State Board Member in Spotlight

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Wade Linger, West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) member, continues to make his mark around the state. Linger was presented with the 2013 Marion County Chamber of Commerce Education Award.

The Marion County Chamber of Commerce presents the Education Award to individuals in the community and region who have made an impact on education and, in turn, the economic future of the state.

“As a state board member I know that true change does not happen in silos,” said Linger. “So I accept this award on behalf of all of the board members, educators, students, education groups, community members, lawmakers and our governor because success can only be achieved as we work together to create an educational system that will prepare students for college or a career.”  

Linger is the immediate past president of the WVBE. During his time in the leadership role, he championed historic education reform set forth by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin as part of the 2013 Legislative Session and Senate Bill 359 (SB359).

Under SB359, county school districts have more freedom in hiring decisions and more flexibility in their calendars to bolster student instruction. In addition, counties will be required to provide full-week preschool for four-year-olds statewide. The measure also offers to help teachers with loans, covers the renewal fee for those with National Board Certification, and revamps the way the state accredits schools and provides professional development.

SB359 also advances efforts to improve student achievement, including making sure all children are reading at grade level by the end of third grade and ensuring that high school students graduate ready to enter the work force or make a seamless transition into college or career training. In addition, the legislation ensures that all students are taught by great teachers and acknowledges that students learn in a variety of ways and encourages using alternative teaching methods.

The WVBE is addressing several challenges set forth by the governor, including:

• certifying teacher education programs and directing professional development to support reading on grade level by the end of third grade;
• establishing a commission to review the current governance structure of the 55 county boards of education and the costs that necessitates;
• aggressively pursuing the use of Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs) to create efficiencies and to decentralize the delivery of professional development services;
• pursuing coordination of staff in cross-counseling efforts between public education and community colleges to ensure high school graduates are prepared for a career;
• requiring every career center in West Virginia to adopt or develop at least one career pathway that meets Southern Regional Education Board standards for Preparation for Tomorrow; and
• investigating Project 24, a national effort to help school districts plan for and effectively use technology, and advising the Governor's Office on using technology in West Virginia to personalize and enhance the education of all students.

For more information contact Liza Cordeiro in the WVDE Communication Office at 304-558-2699. 

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