CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Harrison County School Superintendent Dora Stutler has announced her plans to retire, and Hardy County Superintendent Sheena Van Meter is her replacement.
Stutler said she’s retiring in order to spend more time with family and assist with her husband’s health issues.
“It has been a true honor and privilege to serve the students, staff, families, and communities of Harrison County,” Stutler said. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated staff over my 30-year career.”
State Superintendent of Schools Michele Blatt appointed Van Meter, who has been school chief in Hardy County since 2017, to the position.
“Dr. Van Meter brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will guide her efforts in ensuring the success, academic growth and career readiness of the students of Harrison County Schools,” Blatt said. “She is an advocate of our children and our public schools, and her career reflects her dedication to building a robust system that best serves our communities and our state. I am certain she will continue her record of hard work and success for Harrison County.”
Van Meter said she’s excited to get started. Her first day will be October 1, as Stutler’s retirement is effective September 30.
“I am honored to have been named the next superintendent of Harrison County Schools,” Van Meter said. “Throughout my time in public education, I have been led by my faith and my passion for seeing students succeed and learn to believe in themselves has driven every decision I have made.”
“I am dedicated to positively shaping the trajectory of the district while collaborating with other members of my team to support a learning environment that meets the needs of all students,” Van Meter added.
The state Board of Education placed the Harrison County school system under partial state intervention in July. State officials received a report the system had spent $16 million of its reserves over a two-year period to fund hundreds of employees over the state funding formula.
Blatt thanked Stutler for her “servant leadership” of Harrison County Schools.
“Beginning with the challenges of distance learning and the COVID-19 pandemic at the start of her tenure,” Blatt said. “Throughout her service as superintendent, she has demonstrated an enduring commitment to academic achievement, continuous improvement and creating opportunities for every student to succeed. I commend Superintendent Stutler for her many years of distinguished service to public education and for the lasting impact her leadership has had on the students, families, educators and communities of Harrison County.”