WVDE Approves NMS Action Plan

Today, the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) recommended a formal Corrective Action Plan—WV Standards for Effective Schools for Martinsburg North Middle School for approval, which was unanimously approved. Later referred to as more of a support plan by Board President, ​Mr. L. Paul Hardesty, the plan includes three targeted focus improvement areas.

Among the plan requirements in these focus areas, county and school leadership will:

• Develop a multi-tiered discipline plan with appropriate supports and interventions

• Set clear and consistent processes for supporting and managing student behaviors

• Examine and maximize instructional time for improved student outcomes

• Provide professional learning to improve instruction

• Provide a mentor for instructional leadership

Since the WVDE issued a State of Emergency for North Middle School on May 8, 2024, Berkeley County Schools (BCS) Superintendent, Ron Stephens, has worked with State Superintendent Blatt, Jeffrey Kelley, Assistant Superintendent, District and School Accountability, and Holly Kleppner, Berkeley County Schools Executive Director of Secondary Leadership, to form the final plan from which to address the identified deficiencies.

Under the onsite direction of Mrs. Kleppner, North Middle has already made significant progress on many of the items listed in the plan including:

• Additional intervention time for all students to provide support in the areas of math and English.

• Training on school culture and climate presented by Jostens Renaissance. Jostens Renaissance is a framework for building a culture where teachers love their job, and students thrive in school. Their resources, community, and events support schools as they work to strengthen teacher morale, academic achievement, and character development.

• Grant funding to help support the implementation of Star Academy, a school-within-a-school program for students who have become disengaged and fallen behind.

• Addressing temporary staff and turnover with the hiring of six new certified teachers to replace positions previously held by long-term substitutes. At this time, any returning permanent substitutes are currently in an alternative certification program to become certified.

"As outlined in the State's Corrective Action Plan for Martinsburg North Middle School, I will continue to oversee the school's day-to-day operations and expand upon focus areas identified by the WVDE, many of which have already begun," said Kleppner. "Improving the teaching and learning environment at North Middle is my priority. I am committed to seeing that the staff and administration have the support and resources necessary to achieve this."

Kleppner will remain in the building through this process to ensure a smooth transition of a new instructional leader.

The WVDE has given Berkeley County Schools six months to fully implement this plan, an update will be provided in three months. The goal is for North Middle to have the majority of changes rolled out by August and ready to welcome students back to school in the fall.

We appreciate your patience and support as we work together for the betterment of our students.

To review the complete Martinsburg North Middle School Corrective Action Plan, click on the link below.