West Virginia leaders reach deal to end teachers strike

Vanessa Brown, a teacher from Clendenin, W.Va., holds a sign with her hat as she waits to get into a teacher rally Monday at the West Virginia Capitol in Charleston, W.Va. Hundreds of teachers from 55 counties are on strike for pay raises and better health benefits. Tyler Evert, The Associated Press

By: John Raby, The Associated Press | Posted: Mar. 6, 2018 at 10:36 a.m. | Source: The Columbus Dispatch

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice and Senate Republicans reached a tentative deal on Tuesday to end a nine-day statewide teachers’ strike by giving them 5 percent raises — and adding similar raises for all state workers while they’re at it.

Justice said additional budget cuts by his staff will fund the raises. Senate leaders confirmed the deal, saying it involves some reduced government.

“We have reached a deal. I stood rock solid on the 5% Teacher pay raise and delivered. Not only this, but my staff and I made additional cuts which will give all State employees 5% as well. All the focus should have always been on fairness and getting the kids back in school,” the governor said in a tweet.

The governor, union leaders and the House of Delegates had agreed last week to the 5 percent pay raise for teachers, who are among the lowest paid in the nation and haven’t had a salary increase in four years. But the Senate refused to go along, approving a 4 percent increase.

Some teachers cheered in the hallways of the Capitol after the governor tweeted the news. Others waiting inside the meeting room indicated that they’re wary of getting excited until House and Senate majorities approve the deal.

“We’ve been down this road before,” West Virginia Education Association President Dale Lee said.

Senate leaders said they’re on board this time.

“These are deep cuts,” said Sen. Craig Blair, Finance Committee chairman, said Tuesday. “This has been the fiscally responsible thing to do, in my opinion, to get us to the point we’re at today.”

W.V. Schools To Open, Buses To Roll After Nine-Day Strike

By: Claudia Newton | Posted: Mar. 6, 2018 | Source: School Transportation News

Closing schools and grounding school buses across West Virginia for nine straight days resulted in what teachers and support staff sought all along: Higher wages and more health care benefits. 

The state’s three major unions called for “all education employees and supporters” to support the strike that they said would last until the state Senate approved a five percent pay raise, which was passed 34-0 on Tuesday.

(more…)

Kanawha school board sets time for Bridge Elementary closure hearing

A sign outside of Bridge Elementary School in Kanawha County following the June 2016 flood. Gazette-Mail file photo.

By: Ryan Quinn, Staff Writer | Posted: Mar. 5, 2018 | Source: WV Gazette-Mail

The Kanawha County Board of Education Monday chose 5:30 p.m. April 9 as the time for a public hearing on the proposed closure and consolidation of Bridge Elementary into the planned new school that would combine Bridge and Clendenin elementaries.

School board President Jim Crawford said the hearing will be at the Kanawha public school system headquarters, 200 Elizabeth St., on Charleston’s East End. The alternative time if April 9 falls through is 5 p.m. April 19.

Clendenin Elementary’s former building was shuttered after being damaged in the June 2016 flood.

Crawford said the school system is moving as fast as it can on building the new school.

The board also approved asking the state School Building Authority for funding to replace all the windows at Horace Mann Middle, save for a couple that have already been replaced, according to school system Communications Director Briana Warner.

Each year, county school systems request “major improvement project” grants, which can be up to $1 million.

The SBA’s “needs” grants can be over $1 million, and are awarded near the end of each year.

The board also approved three new high school elective courses: “Art History 2,” “English Concepts Through Different Mediums” and “Music Technology.”

Missy Ruddle, Kanawha’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, said she expects the courses will only be at individual schools next school year (music technology will be at South Charleston High, for example) but they could spread to other schools.

“They’re all completely electives,” Ruddle said.

Reach Ryan Quinn at ryan.quinn@wvgazettemail.comfacebook.com/ryanedwinquinn, 304-348-1254 or follow @RyanEQuinn on Twitter.

