CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — West Virginia Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt has filled a vacancy on the Mingo County Board of Education.

Blatt announced the appointment Friday of K. Steven Kominar, effective immediately.

The vacancy resulted from the resignation of James Baisden in March.

Kominar, a resident of Kermit, is a former member of the West Virginia House of Delegates. He represented District 20 from 1995 until he resigned in December 2011.

Kominar is a previous board member of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, the Coalfield Community Action Partnership and the Mingo County Adult Education program. He was also the executive director of the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority for three years.

Kominar is a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force. He was a business manager at Lee Sartin Trucking Company in Kermit, West Virginia, for 30 years.

“This appointment is important to the children, families and educators of Mingo County, and Mr. Kominar will serve faithfully to support the education community. He is a valued member of the community and will be an asset to the Mingo County Board,” Blatt said.

“I am truly honored that Superintendent Blatt has placed the trust in me that I can provide continuing service to my county,” Kominar said. “While this is an appointment that I will fill until the voters elect a permanent board member, I will approach this position as I have in the past – with compassion and a desire to promote Mingo County.”

Kominar has been a resident of Mingo County for 38 years. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and an MBA from Ohio State University. His term on the Mingo County Board of Education will expire in November 2024.

“I am grateful for him stepping into this role to ensure continuity in school operations,” Blatt added. “We know Mr. Kominar will provide expertise and make decisions based on the needs of our students.”

Kominar has two children who graduated from Tug Valley High School and two grandchildren who are currently in school in the county.