Steve Wotring is in his 40th year of serving students and families. His career began in 1982 when he took on the role of “Permanent Substitute.” He worked in every school within his district during this year from kindergarten to 12th grade. The following year, he accepted the role of science teacher at Bruceton High School, which housed grades 7 – 12. He eventually taught both math and science. In 1991, the district consolidated all high schools into one. Steve chose to move to the middle school level where he continued to teach math and science. During this time he earned his M. A. in Education Leadership. In 1995 Steve took on the role of 1/2 time assistant principal and 1/2 time teacher where he remained for a year and a half before being asked to accept a principalship at a PK – 8 school in Rowlesburg, WV. Steve followed his time there by moving to Terra Alta/East Preston School, also a PK – 8 school where he spent 3 years. His final move as principal would be to return to Bruceton School, which was now a PK – 8 school where he remained for 11 years. In 2012, he moved to the district office where he served as Federal Programs and PreK Director. He transitioned to Pk – 12 Curriculum Director before being asked to accept the superintendency in January of 2015. Steve has continued to serve as the superintendent of Preston County Schools since that time. Steve resides in Preston County with his wife, Lesa. They have two sons and most recently became grandparents for the first time. In addition to his work in the school system, Steve has served his community as a pastor since July 1, 2007. He also serves as an adjunct professor for Fairmont State University where he teaches a class on Superintendent and School Board Relations.
Past AASA West Virginia Superintendent of the Year Winners:
2021 West Virginia Superintendent of the Year: Blaine Hess
2020 West Virginia Superintendent of the Year: Robin Daquilante
2019 West Virginia Superintendent of the Year: Gary Price
About the Superintendent of the Year:
As a sponsor of the superintendent of the Year program, First Student wants to recognize these leaders in a special way this year, because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the disruption that has affected all education systems but also the innovative approaches that the superintendents and school districts addressed through radio, television, zoom and take-home packages. These superintendents are the very best in public education and are needed more than ever during this crisis.
About the Award:
The superintendent of the Year program, sponsored by First Student and AASA, The School superintendents Association, pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead the nation’s public schools.
State level winners are selected on the following criteria:
- Leadership for Learning
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Community Involvement