Winfield - The Putnam County Board of Education met for the last meeting of the summer before the district begins school on Wednesday.
Nine construction companies expressed interest in bidding for the renovations to Buffalo Elementary School, Putnam County Schools Superintendent John Hudson told the board Monday. Administrators narrowed that pool down to three businesses, which then will be reviewed by the School Building Authority and select Putnam County Schools personnel.
Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring, Hudson said.
Putnam County bus operators attended the meeting Monday to clarify some changes to the district's policy regarding their pay.
With the new policy, which was approved at the Aug. 1 meeting, bus operators will receive $20 for supplemental trips, and $2.50 per every 15 minutes worked after the second hour of the trip.
Bus operator Johnny Sargent said he had spoken with the previous superintendent about these changes two years ago. Prior to this year, bus drivers would only receive $10 for a supplemental trip.
He said that a bus operator could spend a good portion of their day on a field trip, but only receive minimal pay, so he's content with the new policy.
"I do appreciate it," Sargent told the board.
The board also approved a list of 32 businesses in Putnam County that students can participate in unpaid work-based experiences. These approved businesses will be covered through the West Virginia Board of Risk and Insurance Management.
"It's a really good deal for these guys," board member William Legg said, adding it's another win-win situation for the students and the businesses.
The board will next meet at 7 p.m. Sept. 6 at the central office in Winfield.