Charleston, W.Va. (WVDN) – The West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) welcomed new board member Dr. James Paul during the March meeting in Charleston today. Dr. Paul was recently appointed by Gov. Patrick Morrisey to a full, nine-year term.
Dr. Paul is the Director of State Education Policy at the America First Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. Previously, he served as the executive director of the West Virginia Professional Charter School Board at its inception from 2022 to 2025. During this time, he secured and directed the implementation of a $12 million federal Charter Schools grant. He earned a Ph.D. in Education Policy from the University of Arkansas and holds a Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Arts, both from Syracuse University. He resides in Charles Town with his wife and three children.
“We welcome Dr. Paul to the State Board as he brings a diverse and extensive background for the benefit of the children and schools of our state,” said WVBE Vice President Victor Gabriel. “We look forward to him sharing his expertise and insights as we address the growing and profound challenges of public education, while also celebrating the dedication of those educators, professionals, personnel and others who support the needs of our public school children.”
Milken Educator Recognition
Milken Family Foundation (MFF) Vice President Stephanie Bishop presented West Virginia’s 2025-26 Milken Educator with an award during the meeting. Brooke Bailey, a math teacher at Mullens Elementary School (Wyoming County), was recognized at her school in November during a surprise announcement. The presentation of the MFF obelisk is an annual tradition, giving the WVBE an opportunity to honor the educator’s accomplishments.
The Milken Award is considered the Oscars of education, with a $25,000 unrestricted award to each winner. Bailey is the state’s 81st Milken winner and the first from Wyoming County. Her announcement video is posted on the MFF website.
Hancock County Intervention Update
Hancock County Superintendent Walter Saunders provided an update to the WVBE on progress within Hancock County Schools. The Board assumed control of the school system in January due to a fiscal crisis that threatened ongoing operations. The county was approximately 140 positions over the school aid formula and was at risk of not making payroll before the end of the fiscal year.
Superintendent Saunders outlined areas identified in the county to bring stability to the school system and address non-compliance. These areas include personnel and financial management and transportation, among others.
Upshur County Intervention Update
Upshur County Schools has been under full WVBE intervention since June 2023, requiring the county to report updates to the Board every six months. Superintendent Christy Miller provided information on the work of the staff and community, as well as the WVDE, to support changes and progress in Upshur County. Superintendent Miller will retire at the end of the school year, and new leadership will be appointed.
Special Circumstance Review reports are posted on the Accountability section of the WVDE website.
The agenda, a stream link to today’s meeting and available reports can be found on the WVBE event page of the WVDE website. Photos are available on the WVDE’s Flickr account.
The next WVBE meeting is at 9 a.m., Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in Building 6, Suite 600, 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Charleston, West Virginia 25305.
