Wise County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, October 12, for Fall Break.
We wish all students, staff, and families enjoy a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved long weekend!
Rooted in Coeburn: A Hometown Leader With Passion for Education, Leadership, and Service | Dr. Deventae Mooney, Coeburn Middle School
For Dr. Deventae Mooney, serving the Coeburn community is more than a career or civic responsibility. It is a lifelong commitment to the place he has always called home.
A lifelong resident of Coeburn, Virginia, Mooney attended Coeburn Primary School and Coeburn Middle School before graduating from Eastside High School in 2013. Today, he serves as principal of Coeburn Middle School (CMS) and mayor of Coeburn, bringing his passion for education, community involvement, and student success into every aspect of his work.
Mooney’s dedication to lifelong learning is reflected in his educational achievements. He earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise in 2016, a master’s degree in school counseling from the University of West Alabama in 2020, and an Education Specialist degree in instructional leadership from Lincoln Memorial University in 2022. In 2026, he successfully defended his doctoral dissertation at the University of the Cumberlands, earning his Doctor of Education degree.
His commitment to community leadership began during his freshman year of college in 2014, when he decided to run for Coeburn Town Council. In 2022, fellow council members appointed him mayor, a position he continues to hold.
“I think it’s important to be involved in your community, and my role as an educator and serving the town—it’s all intertwined, which allows us to work together to support one another to be successful,” Mooney said.
That philosophy also guides his career in education. Mooney spent four years teaching middle school English before becoming an elementary school counselor for three years. He later served as assistant principal and athletic director at Central High School before returning to Coeburn Middle School, where he served as assistant principal for one year before becoming principal.
Returning to CMS brought Mooney full circle, allowing him to lead a school that helped shape his own childhood. He fondly remembers his fifth-grade year as the best of his school career, recalling teachers Sharon Rogers, Kim Teglas, and Suzi Atwood, along with staff members who made a lasting impression.
He also remembers Kaye Greear, a former teacher and guidance counselor, and Karen Salyers, the school’s bookkeeper. Because Mooney disliked milk, Salyers kept Sprite in the refrigerator for him each day—a small kindness he never forgot.
Greear has had the privilege of watching Mooney’s journey unfold from an early age. After teaching his mother and serving as a guidance counselor to his siblings, she remembers seeing young Deventae walking through the school hallways. “I watched him walking down the school hallways to his class in his little suit and thought what a special person he was, even at age five. I have been blessed to see many of his dreams come to fruition and be part of his journey,” Greear recalled. She described him as highly motivated and determined to succeed, affectionately giving him the nickname “Mr. Pres." "Had he chosen a political path, I have no doubt he would have been President,” she said.
Greear is grateful that Mooney chose education, where he continues to encourage students and make a difference in their lives. “Deventae has a heart to serve, and shows compassion to everyone. I am so thankful to continue to be a part of his life.”
The encouragement Mooney received as a student now influences his leadership as principal. He remembers educators who took him under their wings, cared about his well-being, and wanted him to succeed. Today, he strives to provide that same support to his students, with some of his former teachers still working in the school system.
“We are a family here at CMS,” Mooney said. “Everyone supports one another.”
He believes that sense of family extends beyond the classroom through clubs, athletics, and activities that allow students to support one another and build lasting relationships. Outside the school day, Mooney also dedicates many evening hours to officiating Virginia High School League contests, continuing his commitment to supporting students and school activities beyond the classroom.
Mooney’s service reaches beyond education and local government. He is actively involved with Virginia’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), serving on its alumni board, chairing its foundation board, and serving as president-elect of its board of directors.
From his early school days in Coeburn to his leadership roles as principal and mayor, Mooney’s story is one of coming full circle. The community that helped shape him is the same community he now works to strengthen.
For Dr. Mooney, success is measured not simply by degrees earned or titles held, but by the relationships he builds, the students he encourages, and the community he continues to serve.
