[Nfbwv-talk] WVSB Update

[Smyth, Charlene R]

On April 17th and 18th, the IRT service members will arrive for their final planning visit before they arrive on campus June 10th.  On this day, our architects, ZMM, will be onsite with the team for the planning.



We have received approval from the WV Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) to make the modifications and repairs to the Blue and Gold Cafe.  The modifications consist of ADA accessible entry ways and the repairs consist of everything exterior needed to restore the condition.



We are awaiting approval for the bakery wing and Arnold house projects and expect to have a reply any day.



Demolition has begun on the interior of Keller Hall, to make the entry doors and bathrooms of the interior ADA compliant, as well as demolition for the new cafeteria on the ground floor.  Projects are proceeding nicely.



Also, we have a second architect, Michael Baker International (MBI), who has designed the communication/PA system for the WVSD and campus wide life safety management system.  We expect that to go out for bid in early May.   MBI is also working to finalize the design for the new HVAC system in the WVSD multi-purpose room, the sprinkler system in the IRC, and the sprinkler upgrades in Seaton Hall.  Next, they will work to design some HVAC options for the PE building.  We are very excited.



We have many other projects underway, including the removal or sale of damaged and surplus materials that we have had stored for more than 20 years.  Hats off to all out staff for its collaboration on that, especially our Director of Facilities, Steve Triplett and the maintenance team (Full-time and substitute: Kirk Shanholtz, Ralph Lewis, Tim Shoemaker, Collins Simpson, Randy Sell, Billy Maphis, Todd Hott, Don Lee and Joe Starlipper), Donna Wesson our inventory control manager, our custodial staff and many others.  Everyone here is working very hard.



Also, very exciting, on April 19th, we have bid opening for a new hearing assistance technology system or HAT that was chosen by our audiologist for use in the WVSD students and for those students in the WVSB who require the same.  It is an $80,000 system! We have worked hard to put all of this together.  We have also procured other new technology this year.



Academic planning continues as we plan for the multi-sensory transition, textbook adoptions, testing, training, and staffing.  IEP review and compliance continues as well.  We will have additional updates.



Our goals and focus remain on providing each member we serve with a safe and positive learning environment where continued growth for student learners is our key focus.  We aim to foster a positive, inclusive culture and school; as well as a work environment with a focus upon respect, working collaboratively, building our team, and supporting each other.  We understand and recognize that each student, family member, and staff member is equally important and vital for achievement.



Yesterday evening, our West Virginia Board of Education voted to establish leadership at our school designed to advance and achieve our desired outcomes.  Mrs. Vittorio now serves as our Chief Academic Officer and will complete this school year as the WVSB Principal as well.  We will advertise next week and work to recruit a new WVSB Principal.  My role here was made permanent, whereby I continue with all the responsibilities of my role as a CFO, but also take on the additional role and responsibilities for our entire school.  My new title has become Superintendent of Administration.  We have many great things in action now and forthcoming to be very excited about.  Including academics, facilities, equipment, training, achievement, success, and so much more.



I hope that each of you has a great day and a wonderful weekend.



Very Respectfully,



Mark



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