STATE SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT WVBOE Names 28th Superintendent
Reported by: Associated Press
Web Producer: Jeff Morris
Reported: Dec. 12, 2012 5:43 PM EST
Updated: Dec. 13, 2012 8:02 AM EST
Eyewitness News Photo
Charleston
, Kanawha County
, West Virginia
The West Virginia Board of Education has named its 28th Superintendent.
The board appointed Dr. James Phares, superintendent of Randolph County Schools, to the position Wednesday.
Phares will begin his new post on January 2, replacing Chuck Heinlein as the new state superintendent of schools. Heinlein will resume his previous role as deputy superintendent.
The West Virginia Board of Education also voted unanimously to conduct a nationwide search after they have a chance to approach the West Virginia Legislature about the current statutory qualifications for the state superintendent of schools.
West Virginia's Board of Education wants to search nationally for a state schools superintendent, but will consider two candidates for the post in the meantime.
The board approved a hiring plan Wednesday that also asks the Legislature to revisit the job's description and qualifications.
Meeting at Lincoln County High School, board members nominated assistant state superintendent Kathy D'Antoni and Randolph County schools chief James Phares for the top state post.
The board is looking for a superintendent after abruptly firing Jorea Marple last month. The board says it wants a change in direction given the chronically lagging student performance. But supporters have defended Marple's tenure. A pending court challenge alleges the firing violated the state open meetings law.
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