WVEA’s annual Delegate Assembly was held April 28–30 at the Charleston Marriott Town Center. Delegates representing professionals, retired and professional support staff approved the WVEA’s legislative agenda, WVEA’s budget and voted on officers and members-at-large to the Executive Committee.
WVEA President Dale Lee and Vice President Wayne Spangler were reelected during the annual meeting. Lee and Spangler will continue to lead the organization through June 2026. President Lee is a veteran special education teacher from Mercer County. Prior to becoming the president of WVEA, his most recent teaching experience was at Princeton Senior High. Vice President Spangler is a veteran elementary teacher from Monroe County. He is currently teaching second grade at Peterstown Elementary.
The following individuals were chosen by the delegates to serve three-year terms as members of the WVEA Executive Committee.
- Kris Bonnell was reelected to a position on the committee. She is a physical education teacher and local leader in Doddridge County.
- Michelle Wolfe, a teacher and local leader in Hardy County, was elected as a member of the committee. Wolfe previously held an unexpired term and was elected to her first full term on the committee.
- Georgiana Lang was elected as the education service professional (ESP) representative on the committee. She is a paraprofessional, ECAT, autism aide, and a local leader in the Berkeley County Education Support Professionals.
Election results were announced at the WVEA Banquet on Saturday night. Additionally, two WVEA members and former legislators were recognized with WVEA’s Legislative Achievement Award. Dave Pethtel from Wetzel County and Ed Evans of McDowell County were in attendance to receive the Legislative Award.
Greg James of Nicholas County was recognized with the WVEA Phares E. Reeder Award. The award recognizes his outstanding support for a student that goes beyond regular classroom duties. James was unable to attend the ceremony and will be presented with the award at a later date.
Additionally, numerous locals were honored for their membership growth and for exceeding local goals.