MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — When University High School students, faculty and staff return to class in 2017, they will be greeted by a change in leadership.
In a recorded message from Monongalia County Schools Assistant Superintendent Donna Talerico, recipients heard, “University High School will welcome Mrs. Kim Greene, a veteran school administrator, as the substitute principal.”
It was a simple statement following controversy over University High School Principal Shari Burgess that dates back to at least April 2016.
At that time, 67 members of the UHS faculty senate gave Burgess a no-confidence vote.
Eight months later on December 5, 2016, an estimated one-third of the UHS student body staged a walkout protesting about concerns with staffing consistency. A math teacher had recently announced his resignation amid reports there had been heavy turnover at the school recently.
The next day, student body officers addressed the Monongalia County School Board at a regularly scheduled meeting.
As a result, school system administrator’s announced work with a consultant, former Preston County Schools administrator Dr. Bill Rosier , to decipher fact from rumor and address ways to better relationships at University High.
Greene has been the Monongalia County Schools Principal of Alternative Education.
In a statement released Saturday, Dec. 31, Talerico said Greene’s appointment to the UHS principalship was based on internal personnel considerations.
“Ms. Greene is a veteran administrator with many years of experience. She will serve as UHS principal until further notice,” Talerico said.