BUCKHANNON — The Upshur Board of Education unanimously voted to hire Russ Collett as the next Superintendent of Schools at their meeting Tuesday night.
Collett currently holds the position of Director of Transportation and Maintenance and the Safe Schools Coordinator in Barbour County Schools. He has worked at the elementary, middle school and high school levels.
Originally from Randolph County, Collett attended Shepherd College, spent time in Georgia and northern Virginia, and then returned to his home state.
“We had three qualified candidates, and there were many factors to consider for this hire,” Upshur County Board of Education President Dr. Tammy Samples said in a press release. “The members of the Upshur County Board of Education are confident that Mr. Collett will work tirelessly in his efforts to move Upshur County Schools forward.”
Collett will succeed interim superintendent Dr. Debra Harrison, who served in the position for about eight months following the resignation of Dr. Sara Stankus last August. Stankus is now a deputy superintendent for the state Department of Education.
The Upshur County Board of Education had previously narrowed the superintendent search to three candidates and held a public forum last week. Read that story by clicking here.
Collett will receive a two-year contract with an annual salary of $107,500 and a start date of July 1, 2023.
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