West Virginia Teacher Strike: Students Minds on Lack of Food and Money, not Education

CLENDENIN, WEST VIRGINIA (The Clendenin Leader)

With the West Virginia teacher walkout/strike well into its second week, I was on assignment to do a story about volunteers comprised of various organizations, who had coordinated an effort to provide hot meals for children in need, due to the continued shutdown of the schools. As I wrapped up the interview, I decided to speak with some of the children that were hanging around the facility, just to get their take on the situation. After all, their lives have been disrupted by this situation maybe more than any, and I had not seen any media coverage concerning the student’s thoughts and opinions of the situation. (more…)

WV school systems close again after Senate moves raise bill to committee

Teachers hold signs and chant in front of the state Senate chamber by Brad McElhinny of MetroNews

Teachers hold signs and chant in front of the state Senate chamber. Brad McElhinny | MetroNews

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


By: Brad McElhinny
| Posted: Mar. 1, 2018 at 5:02 p.m. | Source: WV MetroNews

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — School systems across West Virginia were cancelling again for Friday after a teacher pay raise proposal backed by the governor passed the House of Delegates but has yet to move in the Senate.

West Virginia’s school systems had already closed by late Thursday afternoon. (more…)

Mayor Shana Clendenin swears in new Recorder and Councilman for Town of Clendenin

Mayor Shana Clendenin brought to order the Town Council Meeting for Feb. 26, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.

Town Council reviewed the meeting minutes and revisions for the prior meeting on Feb. 12, 2018. A motion was made by Councilman Knight to accept the meeting minutes and it was seconded by Councilman Shelton. All were in favor.

During the committee reports, Councilwoman Erica Kearns, reported balances for the following accounts:

  • General Account: $170,878.31
  • Koontz Cemetery: $7,256.35
  • Mary Osborne Cemetery: $4,613.59
  • Coal Severance: $9,815.80
  • FEMA: $418,472.12
  • Vehicles: $4,120.82
  • Paving Projects: $540.33
  • Fairs & Festivals: $1,971.96

Town Council reviewed invoices that need to be paid for approval, and then reviewed invoices that had already been paid since the last meeting. A motion was made by Councilman Bird to accept the invoices and it was seconded by Councilman Townsend. All were in favor.

Mayor Clendenin reported that members of the Clendenin Fire Department, who are part of the West Virginia National Guard Swift Water Rescue Team, were deployed for the first time last Friday to Moundsville, WV in preparation for flooding that was expected. All members returned home safely Sunday evening.

According to Mayor Clendenin there have been 11 arrests since Feb. 4th. Mostly drug seizures, including a vehicle and drug money. The Clendenin Police Department will be updating their Facebook Page this week in preparation to start posting arrests moving forward. Public posts will include name, picture, location, reason for arrest, and where they will be held.

Members of the Clendenin Police Department went to Roane County for training with the Charleston Police Department and West Virginia State Police on how to work and interact with a canine unit if an officer brings a K-9 on scene.

Councilman Bird reported all vehicles and equipment are in good working order. Bird also reported that West Virginia American Water and Mountaineer Gas still had areas to work on and finishing paving. The street department has been focused on cleaning up drains the past couple of weeks, including fixing holes on North Point Drive.

Councilman Shelton reported that all town buildings, grounds, and Town Hall are in good working order. Shelton added that Grant 4210 West Virginia 05 is awaiting payment of funds from FEMA to pay for the demolition costs of 8 houses. Proceeding with the remainder of the project agenda in order to close it out. Project is currently on schedule. Project Worksheets (PW6, PW7 and PW8) have minor contractual issues that are currently being addressed. The contractor has already started another job. Pending those contract concerns it is unknown at this time when the contractor would be able to start the job to repair slips. Shelton added that he is working on documentation for other projects in preparation for a review request for closed projects to receive any funds due on the remaining Project Worksheets (PW). All other proposed grants for elevations and rebuilds are still awaiting the documentation review process.

