News Summary

Preston County Schools have commenced the school year without the staggered start previously implemented to ease student transitions. This decision follows a directive from state education authorities, which determined that the staggered approach violated state code mandating 180 instructional days. Superintendent Brad Martin apologized for the abrupt change, while Principal Todd Seymour noted the need for more time to develop alternative solutions. Despite the challenges, staff and students remained positive, with a strong turnout at the recent Freshman Open House as the school prepares for the new academic year.

Kingwood, West Virginia – Preston County Schools Begin 2025-26 Year Without Staggered Start

On Monday, August 18, 2025, Preston County students returned to school without the staggered start days that have been in place since 2020. This abrupt change occurred after the West Virginia Board of Education advised the cancellation of staggered starts, which aimed to ease students into the school year by allowing them to return in phases based on grade levels. The cancellation was necessitated by a directive from the West Virginia Department of Education, which determined that the staggered start schedule violated state code requiring 180 independent instructional days.

Superintendent Brad Martin took to social media to address the situation, publicly apologizing for the sudden change in schedule. He explained that proposals to recapture instructional time had been submitted but failed to meet state code requirements, compelling the district to eliminate staggered starts not only for the current year but for future years as well.

Principal Todd Seymour expressed disappointment over the state’s decision, emphasizing the need for more time to develop alternative solutions. Despite the challenges posed by these last-minute changes, the school staff remained positive, and many students exhibited excitement about the commencement of the new school year.

Freshman Open House Shows Strong Attendance

In preparation for the new academic year, Preston High School organized a Freshman Open House on Sunday, August 17, 2025, which saw an impressive turnout, with approximately three-fourths of the incoming freshman class attending. This event provided incoming students with tours of the school and a chance to review their schedules, helping them get acclimated before classes began.

Principal Seymour noted the significant attendance, with students lining up across the school parking lot. This gathering served as an opportunity for freshmen to prepare for the school year in a more relaxed environment, without the presence of upperclassmen, fostering a supportive atmosphere for the newcomers.

Staff member Danielle Barker highlighted how the event was tailored to meet student needs, effectively easing the transition for freshman students as they prepared to embark on their high school journey.

Upcoming Schedule Adjustments

Looking ahead, kindergarten and pre-K students are set to begin their school year on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Additionally, there will be no school on Friday, August 22, providing faculty and staff with time for professional development. This break aims to ensure that educators are equipped with the necessary tools and techniques to foster a successful and engaging learning environment for their students.

Background on Staggered Start Program

The staggered start program, implemented in 2020, was designed to help students transition back to school in a phased approach, allowing for smaller groups and less overwhelming experiences, especially for younger students. Nevertheless, the recent changes imposed by state educational authorities now mandate a full return to in-person learning, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the state code that guarantees a minimum of 180 independent instructional days in the academic calendar. The decision has sparked discussions among educators and administrators regarding the potential need for alternative strategies to support student reintegration and educational outcomes.

In summary, Preston County Schools have begun the 2025-26 academic year under revised circumstances, abandoning the staggered start approach. This change has prompted a reevaluation of methods to support students as they adapt to the new school year, with a focus on maintaining educational integrity and meeting state requirements.

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Preston County Schools Eliminates Staggered Start Program