Charleston, W.Va. (WVDN) – Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the appointment of Dr. James Paul to the West Virginia State Board of Education and outlined an education reform agenda designed to strengthen the state’s workforce, improve accountability, and support continued economic growth.
“The decisions we make today will determine if the next generation of West Virginians will have better opportunities tomorrow,” said Governor Morrisey. “That requires stronger accountability at every level, including from the State Board of Education. We must ensure that our education system delivers results for students, families, and taxpayers.”
Since October, the Morrisey administration has secured approximately $6.5 billion in new private-sector investment and nearly 7,000 projected jobs. With additional federal investment commitments, total investment commitments now exceed $8 billion, supporting more than 8,000 projected jobs statewide.
“If we want these investments to last, we must make the right education investments now,” Governor Morrisey added. “Our future workforce is sitting in today’s classrooms. That’s why leadership on the State Board of Education matters now more than ever.”
Dr. Paul brings extensive experience in education policy and school oversight, including prior service as Executive Director of the West Virginia Professional Charter School Board. A resident of Charles Town, Dr. Paul’s understanding of the Board’s constitutional role will help advance higher standards, stronger accountability, and better outcomes for students.
“I’m deeply grateful to Governor Morrisey for this appointment and the confidence he’s placed in me,” said Dr. Paul. “Serving on the State Board of Education is a privilege and a big responsibility. I’m excited to work on behalf of the children and families of West Virginia, who deserve nothing less than high-quality public education.”
Despite ranking 27th nationally in per-pupil spending, West Virginia continues to rank near the bottom in academic outcomes, with just 21 percent of eighth graders proficient in reading and 18 percent in math. This disparity underscores the need for stronger oversight, clearer performance expectations, and responsible spending.
To improve these outcomes, the Governor plans to focus on a number of legislative priorities including fully funding the HOPE Scholarship, implementing the LETRS program to strengthen literacy, providing teachers and state employees a 3 percent pay raise, reforming truancy laws, and reinstating the Presidential Fitness Test.