Councilman Townsend had nothing to report on Koontz and Mary Osborne cemeteries.

Councilwoman Kearns reported a street light outage on North Point, stating that the street department has been notified to fix light. An ordinance enforcement letter has been sent to one homeowner on Koontz Avenue. Kearns went to court regarding a property on the north end of town; it is currently a work-in-progress and will be revisited on March 14.

Councilman Knight reported that Pamala Allen, owner of Allen’s Laundromat, purchased the old Poca Valley Bank building beside State Farm on Main Street. According to Knight, Pamala plans to expand her clothing and gift shop that is currently located inside of Allen’s Laundromat. The Clendenin Leader has reached out to Pamala to learn more about what her plans are with the building. In other economic development news, Knight reported there is currently a contract on the Chase Bank on Main Street ,which is good news for the Town of Clendenin, and its ongoing recovery efforts.

In new business, a motion was made by Councilman Townsend to appoint Councilwoman Kearns to Town Recorder, and it was seconded by Councilman Bird. All were in favor.

Kerns’ appointment of Town Recorder created an open seat on Town Council, which goes to the next highest vote-getter from the past town election, who was Russell Underwood. Mayor Shana Clendenin announced that Mr. Underwood had accepted to fill the opening on Town Council and was immediately sworn in as councilman by the Mayor.

At the January 22, 2018 meeting, Town Council discussed a fee increase for an overdue parking meter from $3 to $5. Fines that are not paid within 10 days will increase the fee to $20. Mayor Clendenin announced the resolution and called for a vote. A motion was made by Councilman Townsend to adopt the fee increase and it was seconded by Councilman Bird. All were in favor.

At the Feb. 12, 2018 meeting, Town Council approved moving $5,000 to the Fairs and Festivals account to assist with the fireworks contract for the upcoming fireworks display during the Clendenin Homecoming Festival that is scheduled for June 22-24, 2018. Since the matter dealt with funds, Mayor Clendenin had a resolution prepared for Town Council to sign on the record.

Mayor Clendenin suggested to Town Council for consideration to hire a part-time Town Clerk to be trained to cover duties for Diana Holcomb during sick, personal, and vacation time on an as-needed basis. A motion was made by Councilman Townsend to hire a part-time Town Clerk and was seconded by Councilman Bird. All were in favor. Interviews to fill position will begin in the coming weeks.

In old business, the closing date was scheduled last week for the purchase of Jim White’s building, which used to be the old feed store between Town Hall and the Clendenin Fire Department. The building is currently being used as storage for equipment. According to Kearns there were some alignment issues with the legal documents. Kearns indicated that the town administration is working with the bank’s attorneys to make sure things are in order and in the best interest of the Town of Clendenin. A new closing date will be forthcoming.

During the council concerns portion of the meeting Councilman Knight brought up the idea for the administration to look into accepting credit card payments for fines to make it more convenient. The town administration is currently looking into what it would take to offer this as a convenience.

A motion was made by Councilman Shelton to adjourn the meeting and it was seconded by Councilman Underwood, as his first order of business since being sworn in as the newest member of Town Council.

The next Town Council meeting will be held on Monday, March 12, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at the Clendenin Recreational Center.

Brittany Dolly: Walkout about keeping educators here, investing in WV future (Gazette)

In what’s becoming a familiar sight, West Virginia teachers stood outside the Senate chamber in the state Capitol on Thursday, chanting for higher pay and better benefits. Kenny Kemp | Gazette-Mail

By: Brittany Dolly | Posted: Feb. 26, 2018 | Source: WV Gazette-Mail

When I attended college, I had no idea what path I wanted to take. While taking the general courses, I received a work-study position that changed my life. I started working with diverse students in an after-school program.

