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Moving Forward

New staff prepares to lead school system

The Inter-Mountain photo by Beth Henry-Vance Randolph County Schools will have three new people serving in leadership roles beginning July 1. From left are Amy Smith, who will be the new director of federal programs/curriculum; Gabriel J. ‘Gabe’ Devono, who will be the new superintendent of schools; and Debra Schmidlen, who will be the new assistant superintendent of schools.

The Inter-Mountain photo by Beth Henry-Vance Randolph County Schools will have three new people serving in leadership roles beginning July 1. From left are Amy Smith, who will be the new director of federal programs/curriculum; Gabriel J. 'Gabe' Devono, who will be the new superintendent of schools; and Debra Schmidlen, who will be the new assistant superintendent of schools.

ELKINS — A new superintendent of Randolph County Schools is set to officially begin work July 1, although he already has spent the past few weeks working with local educators and preparing for his new role.

Incoming Superintendent of Schools Gabriel J. “Gabe” Devono was welcomed Tuesday at a reception sponsored by the Randolph County Principals’ Association.

The reception with gourmet cupcakes, punch and refreshments also was designed to welcome two other new county leaders. Debra Schmidlen, who has served as principal of Third Ward Elementary School in Elkins, will become the new assistant superintendent of schools; and Amy Smith, who has served as principal of Coalton Elementary School, will become the new director of federal programs/curriculum.

The reception took place prior to the Board of Education meeting Tuesday at the board’s office in Elkins.

“I’m looking forward to starting the new position,” Devono said after the meeting, explaining he already has visited schools, met with teachers and familiarized himself with the school system’s current financial challenges.

“We’re looking at the budget, and we’re finding places that we can save money,” he said. “The first priority is our students.”

He added he looks forward to working with all employees, parents and community members.

“I appreciate the support that the community and parents give to the school system,” he said. “We have a new county office staff to work with, and I hope it will be an exciting time in Randolph County Schools.”

Devono served as superintendent of Gilmer County Schools since July 2014, when he was appointed as part of a “state takeover” of that county’s school system. Prior to that, he served from 2002 to 2014 as executive director of Regional Educational Service Agency 7, which includes Randolph, Upshur, Barbour and nine other counties.

He said in a prior interview that he met his goals for Gilmer County, and it was removed from takeover status in January. Devono said his three main goals for his new position in Randolph County include addressing the budget, facilities and communication.

Board President Donna Auvil said the board’s unanimous decision to hire Devono followed a hiring process that included consideration of 13 qualified candidates. Auvil said the board is confident in Devono’s demonstrated leadership qualities and professionalism.

“He has a lot of experience, he’s personable — and I think he will be good at getting out in the public and involving our stakeholders,” Auvil said Tuesday evening. “We are excited that we are moving forward, and we are excited about the future.”

The Board of Education had voted Jan. 26 to open a search for a new superintendent and to not renew the contract of current Superintendent Pam Hewitt, whose contract will end June 30.

Although BOE members are not able to disclose personnel matters, the school system has faced a number of challenges in recent years, including three unsuccessful attempts to pass an excess levy, personnel cuts, huge declines in revenue and proposed school closures. The state Board of Education also has placed Randolph County on a “watch list,” which means the county must provide monthly financial reports and is under a higher level of scrutiny.

Hewitt was able to retire from her position. Assistant Superintendent Rich Carr and Debbie Fincham, the federal programs coordinator, also are retiring from their positions after many years of service. Board members honored all retirees during a reception earlier this month.

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