CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia chapter of The American Federation of Teachers is welcoming new leadership to fill the recently vacant presidential seat.
AFT-West Virginia elected 30-year veteran teacher from Randolph County Kristie Skidmore to fill the role of president of the union at their recently held annual convention.
She replaces former AFT President Fred Albert who retired after six years in the role.
Skidmore has already served as the current AFT President in Randolph County, and has served as a member at large on the AFT- West Virginia Executive Board since 2017.
“Being elected to represent the members is not just an honor, it’s a responsibility that I hold dear,” Skidmore stated. “I am truly honored to represent our dedicated teachers and service personnel, whose work and commitment to the children of our state inspires me every day. While we are facing tough challenges in public education and the labor movement, I know that our collective commitment will be a strong voice for education employees and the students they serve.”
She has been elected to serve out a three year term which begins immediately.
This means Skidmore will have to speak as AFT-WV President at this week’s PEIA public hearings in Morgantown and Charleston and will continue to navigate the union through the ongoing merger discussions with the West Virginia Education Association.