KINGWOOD – Members of the Preston County Board of Education discussed a possible change in the classroom during its meeting Monday. Board President Lucas Tatham said he would like to begin discussion on the possibilities of an opt-in/opt-out process related to provision and use of devices for students in grades K-3. He said this was based on concerns related to overreliance of technology in the educational process of students in this critical development phase.
“We had a lot of students who couldn’t write their name. I think we need to focus on the basics with literacy and writing,” he said. “I’d recommend the policy for the next school year. I believe parents should have input about electronics use. We could have both tangible (paper) and electronic use.”
Board member Cross Kisner said he thought it would be a good option to be discussed. He said the “educational pendulum” was swinging in that direction and he would rather see Preston County Schools lead instead of follow.
“Maybe we could have some of the teachers speak to us about it,” he said.
A question came up about what could be done during snow or brain freeze days when students do the work on their tablets. Kisner suggested packets could be sent to the student’s parents and printed.
Superintendent of Schools Bradley Martin said the school has a variety of projects that don’t require electronics. He said those projects could be utilized on days when children work from home.
Preston County is not the first county to consider fewer electronics in classrooms. According to govtech.com, Burke County Public Schools in Burke County, N.C., became the first district in the state to adopt a resolution prioritizing pen-and-paper for note-taking, reading comprehension, writing and assessments. The board emphasized that traditional methods “encourage focus, minimize distractions and foster fine motor skills” and that research shows handwriting and reading from paper enhance comprehension and memory.
Board members asked Martin to set up a workshop for further discussion and input.
Board members approved a Memorandum of Understanding between Preston County Schools and the Preston County Extension Office. The purpose of the MOU was to establish a framework for collaboration between the Extension and the Schools to implement programs aimed at STEM/STEAM education, agricultural education, environmental awareness and healthy living education.
Some of the programs include ag in the classroom, outdoor classroom, nutrition education, coding, Energy Express, family and STEM nights, and an anti-vaping program.
In other business, Martin spoke about the passing of longtime board member and president Jack Keim.
“Mr. Keim served multiple terms on the board and served as a board member and president during very difficult times including the 2009 state take-over of the district and during the COVID crisis. Mr. Keim provide steady leadership during these times and remained on the board to see the return of local control and a return to more normal operations post-Covid. Mr. Keim was a long-time supporter and advocate for Preston County children through his service as a coach and game official for youth, middle school, and high school athletics and through his long-term service on the Board of Education. Mr. Keim was also very active in his church in Terra Alta. Mr. Keim will be missed by his family, friends, county youth, and employees and staff of PCS,” Martin said.
Preston County Schools are offering a bi-weekly pick-up for summer breakfasts/lunches (20 milks and 10 lunches/10 breakfasts every two weeks) for free for all kids 18 and under. This began during the week of June 29 and will continue through the week of Aug. 10. All meals are chef-prepared in a licensed central kitchen. Pick-up locations will be Bruceton School, West Preston, Central Preston, Terra Alta, Aurora and now South Preston as well.
The next meeting of the Preston County Board of Education will be at 6 p.m. July 24.
