Building Leadership Capacity in Rural West Virginia 

McDowell County

 

Nelson K. Spencer, Superintendent 

304-436-8441

 

The mission statement for McDowell County Schools is to unleash the potential of every student every day. When one stops and thinks about what this truly means, we soon realize this is an awesome responsibility for all stakeholders. Parents, you have the challenge of instilling in your child the realization that they have unlimited potential. You must also teach that potential alone does not equate to success, but potential combined with a good work ethic and perseverance always equals success. Students, you have the task of being in school every day with an attitude that expresses your desire to enhance your potential. Being there is not enough, you must be involved and help guide your education. Staff members, we must be focused on cultivating each individual students academic potential. Not only enhancing the obvious, but also uncovering the hidden potential that exists for all students. These are challenging responsibilities for all of us, but I firmly believe that the great people of McDowell County can “unleash the potential of every student every day”.

 

 

James (Jim) K. Spence, Sr., Site Director 

 

Jim is a native son of McDowell County, WV. He is a retired school administrator for McDowell County Schools with over 32 years of experience. Jim has served in the following positions: teacher, adjunct faculty member at the college level, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary school principal, Director of Transportation/Facilities, Director of Career and Technology Center, and Assistant Superintendent. He has 24 years of experience as a school administrator.

 

Jim has earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Secondary Education; a Masters in Public School Administration; and holds additional graduate coursework from West Virginia University and Marshall University. Jim's achievements have been leading his schools to achieve Title I Distinguished School status and West Virginia School of Excellence recognition.

 

Jim was instrumental in leading schools, under his supervision, to establish time in the master schedule to hold grade level collaborative team meetings at the middle school level and grade level specific collaborative teaming at the elementary school level. Ultimately, Jim believes that building relationships with students, utilizing distributive leadership, and being the instructional leader of the school leads to the success of schools.

 

For more information on McDowell County Public Schools, please click here