CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) has officially taken control of Nicholas County Schools, citing “extraordinary circumstances” that include failures in leadership, improper hiring practices, and an unsafe learning environment at a local middle school.
The move follows an extensive Special Circumstance Review launched by the WVDE on April 14, 2025, after receiving formal complaints and public concern over personnel decisions and student safety issues.
The review culminated in a decisive action by the West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) to remove the superintendent and assistant superintendent and assign direct control of the district to state authorities.
Troubling Hiring Practices Exposed
At the center of the controversy is the employment of a registered sex offender — a relative of the now-former superintendent — who was hired as a summer custodian despite having disclosed a conviction for “Prohibiting Child Erotica” on his application.
The man worked in the district from June 2024 through March 2025, far beyond the original 40-day contract, without additional board approval.
The WVDE found widespread violations of employment policies, including missing background checks, unqualified staff in key roles, and multiple instances of nepotism.
Records revealed that other relatives of the superintendent were employed in roles they may not have been qualified for, with questionable promotions and certification issues.
Additionally, employment records were found to be incomplete or missing, with one former personnel director allegedly destroying files upon departure.
Weak Oversight and Leadership Failures
The review also uncovered significant lapses in leadership at both the board and central office levels.
A public student expulsion hearing was conducted without proper legal procedures, and the district lacked clear protocols for handling Title IX complaints and behavioral policies.
Interviewees described a lack of professionalism, poor communication, and insufficient accountability among central office staff.
The superintendent attributed many of the issues to political retaliation and community backlash related to past school consolidation controversies, but WVDE investigators concluded the problems were systemic and deeply rooted in leadership failures.
School Climate Concerns
While the learning environment at Summersville Middle School was deemed mostly safe by teachers and students, inconsistencies in behavior management and support systems were evident.
Reports of sexual misconduct between students were found to have been properly addressed by school officials, according to an independent investigation.
However, the perception that complaints were ignored had taken hold due to rampant social media speculation and a lack of clear public communication.
State Takes Control
In response, the WVBE has declared nonapproval status for Nicholas County Schools, vacated the offices of both the superintendent and assistant superintendent as of May 4, and appointed former Fayette County Schools Superintendent Terry George as interim superintendent.
The board’s authority over finances, personnel decisions, federal programs, and real estate transactions has been suspended, with decision-making powers transferred to the State Superintendent or her designee.
Going forward, the WVDE will oversee hiring, conduct disciplinary hearings, and replace underperforming administrators as necessary.
The county board has been ordered to work with the state to develop a strategic improvement plan before local control can be restored.
Progress reports will be required, and state intervention will remain in place until the WVBE determines that the district has made sufficient improvements.
