The board of education had a year of highs and lows in 2009. Receipt of $569,669 in federal stimulus money sent the board members into planning mode as they made a shopping list for the school system. Each of the Pocahontas County schools will undergo a technology upgrade, including presentation stations in every classroom.

With results from a parent survey, the board was faced with a new dilemma, homeless students. The surveys revealed that at least 17 county students fit the McKinney-Vento Act's definition of homeless. In August, the board received two grants to fund programs that will boost achievements of homeless children and prevent dropouts.

The board held several expulsion hearings due to alcohol and narcotic possession. A Marlinton Middle School student was placed on probation for possession of alcohol, while one MMS student and two Green Bank Elementary-Middle School students were expelled for narcotic possession and two Pocahontas County High School students were expelled for possession of a controlled substance and being under the influence at school.