Today, May 1st, the Wise County Public School division celebrates School Principals’ Day!
Our principals are the heart of our schools—leaders who inspire excellence, support students and staff, and create environments where learning thrives. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment shape not only our schools, but our entire community.
Thank you to all of our incredible principals for your leadership, your vision, and the countless ways you make a difference every single day. We appreciate you today and always!
Today, May 1st, the Wise County Public School division celebrates our incredible School Lunch Heroes! 🍎🥪
Behind every meal served is a team that shows up early, works hard, and cares deeply about our students. From preparing nutritious food to greeting every child with a smile, you make a difference every single day.
Thank you for keeping our students fueled, healthy, and ready to learn. We appreciate you more than words can say! 💛
The 2026 VSBA Spring Networking Forum was hosted by the Wise County Public School Board on Wednesday, April 29, at the Wise Inn. This annual event brought together Region 7 VSBA school board members and superintendents for an evening of collaboration and celebration.
Region 7 Chairman Jason Hicks of the Dickenson County Public School Board welcomed attendees, conducted an official board meeting, and presented the first annual $5,000 VSBA Scholarship to Lauren Baker of Washington County, Virginia. VSBA Executive Director Gina Patterson and Region 7 VSBA Vice Chair Jack Compton recognized the winners of the student art show, highlighting the VSBA’s commitment to the arts. The keynote address was delivered by VSBA State President Jenny Nichols, a member of the Washington County, Virginia School Board. Mrs. Nichols’ keynote address highlighted the importance of apprenticeships and strengthening regional and state workforce pipelines by increasing partnerships across the region to enhance employability opportunities, aligning with the VSBA theme for 2026–Rooted in Education.
The event showcased the very best of Wise County Public Schools. Students in the Teachers for Tomorrow program assisted with guest registration, demonstrating professionalism and student leadership. Musical performances were provided by students from Central High School and the Union High School band, adding to the evening’s celebratory atmosphere.
Culinary Arts students prepared and served an impressive menu featuring hors d’oeuvres, pecan-crusted chicken, green beans, strawberry spring salad, and strawberry shortcake for dessert. WCCTC building trades constructed wooden serving boards as door prizes. Dickenson County Public Schools horticulture students grew flowers for centerpieces that were also given away as door prizes.
The Wise County Public School Board, along with Superintendent Dr. Mike Goforth, is proud to showcase student talent and remains committed to recognizing excellence in fine arts and career and technical education across the division.
Wise County Public Schools proudly recognizes and celebrates our incredible bus drivers! 🚌💛
Thank you for safely transporting our students to school and extracurricular activities each day, rain or shine. Your patience, care, and dedication do not go unnoticed.
Behind every safe ride to school is a dedicated bus driver. We appreciate you today and every day! 🚌👏
Wise County Public Schools proudly recognizes Mr. Hill and Mr. Butler for their outstanding leadership within the Automotive Technology programs at Wise County Career and Technical Center (WCCTC). Through their dedication and vision, students in Wise County are offered meaningful educational opportunities that prepare them for lifelong careers in the field of Automotive Tech. Their leadership not only equips students with real-world skills, but also helps ensure students can build successful careers, while remaining employed right here in Wise County. Mr. Hill and Mr. Butler's commitment is making a lasting impact on students, families, and the entire Wise County community!
Your role is essential to keeping our district operating smoothly. From coordinating division-wide initiatives and managing complex schedules to supporting leadership, handling communications, and keeping everything organized behind the scenes, your impact reaches every school, department, and team.
When the pace is fast and the demands are high, you bring professionalism, precision, and a steady hand. You are trusted problem-solvers, connectors, and the dependable support system that helps move our division forward.
We see you, we value you, and we are deeply grateful for the critical role you play in serving our students, staff, and community.
Thank you for everything you do!
We’re Hiring! 🍎✨
Join our team and make a difference in the lives of students every day. Our school division is currently seeking passionate, dedicated individuals for a variety of positions.
Whether you’re an experienced educator, a support professional, or just starting your career in education, we have opportunities for you!
