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I am Jan Craig, and I am requesting your vote in the upcoming election for the Upshur County Board of Education. Serving for the past four years on the board, and for the past two as president, has been a moving and at times very difficult job; however, my work is not done.
Raised in Bridgeport, I have lived in Upshur County for almost 40 years. My husband, Harry “Butch” Craig, is a former teacher and 31-year veteran. Together, we are proud to call Buckhannon home. Check my blood and you will see it is Blue and White. I am the daughter of a former teacher and circuit court judge, who was also a World War II veteran. My parents instilled strong ethical values, which are a part of my core beliefs and practices.
I graduated from Bridgeport High School. Then I attended Fairmont State College, earning a degree in elementary education with a specialization in early childhood. After that, I earned a master’s degree in gifted education and a second master’s degree in specific learning disabilities, both from WVU. I added an additional master’s degree from Salem University in educational leadership (administration). My endorsements also include behavioral disorders and intellectual disabilities. I have also worked at the collegiate level for Salem University as an adjunct instructor.
During my 34 years working in the Upshur County Schools, I taught special education at BUHS and spent my last 15 years as the special education coordinator. Serving as the president of the Upshur County Education Association for 25 years gave me a great deal of hands-on work with school law. I retired from Upshur County Schools in 2020.
Since that time, I have continued to work with school law, but I have spent the bulk of my time at our farm. My husband works alongside me to care for our three horses and one donkey. Our farm is much like the duty of serving on the board of education; both require lots of work, but when things turn out right, the rewards are overwhelming.
One of my highest priorities is to help the county continue to make the state-mandated changes required for us to regain local control. We must work as a team, putting student needs and achievement as the top priority. I want to see this mess cleaned up and Upshur County Schools standing on our own two feet.
Another huge goal is to keep our schools filled. No one wants to close a school, but our decreasing enrollment continues to make this a real possibility.
Finally, it is my greatest hope that we retain the quality teachers and staff we have in Upshur County Schools. They are the ones on the ‘front lines’ educating our students—quite literally our future. The staff who care for our students, from the bus drivers to the teachers and cooks and everyone in between, need our support.
I am a former member of the Buckhannon Junior Woman’s Club and the WV Woman’s Club. I was the first female member of the Tennerton Lions Club.
I am currently a member of the Bridgeport United Methodist Church, WVEA/NEA – Education-WV, the WV School Board Association, and Colony Oaks Homeowners Association. I am also a former 4-H member and strong supporter of 4-H as an adult. I currently serve on the 4-H Foundations Board.
Please help me continue to help our county put an end to this state-mandated takeover. Our hands have been tied by the state, but the day of local control is coming, and with your vote I am fully prepared to fulfill the responsibilities needed to keep Upshur County Schools moving forward. Hard work has never scared me, and I am ready to continue working for our students, staff, and community.