Early Dismissal & Fall Break Reminders:
All Wise County Public Schools will dismiss early at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, October 9, in observance of the end of the first nine weeks grading period. Following dismissal, teachers are expected to participate in scheduled professional development activities until 3:30 p.m.
Wise County Public Schools will then be closed on Monday, October 12, for Fall Break.
We wish all students, staff, and families enjoy a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved long weekend!
Recognizing Excellence in Student Care
Wise County Public Schools would like to recognize the valuable contributions of two bus drivers, three school nurses, and two administrators who responded to a recent student medical emergency on a school bus in transit on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
Bus Driver Sherry Stanley responded to the emergency with calmness, care, and professionalism, immediately pulling the bus over and beginning emergency care. She was assisted by Bus Driver Robyn Yates, who provided additional support.
Their response was strengthened by the annual medical emergency training provided to bus drivers by Nurse Vivian Meadows. This training, completed prior to the start of the school year, prepared Mrs. Stanley and Mrs. Yates to respond quickly and appropriately when the situation arose.
Upon arrival, school administration responded immediately, accompanied by school nurses Kelsey Fleming and Amanda Griffin, who continued providing medical care and support.
This situation demonstrated the importance of preparation, professional development, communication, and teamwork. Because of the staff's training and thoughtful execution, the student was able to begin receiving care immediately.
Wise County Public Schools extends our sincere appreciation to bus drivers Sherry Stanley and Robyn Yates, nurses Vivian Meadows, Kelsey Fleming, and Amanda Griffin, and the two administrators who responded for their immediate response, professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of our students.
Thank you to these individuals for being prepared, responding with care, and putting our students first.
Position: 26-27 Special Education Teacher - Eastside High School
Employment Link: https://wiseva.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5953945
Application Deadline: October 21, 2026
Starting Date: To Be Determined
Terms of Employment: Full-Time
Salary: $47,560.00 Per Yer
Job Description:
The Wise County School Board is an equal opportunity employer, committed to
nondiscrimination in recruitment, selection, hiring, pay, promotion, retention or other
personnel actions affecting employees or candidates for employment. Therefore,
discrimination in employment against any person on the basis of race, color, creed,
religion, national origin, ancestry, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender,
gender identity, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, marital status,
status as a veteran, genetic information or disability is prohibited. Personnel decisions
are based on merit and the ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or
without reasonable accommodation.
Licensure Requirement: Must have a current Special Education teaching license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Job Requirements:
Citizenship, residency or work visa required.
Contact Information:
Mr. Matthew Hamilton
Principal
EASTSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
Phone: 276-395-3389
Email: mrhamilton@wisek12.org
For Dr. Leah Deel, learning never stops—and this school year marks 15 years in the classroom as an English teacher at Union High School.
A 2005 graduate of UVA Wise with a B.S. in Education, Dr. Deel took a different path for a few years, working in banking before returning to education. Once she found her way back to the classroom, she continued to pursue opportunities to grow as an educator and as a lifelong learner.
She earned her master’s degree in English from Moorhead State University in 2017. Then, driven by curiosity and a desire to become an even better teacher, she continued her education, most recently completing both her Ed.S. and Ed.D. from the University of the Cumberlands. She successfully defended her doctoral dissertation in August 2026, as she prepares for her cohort’s commencement in December 2026.
For Dr. Deel, earning these degrees was never simply about adding credentials.
“Starting with my master’s in English, I really wanted to offer students the best teacher that I could be. Furthering my education was the best way to do that.”
Her master’s degree opened the door to new opportunities, including teaching English 111 and 112 as an in-house adjunct. Beginning in Spring 2027, she will also have the opportunity to teach Literature 243.
But while additional opportunities are certainly rewarding, Dr. Deel says the most important reason for continuing her education is her students.
“Once I saw what doors having the master’s degree opened, the curiosity drove me to attain my Ed.S. and Ed.D. These degrees may open doors for eventual opportunities, but most importantly, they allow me to be the best teacher for my students.”
