Ohio County Schools Superintendent Kim Miller, right, and Board of Education President Zach Abraham discuss matters at the start of Monday’s board meeting.

WHEELING — Ohio County Board of Education members want to renew the contract of Superintendent Kim Miller.

Board President Zach Abraham announced at Monday morning’s board meeting that “based upon the work and experience they’ve had with Dr. Miller,” members will work toward negotiating a new contract with her.

He set a timeline to have the contract in place by late January or mid-February “at the latest.”

“Just to clarify this is a new contract with Dr. Miller,” said board member David Croft.

Miller assumed the role of superintendent on July 1, 2016, and her current four-year contract expires June 30, 2020. She succeeded Dianna Vargo in the job.

Miller receives a $150,000 annual salary under the last year of her four-year contract. Benefits include 20 days of vacation annually, as well as 1.5 days of personal leave each month. She also has use of a school-owned vehicle and a credit card in the school district’s name to be used only for school-related purposes.

The board meeting Monday morning had been scheduled to take place at the Warwood School, and include presentations from students and staff at the school. But because of a weather-related school delay, the meeting was instead convened at the board office and the students will participate at a future meeting, according to Miller.

Board members discussed a possible contract with PCS Builders to provide estimating services for construction projects being paid for under a $42.2 million school construction bond passed in 2018 by voters.

The next phases of construction are being planned for Wheeling Park High School, Woodsdale Elementary School, and the Warwood School, and these are set to go out to bid next month.

Business manager Steven Bieniek said the estimating services provided by PCS “take two to three weeks” to complete, and it would be necessary to approve the contract with PCS if they were to take part prior to the bid process in January.

“We do feel it is an important service considering how things have been going,” said business manager Steven Bieniek. The school district experienced unexpected costs at Triadelphia Middle School during the first round of school construction this year.

The board, though, is still awaiting a contract proposal from PCS.

Croft suggested PCS “extend them good faith” and put Ohio County Schools on their schedule while an agreement is discussed.

Board members plan to have a work session this week to discuss the PCS contract with PCS officials.

In personnel matters, Sheena Mortimer, a cook at Wheeling Park High School, was suspended without pay for one day. No additional details were provided.

The board approved the retirement of the following employees:

* Tamila Higley, math teacher at WPHS, effective Aug. 3, 2020. She has been employed in the school district for 33 years.

* Debra Givens, bus driver, effective June 1, 2020. Givens has worked for Ohio County Schools for 21 years.

* Beverly Taylor, cook at Madison Elementary School, effective June 30, 2020. She has been employed for 35 years in Ohio County Schools.

The next regular meeting of the board is set for 6 p.m. on Jan. 13.