Popeye

If you have ever been on that type of field you would be covered up in little black pellets. This rubber has to be "Seeded" from time to time. Other than that upkeep is minimal.

If Taz can get improved line play this year then the offense has potential to be better. They "HAVE" got to find someone who will hit on D. The D last year was way to soft. Made some good plays but had no one who could step in and fill holes with attitude.

You are absolutely correct. If studies show that decreasing population and workforce are the trend for the next 15 to 20 years, I believe you will see action with in five years. I have been wrong before though.

I was at the meeting and the idea behind the prepared food tax is to back the proposed raises that the School Board promised the employees. The PHS idea was thrown in as a side track to appease the residents that wanted the BOS to try and take action. The BOS has no real authority to affect the actions of the school board on this matter.

It's not "only" the way they handled the closing of the school. There are many issues with the current board. Anyone, as a parent, should proceed with care and concern over the way that this Board conducts buisness.

I think that alot of people have tired of the arrogant way in which the School Board presents itself. And some (Pocy Residents and Students) simply feel wounded. It would have closed soon anyway.

The figures that you speak of are based on percentages and will not add up to any real savings. To my knowledge only seven of the teachers currently employed at PHS will be released (some of which are long term subs). The rest have jobs elsewhere in the county. That means that their salaries and the total instructional costs will follow these students where ever they go (no savings). The subject of saving money by closing the school can be interpreted in many ways, but will not reflect any real money being saved. Again the local monies (local tax base) make up a small fraction of the cost to keep the school open, so it is not a "drain" on local taxpayers. The real issue (my opinion) is this. In Dr Lawson's tenure as Superintendent she has yet to install a lasting legacy (other than rampant waste of the budgeted money). Closing the schools on her list and consolidating (if you can really call this consolidating) is her last great attempt. Raven will be next on the list, then Springville. The 11 acres that the School Board bought in Springville will be earmarked for a new high school for the Bluefield area (that will cost the taxpayers because the County Board of Supervisors will have to dole out some money and the citizens will be the source of those monies). That will close Graham High. Does anyone think that the new school will be named GHS? Very doubtful and I am sure that will not be favored by the residents of Bluefield Va. I have tired of “Money†being the principle cause for closing the school when, if you look at the big picture, it accounts for a small fraction of the budget.

There have been several studies but few of them reported “significant†savings from the closing of the school. Most of the cost would transfer with the students (staff salaries, instructional costs, food etc). There would actually be an increase in expenses to the school that accepts Pocy’s students. The facility up-keep costs that would be “saved†would simply be transferred to the increased transportation costs. (Wear and tear on the buses and increasing cost of fuel). That would result in cost neutral benefits or increases. As for enrollment, Pocy is a combined school with an enrollment of nearly 200. The student to teacher ratio is ideal for quality education.(The last that I read was that the High School kids would be moved to Graham but the Middle School would stay; that the elementary would be closed and moved to Pocy as a K-8 school. The school system has (approx) a budget of 165 million; of which less than 11 million are local funds.(Not a drain on the local taxpayers) The State does not care if the students live in Va or WV; the same amount is allocated per student (there may actually be an increase for out of state students. I have not researched this as a fact but have been told that this might be the case). Why reject them when at least 5 schools may benefit from it. (GHS, GMS, GIS, DPS, PHS, AVBES) Eventually, without improved enrollment and the county finding a way to retain its population, Pocahontas as well as some other prominent schools will cease to operate. At this time though having the school open and operating can only benefit the county “IF†there is a true desire to step up economical growth & development and draw population from other areas. My one gripe is this: If the residents of the Valley truly support “Their†school then where are you on those cold nights when your sons are on the football field or your daughters on the courts. I have been at many functions (Sports and academics) and have witnessed the lack of support then. (I’ll applaud your fight if your dedicated 365, wet or dry, night and day).

Bulldogs52, I know the situation. I too send my prayers and out to him and his family. Hang in and fight young man. Show the same courage in this fight that you have shown on the fields of competition!!

