WV Symphony Development Director and 2026 Young Gun!
public. This is a space where the board can hear concerns and collaborate to create a plan for follow-up actions.
“ The robust policy process depends on public input,” Sullivan says.“ Beyond that, during monthly board meetings, WVDE staff and others report on student achievement, attendance, teacher preparation programs, career technical initiatives, discipline issues and the like.”
Another way the WVBE works toward making a strong and effective impact in statewide education is through individual county boards of education.
“ The success of schools is tied to the strength of the people involved,” Sullivan says.“ The strongest county school systems share a vision and bond between the schools and the communities they serve. County board members recognize local challenges
Sullivan presented with Certificate of Appreciation. Photo by the West Virginia Department of Education.
and opportunities, work with their superintendents to develop plans to move the needle, keep a constant and critical eye on finances, listen to employees and the public and analyze student outcomes and individual school issues. They have a clear-eyed view of the uniqueness and the possibilities of each of their schools.”
Just as policy development is most effective with input from a wide range of stakeholders, having individual boards of education at the county level brings in the necessary perspectives directly from the communities they serve. Although the WVBE, along with other leaders, tirelessly works toward a better education system, significant challenges persist that negatively impact West Virginia’ s education system.
“ Our schools did not create and cannot control the challenges that bedevil some areas of West Virginia more than others— a shrinking but aging population, shuttered businesses and falling tax bases, troublesome health metrics, low workforce participation, poverty, inadequate water and waste systems, food deserts
Congratulations to Jessica Silber,
WV Symphony Development Director and 2026 Young Gun!
Thank you for your work in keeping the music playing in WV!
See Jessica’ s work and the WV Symphony in action by joining us for an upcoming concert!
For tickets and more information, visit wvsymphony. org
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