Architects presented a three‑story Suncrest Middle School planned for about 499 students on 16.9 acres, with a multi‑level media center, auditorium (~200 seats), athletic fields, and a proposed summer 2026 groundbreaking for an August 2028 opening; board raised questions on bathrooms, auditorium/gym sizing and funding limits under the School Building Authority formula.
Two public commenters asked Monongalia County Schools to move the proposed 2026–27 graduation date, saying it conflicts with the state track meet and forces student-athletes to choose. The superintendent said staff believe there is no conflict but will verify before finalizing the calendar.
District student‑services leaders told the board the county has 35 school counselors (4 itinerant), 13 school psychologists and 11 outreach facilitators; presenters described roles, data use, and community partnerships that support mental‑health and academic planning.
The board approved a set of contracts and agreements including the 4 Brothers LLC sale of the former Daybrook School, a LexisNexis amendment, placement/affiliation agreements with Western Governors University and Grand Canyon University, and a Zonear routing/ZPass agreement; the chair recused himself for an accounts‑payable addendum vote.
At the Jan. 27 meeting, the Monongalia County Board of Education approved an accounts payable addendum, a consent agenda of routine items, adopted new Policy 8442.011 (Return to Work), and approved the personnel list and an addendum; the president recused himself from one vendor-related item.
The board held the first of two required public hearings on Jan. 27 to gather input on the 2026–27 school calendar; district staff said the calendar has not been published because public comments must be collected first and state rules limit schedule flexibility.
Committee members reported active fundraising and outreach for an excess levy renewal that has supported Monongalia County Schools for decades; staff emphasized the levy is a renewal (not an increase) and canvassing is underway to distinguish the measure from past bond efforts.
The Suncrest Middle School design presentation was postponed because the architect could not travel in the weather; plans were circulated to board members in advance and staff said the project likely cannot add square footage due to SBA limits and budget constraints.
A parent described her daughter’s epilepsy and said a requested 1-on-1 aide was verbally denied at an IEP; she has requested prior written notice (01/07/2026) and may pursue mediation or contact the West Virginia Department of Education if unresolved. Board members asked staff to contact the family.
After a public outcry, the Monongalia County Board of Education voted 3–2 to continue an appeal of a judge’s ruling on the Suncrest Primary School deed restrictions. A public commenter alleged roughly $120,900.92 in legal fees and urged transparency ahead of the levy.
