All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

W.Va. Department of Education releases 2023 Balanced Scorecard results

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) released West Virginia’s Balanced Scorecard (Balanced Scorecard) results for the 2022-23 school year during the September meeting of the West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE). The data represents the accountability ratings for public schools in the Mountain State as part of West Virginia’s School Accountability System (WVSAS).

Each public school in the state receives a scorecard that provides parents, students, educators and communities an annual update on multiple measures that show how well students are learning, growing and achieving. The Balanced Scorecard uses a series of indicators to measure school performance and progress.

Comparing the 2021-22 school year data to that of the 2022-23 school year, 49 counties in the state improved in mathematics, and 44 counties made gains in English language arts proficiency. For more information and county and school-level data, visit the Balanced Scorecard Dashboard.

Middle School Empowerment Collaborative Program

The WVBE was also updated on the WVDE’s middle school education program that aligns academics and career exploration through project-based learning. Dr. Kathy D’Antoni, a program partner, shared the progress of the state’s Middle School Empowerment Collaborative. This school-wide model allows students to use entrepreneurial and problem-solving skills while developing workplace best practices.

West Virginia is leading this work and sharing guidance with states such as Kentucky and Pennsylvania that are interested in implementing the program. Fayette and Calhoun counties are piloting the Collaborative, and more information is available on the WVDE website.

West Side Development Project

State Superintendent Michele L. Blatt established a Special Community Development School Pilot Project in schools on the West Side of Charleston. This program brings together public school, higher education, and community representatives and others to support students and improve academic achievement.

Earlier this year, the WVDE committed $750,000 to expand Communities In Schools support in this area. Together, these efforts will assist Charleston’s West Side to address student social-emotional, developmental and academic support and well-being, and to build on existing progress in the area.

Student Behavior Response Work

The WVDE provided an update on student behavior and discipline efforts. The WVDE Office of Leadership Development continues to support counties to address student behavior issues reflected on the state Discipline Data Dashboard. This fall, approximately 300 principals statewide are expected to attend regional sessions that address student behavior, data protocol practices and classroom management strategies.

WVBE Policies on Public Comment

The WVBE placed two policies on public comment.

Policy 2520.13 was recommended for repeal and replacement to ensure career technical education (CTE) programs are aligned with the workforce needs of business and industry. This policy is revised every two years to ensure CTE programs offer technical training and industry certifications in key industries across the state.

Policy 5100 is being amended to outline the framework for developing, implementing and approving educator preparation programs (EPPs). Major program components are defined, assessment instruments and/or procedures are identified, and the minimum proficiency levels are prescribed for the WVBE-adopted instruments. Program approval criteria for program implantation are also identified. The revisions enable institutions of higher education (IHEs) to meet the needs of students as a part of the cycle of continuous improvement.

These policies have been placed on public comment for 30 days and may be reviewed on the WVDE website.

The next regularly scheduled WVBE meeting is 9 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, in Building 6, Suite 600, 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Charleston, West Virginia, 25305.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Upshur County Commission partners with development authority, eyes $550k in grants for proposed rec hub

The Upshur County Commission partnered with the Development Authority and authorized applications for $550,000 in grants, as well as a joint property transfer, to support construction of the proposed John C. Allen Regional Hub recreation complex.

High Point Construction takes over lead in men’s golf league

High Point Construction took the top spot in the Buckhannon Country Club Bob Cupp Memorial Golf League after defeating Sam’s Pizza, while Highland Landscaping and Feola’s Flowers tied for second place.

Task force arrests three for selling Delta 8 to people under age 21, issues four additional warrants

After a year-long investigation, the Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force arrested multiple individuals and issued warrants in Upshur County for allegedly selling Delta 8 THC products to individuals under 21.

ATV crash kills 65-year-old woman in Upshur County

Patricia L. Campbell, 65, of Ohio, died after being ejected from an ATV rollover crash in Upshur County on July 4; the investigation continues.

Willard Hampton Rice, Jr.

Willard Hampton Rice, Jr., 84, of Sandusky, a retired Ford Motor Company employee who enjoyed hunting and spending time with family, passed away July 3 and is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for July 2, 2025

This week in Buckhannon, local organizations plan events and clinics — including a big July 4th celebration — and several community initiatives aim to engage residents of all ages.

Emergency agencies stress need for coordinated incident plans during large events with road closures

Emergency officials emphasized the need for incident action plans and coordination with public safety agencies for large events that close major streets, citing upcoming car shows and other street-closure events to ensure fast, safe emergency responses.
BUHS Sports

B-U now in Class AAAA in all sports; moved to new South Region after WVSSAC restructuring

Buckhannon-Upshur High School will compete in Class AAAA — the highest division — for all sports and has been moved to the new South Region under a two-year realignment by the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission.

Stockert Youth and Community Center Board Meeting Agenda: July 3, 2025

The Stockert Youth and Community Center Board will meet July 3, 2025, with an agenda set to discuss organizational matters and upcoming events.