Upshur County Schools Newsletter

Week in Review 2/14/2025

Be Present. Be Prepared. Be Excellent.

Comprehensive Hodgesville Elementary School Audit - 02/13/2025

The comprehensive audit of Hodgesville Elementary School has been eagerly anticipated, having faced several weather-related rescheduling delays over the past few weeks. The school audit reviewed classroom management, instructional practices, school safety, special education practices, and academic plans. Staff and faculty at the school were interviewed to determine if the overall direction of the school meets the expectations of the county. Mr. Collett, Assistant Superintendent, stated, “The one evident point that stands out is that the students, parents, and staff of Hodgesville Elementary are committed to BEING PRESENT, BEING PREPARED, AND BEING BETTER THAN WE WERE THE DAY BEFORE! In other words, they are committed to being EXCELLENT! We are very proud of all stakeholders at Hodgesville Elementary, and their progress is a source of great pride for our district office, as it should be for our entire community. Well done, Huskies!” Once all of the information from the audit has been compiled, it will be shared directly with the school principal.

Hodgesville Elementary School Students

Superintendent Advisory Meeting - 02/13/2025

The Superintendent Advisory Council plays a crucial role in fostering open communication and collaboration within a school district. By providing a platform for staff and faculty to voice their concerns and suggestions, the council ensures that all perspectives are considered in the decision-making processes. This collaborative approach leads to more effective and inclusive policies that benefit the entire school community. “Our goal is to create an environment where every staff member feels heard and contributes to the progress of the school district,” says Superintendent Miller. The council also promotes professional development and supports initiatives that enhance the educational experience for students. Ultimately, the advisory council strengthens the connection between administration and staff, leading to a more cohesive and supportive educational environment.

Central Office & BUHS Work to Review Credits

The administrative team at Buckhannon-Upshur High School (BUHS) recently met with Central Office leadership to discuss potential updates to credit requirements and summer school programs. Our team is diligently working on updating the student handbook to incorporate any changes for the upcoming school year.

Parents of high school-aged students, please make sure to review the student handbook at the beginning of the year to stay informed about all procedures at BUHS.

Transportation Department Works with Department of Enviromental Protection

The K-12 Department of Transportation is collaborating with the Department of Environmental Protection to review and improve best practices. This partnership focuses on the above-ground storage of gasoline and diesel, as well as refining spill response plans. Comprehensive audits and staff training programs are being implemented to ensure safety and compliance. Upgrading storage infrastructure and engaging with the community are also key initiatives. These efforts aim to reduce environmental risks and promote sustainability. By adhering to state and federal regulations, the department safeguards both the environment and the community. Stay tuned for more updates on this important initiative.

Upshur County & Upshur County Schools Continue to Work Together for School Safety

Upshur County and Upshur County Schools are strengthening their partnership to enhance school safety. Thanks to the 2022 Community Oriented Policing Grant, over 60 additional cameras have been installed throughout the county. Building on this success, the same grant will now fund concealed weapon detection systems for the middle and high schools. Upshur County is currently seeking bids for these detection systems, aiming to further protect students and staff. This initiative underscores the county’s commitment to creating a safer educational environment for everyone.

A special thank you to Region VII Planning and Development Council and Upshur County Administration.

A word cloud that uses the following words: audit, finance, costs, internal, accounting, service, control, finance, revenue, evaluation, auditor.

Why is a financial audit important?

Ensures Transparency

Prevents Fraud

Regulatory Compliance

Financial Accountability

Builds Trust

Financial Audits. A Must.

In the past week, a comprehensive financial audit has been a primary focus for finance team, despite the process having been underway for over a month. The Treasurer has been diligently maintaining accurate financial records, preparing detailed financial statements, and implementing internal controls to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with financial regulations.

This week, the treasurer has been compiling and organizing extensive financial records, a labor-intensive task. Effective communication with auditors and stakeholders has been essential, requiring significant time and effort. Reviewing and reconciling financial records to ensure accuracy has been meticulous and time-consuming. Continuous monitoring of compliance with financial regulations and internal controls has added to the time commitment.

Despite the time-consuming nature of the audit process, it remains essential for the financial health and integrity of Upshur County Schools. By diligently managing financial records and working closely with auditors, the treasurer helps build trust within the community.

WV Educational News

In an effort to keep our families informed about educational developments, we have compiled a list of news articles about education across West Virginia. While this list may not cover everything, we will do our best to share as much as possible.

  1. West Virginia Board of Education votes to consolidate three Nicholas County schools

  2. WEIGH IN: Should cellphones be banned in West Virginia classrooms? Governor says yes

  3. West Virginia bill would require high school students to pass a test on the United States Constitution to graduate

  4. Education: West Virginia must improve results