Chuck Hatfield

March 11, 2008

Putnam schools are second to none in the state, Superintendent Chuck Hatfield told Rotarians today, "and we can back it up with facts and figures.

"First is the WESTEST, the state student achievement test: Last year our schools ranked number one in the state in reading, math, social studies and science at every grade level tested.

"That in itself is phenomenal, because we could always say, 'Well, we had a great ninth grade class, and a great third grade class, and they did exceptionally well.' But to be able to stand here and tell you that we were number one in all grade levels in all four core subject areas, it's truly phenomenal.

"You may have seen in the paper lately, we have been designated for the third year running as a 'blue ribbon county' by the Expansion Management business magazine. They assess school systems all across the country for businesses that are seeking to relocate, and Putnam County was the only county in West Virginia to receive 'blue ribbon' status, which puts us in the top third of all school systems in the country."

But what is it that makes our schools outstanding, he asked.

"In my mind," he said, "it centers around three things: community, staff and district 'culture.'

"In our community, we have excellent support from our parents, and from our business organizations.

"Last week, some of our students spoke at a state leadership conference on the 'business symposium' which is conducted every year in our county."

The symposium is sponsored jointly by the school district and the by the Putnam Chamber of Commerce.

Hatfield also praised the participation in the high school portfolio fairs, in which business leaders interview students on preparation for college and the world of work.

"Our expectations are set very high for our students," said Hatfield. "Very few school systems require a 2.0 grade point average for graduation" as is required of Putnam students.

"Students have to pass an algebra exit exam. They have to participate in the portfolio experience.

"We have support from our community -- and we have great kids.

"In addition to that, we have the best of the best staff we could possibly have. Our salaries are not what we would like for them to be. I'll be the first to tell you that teachers are grossly underpaid, especially today with all the challenges and demands on them.

"But at the same time I can tell you that about 65 percent of our teachers have a master's degree with an average of seventeen years of experience."

How do these things come about? "Things don't just happen," said the Superintendent. "We spend hours upon hours looking at research. We don't do anything by happenstance.

"Putnam is a system that is research-based and data-driven.

"We are out there looking at programs which have proven to be successful and we are giving these to our teachers in our staff development program.

"We place a lot of emphasis on early childhood," he continued. "We believe that if you want to be successful, you have to have a good foundation."

He talked about the federal initiative, No Child Left Behind.

"And no child should be left behind," says Hatfield, "but saying that and doing it are two different things.

"We believe that if we can get children started right, do everything we can [in the early years], then they have a foundation for success to build upon.

"We have a retired teacher cadre which we [have given] intensive training in the things that we think are important. They go back into the schools and work with kids that need extra help. Those kids get rigorous one-on-one instruction for as long as they need it to keep up. It may be two weeks, or it may be six weeks -- whatever is needed to make sure a child learns the skills needed to be successful."

Hatfield noted that last year, perhaps as a result of the cadre program, for the first time, the number of special placement referrals has declined. "Fewer kids were referred for special education services in every elementary school."

Schools are now offering more social services -- more physical therapists, more counselors, more nurses, more psychologists. "We're offering these kids all the services we possibly can, to meet every need we possibly can."

And the district culture: "People in this county hold education in high esteem. People realize the impact education has for community development, for the future of our kids."

And, he said, the system is accountable to the public. "Because of our management of our monies, the county has been able to do some things with our buildings. But as good as our system is, we're lacking in school facilities.

"We've been very fortunate in the capture of some funds from the State School Building Authority in the past few years. We have a new elementary school which will be open in the fall, and it's going to be a state-of-the-art facility.

"We've just completed a major renovation at Winfield High School.

"But at the same time we have over eighty portable classrooms in this school system. None of them are less than fifteen years old. They're starting to deteriorate.

"The new elementary school has let us remove eight portable classrooms from West Teays. We were able to remove ten portable classrooms with the Winfield High project.

"On Monday I go before the School Building Authority to ask for funding for a 'needs project' for renovation of Scott-Teays Elementary. If we are funded, we will eliminate twelve portables at that site.

"We're moving in the right direction, but they [the Authority] are getting tired of our coming up there asking for state help." The question now is, "When are you going to run a school bond. Wood County passed a $65 million bond. Cabell County passed a $60 million-plus bond. Putnam County should be able to pass a bond."

The needs at Winfield Middle are extreme, says Hatfield. "Over two-thirds of that student body are housed in portable classrooms. Two-thirds of that school is 'outside.'

"Poca Middle School is worse than that. Poca Middle School was built in 1926. We're having school in a building that is beyond repair. To put money into that building is a waste of money, but we have 350 kids going to school there every day.

"So a time is coming soon when we must ask for a school bond. We simply can't do it out of the general operating budget. This new elementary school, that's a $10 million project."

A school bond is needed to bring our school buildings up to the standards achieved in other areas by students, staff, and community.

Putnam County last passed a bond for school buildings in 1976.