Electrical Services –PHS $ 31,190.20 Coal, Gas, Oil-PHS $ 18,411.14 Water and Sewer Services – PHS $ 19,065.27 Total $ 68,666.61 Total cost of PHS to school board yearly $ 1,775,293.41. Most of the cost to operate the school comes from Instructional costs. Of these monies most will transfer along with the students to what ever school they are sent to. The cost to the county and taxpayers should not be the determining factor (Based on these figures from the approved budget)in closing the school. The real question is "Are the students at PHS exposed to the same level of standards and same oppurtunities as students in the other 3 schools?" Male sports at PHS are suffering and will soon cease due to the lack of enrolled male students. There are barely enough to field a basketball team.

Just heard a rumor today that Graham admin elected "NOT" to participate in sports at the single A level. Have'nt received anything of substance on the subject, but it sounded as if statement had some merit.

I think that I know what you're saying. Extensive and complicated blocking schemes with undersized linemen?

Having a good Middle School squad is not a solid gauge of the talent a High School squad may expect. Consider this: Kids mature (grow) differently. A kid who has the size and ability to play line at the middle school level may not mature rapidly enough (or at all) to be effective at the same positions in High School. The same can be said for any position (in any sport). Strength and athleticism change drastically from the years a kid spends in Middle School thru their years at High School. I have limited knowledge of Athletics at Princeton and will comment on the state of (or future of) the football program. I do however, believe that the success of any Middle school program does not reflect the future of related High School Programs.

The point is that it doesn’t matter what position a college recruits you for. Fuller will mature (Physically) tremendously in Tech's program. They WILL groom him to play where they want and need him. At this point no one will have a solid Idea of where (or if) he will play. My best guess at this moment would be that he will have his greatest shot for playing time on the defensive side of the ball. Based on his size at the moment, one would believe that he is best suited to play safety (Obviously he will never play D-Tackle or Offensive Line). What they see in Austin is an Athlete. One that can and will be groomed to fill whatever needs the team has.

Graham has improved in the one area that they were missing early. They "believe" they can win against any team they play now. Marion has that ground game that will test the G-Men again. This game will look like a throwback game. Both teams will come and try to pound it, both teams have increasingly agressive defenses and it is the "Playoffs". Loser goes home. Looking for some big hits in this game. My nod goes to the G-Men in a thriller defined and settled within the last 2 minutes of the game.

The position that he'll play will depend on how he develops as a player. They recruited him mostly for his build(body) and athletic abilities. Theres always a chance that he could pack on 30+ lbs of muscle and play as a rush D-End. It will be interesting to follow his college career and see how he progresses. Best of luck to him and one piece of advice: Keep a solid work ethic and you WILL see positive results.

You only need 11(20 would be great). Start cleaning house until you find those kids that want to play and desire to win. Laziness trumps talent every time. Get rid of it and you'll find your winners.

I could'nt count Mt View out of any football game on any given night. Year in and out this team fields some of the best athletes in the area. If they ever find a way to instill dicipline upon all of those young athletes, I feel as though they would be in the hunt every season.

As an old SWD supporter, I'll give the Falcons their due. Thet've come into a traditionally strong District and are(as of now) right in the thick of things. I for one did not expect Abingdon to even be mentioned as one of the top 2 or 3 teams this year. (But I also did not see Graham dropping 3 straight early or Tazewell winless, so what do I know???)

It looks like he means that, given Montcalm's poor performance as a basketball program in the past, Havens might not be the best coach for a Bluefield program that seems to have had a bright future.

You can check the hiring process in WV schools, but you will find that by both state guidelines and county guideines, with more than one applicant the one with the most senority gets the first nod. Yes they are required to post the job, accept applications and proceed with the interview process. In the end senority plays out.

Teachers Union and senority dictated this hiring. Nothing else.

I can't disagree with that. I too think that they would make every effort to play one another.

Graham would definitely make runs as a single A school, but they would not be a "PowerHouse". The MED would not be a good district for them. They would most likely overpower most of the schools there. Grayson is the only school that has been anywhere near consistent. The one aspect of this debate that is overlooked by most is that of money. Look at the schedule Graham plays now and you'll see that when Graham hosts games the visiting team brings fans with them. That does not happen(consistently) with some of the smaller schools. Also, the Graham/Beaver game has the potential to fund a high school program for an entire year. With Graham moving down that could significantly hurt the chances that Bluefield would schedule them(due to West Virginia Ratings). Graham will not drop down anytime soon.

You get no points for playing private schools in VA. Scheduling them might not be a good Idea.