BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – Retired Taylor County Schools Superintendent Christy Miller has been selected to lead the Upshur County system through the investigation into the spending of federal coronavirus relief funds.
Effective July 1, Miller has the task of resetting operations within the district and normalizing relationships in the community.
“I see it taking some time because there are wounds that have to be healed,” Miller said. ” But I think communicating in an open, honest fashion will do more to help heal relationships and be able to move forward in a positive direction.”
The initial priorities will be to make sure existing personnel protocols are being followed and contracts are properly executed. Pay rates for service personnel and professional staff need to be checked. There is a new Special Education Director, and steps need to be taken to ensure state and federal regulations are being followed.
“We also need to look at personnel in general as far as whether we have the right people in the right seats.” Miller said. “Do we have proper support training for all of our personnel, and do we need to think about downsizing in some spots?”
In November 2022, voters failed to pass the Upshur County Schools Excess Levy by a 166-vote margin, so they’ll be deciding on whether or not to put it back on the ballot. The levy provides about $3.2 million annually for supplies, textbooks, contracted services, 4-H support, preventive maintenance, and support for the Stockert Youth and Community Center. The levy revenue totals about 10 percent of the total revenue for the district.
“Understanding that if it doesn’t pass or if we don’t choose to run it, there could be deeper cuts that would have to take place because that funding provides funding for the fiscal systems that provide other opportunities for students and staff,” Miller said.
Miller also said they’ll be looking closely at staffing levels across the district during the 2023–24 school year.
“Looking at all staff positions and what makes the most sense to keep and/or if we need to make decisions to either eliminate positions or move people, then be ready to do that when personnel season arrives,” Miller said.
Plans are in place to provide professional development for Upshur County Board of Education members through the West Virginia School Board Association, and regular meetings will be much different under state control. Miller will communicate with board members, but she’ll work with state officials on matters that would typically be decided by local elected school officials.
“We’ll do the opening, we’ll entertain delegations, and as the superintendent, I will share the things the state has said we can move forward with or have approved,” Miller said. “Then we will basically call for an adjournment.”