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The former elementary school property, located at 2549 1st Ave., was replaced when a new school was built on the corner of Collis Avenue and 26th Street in 2020. Now, the City of Huntington has requested for the board to grant it the property, although the cityÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s intentions are not yet clear.

During a meeting earlier this month, the board voted to table the decision to grant the city the property until it made formal plans for its use. As of Tuesday, the decision was tabled again.

ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œThey do not have a funding stream earmark to be able to demo the building, and so I really donÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™t have anything at this point to give the board, and so IÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™m asking to withdraw that from the agenda tonight,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥� Hardesty said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œI donÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™t think thatÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s something that we need to move forward with until we have a clear picture of what we can do with that.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥�

The Herald-Dispatch reached out to the City of Huntington for updated information on ongoing conversations about the Highlawn property.

Cathy Burns, executive director of the Huntington Municipal Development Authority and director of planning and development, said in an email, ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œThe City of Huntington appreciates the ongoing partnership with the Cabell County Board of Education as we work through the best path forward for the former Highlawn Elementary property.

ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œOur shared goal is to ensure this site remains a community asset rather than a liability, and weÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™re committed to a thoughtful process that serves both the neighborhood and the cityÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s long-term growth.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥�

In other business, Hardesty addressed what he said were ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œrumors that are being spread via social media groups regarding staffing and budget cuts.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥�

Hardesty recalled how, for the past several months, the board has discussed staffing concerns during public meetings.

During a meeting in January, Treasurer Drew Rottgen told the board, for Fiscal Year 2025, he estimates there are nearly 133 professional and 140 service personnel positions over the amount state funding will pay for. He roughly estimated this could cost the board a combined total of more than $15 million.

State funding for personnel is determined by a formula that relies on student headcount enrollment. As enrollment continues to decrease in Cabell County every year since the 2014-15 school year, the number of personnel employed has increased.

ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œEveryone who has attended or listened to our meeting is aware that changes will need to be made for the continued solvency of the district,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥� Hardesty said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œWhat I have not shared, however, is any specific changes or cuts to personnel or budgets in the next school year, because those decisions have not yet been made.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥�

He said any employee in a position that could be impacted by budget changes would be notified in person at school in ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œnearly every case.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥� He said those suggested changes will also be made to the board in an open meeting in April, which all impacted employees will be made aware of.

ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œAny information being spread regarding specific positions, people or budgets is being shared without any knowledge of what will be presented. I caution the public and our employees not to rely on information provided by sources not associated with Cabell County Schools,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥� he said.

Board President Josh Pauley also noted there was recently a West Virginia School Board Association meeting in Charleston, wherein he received a document with the legislative priorities of the association, as well as an invitation for discussions with lawmakers on bills affecting public education.