T. J. Blevins of Man addressed the Logan County Board of Education on behalf of a group of parents, grandparents and community members concerning Buffalo and South Man Grade Schools.

Blevins requested the board move the fourth-grade classes back to their home schools. Buffalo Grade School and South Man Grade School fourth grades currently attend Man Middle School.

Reasons given for making the change included:

• Having two elementary-school children attending two different schools is chaotic and difficult, especially when there are programs or celebrations scheduled for both schools at the same time.

• The children would be closer to home. The currently ride a transfer bus to their home school, and change buses to be transported to Man Middle School.

• Buses are often delayed, especially if they have to make two runs. The children have to wait at their home school for the transfer bus. Small children are getting up earlier and getting home later than if they attended their home schools.

• Logan and Chapmanville area schools have fourth-grades.

• The teachers at Man are good teachers, but when they have bigger classes, the children don’t get as much individual attention. At Buffalo and South Man, the classroom size allows teachers to get the children’s attention and keep them focused.

“We need to get our fourth grades back, and we need them as quick as we can get them, “said Blevins, “If there is any way, we need them back for the upcoming school year. We know changing the configuration of the schools is part of the strategic plan, but I hear the plan is updated continually during the year. Put yourselves in our shoes and do everything you can so our third-grade students can go to their home schools next year.”

Blevins thanked the board and submitted petitions signed by parents and community members to Superintendent Wilma Zigmond.

Linda Vicker also addressed the board, saying she understood the process to move the fourth grades back to the home schools was in the process. “If you all have seven months, why can’t it get done for next year?” Vicker has a grandchild in the third grade who will be one of the transfer students next year. Her concern is that in a large classroom, her grandchild will not get extra attention if it is necessary.

Vicker concluded with questions, “Is there any way this can be done by next year? Does anybody know? Can you find out for us and let us know?”

Supt. Zigmond assured the group the board would take their questions into consideration

The board thanked the group for being at the meeting and encouraged them to attend the meetings to know what is going on at the schools and see what the board is doing. The next meeting is on February 14, 2013, at 5 p.m.