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Cellphones banned for Mingo schools
BY KYLE LOVERN MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — Like many other counties in the region, Mingo County Schools has adopted a new cellphone policy for students. Officials released a statement on social media and other outlets last week: “All personnel electronic devices (PEDs) shall not be accessible to students for use in a classroom setting
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Martin County BOE reports enrollment figures
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Board of Education conducted its first meeting of the new school year Aug. 11 with an enrollment report and regular business. Superintendent Larry James presented the enrollment figures showing the district has 1,552 students for 2025–26, a decrease of 21 from last year. Martin County
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Warfield school to lock gates after hours to stop vandalism
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT WARFIELD — Warfield Elementary School will lock all school gates after hours in response to a rise in unauthorized activities on school property. School officials announced Monday on social media that the decision follows incidents of individuals dropping off animals, riding motorcycles on sidewalks and vandalizing school grounds. “Trespassing onto school property,
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Back to school Aug. 6: Martin County sets the clock on 2025–26
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Backpacks at the ready: Martin County students will head back to school Aug. 6. According to the school district’s 2025–26 calendar, teachers report a day earlier for opening day Aug. 5. This follows a round of professional development July 29–31 and Aug. 4. The last day of school
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Hinkle steps into role as Family and Consumer Sciences teacher and FCCLA adviser
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — As Martin County High School bids farewell to longtime educator Connie Harless, the school welcomes a new face with deep local roots and a passion for youth development. Nicole Hinkle has been named the new Family and Consumer Sciences teacher and FCCLA adviser, stepping into the role Harless
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Opinion: All lawmakers and the governor agreed: SB 181 is necessary. We will make sure it’s clear and effective
BY SEN. LINDSEY TICHENOR Now that Senate Bill 181 is in effect, having passed 137-0 and been signed into law by the Governor in April, lawmakers have received questions about its implementation and overall necessity. The law requires school staff and volunteers to use traceable, district-approved platforms for direct communication with students—tools that parents can
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West Virginia appoints new superintendents in counties under state oversight
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
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School board renews RTIs, advances police force plans
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Board of Education highlighted student success and advanced several initiatives during its April 14 meeting, including renewal of elementary intervention teachers, progress toward forming a district police force, and approval of a student IT apprenticeship program. Following student recognitions (see related stories in this edition),
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Martin County school board applauds student success in academics, music and leadership
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Board of Education recognized another impressive lineup of student accomplishments April 14, highlighting success across academics, music, science and leadership. Schools Superintendent Larry James presented certificates to the students. First up, Eden Elementary’s Olivia Maynard, who took top honors at the East Kentucky Regional Science
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Call to Action: USED will harm schools and districts
BY DR. ROBBIE FLETCHER COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION On Friday evening, March 28, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon sent an email to all state education agencies notifying us that the U.S. Department of Education (USED) is changing the deadline it previously provided to liquidate COVID relief funds to end at 5 p.m., this past Friday,
