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CHARLESTON -- A total of 48 schools in 15 counties, including seven schools in Barbour, Pocahontas and Tucker counties, are being added to the West Virginia Communities in Schools program.
Gov. Jim Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice made the announcement, welcoming the schools to the education initiative.
"Reaching thousands of more students with critical needs in West Virginia is so important," First Lady Justice said. "It is what we need to do to ensure that they are on the right path to a successful future. Getting them to high school graduation and a plan for success beyond, is the best thing that we can do for them. The earlier we start, the better."
"I can tell you without any question whatsoever that this program is working," Gov. Justice said. "There are so many heartbreaking stories, from kids living in bad situations to just being hungry. There is a lot of bad stuff out there, but this program is fixing those problems.
"Communities In Schools is getting children on a pathway to do some amazing stuff and reach their full potential. I am so proud to be part of this program. It is unbelievable."
The new CIS schools in Barbour County are Kasson Elementary/Middle School, Philippi Middle School and Philip Barbour High School.
Pocahontas County's new CIS school is Marlinton Elementary School.
The new CIS schools in Tucker County are Davis Thomas Elementary Middle School, Tucker Valley Elementary Middle School and Tucker County High School.
"Communities In Schools has had a life-changing impact on thousands of students in our state," State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt said. "The relationships between site coordinators, schools, students, and families are at the core of this success.
"These students need supports and structures that help them recover from setbacks and regain the confidence to believe they can do great things. Communities In Schools is essential to opening options and pathways for those needing hope and a vision for their future."
CIS works to forge community partnerships and bring resources into schools to help remove barriers to student learning, with the goal of keeping all students in school and ultimately graduating.
The Governor and First Lady started the CIS statewide initiative in three counties in 2018. The program has now expanded to 53 counties, serving more than 100,000 students in 260 schools across the state.