GLEN DALE — The West Virginia Board of Education will host a public meeting at John Marshall High School next month.

The event is one of six meetings at locations across the state the board will host as part of a 2019 listening tour in October. The purpose of the tour is “to provide an opportunity for members of the public to inform the work, processes and policies of the WVBE that support high-quality learning,” according to information provided by the West Virginia Department of Education.

The public meeting is set for 6 p.m. Oct. 30 at John Marshall High School, and two forums have been set for each of the state’s three Congressional districts. Similar events will take place in Delbarton, Morgantown, Charmco, Martinsburg, and Eleanor in West Virginia.

Continuing the work of the West Virginia’s Education Voice tour that the West Virginia Department of Education held last spring, the WVBE listening tour will consist of discussions facilitated by WVDE staff and external stakeholders. In addition, comment cards will be available on-site and an online survey will also be posted for respondents to share their thoughts and concerns. Topics to be discussed include flexibility around curriculum; credits and standards; teacher preparation, recruitment and retention; family engagement and Local School Improvement Councils; and career readiness.

“It will be an honor to have them come in, see our renovations and hear their voice about what is going on in education in the state,” said Bob Wilson, adult education coordinator for Marshall County Schools.

The board is interested in hearing what is on the minds of the public, and especially knowing what students are thinking, he said. It is anticipated 120 to 150 people will attend.

Career and technical students at JMHS will be present at the event, and lead the pledge at the opening of the program, according to Wilson. Culinary students involved with the Monarch Cafe also will work to provide the refreshments, including finger foods, that will be served prior to the start of the program.

Following refreshments, those attending will break into focus groups to discuss issues pertaining to West Virginia schools.

“The West Virginia Board of Education is committed to being accessible to the residents of this state in order to reach and sustain high levels of student achievement and system accountability,” said WVBE President David Perry. The listening tour allows us to meet people close to their homes and have an open dialogue about critical issues. We look forward to traveling across the state and hope that families, students, stakeholders, business representatives, local leaders and educators will attend.”

A summary report of insights gained will be generated by Dec. 1. Each meeting begins at 6 p.m. and concludes by 8 p.m. Refreshments will be provided by local ProStart students. Pre-registration is requested, but not required and can be completed by visiting wvde.us/education-public-forum.