2023-11-14 08:28:17
Photo by Steven Allen Adams
Deputy Superintendent Sonya White, left, and State Superintendent of Schools Michelle Blatt, right, present W.Va. Board of Education member Dr. James S. Wilson with a gift basket to honor his retirement from the board.
CHARLESTON — Dr. James S. Wilson, a former member and president of the Marshall County Board of Education, is retiring from the West Virginia Board of Education as his term expires.
State Board of Education President Paul Hardesty announced Wilson’s retirement during Wednesday’s monthly board meeting in Charleston.
“I’ve had the pleasure of serving with this man for a couple years,” Hardesty said. “He is a consummate gentleman who cares regarding children. We love you … we appreciate you. We appreciate your family and your service to this board, to the State of West Virginia. You’re a good egg. It’s been a pleasure to serve with you, Dr. Wilson.”
Wilson was appointed for a nine-year term to the state Board of Education in 2015 by former Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin. His term ended on Nov. 4.
Wilson also served on the School Building Authority beginning in 2016. Wilson said he will continue to serve on the board until a new appointment is made by Gov. Jim Justice.
“It’s been a delight,” Wilson said. “I thank you all for your support. I’ve enjoyed it. And I will serve until placement is named.”
Superintendent of Schools Michelle Blatt and Deputy Superintendent Sonya White presented Wilson with a gift basket made by students in vocational and technical centers and a plaque commemorating Wilson’s public service to the students of West Virginia.
“You and I have been together for nine years. We’ve seen a lot of turnover on the board,” Blatt said. “I want to say thank you for your support and your dedication to the children of the state and to the Department of Education.”
Wilson, a resident of Glen Dale, is a retired dentist with more than 40 years of experience in his own practice in Marshall County. He is a U.S. Army veteran and a graduate of West Virginia University.
Wilson began his public service as a member and president of the Marshall County Board of Education, serving 20 years from1978 to 1990 and from 1992 to 2000. Wilson served on the West Virginia School Board Association Executive Committee as a member and president from 1982 to 1992 and 1996 to 2000. Wilson was West Virginia’s delegate to the National School Board Association. He was also a member of the WVU Alumni Board of Directors, where he served as president from 2000 to 2001.
“In January of 1978, I took my oath for the Board of Education in Marshall County. And I have been involved in education either here or at the university level ever since,” Wilson said. “Dentistry is my occupation. Education has been my vocation.”
Wilson and his wife Anne have three children and eight grandchildren.
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