All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Board of Education tables request for creation of six new positions

BUCKHANNON – The Upshur County Board of Education met Monday in a special session via Microsoft Teams to give members the opportunity to learn more about several proposed new positions for Upshur County Schools.

And although principals, program directors and school administrators presented information and answered questions regarding the six proposed positions, the vote to approve or reject them was ultimately tabled. This means the positions will placed on the BOE agenda for the next regular meeting, slated for 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 25 at the Buckhannon-Upshur High School auditorium.

Upshur County Schools Superintendent Dr. Sara Stankus has requested that the board approve the six proposed positions, which include a countywide transition specialist, a countywide PALS coordinator, a wellness and conditioning coach, a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) teacher at French Creek Elementary School, an office manager at Buckhannon-Upshur High School and a third assistant principal at Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School.

During the previous regular Upshur County BOE meeting, held Tuesday, May 11 a proposed seven new positions appeared on the agenda seeking approval. At that time, BOE members voted to approve a portion of those items, and specifically, a request to add two permanent substitutes for elementary schools, the middle school and the high school.

During the May 11 meeting, BOE members Kristi Wilkerson, Dr. Greenbrier Almond and BOE President Dr. Tammy Samples voted unanimously to approve the new permanent substitute instructors. However, Wilkerson indicated she was uncomfortable voting for the remaining positions – which included a request for a transition specialist for Upshur County Schools, a PALS Coordinator for Upshur County Schools, a wellness and conditioning coach for Upshur County Schools and a STEAM teacher at FCES – until all BOE members were present for the vote.

Wilkerson, Almond and Samples were the only BOE members present for the May 11 meeting.

The request for those four new positions, along with two new requests – one for an office manager at Buckhannon-Upshur High School and another for a third assistant principal at Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School – appeared on the BOE special session agenda Monday.

When Samples called for a vote on adding these new positions, BOE member Pat Long made a motion to add the positions and the motion received a second by Kristi Wilkerson; however, BOE Vice President Katie Loudin spoke up and said before she voted to add these new positions, she would like to review the job descriptions that would be associated with them.

“I would like to see the job descriptions and review what the specific qualifications are in writing,” Loudin said. “I would also like to see where they would be located. I feel like I need more time and to see these in writing, especially [to] see where the coordinator of the PALS Program and the transition specialist would be working together. I also want to see the responsibilities of the conditioning coach.”

Wilkerson said at the previous BOE meeting she had asked that these be considered at a future meeting where all BOE members could be present and weigh in on the issue.

“I appreciate that,” Long said.

Loudin then explained her concern.

“My hesitation is that sometimes we make jobs so big that people are unable to be successful in them,” she said. “I just need more clarity around what these people will be doing and who they will be working with – to know that the qualified people in these positions will have everything they need for success.”

“How do we judge that standard?” Long asked.

“I think that, if I am reading through something, and this person is accountable to 4,000 people, that doesn’t seem very likely for success,” Loudin answered. “So, what is the expectation there? I would prefer to see something in writing.”

“Well, I wish I would have known that,” Long said. “I will withdraw my motion then. I make a motion to table these new positions.”

The motion was seconded by Loudin and Samples said the vote for these potential new positions would be discussed during the next meeting May 25.

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Congrats, grads! Fred Eberle Technical Center Class of 2025 celebrates achievements

The Fred Eberle Technical Center Class of 2025 celebrated their graduation at Wesley Chapel, recognizing outstanding instructors, scholarship recipients, and dozens of students who completed trade programs in fields ranging from welding to cosmetology.

Mary Lee Kriner

Mary Lee Kriner, 96, a retired nurse and longtime Buckhannon resident, died May 20 at her home and will be remembered with services at Holy Rosary Catholic Church and burial in Buckhannon Veterans Cemetery.

Mountain CAP Family Support Center to host free dinosaur-themed play group May 30 in Buckhannon

Mountain CAP Family Support Center is hosting a free dinosaur-themed play group for children, featuring take-home dinosaurs and activities, at 10:30 a.m. on May 30 at 30 East Main Street, with pre-registration required.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary awards 2025 scholarships

The St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary has awarded its annual $1,000 scholarships to Buckhannon-Upshur High School seniors Ellanora Hines and Kathryn Hamner, supporting their pursuit of healthcare careers and continuing a community tradition since 1990.

Upshur County Board of Education Agenda: May 27, 2025

The Upshur County Board of Education has released the agenda for its upcoming meeting scheduled for May 27, 2025.

Raising the Jolly Roger With… Braydon Osburn

Buckhannon-Upshur senior Braydon Osburn reflects on his athletic experiences in tennis and esports, his comeback victory, favorite classes, role models, future plans to become a preacher, and advice for aspiring Buccaneers.

Highland Landscaping continues to build lead in Bob Cupp Memorial Golf League

Highland Landscaping extended its first-quarter lead in the Bob Cupp Memorial Golf League to 15 points after a decisive 22-7 win over Lisa Cain Edward Jones during a weather-shortened week four round.

Five West Virginia Wesleyan College graduates recognized as outstanding seniors

Five West Virginia Wesleyan College graduates were honored as Outstanding Seniors for exemplary academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement during the Academic and Leadership Awards Ceremony.

David Robert Asson Jr.

David Robert Asson, Jr., 81, a devoted family man, Navy veteran, and active community volunteer in multiple states, passed away in West Virginia, leaving behind a legacy of service and cherished relationships.

Mother arrested for child neglect after police find wanted man, drugs in home

Latachia A. Weese, 30, was arrested and charged with felony child neglect after allegedly admitting to being high while caring for her two young children in a residence containing drugs and firearms.

Buckhannon man arrested for allegedly choking his mother

Timothy A. Tenney, 37, of Buckhannon, was arrested and charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor domestic battery after allegedly attacking and choking his mother.

Edna Karickhoff

Edna Karickhoff, 91, a homemaker and member of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, died May 19, 2025, and is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; funeral services are Thursday.