Board swears in new superintendent and hears state-of-schools update

Superintendent Timothy Dico was sworn into office and delivered a state-of-the-schools address at the Upshur County Board of Education meeting. He framed three priorities—academic achievement, operational effectiveness and student support systems—and described progress since state intervention.

Dico told the board the district has seen measurable gains in recent years: he reported math achievement rose from 41.7 percent to 48.76 percent and English language arts performance increased from 40 percent to 47.81 percent. He said chronic absenteeism had fallen from 26.8 percent to 22.29 percent and that, "if my calculations are correct, we may see it as low as 19% when accountability comes out in the fall." He credited teachers, administrators, partnerships and systemwide reforms for the changes.

Dico also summarized operational improvements: a continuously updated policy manual, clarified employee contracts and expectations, a system to reduce overtime, strengthened personnel-file management and formal bidding procedures to improve financial oversight. He said audit findings have decreased from 25 in the first year to 10 and that mentorship for the treasurer has strengthened financial controls.

He described partnerships with local organizations—including the education foundation, the City of Buchanan, the county commission and community providers—that support programming and expansion of career and STEAM opportunities. Dico said the district is exploring facility decisions based on enrollment trends and is considering an excess levy to give voters a chance to support ongoing programs.

Votes and routine business proceeded as part of the meeting. The board approved the agenda and later approved minutes of recent meetings; each recorded vote was announced as "five to zero." The board adjourned at 6:21 p.m. and scheduled the next session for July 6.

The meeting also included a formal oath of office for Dico; a notary was present to notarize the oath. The board and speakers repeatedly framed the address as progress following prior state intervention rather than a return to "normal," noting continuing work on compliance and oversight.