CHARLESTON, W.Va. — There are great expectations from the state Board of Education for this school year. A lot of that centers around the newly hired Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Michael Martirano.
The current superintendent of St. Mary’s County Public School System in Maryland, Martirano will be on the job here in West Virginia no later than Sept. 15.
West Virginia Board of Education President Gayle Manchin said Martirano is already getting his feet wet before diving into the job. “He’s already been in conversation with the Department of Education, with superintendents,” Manchin said. “The outreach has already begun.”
Martirano will take over a state school system that’s been in flux since the board fired Superintendent Dr. Jorea Marple back in November of 2012. Dr. Jim Phares, who took over just a few weeks later, retired back in June. Currently, Chuck Heinlein, a veteran of the department, is filling the position.
Manchin said once Martirano officially begins the job, there’s lots to be accomplished. The board has some lofty goals.
“It’s about moving forward. It’s about raising the bar and exceeding those expectations. We feel a real sense of excitement that that’s exactly what we’re going to do,” explained Manchin.
School is already in session for several counties across the state. However the bulk of the kids will return to the classroom this week and next to start the semester.