Agenda
I. Introduction
The meeting was called to order at 3:05pm.
Members:
Ron Keener, Principal – Present
Adam Belcastro, Assistant Principal – Present
Dr. Michelle Cheasty – Present
Barbie Paugh – Present
Raelynn Michael – Present
Brandon Sollars – Present
Stephen Harlow – Absent
Philip Lott – Absent
Heather Leary – Absent
Jennifer Paugh – Present
Zack Kesling – Absent
Dianna Freeman – Present
Zoe Kirksey – Present
Call meeting to order at 3:05.
Core Beliefs
When teachers, parents, and the community collaborate, there is a positive impact on student success.
When students embrace personal responsibility for their achievement, they become productive members of both the school and the global community.
Mission Statement – Updated
South Harrison High School is a people-building environment that supports student achievement and academic success.
Any comments or feedback about the revised mission statement?
None – looks good.
II. New Business
Next session to work on strategic plan – March 11, 2026.
III. Updates from Mr. Keener / Mr. Belcastro
Strategic Plan: We worked on rewriting the mission statement.
Discipline: From 1/2/26 – 3/3/26 there have been 2 suspensions (same student) for fight without injury and 1 suspension for battery against a student for a total of 10 days OSS. From 8/18/25 – 3/3/26 there were 2 incidents of HIB for a total of 13 days (same student). There was one instance of disorderly/interfering per HB2890 back in September.
Attendance: Average daily attendance is 95.6%. There are 9.141% of students who are chronically absent. We have been in school 123 days as of 3/3/26.
Enrollment: Current enrollment is 334 – one is starting tomorrow.
Number 1 amongst high schools for attendance – 2–3 years running. We are around top three in the county. Staff caring and compassionate – and why our kids want to be here.
Tomorrow our first two weeks of rotation for targeted SAT prep (2 weeks math / ELA during HR) will be finished. Content area teachers provide this instruction. SAT and PSAT exceeded all state standards for the first time in a long time. Freshman group bypassed district marks (current 10th graders). SAT is the accountability test and increased by over 10%. The test is April 16th. We lost time due to weather but can get at least another full rotation and take some practice tests. The program has proven to be effective and we hope it will be effective again.
IV. Open Forum for Questions / Answers
Concern about more core positions not being filled. Last year FFA and ½ Science were not filled. There are concerns that 10th grade ELA, Spanish, and Driver’s Education may be next. There are also questions about whether Baking and Pastries will be filled.
One history, one ELA, and one SPED position were cut. The entire county is getting rid of distance learning programs. This includes Ware and Underwood who push out to other schools and Davis who pulls in from other schools.
The entire LSIC is strongly concerned about these cuts. We are graduating fewer SPED students than will be coming in from 8th grade. As we have fewer specialty teachers, questions were raised about what will happen with completer pathways if students cannot take all four classes in a pathway. There were also concerns about advanced classes students want to take.
Student concerns were raised about AP and advanced classes. If they are not offered, students may need to attend half-days at BHS or possibly transfer. If the classes are not available, students are unsure what options they will have.
It was noted that the school is being impacted heavily. Conversations and concerns seem to be falling on deaf ears. Parents were encouraged to advocate for their students. There are virtual programs available and college courses through Pierpont and Fairmont.
It was also noted that the board cannot justify class sizes of eight students for positions. The board is trying to cut significantly. RCB lost seven positions and South Harrison lost five. Mr. Tate lost AD duties which are being reassigned to Mr. Belcastro. All schools still have the same number of sports and games to cover.
V. Schedule Next Meeting
Discussion about dates in May or the end of the year. The next meeting will be May 6th.
VI. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 3:33pm.