FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The Marion County Board of Education has scheduled a special meeting for Friday after Superintendent Donna Heston announced she will not return for the 2026-27 school year.
Board member Thomas Draggich, a retired Marion County educator, said Heston did a fine job during her time leading the school district.
“I’m thankful we’ve had her for five years and I appreciate everything she’s done for Marion County,” Draggich said. “Somebody is going to have an outstanding superintendent.”
After an executive session Monday, the BOE members could not reach consensus to extend Heston’s contract at $154,000 per year.
Heston told the Times West Virginian, “My heart is in Marion County. I would have been honored to finish my career in Marion County. Unfortunately, it does not appear that I will have the opportunity to do that.”
Heston has been the leader in the county since 2021 and signed a four-year extension in 2022. She’ll be under contract through June 30.
Draggich said Heston’s leadership was a factor in his decision to seek reelection.
“I just turned 81 and I decided to run again because the direction we were going in excited me to see Marion County go that way,” Draggich said. “She had a very good rapport with the students in recognizing them for their accomplishments,” Draggich said.
Superintendent Heston could not be reached for comment.
The special meeting Friday is set for 10 a.m.