The West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) elected L. Paul Hardesty as president during its meeting in Charleston today. He formerly served as the WVBE’s legislative liaison from 2024–2025 and as president from 2022–2024. Victor Gabriel was re-elected vice-president and F. Scott Rotruck was re-elected secretary. Nancy J. White, who did not seek re-election as president, was elected as the WVBE financial officer. The State Board holds the election of officers each July.
President Hardesty’s more than 30 years of public service at the state and county level have allowed him to have keen insight on issues and challenges facing public schools. He served three terms on the Logan County Board of Education, including one term as president. Additionally, he was appointed to the West Virginia Senate in 2019 and the WVBE in 2021.
“I am humbled by the support and confidence that my fellow board members have placed in me,” said President Hardesty. “This board faces many challenges this upcoming year. We will face those challenges head on, with the purposes of doing what is in the best interests of our 241,000 students across the state.”
West Virginia literacy progress
West Virginia was recently identified in a national report as one of four states that are showing steady annual gains in 3rd-grade literacy. According to Upswing Lab’s analysis, West Virginia is among the few states growing early literacy by at least 3–4% over the past three years. The Mountain State’s 5% increase places it among the four states and 260 school districts identified. Mississippi, Louisiana and South Carolina are the other states going against the trend of stagnant achievement since the Covid-19 pandemic ended. The Dynamic Districts report is available on the July 9 WVBE meeting page.
Roane County Schools finance review
The WVBE declared a state of emergency for Roane County Schools (RCS) for ongoing financial and operational issues that jeopardize student academic success and overall well-being. Declining enrollment and failure to approve a consolidation plan, along with the lack of sufficient personnel action, leaves RCS with significant financial deficits. The West Virginia Department of Education’s (WVDE) review of county finances reveals a potential shortfall of $2.9 million this fiscal year.
The WVBE has directed county board of education members and the superintendent to work with WVDE staff to develop a comprehensive plan. A progress report from RCS is required at the August 2025 WVBE meeting.
For the complete RCS summary, visit the July 9 WVBE meeting page.
WVBE policies
The State Board voted on several policies, which will be made effective 30 days from filing. These policies may be viewed on the meeting agenda link of the July 9 WVBE meeting page.
The next monthly meeting is Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. Both meetings will be held in Building 6, Suite 600, 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Charleston, West Virginia 25305.
