CITIZEN STAFF REPORT
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s top education official announced a slate of leadership appointments May 23 for school districts currently under state control. The move signals a renewed emphasis on academic outcomes in the affected counties.
State Superintendent Michele Blatt named four superintendents to lead districts where the West Virginia Board of Education has intervened. She cited ongoing challenges in local governance and student achievement. The appointees, all veteran educators, will serve in Mingo, Logan, Nicholas and Tyler counties.
“These individuals will work with the WVBE and the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) to address challenges at the local level and ensure the focus remains on student achievement and success,” Blatt announced in a press release.
Mingo County
Dr. Joetta S. Basile will assume leadership in Mingo County, where the state stepped in this March. Dr. Basile has served as superintendent in Monroe County for the past 13 years. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Concord University, two master’s degrees from Marshall University, and a doctorate from Liberty University.
Logan County
Dr. George Aulenbacher, an assistant superintendent in Kanawha County, was named to lead Logan County Schools. He succeeds Jeff Huffman, who has overseen the district since the October 2022 intervention. Dr. Aulenbacher earned degrees from West Virginia State University, Marshall University and Morehead State University.
Superintendent Blatt praised Huffman’s tenure.
“Mr. Huffman has performed an excellent job addressing the issues in Logan County Schools and creating a system that focuses on student learning and professional growth of staff. He will transition into a leadership role to support the WVDE in its oversight of counties under WVBE control,” Blatt said.
Huffman will transition to a new role supporting the Department of Education’s work in state-monitored districts.
Nicholas County
Scott Cochran will take the helm in Nicholas County, which came under state control earlier this month. Cochran most recently served as superintendent in Doddridge County and previously led Webster County Schools for nine years. He holds degrees from Glenville State University, West Virginia University and Salem University.
Tyler County
In Tyler County, where state intervention also began in May, Blatt opted to retain the current superintendent, Shane Highley. He has led the district for six years and holds degrees from West Virginia University, Ohio Valley University and Salem University.
“These appointments are important as our counties prepare for the upcoming school year,” said Superintendent Blatt. “The superintendents will begin to immediately address the issues identified in the counties to ensure student learning and well-being remain the central focus of our school systems. We look forward to working closely with county leadership to address the needs of our students, educators and staff.”
The appointments come as the state continues to address performance and operational concerns across several county school systems.