WATCH: Melanie Salins appointed to Warren County School Board, will run for seat in November election

In a special meeting on July 19, 2021, the Warren County School Board has selected Melanie Salins to fill the vacant North River District seat.

Melanie Salins joins the Warren County School Board. Photos and Video by Mike McCool, Royal Examiner.

On June 20, 2021, Arnold M. Williams, Jr. resigned from his position as North River District School Board Member due to his move out of the district. The School Board had advertised for and received applicants for the position. Salins, one of 4 applicants for the seat, spoke to the Royal Examiner after her appointment. She indicated that she will run for the seat in the November election.

The only other item on the agenda was the approval of Student Support Coaches. Dr. Chris Ballenger updated the School Board on this program and clarified the requirements for these positions.

Dr. Chris Ballenger updated the School Board on the changes to the Student Support Coach requirements.

The Warren County School Board did approve seventeen student support coaches, seventeen student support assistants, and a supplement of $12,500 for a Student Support coordinator/trainer through June 2023.

Ballenger went on and said, “We stated that our Student Support Coaches would be required to hold an active full or be eligible for a VDOE provisional teaching license. Since the position was posted, we have been unable to locate candidates who meet this requirement.  We contacted the Virginia Department of Education for additional clarification on requirements for the position.  The Virginia Department of Education stated that candidates would not be required to hold an active license or be eligible for a VDOE provisional teaching license unless they will be the teacher of record.  People selected as Student Support Coaches will not be teachers of record.”

In light of this clarification from the Virginia Department of Education, the requirements for the Student Support Coach position were changed to the following:

1. Candidates must have at least a four-year degree.

2. Candidates without a teaching license will automatically be placed at step 0 on the teacher pay scale and are not eligible for advance degree stipends.

3. The maximum step for candidates with an active teaching license will be step 10 and will be eligible for advance degree stipends.

4. Positions will be covered with VRS and eligible for full benefits. Positions will be governed by VRS regulations.

Ballenger said, “Making these changes to the position requirements would allow us to attract people with experience and knowledge in many areas including the areas of mental health and counseling.  No change would be made to the Student Support Coach Assistant position requirements.”