Boone County Superintendent of Schools Steve Pauley, is making his summer plans and for once since 1973, they are not occupied with thoughts of teaching, school administration or anything regarding running the school system he’s been involved with for more than three decades. Pauley will be leaving his eight years as superintendent when his contract ends June 30, 2009.

“I have always said I had no intention of staying past this current contract,” Pauley said. “It is time for me to go on and try some new things. I welcome the chance to show a new superintendent the ropes and get them up to speed.”

The board reportedly will begin accepting applications to fill Pauley’s position in January, and hope to begin interviewing applicants soon after.

Pauley began his adventure in education in 1973 when he came to Van Jr./Sr. High school. He also served as principal at the old Wharton Middle School as well as Van High. Pauley was assistant superintendent of schools at the central office when the board asked him to take over when former schools head Gary Sumpter retired in 2000.

In the past eight years of running the school system, Pauley said the board adopted many practices and programs that have “brought the county into the 21st century.”

Pauley noted a number of different programs that he said have been pioneered by Boone County educators and have been adopted by school systems across the state.

“We have been ranked among the best schools in the state and are the leader in teacher development. Our 21st century learning program, which has integrated technology in most every aspect possible in teaching, is something that other school systems have worked to copy,” he said.

He said Boone County Schools are the safest in West Virginia.

After a couple of instances of uninvited guests entering county schools, administrators realized something had to be done. The board sought state and federal funds that have allowed them to have three schools currently secured from uninvited guests and Pauley noted that all of Boone County schools would be secured by the end of the 2008-2009 school year.

At that time, anyone wishing to enter the school who doesn’t work or study there must be admitted by a teacher or secretary via an electric locking system.

The school system has also adopted an emergency response guide that outlines exactly what should be done in case of any number of emergencies.

“We have plans on how to deal with storms, floods, and any other emergencies that might endanger students and teachers,” Pauley said. “Our school administrators also have access to portable radio units which can allow them to contact Boone 911, sheriff’s and state police and fire units in case of power outtage or some other disaster. Many of our schools are in areas where cellular service is spotty at best or non-existent.”

Pauley noted that, “before the school year begins, we know what each individual students strengths and weaknesses are due to the standardized tests they took the previous spring. The next year, teachers will be able to work with particular students in subjects they may have some trouble with, such as reading or math.”

The county leads the state in the number of Nationally Board Certified teachers, according to the superintendent. “Teachers who take and pass the testing can receive an additional $7,000 per year for up to ten years, so it pays them to pass the tests.”

In terms of teacher pay, Boone educators are number one in the state, and service workers are tops in pay as well, according to Pauley. Beginning teacher pay is $33,277 with no experience. With a master’s degree, a Boone educator can theoretically make up to $48,677 per year.

Pauley said the high pay plus better working conditions have made it easier for administrators to recruit new teachers for the county. “We can now draw teachers from other counties who find it convenient to live here. They like being able to teach and live here, and if they want, be in Charleston in 30 minutes for shopping or movies.”

Pauley lauded the recent recognition of three schools as West Virginia Schools of Excellence. These include Scott High, Sherman Elementary and Jeffrey Spencer Elementary Schools.

He also mentioned two projects the board is proud of. “We are adding another section to Brookview Elementary School,” Pauley said. “School Building Authority funds will allow us to add music, art and physical education facilities to the school.”

The $1.5 million project will be set for bids soon and Pauley hopes the project will be completed for the fall school year.

An additional $840,000 has been set aside for the updating of electrical systems in Scott High and Madison Middle School, and the superintendent said work on that should also commence in the new year.

Pauley thanked the voters of Boone County for their continued support of school levies. “As soon as the voters continue to support the levies, I believe the school board will continue to keep community schools open,” he said.

The next school levy is up for renewal in the 2010 election year. “We are sure voters will vote for it again in large numbers.” He pointed out that in past years, school bond levies provided 20 percent of the county’s operating budget.

Pauley said that when he finally packs his boxes and moves out of the corner office in the bottom floor of the board’s office, he may be taking it a little easier but he won’t become a shrinking violet.

“I’m looking forward to doing things related to my experience,” he said. In addition, Pauley said he plans to work on getting his health back in better shape.

“I want to thank the great teachers, board members, administrators, service workers and students that continue to make the Boone County Schools the best school system in the state of West Virginia,” Pauley said.