Pocahontas BOE Honors Superintendent, Board Members Leaving At End of June

Boyer, WV – Present and future members of the Pocahontas County Board of Education and central office staff gathered at Ryders Restaurant to honor and say goodbye to Superintendent Dr. Patrick Law and board members Ruth Taylor and Tommy VanReenan.

Dr. Law has served as the Superintendent of Pocahontas County schools for almost seven years. He leaves the county to take over as Superintendent of Wood County schools beginning July 1st. Law praised his fellow educators, board members and his staff for making his tenure an enjoyable one.

“This is a unique and wonderful place, there’s no place else like it” says Law. “It is a very good school system. I found it that way when I came, I hope I’m leaving it that way as I leave.”

He told the gathered crowd that just last year, West Virginia School Superintendent Dr. Steven Paine pointed out that Pocahontas County was the fastest improving county in the state. Law credits the improvement to the dedication of the board, teachers, parents and students.

The Board presented Law with a plaque and a framed poster featuring some of the best loved tourism spots around the county.

The Board also recognized two members who are stepping down at the end of June. Ruth Taylor, who has had some health problems, is retiring to spend more time on other projects. Tommy VanReenan lost his bid in May to be re-elected to the Board.

Board President Kenny Vance presented a plaque to both, in recognition of their years of service. He thanked Taylor for her advice through the years and her organization of the annual 8th grade luncheon, held at Snowshoe for several years now.

Presenting the plaque to VanReenan, Vance noted that whenever he had any kind of automotive question, he always knew he could turn to him for sound guidance. VanReenans voice choked up slightly as he thanked the board for the opportunity to serve these past eight years.

CC Lester, former Principal of Marlinton Middle School, will take over as Superintendent of Pocahontas Schools on July 1st. New board members Emery Grimes and Jan McNeel will join board members Vance, Leslie Cain and Margaret Worth in July.