People show support for Superintendent Highley with a sign during the Tyler board of education meeting.

Tyler County Schools Superintendent Shane Highley oversaw a Tyler Board of Education meeting Wednesday night where the board unanimously approved the consolidation of the county’s two elementary schools into one. All the while, a large contingent of Tyler County residents were in the audience showing their support for Highley, whose contract was not renewed by the board just 24 hours earlier.

Audience members held signs with sayings like “Do The Right Thing … Renew Highley’s Contract,” at Wednesday’s special meeting at Tyler Consolidated High School. On Tuesday night, the board voted 3-2 not to renew Highley’s contract with the district.

That vote came near the end of Tuesday night’s meeting after the board emerged from a long closed-door session, during which they and Highley discussed their evaluation of him. Three board members — Diane Stender, Larry Thomas and Andy Shreves — voted against the renewal of his contract while President Katrina Byers and Scott Strode voted in support of extending it.

At the conclusion of Tuesday’s meeting, Byers and Strode both announced their resignation. At the start of Wednesday’s meeting, both Byers and Strode rescinded those resignations.

“After careful consideration I have decided to rescind my resignation,” Byers said. “I feel obligated to the students and community to fulfill my term as a member of the board of education.”

“Likewise I rescind my resignation,” Strode added. “There was great support from everyone and I received many text messages encouraging me to stay with the board. I appreciate your support and you directing me in the right direction.”

None of the five board members would comment Wednesday on Tuesday’s vote. Byers also asked those in Wednesday’s audience to discuss only what was on Wednesday’s agenda, the combining of Arthur I. Boreman and Sistersville elementary schools into one school, which would be housed in a new building on the Tyler Consolidated School campus.

Highley presented the summary of proposed action of consolidation by the administration. Following Highley’s remarks and presentation, the meeting was turned over to delegations wishing to address the board concerning the proposed action. Boreman Elementary teacher Carla Wells said she spoke on behalf of the entire Boreman faculty and staff in favor of the move, saying it was important to improve facilities for the elementary students and teachers.

Five more pro-consolidation speakers discussed the benefits of bringing all the schools together on one campus. Another speaker mentioned the costs of consolidation, but pledged his support for whatever the board decides.

On Sunday evening this past week, Tyler County Board of Education President Katrina Byers issued the following statement.

“Many times over the past week, I’ve been approached by community members, students, educators, and parents asking why the Tyler County Board of Education failed to extend a contract to Mr. Highley to continue his tenure as superintendent of our school system. As president of the Board I cannot explain nor will I attempt to explain why individuals cast the votes they did. I can only explain why I cast my vote.

“By all the metrics against which superintendents are judged, Mr. Highley met his goals or exceeded the expectations. His performance as superintendent, in my opinion, has been exceptional. Teacher morale is at an all-time high, as are our students’ test scores. He is beloved and respected by our service personnel, students, parents, staff and educators. This year, during his administration, Tyler County Schools have ranked in the top 10 schools in the state– not small schools: top 10 schools, small and large, in the state.

“There is nothing, in my opinion, in his professional tenure as superintendent that would warrant not extending a new contract to him. He has earned the faith and trust of the students, teachers, staff and parents, as evidenced by the many people who have chosen to address this board asking that he continue as superintendent. Instead of celebrating and focusing on the next exciting steps for our school system (the consolidation of the elementary schools) we must expend time and focus on navigating the replacement for a person who has served the students, faculty and community as well as Mr. Highley.”

The next regular meeting of the Tyler County Board of Education is scheduled for Feb. 3, where it is expected that residents will address the board about Highley’s contract situation.