CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Steven Paine announced today the hire of a new Associate Superintendent of Schools and a new Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning.

Clayton Burch, who has served as the head of the Division of Teaching and Learning, was named Wednesday as the State Associate Superintendent of Schools. Burch will assume many of the responsibilities of Dr. Cindy Daniel who served as the Deputy Superintendent as well as duties of the Department’s former Chief of Staff. Daniel recently retired after 33 years in public education. Burch will begin his new role on June 1.

“I am honored to be chosen for such an important position,” Burch said. “Under Dr. Paine’s leadership, and with the support of our State Board, I believe we have an opportunity to make significant and positive change in our education system. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to provide the very best educational opportunities for all West Virginia students.”

Burch has led the Division of Teaching and Learning since 2014, overseeing early learning, middle and secondary learning, assessment and special education. Under his leadership, West Virginia has been recognized as a national model for early childhood education. Because of West Virginia’s model pre-K programs, Burch has hosted two United States Secretaries of Education. He previously directed the West Virginia Department of Education’s Office of Early Learning, which focused on pre-K through 5th grade instruction and learning, as well as the implementation of the state’s Universal Pre-K program. His work has always included community collaboration efforts, continuous quality improvement projects, school readiness initiatives and professional development. Burch has served on numerous national advisory councils and is known as an expert in early childhood education.

Paine also named Dr. Lou Maynus as the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning to replace Burch’s previous position. Maynus currently serves as Assistant Superintendent for Kanawha County Schools and previously worked at the West Virginia Department of Education from 2007-2012. A former math teacher, Maynus is known as a leader in mathematics instruction and under her direction, West Virginia saw gains in math scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Maynus begins her new role on July 1.

“The West Virginia Department of Education is fortunate to welcome two individuals with tremendous experience and vision for West Virginia’s future,” Paine said. “Both Clayton and Lou will be instrumental in furthering the goals of our State Board and continuing to improve education in West Virginia.”

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.