Update

 

The "Points of Noncompliance" for the Special Education department were a central element of the Special Circumstance Review that triggered the current State of Emergency in the Pocahontas County School System. These deficiencies were formally integrated into the district's Corrective Action Plan (CAP) in early 2025.

Specific Points of Noncompliance: Special Education

The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) identified several critical areas where the district failed to meet the standards of Policy 2419 (Regulations for the Education of Students with Exceptionalities):

• IEP Service Delivery: The review found a systemic lack of evidence that students were receiving the specific "minutes of service" mandated by their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). There were frequent gaps in the service logs required to document that specialized instruction was actually occurring.

• Procedural Timelines: The district was cited for failing to meet federal and state deadlines for triennial re-evaluations and annual IEP reviews. This was largely attributed to the absence of a centralized administrative tracking system.

• WVEIS Data Integrity: Special education records within the West Virginia Education Information System (WVEIS) were found to be inaccurate, incomplete, or not updated in real-time. This hindered the state’s ability to monitor student progress and funding allocations.

• Secondary Transition Planning: For students at Pocahontas County High School (PCHS), the review noted that "Transition Plans"—which are required for students aged 14 and older—often lacked specific, measurable goals related to post-secondary education, employment, or independent living.

• Confidentiality and Record Keeping: Issues were identified regarding the secure storage and organization of special education files, which is a requirement under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Current Resolution Status (January 2026)

As of the most recent updates, the district has been working to resolve these points alongside the counseling and administrative issues:

1. Integrated Transcript Audits: The counseling department’s recent effort to correct student transcripts has included a dedicated "cross-check" with the special education department. This ensures that students on the Alternate Assessment track are properly coded and receiving the correct credits toward graduation.

2. Peer File Reviews: Special education staff have implemented a "Peer Audit" process where teachers review one another's files to ensure compliance with Policy 2419 before documentation is finalized.

3. State Technical Assistance: The WVDE has provided on-site monitoring and technical assistance. A state-level coordinator has been mentoring the local Special Education Director to improve data entry and procedural consistency.

4. The Staffing Hurdle: While procedural compliance has improved, the district continues to struggle with the Special Education staffing shortage. The lack of certified personnel remains the primary "high-risk" factor that could prevent the district from fully exiting the State of Emergency.

The West Virginia Board of Education continues to monitor these points as part of its monthly oversight. The resolution of these special education issues is considered essential for the district to regain full local control.

Pocahontas Update

 

The most recent developments in the Pocahontas County School System (January 2026) indicate a period of intense administrative transition as the district continues to navigate the State of Emergency and the associated Corrective Action Plan (CAP).

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🏛️ January 2026 Board of Education Developments

The Board of Education (BOE) met on January 6, 2026, in a session marked by significant community engagement regarding transparency and leadership.¹

Policy 3112 Controversy

A proposed revision to Policy 3112 (Board-Staff Communications) was the focal point of the meeting.²

• The Proposal: The revision aimed to strictly enforce the "chain of command," requiring all staff concerns to pass through a principal and the superintendent before reaching the board.

• Community Reaction: Staff and community members expressed concern that this would stifle open communication during a sensitive period of recovery.³

• Outcome: Superintendent Dr. Leatha Williams requested the removal of the revision from the agenda, stating that her goal is to "unite the county" and move past the "poor communication and lack of transparency" that contributed to the initial emergency declaration.⁴

Leadership Transitions

Further instability at the high school level was noted with the personnel report:

• Principal Resignation: Christine Campbell, Principal of Pocahontas County High School (PCHS), has taken a leave of absence effective through the end of the 2025–2026 school year and will officially retire on June 30, 2026.⁵ This adds a layer of complexity to the CAP, as leadership stability was a primary concern in the state's initial review.

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📈 Corrective Action Plan: Counseling & Staffing

The "emergency" was heavily rooted in the failure of the counseling department to meet state standards for graduation tracking and student support.⁶

CAP Requirement	Status as of January 2026
Comprehensive School Counseling Plan (CSCP)	The district is required to develop a yearly CSCP. Reports from late 2025 indicate that while a plan has been drafted, the district is still actively recruiting a certified High School Counselor to lead its implementation.
Personalized Education Plans (PEPs)	Corrective actions require every student in grades 9–12 to have an annual PEP review with parents. The district has been utilizing homeroom teachers and interim staff to bridge the gap in the absence of a full-time counselor.
Staffing Vacancies	Job postings remain active for a High School Counselor. The shortage of certified personnel in this area continues to be a high-risk factor for the district’s compliance status.

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🏛️ State Oversight and Financial Context

The West Virginia Board of Education held an emergency meeting on January 16, 2026.⁷ While several counties are currently under intervention, the state is closely monitoring Pocahontas County's ability to maintain "policy-driven decision making."

Additionally, state leaders are currently debating the school aid formula.⁸ Pocahontas County is often cited in these discussions because it receives funding for roughly 1,400 students despite having an actual enrollment of approximately 833. This fiscal "cushion" is considered vital for the district to fund the additional administrative and counseling support required to exit the State of Emergency.

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Additional Resource

For a detailed look at the public comments and the Superintendent's full statement regarding the current administrative direction, you can view the recording of the latest meeting:

Pocahontas County Schools BOE Meeting 1/6/2026

This video provides the full context of the recent policy debates and the community's perspective on the district's recovery efforts.

Would you like me to research the specific "Points of Noncompliance" for the Special Education department to see if they have been resolved alongside the counseling issues?