Seaver, 54, hopes to step down June 29 to spend more time with her grandchildren but has agreed to stay on until a suitable replacement can be hired. Paine plans to immediately begin the search for a new superintendent.  

Before taking over in Lincoln County, Seaver previously served two years as superintendent in Tyler County, a school system that has some of the highest student test scores in the state, and as an assistant superintendent in Mercer County.  

“Dr. Seaver is leaving Lincoln County a better place,” Paine said. “Her expertise in school finance and facilities has helped the county improve and move closer to regaining control of its schools. I’m very optimistic about the future of Lincoln County.”  

Seaver oversaw the fall 2006 opening of a new Lincoln County High School after the retirement of Bill Grizzell. Outfitted with the latest technology, the school has exposed students who formerly attended Duval, Hamlin, Harts and Guyan Valley to courses and programs they never had access to before Seaver also has worked hard to improve reading curriculum in elementary schools and oversees a new literacy committee.  

“My decision to retire was finalized after long and careful consideration of all factors,” Seaver said. “I regret leaving the students, teachers, support staff and administrations in Lincoln County. I believe we have made some student steps in the right direction for student achievement.  

“For over 30 years the education of our students in West Virginia was my passion and calling. It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve as a teacher and administrator. It is with a heavy heart that I end my career.”  

State board members made the difficult decision to seize Lincoln County schools in 2000 after some 200 deficiencies were cited by the West Virginia Office of Education Performance Audits. Since the takeover, Lincoln County has seen improvements in hiring practices, teacher certification and curriculum and instruction, as well as other areas. The county is one of only three statewide to host a Chinese Guest Teacher and plans are in the works to add universal preschool next year.  

“The state board greatly appreciates the service Dr. Seaver has provided to Lincoln County will miss her expertise,” said West Virginia Board of Education President Lowell Johnson. “We wish her the best.”