News Summary
Preston County Schools began the new school year without the staggered start previously planned, following a mandate from the West Virginia Board of Education. Superintendent Brad Martin explained that alternative proposals for instructional days did not comply with state regulations, prompting the change. Education officials expressed disappointment, but there was a successful open house for incoming freshmen. The adjustments aim to enhance the educational environment, ensuring all students receive the mandated instructional time while maintaining excitement for the school year.
Kingwood, West Virginia – The 2025-26 school year commenced on Monday, August 18, marking a significant shift for Preston County Schools as students returned to classes without the previously anticipated staggered start. This sudden change came after an advisory from the West Virginia Board of Education, which mandated that the staggered start, a practice in place since 2020, was in violation of state code that requires 180 days of independent instructional time.
Superintendent Brad Martin acknowledged the abrupt change in a public statement made on social media, noting that while attempts had been made to propose alternatives for recapturing instructional days, these proposals did not comply with state regulations. As a result, the staggered start process has been eliminated for the current and future academic years. This decision has evoked disappointment among education officials, including Principal Todd Seymour, who expressed a wish for more time to develop viable solutions following the state’s directive.
The staggered start format allowed students to return to school in phases based on their grade level, aiming to ease their transition back into the school environment. However, the West Virginia Department of Education classified this approach as incompatible with the law, prompting immediate adjustments in the school schedule.
In preparation for the new school year, Preston High School hosted an Open House for incoming freshmen on Sunday, August 17, where approximately three-fourths of the new students attended. The event was well-received, with attendees experiencing school tours and orienting themselves with their schedules. Principal Seymour commented on the impressive turnout, performing as a proactive measure to help students acclimate before classes began.
The Open House provided an opportunity for freshmen to engage with their new surroundings without the presence of upperclassmen, a factor that teacher Danielle Barker found particularly beneficial for easing anxieties. The energetic atmosphere at the event highlighted the readiness and anticipation among students about the new school year, reflecting an overall positive sentiment despite the last-minute adjustments.
Looking ahead in the calendar, kindergarten and pre-K students are set to begin classes on Wednesday, August 20, furthering the school’s efforts to normalize routines following the changes. Additionally, Friday, August 22 has been designated a non-instructional day to allow staff and faculty time for professional development, ensuring that educators are well-prepared for the upcoming year.
The swift response from Preston County Schools staff in handling the unexpected changes has received widespread commendation. Despite the challenges presented by this situation, student enthusiasm remains high as everyone gears up for what will undoubtedly be a unique school year under altered conditions. School officials are now focused on creating a successful and compliant instructional environment moving forward, adapting to the new requirements while maintaining quality education for all students.
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HERE Resources
West Virginia Faces Declining Public School Enrollment
Additional Resources
- WV News: Preston County Schools Move Forward Following Staggered Start Cancellation
- WBOY: WV Department of Education Gives Reason for Scrapping Preston County Staggered Start
- MSN: Preston County Schools Alters Plan for Staggered Start to Year
- WV News: Preston County Schools to Begin Year Without Staggered Start
- WAJR: Preston County Board of Education Approves Closure of Rowlesburg School, Fellowsville Elementary
- Wikipedia: Education in West Virginia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google Search: Preston County Schools
- Google News: Preston County
- Google Scholar: Preston County Education
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