FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Marion County Schools and Superintendent Dr. Donna Heston are ready to put a contract dispute and state review of operations behind them.
Earlier this year, the Marion County BOE decided not to extend Heston’s contract. The BOE made the decision despite Heston meeting or exceeding performance goals, the district performing in the top 10 in the state and several important facility updates.
The public outcry that followed resulted in a review of district operations by the state Department of Education.
“It was unfortunate in that those distractions caused us to lose our focus in Marion County, which is a well-performing district thanks to our teachers, our principals, our students, our families and the support of our community,” Heston said.
The state review found some members of the board operated outside their authority by visiting classrooms and personally conducting investigations into complaints. The review determined the undue scrutiny by the local BOE created a toxic work environment that took away from the primary education mission.
“Our report for Marion County Schools did not have any violations of policies or procedures and I think that is very noteworthy to indicate,” Heston said.
The local plan of action orders all parties to conduct business in an open and honest fashion with structured opportunities for input from parents, teachers and the public. The plan calls for board members to read “How to be a Board Member,” and the agenda item “Matters From the Board” will be removed and all updates will flow through Superintendent Heston.
“It’s unfortunate for Marion County Schools anytime that you see something like this that turns into personal attacks on adults and adult behavior instead of the great student achievement and the work that the teachers and principals are putting in daily,” Heston said.
The district is a solid top ten performer statewide and individual schools have been recognized for attendance and performance. The Pleasant Valley Elementary School and Jayenne Elementary School have each earned Blue Ribbon honors, and several teachers, administrators, and service personnel have received statewide recognition.
“They have been asked to serve on committees to train other principals throughout the state of West Virginia,” Heston said. “Their resources and knowledge have been sought nationwide for their behavior interventions as well as taking students and driving their achievements.”
Heston looks forward to the start of a new year and a more productive atmosphere for employees, students, and families.
“I don’t want to speak for our Board of Education, but I can certainly speak for our principals and employees because I am glad we are past this,” Heston said. “Now, we can focus on student achievement and make that paramount in what we do.”