By STEVE RAPPACH

Staff writer

NEW CUMBERLAND — The Hancock County Board of Education has approved its agreement with the Brooke County school board for operations of a proposed joint alternative learning center.

Approved by a 4-1 vote Monday, with board member Tim Reinard voting against, the agreement includes the sharing of expenses and teachers utilized for the new learning center at the L.B. Millsop Primary School in Weirton, which will close its doors at the end of the school year.

The learning center is anticipated to include 50 to 60 students in grades fifth through 12th and will provide educational opportunities for students with social, behavioral or disciplinary challenges. Subjects will include English, math, history, science and special education, while students also are able to receive counseling, life skills and character education programs.

“It’s going to be beneficial … and hopefully it’ll work out,” said Toni Hinerman, board president.

Hancock County will provide teachers for math, science and special education along with a prevention resource officer, while Brooke County will provide a custodian, principal, food service and teachers for English and social studies. Both county districts will split the cost of utilities.

In other business:

¯ Six district students were recognized for essays in the West Virginia Young Writers contest, with their entries now advancing to the state level. The students are Carter Ueng, Allison Elementary; Lilliana Gilliam, New Manchester Elementary; Molly Szpyrka, Oak Glen Middle; Brooke Brother; Oak Glen High; Makayla Cowan, Weir Middle; and Camille Forwalt, Weir High.

¯ Three overnight field trips were approved: Weir High’s Tri-Hi-Y/Hi-Y will travel to Charleston on April 27-29, when one student and two chaperones will attend the Youth in Government event; John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center students will attend the Skills USA competition in Fairmont, April 13-15; and Hancock County Academic Games will be held in Knoxville, Tenn., April 26 through May 1.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. April 9 at the John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center.