Board of Education takes over Preston County schools
 |
Emily Corio South Preston Middle School |
March 10, 2009 ·
A school system that has had trouble keeping its buildings maintained has been taken over by the state school board.
The state Board of Education voted today to take over the Preston County school system.
Auditors found crumbling buildings, a lack of key staff and low test scores, especially among special education students.
Preston County Superintendent John Lofink said this morning he would retire, clearing the way for the state school board to appoint former Nicholas County Superintendent Gus Penix as interim Superintendent, starting tomorrow.
Part of the problem is a severe lack of funding. Last fall, Preston County voters narrowly defeated a $50 million bond issue to build three new combined elementary/middle schools.
Things got so bad that the Preston County Board of Education had to temporarily close South Preston Middle School for safety reasons.
The school has dealt with a leaky roof, a crumbling façade and sinking floors.
The close to 160 students at South Preston Middle School were forced to hold class at a local elementary school and inside the South Preston Middle School Gym, a newer structure adjacent to the old school.
South Preston Middle School Principal Darrell Martin says he will immediately begin work on a plan to respond to auditors’ concerns. He says he’s trying to keep his staff positive.
“We try to point out some of the good things,” he said. “When they mark us for facility things, it’s kind of out of our control.”
The state school board has taken over several other school systems, mostly in southern West Virginia, including McDowell, Lincoln, Mingo and Logan counties.