Buckhannon, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) is working with its appointed designees at the Upshur County Board of Education Office as a result of the intervention authorized by the West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) at its June meeting. Interim Upshur County Superintendent of Schools Stephen Wotring will temporarily remain on location to oversee the transition of county school operations.

Upshur County Schools received non-approval status after the WVBE heard a preliminary report on the Special Circumstance Review conducted by the State Department of Education’s Office of Accountability and Assessment. The team found numerous areas of non-compliance and findings within federal program operations and financial indicators and purchasing. To review the preliminary report, visit the WVDE website.

The focus of the onsite team is to ensure county operations are conducted within local, state and federal regulations while also developing processes that meet the highest standards possible. School-level activities, as well as staff trainings and related activities should continue uninterrupted.

“We understand the gravity of this situation, and are here to oversee daily operations,” said Interim Superintendent Wotring. “ We want the community to know that our top priority is to protect the learning environment for our children by providing stability and continuity, and ensuring funds and resources are used appropriately by the county.”

Wotring’s appointment is temporary until a permanent county superintendent is named.

The WVBE and the WVDE will continue to cooperate with state and federal authorities and share findings as they are discovered.