📚 Competitive benefits
👩🏫 Supportive work environment
🌟 Opportunity to impact future generations
🔗 Visit our Employment Opportunities website more information on current employment vacancies:
https://wiseva.schoolspring.com/
Vacancies:
26 - 27 School Year - Guidance Counselor - Central High School
https://wiseva.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5642992
26 - 27 Special Education Teacher- Central High School
https://wiseva.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5642994
26 - 27 Business and Information Technology Teacher - Central High School
https://wiseva.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5642995
Head Football Coach-Central High School
https://wiseva.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5645763
Director, Special Education & Student Services
https://wiseva.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5646062
26 - 27 Union High School-Mathematics Teacher (Potential)
https://wiseva.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5646790
26 - 27 Biology Teacher-Union High School
https://wiseva.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5647253
26 - 27 St. Paul Elementary School-Assistant Principal
https://wiseva.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5650503
26 - 27 Union Primary School-Bookkeeper
https://wiseva.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5652433
26 - 27 Union Primary School-Secretary
https://wiseva.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5652443
26 -27 History & Social Sciences-Eastside High School (Potential)
https://wiseva.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5656347
26 - 27 Special Education Teacher-Eastside High School (Potential)
https://wiseva.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5656359
This award is based on nominations from peers and is a reflection of service providers who exemplify excellence in their work with the youth and families of Wise County.
Mrs. Rebecca Shell has been employed for over 40 years with Wise County Public Schools. During her tenure, she has served in many capacities from a classroom paraprofessional to her current position of Parent Resource Specialist. Mrs. Shell has a true commitment and heart of service to the children and families in our community. A tireless advocate, she connects families to essential resources and community support to enhance their quality of life.
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Rebecca Shell on this well-deserved honor!
Town of Wise Mayor, Caynor Smith, visits L.F. Addington Middle School for "Mayor for the Day" Essay Contest – L. F. Addington Middle School
L. F. Addington Middle School gave students a unique opportunity to learn about local government and the people who help run the Town of Wise. Students were able to engage with town officials and gain a deeper understanding of how their community operates on a daily basis.
The program was led by Mayor Caynor Smith, along with Vice Mayor Laura Taylor and the town’s department leaders. Together, they demonstrated the importance of teamwork and leadership in making decisions that benefit the community. Students learned that being involved in town government means taking an active role in shaping the future of their town.
Town Manager Laura Roberts, who has worked with the Town of Wise for 25 years and has served as town manager for four years, explained her responsibilities. She is in charge of implementing the policies and procedures that the town council adopts, as well as overseeing the day-to-day operations of the town. Her role is essential in ensuring that decisions made by the council are carried out effectively.
Treasurer and Clerk of Council Serena Collins, who has worked for the town for 23 years and has served in her current role for three and a half years, also shared her experience. She plays a key role in managing the town’s finances and maintaining official records, which helps keep the government organized and transparent.
Students also had the chance to hear from Fire Chief Jack Mullins and Chief of Police Kevin Yates, who has served for 16 years. They discussed their responsibilities in keeping the community safe and responding to emergencies. Their presentations highlighted the importance of public safety and the dedication required to serve the town.
The Mayor for the Day program also recognized student achievement through an essay contest. There were first, second, and third place winners for both seventh and eighth grade students. Those who received first place were awarded a certificate and a Town of Wise medallion coin in recognition of their outstanding work.
Essay Contest Winners are:
7th Grade
3rd: Jude B.
2nd: MyAnna P.
1st: Jaren R.
8th Grade
3rd: Lilyanne B.
2nd: Ethan T.
1st: Kaitlynn A.
Overall, the program provided students with valuable insight into how local government functions and encouraged them to become active, informed citizens. It was a meaningful experience that helped students better understand the roles and responsibilities of those who serve their community.
Congratulations to these special students for their hard work and thank you to Mayor Caynor Smith and to the employees of the Town of Wise for investing in our youth!
Season 2, Episode 7 of The Pulse podcast with WCPS Superintendent Dr. Mike Goforth features two special seniors from Central High School, Sophie and Shawn.
Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/aIjezDVN6Ps?si=R-SLX4mSnjG1BH49
🐻 🍎❤️Recognizing Our Distinguished Educators | Mrs. Judy Carroll, from Union Primary School🐻 🍎❤️
Her first grade students say it best:
“She helps us when we are going through something.”
“She’s nice.”
“She’s sweet.”
“She’s is the goodest teacher.”
“She is good at working with us.”
“She’s young and beautiful.”
