State Superintendent Receives High Marks for Annual Evaluation
Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) performed the annual evaluation of the State Superintendent of Schools during its June meeting in Charleston today. The Board announced that Superintendent Michele L. Blatt’s performance has been “outstanding and continues to exceed expectations in every aspect.”
In accordance with W.Va. Code §18-3-1, the WVBE evaluates the performance of the state superintendent each year. Over the past year, Superintendent Blatt has led the implementation of the student behavior and support initiative, STRIVE; overseen increasing necessary supports for counties experiencing financial, leadership and declining enrollment challenges; and has supported the state’s teacher pipeline with the largest number of Grow Your Own Pathway to Teaching high schoolers since the program began.
Vaccine Requirements
The WVBE voted today to enforce the state law regarding required school immunizations as it is written in W. Va. Code.§16-3-4 Compulsory immunization of school children; information disseminated; offenses; penalties.
Family Engagement Fellows
The Board recognized West Virginia’s Family Engagement Fellows. Through a collaboration with the EdVenture Group Family Engagement Center, the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) honored top schools for efforts to transform family engagement practices. Blackshere Elementary School in Marion County and Oak Hill Middle School in Fayette County received the honor for creating a culture in which families, communities and stakeholders can make meaningful contributions and participate actively in the school environment and students’ success.
Marshall University Behavior Mental Health
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
The WVBE recognized the renewed MOU between the WVDE and the Marshall University Behavior and Mental Health Technical Assistance Center (TAC). This partnership provides schools and educators across the state with timely, targeted support for addressing student behavior concerns. Through rapid response, hands-on coaching and specialized training, this collaboration aims to equip school staff with the tools they need to foster positive learning environments and support the well-being of all students.
Special Circumstance Reviews
The WVBE issued the immediate intervention of Boone County Schools and a State of Emergency for Randolph County Schools after reviews revealed significant findings and areas of noncompliance.
Superintendent Blatt directed the WVDE Office of Accountability to conduct a Special Circumstance Review of Boone County Schools after an initial inquiry found irregularities in the use of federal funds. At the conclusion of an ensuing federal criminal investigation, the Office of Accountability conducted the review.
As a result of the findings, the WVBE voted to intervene immediately in the county, and the position of county superintendent and assistant superintendent be vacated at the close of business today (June 11, 2025). Superintendent Blatt appointed Deirdre Cline as the interim county superintendent.
The WVBE issued a State of Emergency for Randolph County Schools resulting from an ongoing review. The action is the result of the county board’s failure to approve a consolidation plan, address personnel overages and manage a projected budget shortfall in the face of declining enrollment. The WVBE will review the State of Emergency in six months to determine if it will remain in place, require further action or be removed.
Documents related to Boone County and Randolph County reviews are available on the WVBE June 2025 meeting page. Additionally, an archive of Special Circumstance Reviews is also available to view.
Items shared during the June meeting are available on the WVBE meeting page.
The next regularly scheduled WVBE meeting is 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Building 6, Suite 600, 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Charleston, West Virginia.