Shortly after, I declared my major (history, interdepartmental studies and secondary education) and began working toward acceptance in the education program at West Virginia University. (more…)

Peaceful protests planned; one seeks to help Roane teacher

Candlelight vigils are being held across West Virginia Sunday night by many education groups as part of the ongoing teacher strike protests. (MGN Online)

By: Ashley Bishop | Posted: Feb. 25, 2018 | Source: WVAH

Candlelight vigils are being held across West Virginia Sunday night by many education groups as part of the ongoing teacher strike protests.

Kanawha, Roane, and Braxton county plan to host them, but one county, in particular, is holding the vigil in honor of a teacher that was in a car wreck on Friday. (more…)

Teachers fill Capitol during Day 1 of statewide walkout

Thousands of teachers fill the Rotunda at the state Capitol during statewide walkout over wages and benefits.
Photo courtesy: Brad McElhinny, MetroNews.

By: Brad McElhinny | Posted: Feb. 22, 2018 at 3:01 p.m. | Source: WV MetroNews

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Thousands of chanting teachers and service personnel poured into the state Capitol today, the first day of a statewide teachers strike.

“Hey. Hey. Whaddaya say. Fund PEIA,” they chanted.

And “55 united! 55 united!”

With two secure entrances for the public, a line grew early this morning and eventually wrapped around the back of the state Culture Center.

Teachers filled the galleries in both the House and Senate, where legislators planned to go on with normal business. Committee meetings were also going on as usual, even as teachers gathered outside.

Teachers from all 55 counties walked out today over wages and health care costs. Even as the Capitol crowd surged, many more were picketing outside their local schools.

“We’d rather be in the classroom,” said David Bannister, a physical education teacher at Pinch Elementary. “But we have to take care of our families too. We have to get their attention. We haven’t been able to get it any other way. So here we are.”

The walkout is officially set for Thursday and Friday, but could continue if matters can’t be settled. There was talk of rolling walkouts, with counties going out a few at a time.

 

Mary Ross, an English teacher at Webster County High School, left for Charleston at 6 a.m. today.

“It is nice to see so many other public employees out so you don’t feel so isolated,” Ross said. “It’s good to come out and see so many other public employees.”

On Wednesday evening, the eve of the walkout, Gov. Jim Justice signed a bill with a pay raise averaging 2 percent next year for teachers, service personnel and State Police. Each group would receive another average 1 percent raise the following year with teachers in line for another 1 percent raise the third year.

The teachers have said the raise amounts don’t keep pace with their increased health care costs.

The Public Employees Insurance Agency Finance Board met this week and froze the current plan. That will cost the state an estimated $29 million. But teachers and other public employees say they want serious movement toward long-term stability for the plan.

Ross said her top priority is getting health care costs under control.

“We need to get our public insurance system fixed so our children can stay in this state,” Ross said. “I’ll be retiring next year. I want my students to be able to be teachers and stay in West Virginia. I want my colleagues to be able to raise their families on a teacher’s salary.”

HOPPY KERCHEVAL: Teacher and service worker strike: Day 1

Delegate Marty Gearheart, a Republican from Mercer County, was among those looking out at the crowd as it continued to grow. He noted that this was the latest of several recent rallies and protests at the Capitol.

“I’m not certain that it has been this loud and boisterous, but people have an opinion and they have every right to come to their Capitol and express it,” Gearheart said.

“I think we do have to listen to the message,” Gearheart said. “We have to carry on business. We have to recognize what can be done within the state budget and with the revenues that are available.”

Brad McElhinny

Brad McElhinny is the statewide correspondent for MetroNews. Brad is a Parkersburg native who spent more than 20 years at the Charleston Daily Mail.

Hundreds of teachers brave rain to rally in the Capitol again

By: Jake Jarvis, Staff Writer | Posted: Feb. 16, 2018 | Source: WV News

The Clendenin Leader 2018 WV Legislative SessionCHARLESTON — Braving long lines in the pouring rain, hundreds of teachers once again left their classrooms Friday to fill the halls of the state Capitol.

Teachers from at least seven counties came to Charleston to demand lawmakers give them a bigger pay raise, protect their seniority rights and fix public employees’ health insurance. (more…)