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West Virginia's new schools superintendent has taken the oath of office.Michael Martirano was sworn in Monday, then headed straight to the source on his…
West Virginia’s new schools superintendent has taken the oath of office.
Michael Martirano was sworn in Monday, then headed straight to the source on his first day of work.
Martirano paid a visit the newly built Edgewood Elementary in Charleston following the swearing-in ceremony at the state Culture Center.
The state Board of Education hired Martirano this summer to replace the retiring Jim Phares.
Martirano previously was superintendent of St. Mary’s County Public Schools in Maryland.
West Virginia’s new schools superintendent will report for work on Sept. 15.
The state Board of Education hired Michael Martirano this summer to replace the retiring Jim Phares.
Martirano was superintendent of St. Mary’s County Public Schools in Maryland. The Charleston Daily Mail reports he was contractually obligated there until September.
Martirano will earn an annual salary of $230,000. The state board had lobbied the Legislature to remove the $175,000 salary cap for the position.
West Virginia got a glimpse of its newly appointed superintendent of schools Tuesday when Dr. Michael Martirano was introduced to a crowd of state employees and members of the media.
The appointment comes more than year into Governor Tomblin’s mission to strengthen public education in the state.
“A visionary. A transformational leader. A person who could be the voice for education in West Virginia,” Board President Gayle Manchin said when introducing him to the crowded room at the Capitol.
Martirano’s hiring comes after a year long, nationwide search that cost the state some $40,000.
Martirano is coming to West Virginia from St. Mary’s County Public Schools in southern Maryland. A Maryland native, he touted his ability to go into a place that’s failing its student and turn it around saying graduation rates in his current school district raised from 84 to 91 percent in his nine year tenure.
Martirano said he can recreate that success in West Virginia by strengthening the state’s focus on school attendance and creating support systems for children both in and out of the classroom beginning early in the education process.
When he takes the position in the fall, Martirano said he will be focused on improving student achievement, but also wants to make sure the highest quality teachers are in the classroom leading West Virginia’s students.
“For me it’s about recruitment, having alignment with our higher education institutions to make sure teachers are prepared and that we don’t compromise our standards,” he said.
Martirano has been criticized for leaving St. Mary’s County during the midst of an investigation into their increasing deficit. The superintendent pointed to growing health care costs, increasing numbers in the special education program and a harsh winter for the budget constrictions.
Long time Department of Education employee Chuck Heinlein is filling the seat as state school’s chief until Martirano’s current contract ends in September.
It’s official. The West Virginia Board of Education has approved the next state superintendent of schools.
Members unanimously agreed to hire Dr. Michael Martirano Tuesday to take over as state school’s chief this fall. Martirano currently serves as superintendent of St. Mary’s County Public Schools in southern Maryland, a position he’s held for almost a decade.
Martirano replaces Charles Heinlein who was appointed to the position last week. Heinlein is the former deputy superintendent and will return to that office when Martirano begins. Heinlein took over as states superintendent Tuesday, replacing retiring superintendent James Phares.
In a written statement last week, Board President Gayle Manchin said Martirano understands the need for improved student achievement in West Virginia and has demonstrated a record of success in that area.
The Charleston Gazette reports he is leaving St. Mary’s County amidst an investigation into a $6 million budget deficit. Martirano pointed to unexpected health-care costs, the harsh winter and a growing special education budget for the lack of funding.
President of the county’s branch of the National Education Association Anna Laughlin says the school system is expected to break even after cutting 35 jobs and already-promised raises.
Martirano was hired after a nationwide searching costing the state more than $40,000. Sixty-four applicants from more than 40 states applied for the position.
The West Virginia Department of Education will soon have a new leader in Dr. Michael Martirano.
State Board President Gayle Manchin made the announcement of his likely nomination and approval Wednesday evening through a press release.
Martirano is the superintendent of St. Mary’s County Public Schools in southern Maryland, a position he’s held for nine years, and is currently the longest serving superintendent in that state.
His resume touts a number of achievements, including being named a 2012 Top 50 Innovator in America in the Converge Yearbook and Maryland’s Superintendent of the Year in 2009 by the Public School Superintendents Association of Maryland.
In a written statement, Manchin said Martirano understands the need for improved student achievement in West Virginia and has demonstrated a record of success in that area.
“He is an energetic and passionate leader, an excellent communicator, and possesses a unique set of skills, talents and experience that will positively impact West Virginia’s students,” Manchin said.
The proposed hiring comes after a nationwide search conducted on behalf of the board by search firm Ray & Associates, Inc. Sixty-four individuals applied for the position which the board narrowed down over the course of a few weeks.
The final three candidates were interviewed in Charleston Tuesday, but details about those finalists were kept confidential because Manchin said the board did not want to jeopardize their current jobs.
The state Board of Education will meet Tuesday, July 1, in Charleston to officially nominate and approve Martirano. Manchin said they plan to introduce him to the public at their July 9 meeting.
Martirano will replace Charles Heinlein who was named as “temporary” superintendent Tuesday, although according to board attorneys an interim title is not permitted by state code. Heinlein currently serves as deputy superintendent to Dr. James Phares, who will retire on June 30.