Gilmer County Board adopts resolution backing 'I Love West Virginia Public Schools' campaign

The Gilmer County Board of Education voted to adopt a resolution supporting the statewide "I Love West Virginia Public Schools" campaign, a move the superintendent said was designed to highlight positive local programs and community contributions.

Superintendent Dr. Manning introduced the resolution, saying the campaign is meant to "get the message out about what good things our public schools are doing" and recommended the board formally endorse and promote the campaign on district channels. The resolution states that county public schools "serve as the cornerstone of our communities" and calls for district participation via the district website and social media.

Board member Dr. Miller read the resolution aloud for the public and expanded on why the board should support the measure, warning that rural districts risk losing funding if public charter schools divert students and state aid. "We have to save ourselves," Dr. Miller said, arguing the resolution helps reinforce local support for traditional public schools.

The board had a motion and second to adopt the resolution; adoption was carried by voice vote with the chair announcing the resolution "has been adopted." The board directed staff to share campaign materials on district communication platforms and to forward copies of the resolution to state education leaders and relevant associations as listed in the text.

The resolution does not create new policy or funding commitments; it affirms support for the campaign and authorizes district communications staff to participate. The board took the action during the new-business portion of the July meeting and did not record a roll-call vote; the chair called for "aye" and declared adoption.