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:

• Only 21% of eighth-graders are proficient in reading.
• Only 18% are proficient in math.

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.

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