WELLS NAMED WV SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR
Since 1988, the West Virginia Department of Education in conjunction with the WV Association of School Administrators has named a Superintendent of the Year. Each year, superintendents from across the state are evaluated for their contribution to the school system they currently serve for academic progress, facility improvement, leadership capacity, staff and student progress and achievement, district progress, and overall district operations. They are also evaluated on their prior experience as a school administrator and contribution to education across the state. The committee to review and select the recipient of this honor is made up from current and retired administrators from across the state as well as other advisors and is currently led by Steven Wotring, Superintendent of Preston County Schools and Dr. Thomas Hisiro, Professor of Leadership Studies for Marshall University.
Being named as West Virginia Superintendent of the Year is a prestigious honor, and for 2022, Michael Wells, superintendent of Pleasants County, has been named. With his experience and contributions, he exemplifies the type of individual deserving of this award, based on the criteria of the award. He was awarded this honor at the 2022 Association of School Administrators Summer Conference on June 22 by Mr. Wotring, Dr. Hisiro, and Susan Collins, Executive Director of the WV Association of School Administrators. He will go on to represent West Virginia in the national competition in 2023.
Kimberly Kehrer, PCS Director of Special Programs; Susan Collins, WVASA Executive Director; Michael Wells, Superintendent of PCS/ WV Super. of the Year; Helen Wells; Eric Croasmun; PCS Director of Curriculum and Instruction/ Personnel
Mike Wells obtained his undergraduate degree in health and physical education from West Liberty University, before moving on to obtain his master’s degree in educational leadership from WVU and his Ed.S from Marshall University. He began his career in 1989 as a teacher/coach in North Carolina, obtaining his CDL to drive his teams to their sporting events. He returned to WV to teach in Wetzel County Schools where he taught at Short Line and Paden City Elementary Schools. Wells’ administrative career began in Wood County, filling the role of both principal and assistant principal at Hamilton Middle School and Williamstown Middle/High School. He began his work in Pleasants County in 2005 as principal of Pleasants County Middle School, before moving on to Principal at SMHS. He has served in his current role as Superintendent since 2011.
Michael Wells acceptance remarks following being named "WV Superintendent of the Year."
Mr. Wells has upheld his commitment to ensuring that Pleasants County Schools achieves academically, structurally, and fiscally. He has “modernized” the county schools by overseeing the construction of a new high school as well as major renovations and security updates at all buildings for which he has brought $44,000,000 in to the county through grants, applications, and other means to support the facility upgrades. Upon the completion of the new St. Marys High School, Mr. Wells proudly held the title of “Superintendent of the oldest operating school in WV (St. Marys Elementary School) and the newest school in WV” until another building opened in the state about six months later. He has worked to develop the leadership capacity in all of the school buildings and departments. He has also been monumental in expanding school-based mental health and social services within each of the schools, extending his influence and reach across the state.
Beyond Pleasants County, Mike has worked closely with individuals at the state department to ensure fair and proactive policies and practices are in place. He has also worked with legislators, advisory groups and various governmental organizations to provide insight from the ground level on the needs of the school system. As current president of the WVASA and a long-standing executive board member, Mike has worked with the other leaders to provide professional development and expand the opportunities for district level administrators. He has been a stalwart advocate to new superintendents across the state, serving in an unofficial mentoring capacity and leading them along this sometimes-difficult journey.
M.J. Pope-Albin, former Superintendent of Wirt County Schools (retired,) Mr. Wells, and Robin (Daquilante) Lattanzio, former Superintendent of Tyler County Schools (retired.)
Mike is married to his wife Helen, since 1991. Together they have two children, Catie and Drew. They make their home in Belmont WV along with their dog Maverick and where they await the birth of their first grandchild in July.
Mr. Michael Wells is so much more than the textbook definition of superintendent to the students, staff and community of Pleasants County. He is a constant fixture at the schools, visiting every one of them on an almost daily basis. The students, staff and community members know him by name and are often seen laughing and chatting with him at community events, athletic events, and even the golf course. He is truly an example of “the people’s superintendent.”
CONGRATULATIONS to Mr. Wells!