CROOK

MOUNDSVILLE — A 4-1 vote by the Marshall County Board of Education Tuesday signaled the end of Jeffrey Crook’s career with the school district when his contract expires in June.

Board member Lori Kestner cast the sole vote in favor of renewing Crook’s contract, while board president John Miller was joined by fellow board members Christie Robison, Duane Miller and Brenda Coffield in voting not to renew.

The vote first drew surprise, then derision and jeers from the assembled audience of around 100 people, several of whom called out that the board would face consequences at the next election.

Just prior to the vote, the board also approved Crook’s superintendent evaluation, which had been performed ahead of schedule, at Crook’s request. The evaluation indicated Crook had met the district’s expectations and performed satisfactorily.

“The board reports that Dr. Crook overall met the standards as defined by code, specifically focused on improving student achievement generally and through management and administration,” according to the evaluation.

Duane Miller declined to comment on the vote following the meeting, citing that he would not discuss personnel matters. The board did not discuss the process for finding the county’s next superintendent.

The board meeting was held at John Marshall High School’s auditorium, and board members met behind closed doors for around 25 minutes before coming back into session and calling for a vote. Board member John Miller, apparently anticipating a contentious meeting, pointed out to those in the audience that West Virginia State Police troopers were stationed by the doors to keep order.

The meeting was opened with an outpouring of support for Crook from teachers, service personnel and parents. One woman, Marlena Mlodzik, had assembled a large poster board in support of Crook that she displayed while recounting his substantial involvement in the district.

“We had a serious threat against two of our staff members,” Mlodzik said. “It escalated on Facebook, and our staff was scared. … At 6 a.m., Dr. Crook was standing on that campus, there in support so our predominately female staff did not have to go into that school alone. That right there is a true gentleman, someone who deserves our support, someone’s who’s a great example for our children.

“He’s a man among men, and I’m happy to work alongside him.”

Former board member Beth Phillips spoke to Crook’s character and commitment to the job, relocating his family from Hampshire County, West Virginia, to Marshall County when he accepted the job.

“When your superintendent search began, you said you wanted one that would be ingrained in this community. Dr. Crook picked up his entire family and moved to this county,” she said. “He pulled his kid out of school his senior year. That shows dedication.”

Phillips reminded the board that they do not just represent taxpayers or the teachers, but the students themselves, and implored them to act in the children’s best interests.

Following the vote, Crook gave his superintendent’s report, before standing up and leaving the stage prior to the adjournment of the meeting.

“Thank you to all the folks who came tonight to show support,” Crook said. “Sometimes, things happen. I could have predicted that this would have happened, maybe later on. I’ll miss everybody, but I’m going to hold my head high, and continue helping kids somewhere. I do appreciate Marshall County. I love everything you guys stand for.”

Crook was met by a small crowd in the audience to receive hugs, handshakes, and well-wishes. Following the meeting, parents and personnel had gathered to express their discontent with the decision.

“I can’t believe that they can approve the evaluation, and then get rid of him,” said employee and parent Debbie Jochum. “He’s done more for Marshall County in the past two years than any superintendent that’s ever been in Marshall County.”