CHARLESTON, WV − During the State Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, September 11, WVEA President Dale Lee addressed issues regarding our educators and students. President Lee began by congratulating the West Virginia Teacher of the Year and School Service Personnel of the Year. “I commend them for the amazing job that they do for their students. I’m sure they would respond just like every other Teacher and Service Personnel of the Year, by pointing out that many others across the state also deserve this honor. That is what I want to talk about: our educators across the state are doing an amazing job for their students,” said President Lee.

President Lee then emphasized the need for increased support for both educators and students. “We have to ensure we provide them with the resources and support they need. I have talked about this almost every time—the need to deal with mental and emotional needs of our students, as well as discipline issues in our schools,” he stated.

Further, President Lee elaborated on the success of a pilot program that introduced alternative settings in elementary schools. “I know it is a cost. But it will help our students by getting them the help they need dealing with their emotions, their issues, and discipline. We have to do it in elementary school. If we wait until they are in middle school or high school, we have already lost them. Last year, we tried very hard to get the legislature to address this, and it’s time to double down and try again. If we save even one kid, then the cost is worth it,” President Lee emphasized.