CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice has filled a vacancy on the state Board of Education.
Justice announced Monday his appointment of former state Senator Paul Hardesty to the open position created when board member Stan Maynard announced his resignation last week.
“I’ve known Paul and respected his tremendous abilities for a long, long time and I’m sure he will do a great job for the people of West Virginia in this important role,” Justice said in a news release from his office.
Hardesty, who represented Logan and Boone counties in the state Senate, has also spent time over the years as a member of the Logan County Board of Education, serving three terms.
He resigned from the Senate last December. Before becoming a senator, he was a lobbyist for The Greenbrier with a longstanding relationship with Justice, whose family owns the resort.
Hardesty’s term on the state BOE goes through November 2029. He’ll take the oath of office at the board’s next meeting which is set for Jan. 12.
State BOE President Miller Hall praised the selection of Hardesty.
“Paul Hardesty’s commitment to our state and his heart for our students will be beneficial to the work of the WVBE,” Hall said in a news release. “His experience in multiple sectors of state government and understanding of the issues that face West Virginia will make him a valued member of the Board.”
State School Superintendent Clayton Burch said he expects Hardesty to provide key expertise.
“In West Virginia and throughout the nation, education is at a time of transition, and we rely on our board members’ guidance and experience to continue building educational structures that best serve our students,” Burch said.
The appointment will go before the state Senate for confirmation some point next year.