Tyler Co. Residents Turn Out To Support Superintendent

|Photo by Randy Rutherford| Tyler County residents come out in support of Tyler County Schools Superintendent Shane Highley
Tyler County Schools Superintendent Shane Highley oversaw a Tyler Board of Education meeting Wednesday night where the board unanimously approved the consolidation of the county’s two elementary schools into one. All the while, a large contingent of Tyler County residents were in the audience showing their support for Highley, whose contract was not renewed by the board just 24 hours earlier.
Audience members held signs with sayings like “Do The Right Thing … Renew Highley’s Contract,” at Wednesday’s special meeting at Tyler Consolidated High School. On Tuesday night, the board voted 3-2 not to renew Highley’s contract with the district.
That vote came near the end of Tuesday night’s meeting after the board emerged from a long closed-door session, during which they and Highley discussed their evaluation of him. Three board members — Diane Stender, Larry Thomas and Andy Shreves — voted against the renewal of his contract while President Katrina Byers and Scott Strode voted in support of extending it.
At the conclusion of Tuesday’s meeting, Byers and Strode both announced their resignation. At the start of Wednesday’s meeting, both Byers and Strode rescinded those resignations.
“After careful consideration I have decided to rescind my resignation,” Byers said. “I feel obligated to the students and community to fulfill my term as a member of the board of education.”
“Likewise I rescind my resignation,” Strode added. “There was great support from everyone and I received many text messages encouraging me to stay with the board. I appreciate your support and you directing me in the right direction.”
None of the five board members would comment Wednesday on Tuesday’s vote. Byers also asked those in Wednesday’s audience to discuss only what was on Wednesday’s agenda, the combining of Arthur I. Boreman and Sistersville elementary schools into one school, which would be housed in a new building on the Tyler Consolidated School campus.
Highley presented the summary of proposed action of consolidation by the administration. Following Highley’s remarks and presentation, the meeting was turned over to delegations wishing to address the board concerning the proposed action. Boreman Elementary teacher Carla Wells said she spoke on behalf of the entire Boreman faculty and staff in favor of the move, saying it was important to improve facilities for the elementary students and teachers.
Five more pro-consolidation speakers discussed the benefits of bringing all the schools together on one campus. Another speaker mentioned the costs of consolidation, but pledged his support for whatever the board decides.
The next regular meeting of the Tyler County Board of Education is scheduled for Feb. 3, where it is expected that residents will address the board about Highley’s contract situation.