State school board may release Gilmer system from state control

For the first time since the West Virginia Board of Education seized control of Gilmer County’s public school system half a decade ago, a state Office of Education Performance Audits report is recommending that the state school board release its hold on Gilmer.

That recommendation is despite the fact that the new report — based upon an audit conducted on Oct. 27 and 28 — notes Gilmer’s state-appointed superintendent, Gabe Devono, and two of its five local school board members told the OEPA team that they opposed the return of local democracy to their county.

“The superintendent opposed the ending of the state control, stating that the board remained dysfunctional, politicized, and incapable of functioning as a local board,” the report states. “He stated more time was needed for the treasurer and personnel {and} staff to acclimate to their job responsibilities.”

The state school board, which oversees the OEPA, could approve the recommendation next week. The board meeting is set to begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Room 353 of Building 6 of the Capitol Complex, in Charleston.

See more at: http://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/20161209/state-school-board-may-release-gilmer-system-from-state-control