WINFIELD - Nine Putnam County Schools students, alumni and parents spoke out Tuesday against a proposed policy to end funding to send DECA students to the national competition if they place second at the state competition.
DECA is an organization for students who are preparing for careers in marketing, management, finance, and hospitality. The students compete in competitions at the state and national levels.
Isabelle Fox, who is in her third year as a DECA member, told the Putnam County Board of Education she's made a lot of life experiences through the organization.
"If second place weren't to go from Putnam County, it would make our state look worse compared to others at a national level," she said.
Michelle Fox, Isabelle's mother, also spoke in favor of funding the second place winner's trip to nationals.
"It's a practical experience you can't get in the classroom," Michelle Fox said. "It's a tremendous opportunity for these kids to be able to go on a national level and compete with students all over the country."
Michelle Fox said her daughter has benefited from the networking opportunities DECA has given her.
"It's something you can't put a value on," Michelle Fox said.
Harold Cooper, a judge for DECA, also spoke in favor of sending the second place winner to nationals.
"Half the students it seems at states are from Putnam County," Cooper said. "That's extremely prideful to see that number of Putnam County (students) in the room."
"We appreciate you coming and giving us your point of views," newly appointed board president Craig Spicer said.
The school board also welcomed new Superintendent John Hudson to the board Tuesday night.
Hudson previously served as superintendent of Boone County Schools, a district currently in the midst of a financial crisis. Earlier this year, Boone County Schools cut 80 positions and closed three schools for next school year. The Boone Board of Education then received $2.2 million from lawmakers to meet payroll for the end of the year and now is being asked by the state to make deeper budget cuts.
Hudson was offered the superintendent position at Putnam County after former superintendent Chuck Hatfield announced his retirement from the position earlier this year.
The board also welcomed new board member Bruce Knell and appointed William "Butch" Legg as vice-president.
Gary Cook and Mike Erwin were appointed assistant superintendents of personnel and administrative services, respectively.
The Putnam County Board of Education will hold its next regular meeting at 7 p.m. July 18 at the board office in Winfield.
Reach Laura Haight at laura.haight@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-4843 or follow @laurahaight_ on Twitter.