MINGO COUNTY, W.Va. — West Virginia Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt has filled a vacancy on the Mingo County Board of Education.
On Friday, Blatt announced the appointment of K. Steven Kominar, who will serve on the board effective immediately. The vacancy came from the resignation of James Baisden in March.
“This appointment is important to the children, families and educators of Mingo County, and Mr. Kominar will serve faithfully to support the education community,” said Blatt. “He is a valued member of the community and will be an asset to the Mingo County Board.”
Previously, Kominar was a board member of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, the Coalfield Community Action Partnership and the Mingo County Adult Education program. He was also the executive director of the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority for three years.
Kominar is a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force. For 30 years, he was a business manager at Lee Sartin Trucking Company in Kermit, West Virginia. He also served nine terms in the West Virginia House of Delegates. Kominar represented District 20 from 1995 until he resigned in December 2011.
“I am truly honored that Superintendent Blatt has placed the trust in me that I can provide continuing service to my county,” Kominar said. “While this is an appointment that I will fill until the voters elect a permanent board member, I will approach this position as I have in the past – with compassion and a desire to promote Mingo County.”
Kominar has been a resident of Mingo County for 38 years. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and an MBA from Ohio State University. His term on the Mingo County Board of Education will expire in November 2024.
“I am grateful for him stepping into this role to ensure continuity in school operations,” Blatt added. “We know Mr. Kominar will provide expertise and make decisions based on the needs of our students.”
Kominar has children and grandchildren who graduated or are currently in school in the county.