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.
Position: 26-27 Guidance Counselor - Central High School
Employment Link: https://wiseva.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5642992
Job Description:
Wise County Public Schools is seeking a compassionate, student-centered School Guidance Counselor to support the academic, social-emotional, and behavioral development of students in grades 9 through 12. The ideal candidate will collaborate with school staff, families, and community partners to promote a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that helps all students reach their full potential.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide individual and group counseling to address students’ academic, social, and emotional needs.
Support positive behavior and social skill development through proactive, preventative strategies.
Assist students in developing coping skills, self-regulation, and conflict resolution strategies.
Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and support staff to identify and respond to student needs.
Participate in the development of behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and 504 Plans when appropriate.
Provide crisis intervention and short-term support during emergencies or trauma-related incidents.
Maintain accurate and confidential student records and documentation in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Foster effective partnerships with families and connect them to school or community-based resources when needed.
Promote a culturally responsive counseling program that respects and values diverse student backgrounds.
Qualifications:
Master’s degree in School Counseling or related field from an accredited institution.
Valid Virginia Postgraduate Professional License with an endorsement in School Counseling (PreK–12).
Demonstrated knowledge of child development, counseling techniques, and current best practices in elementary school counseling.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
Experience working with young children in a school setting preferred.
Commitment to confidentiality, equity, and student advocacy.
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.
Terms of Employment: Full Time
Contact Information:
Mr. Elijah Helton
Principal
CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
Phone: 276-328-8015
Email: ehelton@wisek12.org
Position: 26-27 Special Education Teacher Central High School
Employment Link: https://wiseva.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5642994
Job Description: Must have a current Special Education teaching license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
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.
Terms of Employment: Full Time
Contact Information:
Mr. Elijah Helton
Principal
CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
Phone: 276-328-8015
Email: ehelton@wisek12.org
Position: 26-27 Business and Information Technology Teacher - Central High School
Employment Link: https://wiseva.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5642995
Job Description: Must have a Business and Information Technology License from the state of VA.
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.
Terms of Employment: Full Time
Contact Information:
Mr. Elijah Helton
Principal
CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
Phone: 276-328-8015
Email: ehelton@wisek12.org
Wise County Public Schools congratulates Eastside High School's Spartan Speech for capturing a Class 1 VHSL State Championship on Saturday, March 28th, scoring 23 total team points!!! Also, congratulations to the following students, whose performances secured individual state championships in the following categories:
Dramatic Interpretation: Samantha Mullins - 1st place
Prose: Aubrey Johnson - 1st place
Poetry: Caroline Sexton - 1st place
Congratulations to, both, individual champions, and the team on their outstanding performances!
Members and sponsors of the Eastside Theatre (One-Act) team were recognized at the Wise County Public School Board meeting on Monday, April 13th.
Congratulations to Eastside High School’s Theatre team for capturing the VHSL Class 1 One Act State Championship on Friday, December 5, 2025—their twelfth consecutive VHSL state title! Huge congratulations to the One-Act team, and the entire Eastside Spartan family!🎭🏆#WeAreEastside
Members and coaches of the Eastside High School Cross Country team were recognized at the Wise County Public School Board meeting on Monday, April 13th.
Wise County Public Schools proudly congratulates the Eastside High School Lady Spartans on their outstanding achievement of capturing the VHSL Class 1 Cross Country State Championship on Saturday, November 8th. Your hard work, dedication, and teamwork continue to make your school and community proud!
On Monday, March 23, 2026, JW Adams Robotics had the opportunity to meet Kim Wilkens, one of the founders of the Roversa program, and her assistant, Karin Little. The Roversas are new technology that are designed so that students all over the world can have access to robotics and coding. The robots can be used with or without the internet. JW Adams received their Roversas through a unique opportunity sponsored by UVA Wise last summer. Club sponsors, Marissa Bolling and Karen Mullins, attended a two-day workshop to learn about the Roversa program. Additional club sponsors are Shannah Miller and Ruth Williams. Students have had the opportunity to use the robots to write stories, have a parade, and even solve math problems. This is the first year for the club, which started after several students competed in the Junior Robotics competition last year. JW Robotics is open to students in 3rd-5th grade students!
