WV school superintendent announces his resignation

State Superintendent of School Dr. Jim Phares is retiring. He made the announcement Tuesday in a resignation letter he submitted to the state Board of Education.

Phares said he plans to retire on June 30 but will remain superintendent until his replacement has been named.

In his resignation letter, Phares said, “Thank you for the opportunity to serve the students, parents and teachers of the state of West Virginia in the capacity of State Superintendent of Schools. I will always cherish my opportunity to have done so.”

Phares officially took over the state’s top education position in January 2013. He stepped after former Superintendent Jorea Marple was fired from the job in November of 2012.

In his 40-year career, Phares served as superintendent in Pocahontas, Marion and Randolph Counties. He was also a teacher and coach in both West Virginia and Virginia.

Phares said in his resignation letter that “pressing family issues” are one reason he’s stepping down.