ELKINS — The Randolph County Board of Education heard Tuesday about grant funding that will benefit two educational programs in the county.

Superintendent Gabriel “Gabe” Devono said Randall Reid-Smith, West Virginia Division of Culture and History commissioner, confirmed $35,000 has been awarded to the county for the band at Tygarts Valley Middle-High School.

Assistant Superintendent Debbie Schmidlen said during Tuesday’s meeting that this funding will be used for eight flutes, 11 clarinets, six trumpets, four trombones, three saxophones, one concert drum, music books and 38 music stands.

John Daniels, Randolph Technical Center administrator, said the West Virginia Department of Education has awarded $114,000 for the technical center’s pro-start program — which focuses on developing leaders in the restaurant and food service industry.

“We really need this in our area — we’re right in the middle of Canaan Valley (and) Snowshoe,” Daniels said.

After talking with students, Daniels said he believes there will be a significant amount of interest in the program.

The funding will be for a year and a half, and Daniels noted he hopes the county will take over once the funding runs out.

Also during Tuesday’s regular meeting:

• Brad Smith, director of finance, offered a report to the board regarding a recent audit. There were no findings of the financial statements. This is the seventh year in a row there have been no financial findings reported.

• The board unanimously approved the payment of 116 advanced placement exams for Elkins High School and 28 AP exams for Tygarts Valley High School. The total cost for testing will be $12,240 and will be paid by county funds.

• Upon Devono’s request, the board unanimously approved a one-year contract with Frontier Communications for local and long distance phone services. The language of the contract would also include options for two voluntary one-year extensions.

• A special meeting regarding reductions in force and transfers is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. today at the central office.