Today on MetroNews This Morning:
–President Trump hosts West Virginia coal miners for a major announcement about coal fired power plants at the White House
–A new member of the state Board of Education is an advocate for Charter Schools
–Governor Morrisey is asked about legislation to revamp the state school aid formula
–In Sports: The Mountaineer women hit triple digits and Marshall’s men win in a big comeback
Listen to “MetroNews This Morning 2-12-26” on Spreaker.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – At a press conference Wednesday morning, West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced a new appointment to the state Board of Education.
Morrisey pointed to statistics he said shows the state’s education system isn’t delivering proper results.
West Virginia ranks 27th nationally in per-pupil spending and spends slightly above the national average when adjusted regionally.
“Over the last five years, the Legislature has increased education funding by more than $270 million,” Morrisey said. “It’s just important for people to know that. Yet, our results are some of the worst in the country.”
Some of the education statistics Morrisey cited include:
Morrisey said the problem isn’t spending.
It’s how the system is structured and managed.
He said one of the challenges is the state school board.
Morrisey said it is unelected, independent from the rest of government and has long term limits of nine years.
He also said there is a need for better communication and transparency.
He announced the appointment of Dr. James Paul to the West Virginia Board of Education.
Morrisey said he will bring a focus on accountability.
“I believe that the Legislature and the state board don’t need to be at odds with each other either,” Dr. Paul said. “In fact, that shouldn’t be the case. And if we’re going to serve West Virginia families well, the state board and the Legislature are going to have to work together.”
Dr. Paul has been involved in launching the state’s first public charter schools.
Paul serves as the director of state education opportunity at America First Policy Institute.
Morrisey said this is the first of a number of board picks.
Copyright 2026 WSAZ. All rights reserved.
BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — A West Virginia State Police Troopers is credited with helping save an elderly woman and getting an injured infant to medical care amid a fire.
A state police news release said Trooper C. J. Elmore responded to the home on Kalafat Street in Buckhannon Saturday. Elmore was told by a woman at the scene her eldelry mother was on the back porch. Elmore went onto the porch and was able to help the woman away from the burning home and to a nearby ambulance.
He then observed a 10-month old baby which had been removed from the burning structure in need of medical attention. According to the release Elmore took the child to nearby paramedics for treatment. Eight individuals escaped the burning home without serious injury.
Trooper Elmore then assisted the Buckhannon Fire Department and Upshur County EMS with traffic control to ensure the safety of emergency responders and the public.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s office.
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