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

W.Va. Board of Education approves Special Circumstance Review of Philippi Middle School

Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) approved the Special Circumstance Review of Philippi Middle School and recommended corrective actions during its January meeting today in Charleston. The Review was initiated in November 2023 by the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) as a result of student safety concerns and a lack of adequate progress in the school improvement process.

Philippi Middle School, located in Barbour County, serves approximately 275 students in grades 5 – 8. The WVDE Office of Accountability conducted 44 classroom observations, teacher, student and administrator interviews and analyzed school-level data. The county superintendent and school principal have been in their current positions since July 2023, and most of the issues precede them.

The Review resulted in 22 areas of non-compliance and five findings. These range from student achievement, well-being and safety to discipline and administrative protocols. The recommendations outlined include the immediate hiring of a certified school counselor; the implementation of a disciplinary matrix to ensure consistent, fair and firm responses; improvements to the school’s Special Education practices and procedures; and improved instructional leadership practices.

To view the report, visit the WVDE website.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidance 

West Virginia is the third state in the country to develop AI guidance for PK-12 education use. The dramatic growth of these tools has left educators around the world confused and conflicted about how AI should be used to generate productive learning environments. West Virginia’s guidance assists the public school community to develop best practices to use AI for instructional purposes and broader district operations.  

To view the Guidance, Consideration and Intentions for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in West Virginia Schools, visit the WVDE website

The next regularly scheduled WVBE meeting is 9 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, in Building 6, Suite 600, 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Charleston, West Virginia. 

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

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.

Buckhannon Sanitary Board Agenda: July 17, 2025

The Buckhannon Sanitary Board has released the agenda for its upcoming meeting on July 17, 2025.
Summer basketball

Summer league basketball wraps up week two

Week two of the Upshur County Summer Basketball League concluded with standout scoring performances and multiple games, including two forfeits by Country Roads Physical Therapy.

City council to review water board’s recommendation for new water treatment plant

The Buckhannon Water Board has recommended moving forward with a new water treatment plant and related infrastructure upgrades, sending a proposal to the city council for approval.

Gail Lovel Zickefoose

Gail L. Zickefoose, a dedicated educator, community leader, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully at age 83 after a long illness, leaving a legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to others.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council released the agenda for its upcoming July 15, 2025, meeting.

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital team members engage in statewide healthcare leadership program

Two WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital employees were honored by the West Virginia Hospital Association Leadership Academy, with Paula Cutright graduating and Matthew Scott selected for future participation in the statewide healthcare leadership program.

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.