State’s Two Largest Education Unions Finalize Merger

The American Federation of Teachers-West Virginia (AFT-WV) and the West Virginia Education Association (WVEA) formally approved the merger of their two organizations into Education West Virginia.  

The merger was first announced just over a year ago. It was approved over the weekend, on March 29, and will become official on Sept. 1, 2025. 

Dale Lee, president of WVEA, told West Virginia Public Broadcasting that he and AFT-WV President Kristie Skidmore will serve as co-presidents.

“September 1, it’ll be Education West Virginia” he said. “The transition council will govern until the first convention, which will take place in the spring of 2027 at which time the Education West Virginia will elect their first president and officers and governance council that will take office July 1 of 2027.”

In a joint statement, the co-presidents say they are committed to advocating for education professionals to ensure they have the resources, support, and conditions necessary for providing a high-quality education for West Virginia’s students.

“The organization aims to drive the changes needed to strengthen public schools and improve educational outcomes in every community across West Virginia,” said Skidmore and Lee. “We couldn’t agree more that it was time for this merger, as it will allow us to expand our efforts and make an even greater impact on the future of education.”