On March 30, 2026, Heather Askea and two UVA-Wise Streamwise student ambassadors visited JW Adams Robotics to teach students new and fun technology. Students had the opportunity to use the Spherios in a new way- with a number line activity, and were introduced to an exciting new way to code using the Finch robots. Students had fun learning how to code the finches and letting them travel around the library. A fun activity was trying to get the club sponsors, Ms. Karen, Ms. Ruth, Mrs. Bolling, and Mrs. Miller, with the finches. The final activity of the Streamwise visit was a coordinated dance using the finches. At the end of the visit, Mrs. Askea asked students what their favorite activity of the day was, and the overwhelming response was "Playing with the finches!!!"
📚🍎 April 4 is School Librarian Day! 🍎📚 (due to Spring Break, we are celebrating them early!)
Today we celebrate our incredible school librarians—the heart of our library and champions of literacy, learning, and curiosity. From helping students find the perfect book to guiding research and discovery, you make a lasting impact every day.
Thank you for inspiring a love of reading and supporting our school community!
This week, we recognize and celebrate our amazing assistant principals for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to student success. From supporting teachers to guiding students, your impact is felt throughout our entire school community.
Thank you for all that you do—you help make our schools stronger every day!
Good afternoon students, families, faculty, and staff:
Please be reminded that Wise County Public Schools will observe Spring Break, beginning Friday, April 3rd through Friday, April 10th. Classes and normal school operations resume Monday, April 13th. Wise County Public Schools wishes all students, families, faculty, and staff a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable Spring Break.
--Wise County Public Schools
In Wise County, workforce readiness begins early and grows with our students. Through career and technical education programs, dual enrollment opportunities, and partnerships with local businesses and industries, our schools are equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need to thrive after graduation.
Whether students choose to enter the workforce, pursue higher education, or serve their communities in other ways, Wise County Public Schools is committed to ensuring they are prepared for what comes next. Our educators, staff, and community partners work together to create meaningful pathways that reflect the needs of our region.
Strong schools build strong communities—and in Wise County, workforce readiness is not just a goal; it’s a promise.
Beginning Wednesday, April 1st , for CPS, JWA, SPES, UPS, WPS.
Kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year is available online beginning April 1, 2026 by going to Wise County Schools website (wisek12.org), clicking on Parents, 26-27 New Student Registration. For any parent who doesn’t have access to a computer or who needs help, please call the school for an appointment. The school contacts are listed below:
Coeburn Primary School (395-6100)—Tori Smith or Jayme Fields
J.W. Adams Combined (796-5419)—Emily Bush or Jodi Woods
St. Paul Elementary (762-5200)—Allison Billings
Union Primary School (523-4900)—Donna Townsend or Cynthia Moore
Wise Primary School (328-8019)—Sarah Flanary or Lindsay Rose
Children applying for Kindergarten must be five years old on or before September 30, 2026.
Parents/Guardians need to bring the following items to the school to complete their child’s Kindergarten registration:
*Certified copy of the child’s birth certificate (your child can be pre-registered without a certified copy of his or her birth certificate, but must provide it prior to the beginning of school)
*Immunization record
The child must have a physical examination within one year before entering school. Immunizations against mumps, measles, German measles, whooping cough, tetanus, diphtheria, polio, Hepatitis B, and chicken pox are required. Each school will have available the “School Entrance Health Form MCH 213 G” for parents to take to their child’s doctor/pediatrician for completion.
Parents are encouraged to complete the registration form and begin the registration process even though they may not have all the above required forms and documentation. However, all documentation will be required before your child may begin school.
Parents/Guardians desiring additional information about Kindergarten registration may contact the school in their area:
Coeburn Primary School (395-6100)—Tori Smith or Jayme Fields
J.W. Adams Combined (796-5419)—Emily Bush or Jodi Woods
St. Paul Elementary (762-5200)—Allison Billings
Union Primary School (523-4900)—Donna Townsend or Cynthia Moore
Wise Primary School (328-8019)—Sarah Flanary or Lindsay Rose
Other questions may be directed to Marcia Shortt, Director of Elementary/Middle Education, at the Wise County School Board Office at 276-328-8017.
