No action taken to reinstate local control in Mingo County schools

 No action was taken Wednesday by the West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) during its monthly meeting to reinstate local control in Mingo County schools.

The decision came with the findings from a review of the Mingo County School System which was conducted by the Office of Education Performance Audits (OEPA) back in March.

During the meeting, the OEPA pointed out several areas of improvement including curriculum development, instructional programs and the school calendar. But also noted continual problems in finance, personnel, facilities, transportation and policy development.

The WVBE first intervened in Mingo County in 1998 as a result of budget deficits, low student achievement and a lack of leadership. Mingo County regained control in 2002 when leadership was restored

However, the WVBE again intervened in 2005 when an audit report indicated Mingo County was again operating in a confused and dysfunctional manner.

With no change, the WVBE will now ask the West Virginia School Board Association (WVSBA) to provide leadership and capacity training to all members of the Mingo County Board of Education in addition to making sure the board follows the state’s education policies.

The OEPA is expected to revisit the Mingo County School System in one year to assess progress.