# Board Meeting Regular Session - 9/28/2026


**Body:** Mercer County Schools, West Virginia
**Date:** September 27, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Education, Construction & Infrastructure, Physical Infrastructure


Mercer County Schools Board of Education regular session, September 28, 2026. The board approved several purchasing and finance items, including a welding gas and cylinder-rental bid (two bids were received; Airgas USA was identified in the discussion), Burmax cosmetology kits and supplies (Burmax was the lowest quote at $11,325, with total estimated expenditures of $20,325), and technology upgrades funded by grant money and county technology funds. It also approved a grant-funded testing arrangement for adult learning and Option Pathway, at $265 per full day or $130 per half day, capped at $4,000; career-connection business partners; surplus-item auctioning; accounts payable and purchase-card transactions; and the FY2026 unaudited financial statements. The superintendent recommended approval of these items, and the recorded votes on the listed purchasing actions passed. The board also discussed a proposed robotics policy update, including a change in robotics organization and a provision barring program coordinators or directors from serving as head coaches; the transcript does not clearly capture the vote outcome.

The financial presentation reported a $37.5 million general-fund balance and $9.6 million in the capital-projects fund at year-end, and described completed work including Timberwood Elementary, Athens Elementary sealing, roofing at Bluefield High School, gym flooring, paving, and HVAC projects. The district reported a $5 million commitment to an SBA project and $21.4 million in long-term obligations. Board members and administrators discussed declining enrollment and state aid, the resulting pressure on staffing and facilities, and the superintendent’s plan to seek direction on a facilities feasibility study. No new award or expenditure for that study was approved at this meeting.

**Source:** Mercer County Schools, West Virginia