In the tranquil corridors of West Virginia's Upshur County Schools, a financial storm is brewing, one capable of shaking the foundations of the state’s educational administration. The controversy, centered on the misuse of federal funds, has not only tainted the local school system but also casts a shadow over the office of State Superintendent David Roach.
The origin of this turmoil can be traced back to the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). This federal initiative, which funneled an astounding $190 billion across the nation to assist schools during the pandemic, allocated $761 million to West Virginia alone. Meant to address the unprecedented challenges brought by COVID-19, those funds were anticipated to provide invaluable support to teachers and students navigating this tumultuous period.
However, a recent Local Education Agency (LEA) Monitoring Report flagged multiple violations in Upshur County’s handling of this influx of cash. With $131,000 in erroneous expenses recorded, red flags were raised over no-bid contracts, inappropriate entertainment purchases, room rentals, and questionable employee reimbursements.
In an alarming twist, it appears these irregularities were overseen during the tenure of Dr. Sara Lewis-Stankus, who served as the Upshur County Superintendent until her departure in August last year. Dr. Lewis-Stankus, subsequently appointed by Roach to one of two deputy state superintendent positions, found her new role abruptly coming to an end. Effective May 12, following a damning report from a special investigation, she was suspended without pay until her retirement on June 30.
David Roach himself did not remain unscathed. The implications of hiring Dr. Lewis-Stankus without conducting a thorough interview process, combined with the findings of the special investigation, sparked calls for his resignation. His tenure as State Superintendent hangs by a thread, with a crucial board meeting set to determine his fate.
Such a dramatic unfolding within West Virginia coincides with another story from Campbell County, Virginia. There, Superintendent Dr. Robert Johnson is preparing for his planned retirement. After an extensive 27-year career within the county's administrative framework, including a notable 14-year period as Superintendent, Johnson’s legacy is marked by significant educational advancements and resilience through multiple crises.
Under Johnson’s leadership, Campbell County Public Schools flourished, despite navigating through the Great Recession and the challenging era of COVID-19. Johnson emphasized teamwork in his achievements, particularly in expanding educational programs such as the Early College program and Dual Enrollment, alongside efforts to increase the graduation rate. His era also saw the district's increased emphasis on STEM education and Advanced Placement courses, truly adding value to the students’ academic experience.
Johnson’s retirement announcement sets a stark contrast to the controversial and abrupt exit looming over Dr. Lewis-Stankus. Reflecting on his career, Johnson expressed immense pride in the collaborative efforts that brought about numerous educational opportunities, revealing his inclination towards seeking new endeavors post-retirement. He expressed a desire to recharge and possibly venture into the private sector, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and innovation in public education.
The Campbell County School Board has commenced its search for a new superintendent. In the meantime, the chilly winds in the administrative offices of West Virginia hint at continued turbulence. With pending board meetings and special investigation findings on the horizon, the narrative is far from conclusion.
In a world where educational leaders play pivotal roles in shaping the future, the stories from Upshur and Campbell County provide a lens through which the broader community can consider the consequences of accountability and leadership. Only time will tell how these tales will influence the national dialogue surrounding educational governance and the crucial stewardship of public funds.
