WVDE Statement Regarding the Suspension of Educator's Certification

Statement from Michele L. Blatt, State Superintendent of Schools

Today, I entered an order summarily suspending Elliott Pritt’s teacher certification as authorized under W. Va. Code §18A-3-6(b)(2) as a result of the charge brought against Mr. Pritt in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia for enticement of a minor.

Teachers hold a position of public trust in the school systems in which they teach and the communities that they serve. The allegation that Mr. Pritt engaged in enticement of a minor attending Fayette County Schools, the county in which Mr. Pritt was a teacher, is shocking and disturbing.

If Mr. Pritt is ultimately convicted or pleads guilty to these charges, W. Va. Code §18A-3-6(d)(2) provides that the State Superintendent shall permanently revoke his certification. As a result, we will continue to monitor further developments in the proceedings that are underway in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.

Our deepest concerns lie with the student who is alleged to have been enticed and abused by Mr. Pritt. The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) fully supports the action of Fayette County School Superintendent Warvel in suspending Mr. Pritt without pay, and the WVDE will support the Fayette County education community during this difficult time.