The West Virginia Department of Education announced Wednesday afternoon that it will take over decision-making for Tyler County Schools. That includes appointing a new superintendent to replace outgoing superintendent Shane Highley — even though the Tyler Board of Education had already announced the hire to replace him.

The West Virginia Board of Education voted at its meeting Wednesday to take over the Tyler school district, after West Virginia State Schools Superintendent Michele Blatt said that “extraordinary circumstances exist in Tyler County Schools that warrant immediate intervention.”

With that intervention, the authority of the Tyler County Board of Education is voided as to finances, personnel, federal programs, and any other areas designated by the WVBE by rule. When Highley’s contract runs out at the end of business as of June 30 — the board voted 3-2 to not renew his contract — Blatt will appoint a Tyler County Schools superintendent and any other contracts regarding employment of the county superintendent will be voided.

Earlier in May, the Tyler school board voted to promote TCS Human Resources Director Tricia Feldmeier to superintendent.

An investigation by the state turned up several areas of concern, including an over-reliance on executive session by board members, that the board has yet to make a comment about not renewing Highley’s contract, that the school district’s volunteer policy does not require a background check, and that several board members “did not seem to have a complete understanding of what intervention may entail.”

Also, county school staff members interviewed mentioned low morale and fear of retaliation against staffers who were supportive of the superintendent.

A strategic plan detailing points of improvement must be put in place before the Tyler school board can regain control.

Return to theintelligencer.net later for more on this developing story.