And her students recognize that commitment.
They describe Dr. Deel as someone who genuinely cares about her students, works hard, and has earned their respect. One student even called her the “Larry Bird”—the G.O.A.T.
Her students appreciate that while she can be strict, she also knows how to connect with them, make them laugh, explain challenging concepts, and meet them where they are. And, of course, her students know she can bring a little personality into the classroom—just ask them about the Tupac vs. Shakespeare quiz!
As Dr. Deel celebrates 15 years of teaching, her journey is a testament to the power of lifelong learning. She continues to challenge herself to learn more, grow more, and bring that knowledge back to the students she serves.
Union High Assistant Principal, Mr. Tyler McFarland, credits Dr. Deel’s value to Union High School, “Dr. Deel is a great asset to our school community. She has balanced the demands of teaching dual-enrollment classes, advising our yearbook committee, and completing a doctoral degree, which is an incredible accomplishment. Her dedication to our students and our school, while continuing to grow professionally, is a true reflection of the passion and commitment she brings to education every day.”
Union High School Principal, Mr. Jerred Chandler echoes the above sentiments, “Dr. Deel demonstrates a commitment to student success and academic excellence on a daily basis. She is a valued member of the staff her at Union High School and we are proud of her for earning her doctorate degree.”
Congratulations, Dr. Deel, on 15 years of teaching and on demonstrating what it truly means to embrace lifelong learning! Wise County Public Schools is proud of your recent degree attainment and confident that your continued pursuit of knowledge will provide lasting value to our students and strengthen the educational experiences you provide in the classroom.
October 7, 2026
Wise County Schools Earn Full Accreditation and Distinguished Performance Ratings
WISE, Va. — Wise County Public Schools is celebrating another achievement: all 11 schools included in the Virginia Department of Education’s 2026–2027 division report are Fully Accredited and earned a Distinguished rating, the highest performance category under Virginia’s School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF).
The schools recognized are:
Union Primary School
St. Paul Elementary School
Coeburn Primary School
J.W. Adams Combined School
Wise Primary School
L.F. Addington Middle School
Coeburn Middle School
Union Middle School
Eastside High School
Central High School
Union High School
The SPSF ratings reflect data from the 2025–2026 school year and measure student mastery, academic growth, readiness, and graduation, as applicable to each school. Full Accreditation is a separate designation confirming that schools meet Virginia’s required operating standards.
This recognition builds on Wise County Public Schools’ third-place ranking in Standards of Learning performance among Virginia’s 131 school divisions. Together, these achievements demonstrate strong performance across the division’s primary, elementary, middle, combined, and high schools.
Wise County Public Schools congratulates its students, teachers, support staff, and school leaders and thanks its families and community members for their continued support. These results reflect a shared commitment to helping the children of Wise County learn, grow, and succeed.
Today, we celebrate the coaches who do so much more than teach the game. They inspire, encourage, challenge, mentor, and believe in their athletes—helping shape not only better players, but better people. ❤️
Whether they coach at the varsity, junior varsity, middle school, or rec league level, their impact can last a lifetime.
🥇 Share this post and tag a coach who has made a positive impact in your life! Let’s give them the recognition they deserve and remind them just how much their dedication means.
Thank you to all the coaches who give their time, energy, and heart to our athletes and our communities!
Early Dismissal & Fall Break Notice:
All Wise County Public Schools will dismiss early at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, October 9, in observance of the end of the first nine weeks grading period. Following dismissal, teachers are expected to participate in scheduled professional development activities until 3:30 p.m.
Wise County Public Schools will then be closed on Monday, October 12, for Fall Break.
We wish all students, staff, and families enjoy a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved long weekend!
WCPS will be offering FREE developmental and speech screenings on Friday, October 30th. These screenings are open to preschool children ages 2.5 - 5 years of age, who live in Wise County, and are not yet attending kindergarten. For more information, contact Kristen Day at kpday@wisek12.org, or at (276) 328-8017 ext. 12043.
