News Summary
Preston County schools have officially discontinued their staggered start schedule for the academic year, a significant shift from previous years. This decision, prompted by the West Virginia Department of Education, aims to comply with state law mandating a minimum of 180 instructional days. Superintendent Brad Martin addressed the community regarding this sudden change, expressing regret over the abrupt cancellation, while school officials voiced their disappointments. Nevertheless, the district plans to ensure a smooth transition for students as they adapt to the new schedule.
Preston County, West Virginia, Begins 2025-26 School Year Without Staggered Start Days
Preston County schools started the 2025-26 academic year without the traditional staggered start schedule, marking a significant change from previous years. This decision came suddenly and was implemented across the district following guidance from the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE).
Last-Minute Cancellation of Staggered Start
For several years, since 2020, Preston County had used a staggered start system. This approach allowed students to return to school gradually, typically by grade level, to help ease transitions into the new school year. However, on the eve of the new academic year, the district announced the cancellation of these staggered start days, effective immediately.
The West Virginia Department of Education advised the district to eliminate the staggered start after stating that the schedule violated state law requiring a minimum of 180 instructional days for each school year. The department indicated that the staggered approach made it difficult to meet the mandated instructional days across all grades.
Superintendent Addresses the Sudden Change
Superintendent Brad Martin communicated publicly about the schedule change, issuing an apology for the abrupt shift via social media. He explained that although district officials submitted proposals to recoup lost instructional time, these plans did not align with state code requirements. As a result, the staggered start methods could not be implemented this year or in future years without risking non-compliance with state law.
Community and School Response
School administrators expressed disappointment with the timing and the necessity of the change. Principal Todd Seymour of Preston High School shared his sentiments, noting a wish for more preparation time to develop alternative solutions that could have included staggered starts or other scheduling options.
Preston High School hosted an Open House for rising freshmen on Sunday, August 17, 2025. The event was well attended, with roughly three-quarters of the incoming class participating. Attendees toured the school and reviewed class schedules, providing students and parents with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the campus environment before classes began.
Principal Seymour was pleased with the turnout, commenting that students and families lined up across the parking lot, indicating strong community engagement. Teacher Danielle Barker highlighted the event’s benefits, noting it allowed freshmen to prepare for the upcoming year without the presence of upperclassmen, addressing some of the concerns related to the schedule changes.
Starting the School Year and Future Schedules
While the high school experienced a smooth transition into the new year despite the schedule adjustments, younger students, including kindergarten and pre-kindergarten children, were slated to begin classes on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. The district also announced that no classes would be held on Friday, August 22, to provide staff with professional development opportunities.
District officials praised staff and faculty members for their rapid response and adaptability in handling the unexpected scheduling challenges. Overall, the district remains focused on providing a productive environment amid the last-minute changes and is committed to ensuring a successful start to the new school year for all students.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Public School Enrollment Decline in West Virginia Forces Changes
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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