“She helps us when we need it.”
“She helps us grow.”
“She makes us happy.”
“She makes us smart.”
“She has nice handwriting.”
“She is the best teacher.”
“She helps us get to the second grade.”
Throughout her career teaching 1st grade, 2nd grade, and Title I, she has dedicated her life to helping students—especially struggling readers—find their confidence, grow, and achieve. She was inspired by great teachers in her own life and her sister, an educator, but it was her passion for helping children succeed that defined her journey.
Her favorite moments? Watching it all “click.” Seeing the lightbulb come on. Witnessing the growth, confidence, and success of every child she has taught.
She also acknowledges her work family that means the world to her—one that supported, encouraged, and stayed connected throughout the year, even through summer break, year after year.
With gratitude, she shares:
“This is my entire life...I’ve been blessed. This has been such a large part of my life. I am very honored. Wise County has been good to me, and I appreciate everything they have done for me.”
Mrs. Carroll, thank you for 45 years of love, dedication, and impact. Your legacy will live on in every student and colleague you’ve inspired. Wise County Public Schools is tremendously grateful for teachers like Mrs. Carroll, who dedicate their lives to educating our children.
Administrative Professionals Week is the week of April 19-25! During this week, we will show appreciation for, both, school-level, and division-level administrative professionals who ensure the success of every student at Wise County Public Schools.
Today, we’re celebrating the incredible school-level administrative professionals who help keep our schools running every single day!
From greeting students and families with a smile, to managing schedules, answering phones, and keeping things organized behind the scenes—you are truly the heartbeat of our school division.
When days get busy (and they always do), you’re the calm, the problem-solvers, and the friendly faces everyone depends on.
We see you, we appreciate you, and we are so grateful for all that you do for our students, families, staff, and our community!
Later on this week, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, WCPS will celebrate and show appreciation to our central office administrative professionals who work tirelessly to ensure the success of every student!
On Sunday, April 19, 2026, Wise County (and Wise County Public Schools) were well-represented at the VHSL Class of 2026 Hall of Fame Inductions.
Mrs. Hannah Light-Cress was inducted as a former VHSL Athlete (Softball, Volleyball, Basketball, and Track & Field), representing Coeburn High School, Coeburn, VA.
Hannah Light-Cress | Athlete
High School: Coeburn High School
Sports: Softball | Volleyball | Basketball | Track
Earned 16 varsity letters from 2006-10 ... 4 in softball, 4 in basketball, 4 in volleyball, 3 in track and field ... VHSL All-State Pitcher of The Year in 2010 ... Two-time 1st team and 2nd- team VHSL All-State ... Three-time All-Region and All-District pitcher of the year ...4x all district first team pitcher 4x all region first team pitcher ... 2010 All-State Female Athlete of the Year ... 2010 Wendy's High School Heisman Finalist ... Ranks top 5 in VHSL history with 1,092 career strikeouts, 15 consecutive shutouts, 8 career perfect games, 25 strikeouts in one game, and consecutive no hitters (3) ... 46 career shutouts.
Mrs. Natasha (Belcher) Holt was inducted as a former VHSL Athlete (Girls Tennis, Volleyball, and Girls Basketball), representing J.J. Kelly High School, Wise, VA.
Natasha (Belcher) Holt | Athlete
High School: J.J.Kelly High School
Sports: Girls Tennis | Volleyball
The first girls state tennis singles champion across all classifications to win three straight titles (1993-95) ... The Belcher/Kelly Dorsey doubles pair won the school's first-ever state title in 1995 ... Compiled a 4-year singles record (79-0) and doubles record (67-3) ... Never had a singles match go three sets ... Won three straight district and regional singles and doubles championships ...Led team to four consecutive state titles (1992-95) ... District and Region POY three straight years ... Coalfield Progress Athlete of the Year three consecutive years.
Mrs. Jan Thompson was inducted as a VHSL Coach in Theatre and Speech, representing J.J. Kelly High School and Central High School, Wise, VA.
