News Summary
Preston County Schools in West Virginia has commenced its academic year without the previously planned staggered start days due to a directive from the West Virginia Board of Education. The cancellation, aimed at adhering to state legislation mandating 180 instructional days, has caused disappointment among school officials. Despite these last-minute changes, staff remain committed to supporting students, especially the incoming freshmen who participated in a successful Open House event. As students gear up for the year, the focus shifts to maximizing instructional time under the new guidelines.
Preston County Schools Begins 2025-26 Year Without Staggered Start Amid Last-Minute Changes
Preston County, West Virginia, commenced its 2025-26 academic year on Monday, August 18, 2025, without the previously planned staggered start days. This abrupt change was directed by the West Virginia Board of Education, which enforced the cancellation of staggered start days that had been utilized since 2020 to help students gradually transition back into the school year.
The decision to cancel staggered start days was mandated by the West Virginia Department of Education, citing that the staggered approach conflicted with state legislation requiring a minimum of 180 instructional days each school year. In light of this directive, Superintendent Brad Martin expressed regret over the last-minute adjustments to the schedule, addressing the community through a public message stating that attempts to modify the academic calendar to recapture instructional time ultimately did not satisfy the state’s requirements.
In response to the new schedule, Principal Todd Seymour conveyed disappointment regarding the state’s ruling and expressed a wish for additional time to develop alternate solutions that could accommodate the needs of students returning to school.
As part of the preparations for the new academic year, Preston High School hosted an Open House on Sunday, August 17, 2025, which witnessed participation from approximately three-fourths of the incoming freshman class. This event was designed to help new students acclimate to their environment through school tours and schedule examinations. The attendance enthusiastic exceeded expectations, with attendees reportedly lining up throughout the school parking lot.
During the open house, staff members, including teachers, emphasized that the entire event was structured to support the unique requirements of freshmen, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the school’s layout without the potential intimidation of upperclassmen present.
Despite the sudden policy alteration, teachers and school staff maintained a positive outlook as students expressed enthusiasm about the start of the academic year. Kindergarten and pre-K students were scheduled to begin their school year on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. To accommodate staff professional development, no school was held on Friday, August 22, 2025.
Principal Seymour and staff received commendations for their quick adaptation to the unforeseen changes and their continued commitment to the students. As school resumes amidst these adjustments, faculty remain dedicated to creating an effective learning environment to meet the educational needs of all students.
Staggered start days had been an established practice to provide a smoother transition for students since the onset of the pandemic. However, with changes in educational policy and regulations, Preston County Schools will move forward without this gradual approach, focusing instead on delivering a full academic calendar that meets regulatory standards. Each school community will now navigate the year ahead under these new guidelines, focusing on the importance of maximizing instructional time while maintaining student support.
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HERE Resources
Declining School Enrollment in West Virginia
Additional Resources
- WV News: Preston County Schools Move Forward Following Staggered Start Cancellation
- WBOY: WV Department of Education Gives Reason for Scrapping Preston County Staggered Start
- MSN: Preston County Schools Alters Plan for Staggered Start to Year
- WV News: Preston County Schools to Begin Year Without Staggered Start
- WAJR: Preston County Board of Education Approves Closure of Rowlesburg School, Fellowsville Elementary
- Wikipedia: Education in West Virginia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google Search: Preston County Schools
- Google News: Preston County
- Google Scholar: Preston County Education
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