Dear Berkeley County Schools Community:
In a unanimous vote at Monday night’s meeting of the Berkeley County Schools Board of Education, Dr. Ryan S. Saxe was selected as the next Superintendent of Berkeley County Schools (BCS).
The appointment begins officially on July 1 with a three year contract and $198,000 starting salary. The contract includes a 3% annual increase in years two and three, plus benefits.
Currently the Superintendent of Cabell County Schools in Huntington, WV, one of the top performing academic counties in the State, Dr. Saxe has been in the field of education for 19 years. During that time, he served roles in West Virginia as an Agriculture Education Teacher; Assistant Principal; Principal; WV Department of Education Coordinator in the Office of Federal Programs and School Improvement; Director, Professional Learning; Executive Director, Secondary Schools; Executive Director of Curriculum, Assessment and Professional Learning; and the last seven years as Superintendent of Cabell County Schools.
“My mantra for the last seven years at Cabell County Schools has been—from the boardroom to the classroom, our district must be focused on student learning and doing what is best for our students. I look forward to working with the Board, our school families, school leaders, teachers, and our service personnel to ensure the ongoing success and growth of Berkeley County Schools,” says Saxe.
Among Dr. Saxe’s accomplishments at Cabell County Schools, the third largest school district in West Virginia, he led them from 23rd to 8th best in the state on student performance; improved three schools that were identified as Comprehensive Support & Improvement (CSI) schools; and obtained successful School Building Authority grants. Under his direction, the district also experienced:
- Significant increases in graduation rates for all students, including those receiving special education services
- Increases in academic achievement as indicated by student performance on the WV General Summative Assessment
(GSA) as well as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) - Innovative partnerships with local colleges and universities allowing students to pursue collegiate credits while in high school and removing barriers so they can pursue continued education after graduation
- Free breakfast and lunch for all students each school day as a result of district financial support and participation in the USDA's Community Eligibility Provision
- Advances in technology and curriculum integration that include providing all students with Apple learning devices
- The passage of one of the state's largest bond issue for school construction and renovation
- The expansion of Career and Technical Education offerings
- An A+ rating by Standard & Poor's Global Ratings due to the district's financial management
Most recently, Dr. Saxe was recognized by the WV Association of School Administrator’s as the West Virginia 2024 State Superintendent of the Year. Superintendents from across the state were evaluated for their contribution to the school system they currently serve for academic progress, facility improvement, leadership capacity, staff and student progress and achievement, district progress, and overall district operations.
“I’m honored to be selected by my colleagues who work tirelessly every single day in districts across West Virginia to ensure students receive a world class education. I am humbled and so appreciative to have received this award and look forward to representing West Virginia for the National Superintendent of the Year,” said Saxe.
A graduate of West Virginia University, Marshall University, and Liberty University, Dr. Saxe holds degrees in Agriculture & Environmental Education; Education Administration; Curriculum and Instruction; and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
Dr. Saxe is married to his wife, Erin, and has two boys—Paul, who is six, and Hampton, who is two and a half. They also have a loving boxer named Sailor. The entire Saxe family is looking forward to the move and becoming part of our community.
BCS is pleased to welcome Dr. Saxe and his family to the school district and community. We are confident that he will bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a strong commitment to academic achievement.
We invite all members of our community to join us as we embark on this exciting journey under Dr. Saxe’s leadership. Together, we look forward to continuing our mission of providing a safe, inclusive, and adaptive learning environment with multiple pathways to success.
Please stay alert for opportunities to meet Superintendent Saxe and learn more about his vision for Berkeley County Schools.