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

Upshur BOE declines to approve entire list of personnel items

BUCKHANNON – For the first time in recent memory, the Upshur County Board of Education declined to approve a slate of personnel items outright at its meeting Tuesday.

During most Upshur County Board of Education meetings, the Upshur County Superintendent of Schools requests approval of the personnel as presented that includes the names of personnel wishing to resign, retire, be hired, transfer from one position within the school system to another and those wishing to take a day off without being paid.

During the March 22 regular board meeting, however, the entire slate of personnel was not approved.

When the item came up for a vote, Upshur County BOE member Dr. Greenbrier Almond made a motion to accept the personnel items as presented and BOE President Dr. Tammy Samples seconded the motion.

However, the motion failed because it did not receive enough support to pass. Dr. Greenbrier Almond voted in favor of accepting the personnel items while BOE members Kristi Wilkerson and Pat Long voted ‘no’ to accepting the personnel items presented for approval.

BOE Vice President Katie Loudin was not in attendance during Tuesday’s meeting, meaning that with two BOE members opposed to the measure passing, the motion could not have passed by a majority vote.

The only discussion in open session related to personnel took place when Wilkerson questioned why there were so many employees listed under the ‘days off without pay’ to be approved retroactively.

Upshur County Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Harrison responded to Wilkerson’s question by saying the list included so many names due to “issues the school system has been having with COVID as well as other issues; many of the employees are running out of days they can take with pay.”

“Of course, if our employees take a day without pay, it has to be approved,” Harrison explained. “We are bringing those to the BOE retroactively so they can be approved – which is according to our policy.”

Following the meeting, My Buckhannon asked Upshur County BOE members if they would like to comment on why the entire slate of personnel failed and if it will come up again. Samples replied that the personnel items should be on the agenda at the next BOE meeting. However, BOE members would not comment any further.

Upshur County BOE is having a special meeting at noon Friday, March 25, which will be a virtual meeting and their next regular meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 5.

The personnel items, as they appeared on an updated BOE agenda sent out Tuesday afternoon appears below:

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Faith Baptist Church to host Vacation Bible School from July 21-25

Faith Baptist Church will host a Vacation Bible School for kindergarten through sixth grade children July 21-25, featuring nightly sessions from 6 to 8 p.m. and a family fun night on the final evening.
Summer basketball

Summer basketball league tips off week three

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League completed its third week at West Virginia Wesleyan College, with standout performances from Evan Parr, Josh Trent, Quentin Cooley, Rayden Triplett, and several games decided by forfeits.

Small Business Development Center names Lyla Grandstaff as new coach serving the Buckhannon area

The West Virginia Small Business Development Center has appointed Lyla Grandstaff, an experienced business consultant and educator, as the new business coach serving Buckhannon and surrounding counties.

Upshur Parish House kicks off annual backpack program to support local students

The Upshur Parish House has launched its annual Back-to-School Backpack Program, seeking donations of new school supplies and hygiene items to help local students return to class prepared and confident.

Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur sets ambitious goals for growth and outreach

The Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur unveiled an ambitious multi-year plan to grow club membership, boost outreach through digital and in-person initiatives, expand fundraising, and increase community involvement and accessibility.

Charles Wilson “Chuck” Canfield

Charles Wilson “Chuck” Canfield, beloved husband, father, and grandfather known for his kindness and humor, passed peacefully at home on April 5, 2025, leaving behind a devoted family and many friends.

Ella Margaret Moore

Ella Margaret Moore, a devoted Christian and active member of Reger United Methodist Church who leaves behind a large, loving family, passed away peacefully at age 91 in Buckhannon.

Post 7 to host recognize veterans Monday during Jr. Legion game, Sr. league team opens Area 2 Tournament on Tuesday

Buckhannon Post 7 will honor veterans during the Junior Legion team’s final home game Monday before the Senior League team begins Area 2 Tournament play Tuesday, following a challenging regular season.

Buckhannon City Council weighs options for spending $351,000 carryover

Buckhannon City Council will hold a special meeting July 15 to discuss how to allocate $351,000 of a $1.1 million budget carryover.