Jan Thompson | Coach
School Affiliation: Central High School (Wise); J.J. Kelly
Sports: Theatre | Speech
During her 47 years in education and 21- year career Academic Activities Coach at J.J. Kelly and Centrals she has set the bar for other academic programs to reach fo, in Southwest Virginia ... She has won 11 state titles, 10 regional titles, and 15 district titles in both One Act and Speech (formerly Forensics) ... Has coached 22 All State Outstanding Actors and 75 All State Individual or Duo Award winners ... Her speech teams have won four state titles (2015-16, 2016-17, 2018-19, 2020-21 and 5 runners-up (2013-14, 2014-15, 2017-18, 2021-22, 2022-23) ... Her One-Act Theatre troupe has won 7 titles (2007-08, 2012-13, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2019-20, 2021-21, 2023-24) and 4 runners-up (2010-11, 2013-14, 2017-18, 2021-22) ... Virginia Association of Speech, Drama & Debate Virginia Teacher Director of the Year in 2014.
Coach Robin Dotson (VHSL HOF, Class of 2016) accompanied these individuals on their induction day. Please join us in congratulating these VHSL Hall of Fame inductees on an incredible day!
April 16 is Workforce Readiness Day—a reminder that preparing for your future career starts now!
From building a strong resume and practicing interview skills to learning teamwork, communication, and professionalism, every step you take today helps open doors tomorrow.
Whether you're a student, job seeker, or career changer, take time to invest in yourself and your goals. Explore training programs, attend workshops, or connect with local career resources to get started.
Your future job isn’t just about what you know—it’s about how ready you are to step into it.
Strong schools build strong communities—and in Wise County, workforce readiness is not just a goal; it’s a promise.
A special election will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the following schools and locations:
J.W. Adams Combined - Auditorium
Coeburn Primary School - Gymnasium
L.F. Addington Middle School - Music/Band Room
Union Primary School - Gymnasium
St. Paul Elementary School - Playroom
Designated voting areas have been set up to accommodate voters. School administration has worked closely with school resource officers and election officials to ensure a safe and secure environment for both students and voters.
These voting locations have been successfully utilized in past special elections and will remain off-limits to students during the voting period. Student safety continues to be our top priority.
Please plan accordingly and exercise your right to vote!
Wise County Public Schools is now hiring a Special Education & Student Services Director:
Position: Director - Special Education & Student Services
Terms of Employment: Full Time
Employment Link: https://wiseva.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5646062
Application Deadline: April 29, 2026
Reports to: Superintendent
Position Overview:
The Director of Special Education is a Division leader responsible for the strategic direction, organization, development and implementation of high quality specialized services for students with disabilities in all WCPS schools and related professional development for staff.
Qualifications:
Professional License in general education, special education or a related field and/or endorsements in special education and Postgraduate Professional License in Administration & Supervision.
Current comprehensive knowledge of the principles and best practices in school administration and current educational trends as applied to the special education population; comprehensive knowledge of current procedures and effective practices of a variety of special education services.
Significant, current successful experience as a special education coordinator or administrator and successful experience in leadership and management of staff and operations in a central office position; current successful experience in program development and evaluation and systems approach to capacity building for program implementation.
Strong knowledge and significant experience in systems change practices in a rural school division; Strong knowledge and proven application of the IDEIA and Virginia regulations; current knowledge and proven experience with Virginia dispute resolution process and proven expertise in mediation and conflict resolution with parents, staff and families.
Strong problem-solving, organizational, communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrated experience in collaborative teamwork and large scale professional development and program implementation; excellent oral and written communication skills; strong ability to organize, analyze and display data in several reporting formats; strong oral presentation skills.
Successful experience implementing strategic program goals with demonstrated results/outcomes; strong ability to manage multiple projects from concept to completion within tight timelines; demonstrated ability to think strategically, analyze data and inform practice through collaborative and data-based decisions.
Current experience in developing and tracking a large and comprehensive budget.
For more information , or to apply, visit this link: https://wiseva.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5646062
Contact Information:
Dr. Mike Goforth
Superintendent
CENTRAL OFFICE
Phone: 276-328-8017
Email: mike.goforth@wisek12.org
The WCPS April 2026 Newsletter is now available for viewing.
You may access the newsletter by clicking the following link:
https://wisecova.edurooms.com/engage/wise-county-public-schools/newsletters/april-2026-newsletter
The Wise County School Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 School Board Budget on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The hearing will take place in Room A of the Education Center.
This public hearing will be held prior to the regularly scheduled meeting of the Wise County School Board at 6:00 PM on the same date.
All interested persons are encouraged to attend.
