The Fayette Tribune, Oak Hill, W.Va.

Local News

June 27, 2012

Butcher tabbed to replace Dials

By C.V. Moore The Register-Herald

FAYETTEVILLE — The state Department of Education announced its choice for a new Fayette County Schools superintendent Monday. Keith Butcher of Summersville, currently executive director of the Regional Education Service Agency (RESA) in Beckley, will begin his new job July 2.

Butcher says Fayette County’s continued economic development depends on having a top-tier educational system.

“Fayette County has such an opportunity now,” he tells The Register-Herald.

“If you’re going to promote economic development and tourism and want to draw people in to work at the new Boy Scouts reserve, one of the things you want to be able to say to people who are considering moving and working in Fayette County is, ‘We have an outstanding school system. It’s a reason to move here and start a business.’

“The people considering moving in and the people living there now want the best for their children. I am really excited to work on that,” he says.  

Last week, Dwight Dials — current superintendent and 46-year veteran of West Virginia’s educational system — resigned from the post to spend more time with family and to clear the path for a leader to come into the system who could commit to the entire process of turning it around.

“Whoever starts this process should be there to finish it,” he told The Register-Herald.

In 2010, the state intervened in the county’s school system, citing student achievement and facilities issues.

The State Board of Education cites Butcher’s experience in curriculum, instruction, school improvement and school finance as reasons for the hire. The position is appointed by State Superintendent Jorea Marple because of the state intervention.

Butcher says his first steps will be to talk to stakeholders, look at how the schools and instruction stand currently and examine financial data and test scores.

“I have a vision of what good schools and good classrooms look like, but to set goals on how we get there, we really need to know where we are now,” he says.

Butcher brings 37 years of experience in West Virginia public education. In 1975, he began his career as an elementary school teacher in Nicholas County. Three years later, he took over as principal at Canvas Elementary.

In 2002, he joined the State Department of Education as assistant director of the Office of Instructional Services, where he later became executive director.

By the time he left the state agency in 2007, he was executive director of the Office of Federal Programs and Accountability and the State Title I director. The Title I program provides funding to schools with a high percentage of children from low-income families.

As executive director of RESA I, he handles programs, finances, personnel and grant writing. The agency’s basic mission is to equalize and extend educational opportunity by enhancing education, maximizing resources and supporting the work of the State Department of Education and county boards of education.

RESA I provides a variety of services to six county school systems in southern West Virginia, including curriculum improvement, professional development for teachers, workshops, technical assistance and cooperative purchasing programs.  

Butcher is a graduate of Concord College, where he majored in music education, and holds an M.A. in education administration from West Virginia University. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership from Marshall University.

Earlier this year, Butcher threw his hat in the ring for the Raleigh County superintendent position, which ultimately went to James Brown.  

According to Butcher’s personal website, the educator and musician enjoys a passion for Appalachian folk music and theater.

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