Stephen Wotring
Stephen Wotring Superintendent
Preston County Schools

Superintendent Stephen Wotring said his education philosophy begins and ends with kids. As Superintendent of Preston County Schools since 2015, he said what he loves most about Preston County is the feeling of community within each of their schools.

“Our schools are the hubs of our communities and the parent and community support for our system is second to none.  Everyone is quick to help one another.”

Before becoming a superintendent, Wotring served as assistant principal at Bruceton School where he would eventually serve as principal for 11 years.  After serving as an educator for many years, he transitioned to the central office as the Federal Programs Director, then to Curriculum Director, before moving into the role of Superintendent. In addition to this, he serves as president of the West Virginia Association of School Administrators (WVASA), The School Superintendents Association (AASA), and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD).

With his experience, he believes it is vital in education that we respond to the changing needs of students.

“When I began in education, we didn’t have computers in the hands of every child, nor did children have cell phones and access to the world at the click of a button.  Education has been slow to change and adapt to this changing world and thus we are struggling to maintain a level of motivation among students that helps them to truly succeed.  Every decision we make should always come down to answering one question: ‘What is best for kids?’  Too often, we make decisions for what is best for the adult.  We must change that.”

Wotring’s educational background prepared him to spend his professional career in Preston County Schools. He earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education in 1982, and his master’s degree in education leadership in 1995, both from WVU. Wotring said his education colleagues might be surprised to know that in addition to serving as superintendent, he has also been a pastor for two churches for the past 14 years. He has been married to his wife Lesa for 34 years, and they share two sons: Zachary and Taylor. He said he is looking forward to this summer when he will become a grandparent for the very first time.

Getting To Know Superintendent Wotring

  • Favorite Book: “​I am an avid reader, but don’t know that I have a favorite book.  Right now, I am reading the Lucas Davenport series by John Sanford.”

  • Favorite Movie:  ​“My favorite movie remains “The Color Purple”.  This is the movie I took my wife to see on our very first date many moons ago. And, as they say, the rest is history.”
  • Favorite Song/Band: ​“This is tough. I have had many favorites over the years.  I love Shania Twain but mainly listen to Contemporary Christian music – Lauren Daigle, Chris Tomlin, Jeremy Camp, and many more.”
  • Favorite Hobbies: “I don’t have any particular hobbies – I just love spending time with my family.  I love sitting on my back porch and just relaxing.  I am a cancer survivor and continue to live a most blessed life.”