Berkeley County Schools Superintendent announces retirement; special meeting called

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — In the midst of community outrage over abuse allegations at an elementary school involving a six year-old non-verbal student with special needs, Berkeley County Schools Superintendent Manny Arvon intends to end his contract early.

Berkeley County Schools
Manny Arvon

In a agenda released Wednesday, the Berkeley County Board of Education announced a special meeting scheduled for noon Friday to consider and possibly approve the action.

WEPM first reported about abuse allegations at Berkeley Heights Elementary School in November 2018.

Mother Amber Pack placed a recording device in her daughter Adri’s hair and captured two teacher aides, identified as June Yurish and Kristin Douty, verbally threatening Adri several times with violence.

The aides were placed on administrative leave then resigned.

“In the event the Board releases Superintendent Arvon from his contract, it may consider, and possibly take action, appointing an Interim Superintendent of Schools”. -Berkeley County Schools statement

The announcement also comes one week after state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey filed a human civil rights complaint in Berkeley County Circuit Court.

Friday’s meeting will be held at the Berkeley County Board of Education Office. It will be open to the public.