CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- West Virginia Schools Superintendent Jorea Marple has been fired.
Department of Education spokeswoman Liza Cordeiro says the state Board of Education voted 5-2 on Thursday to terminate Marple's contract.
Cordeiro says board members Jenny Phillips and Priscilla Haden opposed the move. They announced they will resign from the board, effective Dec. 31.
House Education Chair Mary Poling says she was shocked at word of Marple's firing. The Barbour County Democrat credits Marple for addressing curriculum standards and overseeing a new way to measure student performance, while responding to the governor's call to trim the state budget.
Marple had served as the state's schools chief since March 1, 2011. She previous served as deputy superintendent. Her husband is Attorney General Darrell McGraw.
Following is a statement from West Virginia Board of Education President Wade Linger on the decision:
"Dr. Marple's concern for and commitment to West Virginia's schoolchildren is well known. She has served them with distinction, and we appreciate her public service. However, the West Virginia Board of Education believes this is a time for a change in direction. As such, we think it is important for new leadership.
The Board will continue its on-going, open dialogue with educational stakeholders, the Governor, and members of the West Virginia Legislature to move forward with education reforms that advance student achievement levels and the well-being of our more than 280 thousand students."
Jorea Marple
