assignment adjustments. The board discussed swapping representation on the convention board and filling seats on the library board, vocational programs and the family resource network; members agreed assignments can be changed later in the year if conflicts arise.

The superintendent presented results from a recent board self-appraisal showing divergent responses to items about whether the board has specific measurable goals and whether those goals are communicated to stakeholders. Dr. Starcher asked for board input and recommended a public work session to develop or refine goals; the board agreed to consider dates in July or August.

The meeting was adjourned with the next regular meeting scheduled for July 28 and the option to call a special meeting if pressing personnel matters arise.

Ending: The board left the meeting with leadership installed and a timeline set to work on board goals and committee assignments.