(Photo by Shelley Hanson) Marshall County Schools Superintendent Shelby Haines poses for a portrait following Tuesday’s special meeting.

MOUNDSVILLE – The Marshall County Board of Education said the district’s superintendent, Shelby Haines, met or exceeded goals for the 2025-26 school year.

The board conducted its evaluation of Haines during a special meeting Tuesday evening at the board office. Discussion of Haines’ work was held during a closed-door portion of the meeting. After the board returned to regular session, Vice President Christie Robison read a statement.

“The board of education went through the annual evaluation of Dr. Haines as superintendent and found that she met or exceeded all goals as established for the year 2025-26,” Robison said.

Haines said she is glad to be part of Marshall County Schools and to work with its employees.

“We have a lot of good things going on and a lot of good students and we want to keep moving forward,” she said.

Board member Duane Miller said the district is blessed to have Haines as its superintendent.

“Every decision you make only has the kids at the heart of every decision you make and also your staff,” he said.

Board member Brenda Coffield thanked Haines for her work.

“Thank you for all you do and for keeping us informed the way you do,” she said.

Board member Lori Kestner praised Haines’ leadership.

“Strong leaders are not always found. Shelby, you are a strong leader and the environment you have created for the principals and the personnel and the cooks and the bus drivers – it isn’t just a part of the education piece, it’s all people and all aspects of those who touch the kids,” Kestner said.

President John Miller said Haines is “outstanding in all areas.”

“I wouldn’t want to get along without her,” he said.

Robison added that Haines respects everyone who works for the county at all levels.

“You can see that they feel that respect and they respond with pride. You do take care of the adults, but in taking care of the adults it’s the children who ultimately are blessed and we are very grateful,” she said.

The goals that Haines met or exceeded included increasing student achievement, compliance with legislative mandates and supporting the transition of employees into new roles such as principals.

Robison said the board members reviewed the goals and notes from Haines on how she believed she achieved them. The board can rate each item as “fails to meet,” “meets” or “exceeds.”

“So we marked meets or exceeds on all three,” she said. “Basically we feel she does an incredible job. We were pretty much in agreement on everything. There really was no dissension on any point. That doesn’t mean we didn’t have good conversation about it and bring up points, different people, different views, what you hear – those things. We’re very pleased.”

She added there is a lot of “mutual respect” between staff members and administrators.

“I think the underlying thing people have adopted is that this is for the students,” Robison said. “Build it so they get the best. Then the community will be built up. Because they’re going to grow older; students don’t get younger. And we hope they want to stay and say, ‘I want to raise my family here.'”