Attendance: Heather Holbert – Principal, Mark Jones – Assistant Principal, Bethany Kulchock – JES Teacher, Amber Duncil – JES Service Personnel, Sam Olivio – At-Large member, Lauren Moore – LSIC Chair, Hannah Francis – LSIC Secretary, Gina Lutyens, Nathaniel Lutyens, Janie Prunty, Amy Hall, Amanda Thompson, Amanda Morrow, Michael Cheatham
The meeting was called to order at 1503 by Chairperson Lauren Moore.
Old Business
Crossing Guard Position The committee was pleased to report that the open crossing guard position has been filled by Tanner Saltis, a former Johnson Elementary student. We are excited to welcome Tanner to the team.
Meter Relocation The meter previously located in the grassy play area behind the school was immediately addressed by the City of Bridgeport. It has now been relocated outside the play area. The committee extends a sincere thank you to the City of Bridgeport for their quick action.
Concrete Pad Project The committee revisited the idea of installing a concrete pad behind the school to create an additional play area. Quotes have been obtained; however, this project would require full community funding. Significant fill would be needed to level the area before concrete could be poured, making it a large and costly undertaking. The project will remain on standby for continued discussion.
Parking Blocks for Main JES Lot The parking blocks have been purchased and are currently stored in a HarCoBoE warehouse. Installation requires consistently mild weather. The City of Bridgeport has offered to assist with installation. The committee also discussed potential challenges the blocks may pose for snow removal.
New Business
Enrollment At the start of the second semester, JES welcomed eight new students—one in each grade and two in Third Grade—bringing total enrollment to 747 students. Most grade levels now have little to no available space for additional transfers.
Looking ahead to the 2026–2027 school year, JES will have: • Five First Grade classrooms • Five Second Grade classrooms • Five Fifth Grade classrooms
Bridgeport schools continue to experience steady growth, unlike the rest of Harrison County, which is seeing declining enrollment. The committee discussed both in-county and out-of-county transfer processes. Once a student is approved for transfer, re-approval is not required in subsequent years.
The committee also discussed the Federal school choice movement and the State HOPE Scholarship program. JES lost 22 students to the HOPE Scholarship this year. Continued residential development in Bridgeport—particularly the Meadow Creek community—has significantly contributed to enrollment increases. The committee expressed interest in having a representative from the City of Bridgeport Planning Commission attend future LSIC meetings.
Security With ICE activity reported in the area, JES continues to follow all standard safety protocols. At the time of the meeting, administration was not aware of any JES students directly affected. The school system must comply with court orders, which are verified by Prevention Resource Officers and the county office.
For example, if a parent is not present at a bus drop-off, the child will be returned to the school and the WVEIS contact list will be used. If no listed contact is available, the county social worker will be notified. Student safety remains the school’s highest priority.
Annual Fundraiser The committee discussed the importance of transparency regarding the use of donated funds. Fundraiser proceeds support several programs, including the JES Backpack Program, which provides Night Before Christmas Boxes and full Thanksgiving meals to participating students.
This year’s fundraiser will begin April 13, 2026, and run for two weeks. Additional information will be sent home with students as the date approaches.
Outdoor Digital Sign The committee briefly discussed the possibility of purchasing an outdoor digital sign in the future. However, JES must first build its available funds, as the school does not generate revenue through events and boosters in the same way BMS and BHS do.
Approval of Minutes
Lauren Moore made a motion to approve the October meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Sam Olivio. All members in attendance approved; none opposed. The motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 1555.