CHARLESTON, W.VA. — State School Superintendent Michele Blatt has appointed four new school superintendents for county school systems that are currently under state control including Tyler, Nicholas, Mingo and Logan counties.
“These appointments are important as our counties prepare for the upcoming school year,” Blatt said in a Friday news release. “The superintendents will begin to immediately address the issues identified in the counties to ensure student learning and well-being remain the central focus of our school systems. We look forward to working closely with county leadership to address the needs of our students, educators and staff.”
Blatt announced Friday the rehiring of Shane Highley and superintendent of Tyler County Schools, a position he currently holds.
The Tyler County Board of Education had refused to extend Highley’s contract past June 30 but refused to announce why. The state Board of Education voted last week to seize control of the system.
Highley, who has had strong community support, has been the superintendent for six years.
Blatt appointed Kanawha County Assistant Superintendent Dr. George Aulenbacher as the new superintendent for Logan County.
Aulenbacher is a former principal at George Washington High School and West Side Middle School in Charleston.
Dr. Joetta S. Basile will be the new superintendent in Mingo County.
Basile was superintendent for 13 years in Monroe County.
Blatt also appointed Doddridge County School Superintendent Scott Cochran as the superintendent in Nicholas County. Cochran was previously a superintendent in Webster County.
The state Board of Education fired Nicholas Canty Superintendent Terrance Beam last week.