MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — He’s served as interim Berkeley County Schools superintendent for nearly a year. Now Ronald (Ron) E. Stephens, IV will have the job for keeps.
The 3 to 2 vote came during Monday night’s meeting of the Berkeley County Board of Education Meeting. Here’s Board Member Michael Martin making the announcement:
The permanent appointment begins officially July 1st. Stephens will be paid $185,000 per year for the job, according to Martin.
Prior to his appointment as interim superintendent last year, Stephens had most recently served as the Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Services for Berkeley County Schools.
During the transition announcement last year, the school system lauded his accomplishments:
“As Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Services, Stephens has led the offices of
attendance, homeschool, transition school, virtual school, athletics, transportation, school
nursing, and pupil support during a period of great enrollment growth and challenges
associated with the Covid-19 pandemic,” the announcement read in part.
Stephens has been in the field of education for more than 30 years.
In that time, he’s served as a substitute teacher, teacher, assistant principal,
athletic director, principal, and assistant superintendent. His career began in Berkeley
County Schools in 2001 as the assistant principal charged with discipline at Martinsburg
High School.
Berkeley County Schools highlighted some of his accomplishments during last year’s announcement, excerpted here:
A valedictorian graduate of Petersburg (WV) High School, Stephens earned a bachelor’s
degree in secondary education, as a foundation scholar athlete, and a master’s degree
in education administration and supervision from Frostburg State University.
Stephens said. “Since joining Berkeley County Schools in 2001, I have worked to put students
first in my classroom, school, and district. I will continue to hold steadfast to that goal
ensuring our students succeed academically and are well prepared for the pathway they
choose upon graduation. Our staff members are an awesome, dedicated, hand-working
group of individuals that want what is best for all kids.”
Ron Stephens is married to Joette Stephens, a 30-year educator also with Berkeley County
Schools. They are most proud of their three sons, all graduates with honors, from
Berkeley County Schools, and then West Virginia University, Shepherd University, and
Virginia Military Institute.