Derico

BUCKHANNON – A local county schools administrator has been promoted to the Upshur County Superintendent of Schools position.

West Virginia Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt appointed Tim Derico as the new superintendent, effective July 1, the state announced.

Derico currently serves as the county’s assistant superintendent and will succeed the retiring Christy Miller, who has served as superintendent since June 2023, when the West Virginia Board of Education issued a full intervention of Upshur County Schools.

“Over the course of 30 years in West Virginia, Mr. Derico has had the opportunity to serve in many roles – teacher, coach and administrator – learning and growing with each experience,” Blatt said. “Along the way, he has remained focused on supporting students and contributing to the success of his schools and community.”

“He has been a part of the team, working hard to make positive changes and sustained improvements in the county. His depth of understanding of county operations and the education landscape will allow for a smooth transition over the next several months. Most importantly, his priority is student learning and success, and he will work tirelessly to support all students, educators, staff and administrators in this endeavor.”

Derico stated, “As Superintendent of Upshur County, I am committed to serving our students, staff and families with dedication and care. My team and I will work to build upon the progress already made, continuing to support growth and success for all students.”

“I believe in the value of hard work, collaboration and using our resources wisely to best serve our schools. I am committed to representing a school system that is deeply connected to its community and dedicated to earning and maintaining trust,” he added. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role and look forward to working together to support our community.”

Derico has worked in the Upshur school system for 12 years, serving as the curriculum director and facilities director. As the current assistant superintendent, he “continues to shape the direction of education and provide students and the broader community with a foundation that supports the needs of students, educators, staff and the region,” a state Board of Education press release stated.

Derico began his career in education after earning a Bachelor of Science in Education from Glenville State College, where he was named the College of Education’s Outstanding Student Teacher. He later earned a Master of Arts in Leadership Studies from Marshall University.

“It is also important to acknowledge the service that Superintendent Miller has provided over the past three years,” Blatt said. “She has provided exceptional leadership, rebuilt the educational infrastructure and established trusted relationships. We are thankful for her passion and commitment to education and wish her the best in her well-deserved retirement.”

In December, the West Virginia Board of Education unanimously approved the closure and consolidation of Rock Cave Elementary School in Upshur County, after the plan received approval from Blatt in November.

The state board placed the Upshur County Schools system into a state of emergency in 2023, and putting the Upshur County Board of Education under the authority of the state board. That decision came after the release of a special circumstances review report on Upshur County Schools conducted by the Department of Education which looked at the operation of federal programs and spending at the county school system among other issues.

The special circumstances review found tens of thousands of COVID-19 relief fund dollars used for staff retreats and food, as well as the purchase of thousands of family passes for West Virginia State Wildlife Center in French Creek and Upshur County pools.

The review found misuse of state purchasing cards, improper reimbursements, federal funding being used for teacher and staff compensation at rates higher than normal rates, insufficient travel policies, and no-bid contracts.

The review also found improper hiring of family members of county board of education staff, and payment of additional compensations for former Upshur County superintendent and former deputy state superintendent Sara Lewis-Stankus.

Miller was appointed the Upshur County Superintendent by the state Department of Education in 2023 to supervise improvements to the county school system.